Tuesday, December 31, 2013

2013 - Reviewers Favorite Books!

We wanted to close out the year with something special! 
I hope you will take a moment to look at our 
Reviewers Favorite Books for the year!

The Last Execution by Jerrie Alexander
To survive, she must put the past behind her. To love, she must learn to trust. Homicide detective Leigh McBride's first assignment with the FBI brings her face-to-face with a past she's tried hard to forget. And when her temporary partner, a cynical ex-marine, lights a fire in her she thought long-extinguished, her darkest secret is threatened. Scarred both physically and emotionally, Special Agent J. T. Noble is a man of few words. He prefers to keep people at a distance--until he meets Leigh. He's attracted to her strength and drawn in by her secrecy. But in their line of work, secrets can be deadly. When the killer they are hunting aims his vigilante justice at Leigh's past assailant, the fine line between right and wrong blurs. To heal the past--and find their future together--Leigh and J. T. must learn that only through trust and forgiveness can love grow. 

Forgiving Patience by Jennifer Simpkins
Anna Kelly had no intention of returning to her hometown of Patience, Tennessee. At eighteen, feeling powerless from an abusive childhood and heartbroken from her high school sweetheart, she needed to put distance between her and the small town. Now, eleven years later she's invited to her best friend's wedding and has no other choice but to return. Though she feels much stronger the second time around, nothing can prepare her for when she sees her ex again.                                 After a baseball injury, Jake limped back into Patience, damaged and angry. Throwing himself into remodeling Anna's childhood home has given him purpose again. He is just getting his life back together. He can't risk sending it all back to hell again, but the woman who broke his heart has whipped back into town...and she wants her house back. In hopes of reminding Anna of what she ran away from all those years ago he makes her an offer she can’t refuse—three dates, that have Anna rethinking Patience...and the life she was supposed to have with Jake.


To Serve is Divine by RE Hargrave
Catherine O’Chancey is a reserved, demure, and graceful submissive. All traits she trained hard to enhance when she discovered the world of Dominance and submission in college. In an attempt to start fresh after the unexpected death of her last Dom, Catherine moves to Dallas, TX to escape the shroud of darkness he left behind in her life. She has tried to fight the need that resides deep within her to submit, but finally has to admit she can’t for it is not a choice, but part of who she truly is. After months of mental preparation, she ventures back into the lifestyle by attending a coveted open-night event at Dungeons and Dreams, an exclusive BDSM club.

Is it fate or coincidence that Catherine garners the attention of one of the club’s board members who happens to be on the hunt for the perfect sub – a partner who enjoys receiving pain and pleasure as much as he enjoys doling it out?

Jayden Masterson is many things: a firm Dom, a shrewd businessman, and a gentleman. What he isn’t, is someone who partakes in relationships outside of contractual ones with his multiple, un-collared, regular submissives. While he likes rough sex, he is not an animal, and can find pleasure only if it is consensual. What his harem is missing is a pain slut; could there be one in his future?

Upon meeting Catherine, Jayden feels an instantaneous spark inside him that has him wanting to know not just her body, but her mind. He wants to unravel her mysteries and discover her secrets. Through pain can they find the pleasure they seek? Can part-time pain lovers find full-time fulfillment when it’s not in their contract?


A Rocky Road to Romance by Anna Kristell
More Fab Five drama and this time it’s the O’Gradys facing turmoil at every turn. Chloe’s high-risk pregnancy has her homebound as she and Shane anxiously await the arrival of twins. Shane is busy between home and the office, so when Katy’s son, Alex, moves to Dallas, taking a job in the offices of O’Grady Enterprises, it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Alex is attracted to the hostess at Chloe’s Place, Chelsea Wyatt. But Chelsea has a boyfriend…and a secret. When it becomes apparent to all around her she is in an abusive relationship, Alex is more determined than ever to convince her that he is the guy for her.
As Chelsea comes to the realization she is falling in love with Alex, he gives her a small glimpse of what life with him could be like. But a bombshell is dropped on Alex when he is told someone is stealing from the restaurant and Chelsea is one of the prime suspects. Determined to prove her innocence, Alex discovers just how devious Chelsea’s boyfriend, Dante, is. And when Chelsea learns the truth and attempts to break free of Dante’s hold on her, he viciously attacks her, leaving her for dead.       
As Chelsea attempts to recover from the physical and emotional trauma, Alex is by her side. The Fab Five rally around her and Alex, offering help and support. Can the young couple get back to the plans they made for a life together or is Chelsea too emotionally damaged after the attack to even consider it? 
A Special Kind of Love by Tamara Hoffa
Through Fights and Fire, Prejudice and Passion, Burns A Special Kind of Love

A Special Kind of Love
A divorced school teacher, estranged from her family, wants to start over. Sharon Daily moves to Gaines, Wyoming with her ten year old autistic son, Aaron. She hoped to find kindness and acceptance in this small town. She wasn’t looking for love…

Tanner West, the Fire Chief of Gaines, seems to have it all. Great job, loving family, and any woman he wants to warm his bed at night. But, Tanner has suffered too. A Native American in a white world, he longs to find love and acceptance. He is ready for more than someone to share his bed. He wants someone to share his life. And Sharon really lights his fire.

Making a life with Sharon will require A Special Kind of Love.


Playing the Game by MQ Barber
She expects dinner with neighbors, but gets sex with a side of safewords.

Mechanical engineer Alice still drools over her sexy neighbors a year after she’s moved in. She can’t decide whether they’re roommates or partners, but either way, they spark a wanton desire in her that has her imagination--and vibrator--working overtime.

Henry, director of everything around him, studies human nature and applies philosophies to his paintings as well as his relationships. Quirky, polite to a fault, and formal, he follows his own code of honor even when it means denying himself.

Flirtatious and playful, Jay needs stability, guidance, and to please others. His antics counterbalance Henry’s stuffy ways while he brings a level of vulnerability and fun to everything the trio does.

BDSM play with the enigmatic artist and flirtatious joker across the hall allows Alice to put aside the linear thought processes which have kept her unsatisfied and distant with other lovers. She must dismiss her preconception of love, sacrificing her independence, if she’s to find a permanent place in their beds and hearts.

CONTENT WARNING: Explicit sex, graphic language, BDSM, bondage, spanking, M/M/F menage.


A Feast of Souls by Hailey Edwards
Born with the ability to communicate with the dead, few things take Mana by surprise. But when a canis lopes into her life, announcing himself as the long-dead father of a childhood friend, she’s shocked. To make matters worse, he has a dire message that she alone can deliver. 

Now Mana must face Vaughn, the male who inspired one too many girlish fantasies, and impart the spirit’s message—without acknowledging her source—so the soul can be laid to rest. 

With rumors of a burgeoning clan war setting his nerves on edge, the last thing Vaughn needs is for an innocent to get caught in the crosshairs. But the woman he remembers as an awkward girl refuses to leave his side until he’s heard her out. That’s not the only change in her that calls to him. Her kindness soothes his battle-scarred soul—and he craves her in ways a warrior shouldn’t. 

When they are both captured, they learn of an even greater threat. The plague devastating the southlands has come to his clan home. And his best—and only—chance to keep his people alive is the female who walks among the dead. 

Warning: This book contains one fierce hero with a nose for danger, one stubborn heroine who smells like trouble, and one wolfish spirit who makes most relationships with the in-laws seem downright tame. Fur, fangs and some biting should be expected. But never fear, the hero has a sword, and he knows how to use it.


Eternal Blades by VS Nelson
Tshering Snow never meant to fall hopelessly in love with her savior, the Ancient, known as Lance, but she did. He seems to care deeply for her, spending every available hour with her, but will he be able to give up his past and settle down with one woman? After all, he has the reputation of a playboy.

Lance hates the personification he has created around himself. Afraid the others might not understand; he has held back the truth from Gabriel and the other Guardians. He has waited for the right woman, the one Sekhmet prophesized about so long ago. And now he has found her. When he is accused of fathering a child by both Gabriel and Tshering, how can he make them believe the child is not his, even if the boy is a spitting imagine of him?

After the women are attacked by Set’s Legions while relaxing on Jennifer’s new yacht, they come to the unanimous decision; they will train and join the Guardian forces. But that’s not as easy as it was meant to be. Old fashioned and hard headed, Gabriel is determined he will not having women fighting in their war. When Tshering, Jennifer and Jessica are taken hostage by Set’s Legions all hell breaks loose on the Guardian’s compound. Lost without their mates, brother fights brother while they try save their women and put an end to the Legion’s terror. Will Sekhmet, the goddess they serve, step in and reveal the truth or will she leave them to find their own solutions to a never ending war as she has in the past?


_______________________________________

Thank you for reading with us this year! 
I can't wait to see the new books we find for 2014!

Monday, December 30, 2013

Natalie Gibson's Satin Sheets Romance review of One Bite by Jennifer Blackstream



One Bite
(Blood Princes Series)
by Jennifer Blackstream

Genre: Paranormal Romance/ Fantasy Romance/ Fairy Tales
Length: 169 pages
Skeleton Key Publishing

Buy on Amazon
Connect with the author:
www.jenniferblackstream.com




Blurb:
Irina is determined to continue her fight for freedom. Freedom for her from her evil sorceress stepmother, and freedom for every faction in the kingdom of Dacia. Unfortunately, her stepmother isn’t about to let that happen and she’s got a poisoned apple and a glass coffin with Irina’s name on them…

Kirill is a vampire prince determined to be a vampire king. Unfortunately, his vampiric father has no intentions of vacating the throne anytime soon and the prophecy Kirill found hinting at a “Great New Kingdom” is proving tricky to translate. It doesn’t help that the beautiful woman he found unconscious in the woods seems determined to undermine his authority at every turn. He’d kill her himself if she didn’t have the strangest gift for soothing his bloodthirsty spirit.

Even an undead mastermind can’t foresee everything. Seven dwarves. A poison apple. A glass coffin. It’s a strange and terrifying world when events can take a turn for the better or worse with just…One Bite.


Natalie Gibson's Review:

One Bite is Jennifer Blackstream's take on the Snow White story. The novella is the second in her series of re-imagined fairytales, Blood Princes. I am a big Blackstream fan and I jump on them every chance I have to read her books. 

One Bite has all the iconic images we have come to associate with Snow White - there's the jealous wicked step-mother, the loyal and good hearted huntsman, dwarves, a magic mirror, the apple, the glass coffin, the prince and the kiss that breaks a spell - but they each have their twists.  Prince Kirill is a vampire, realizing that his vampiric father will never die of natural causes and so the throne will never be passed to him.  He searches for the blood that will fulfill an ancient prophesy and bring about a new world order.  Snow White, or Irina, is opposed to a ruling class that leaves the workers to die if they cannot pay tax and wants the peasants to rebel against the prince's royal family.  Though she is attracted to the prince, and indebted to him for hiding her away with the dwarves, she also stands up to him in ways that he is unaccustomed to and uncomfortable with. 

The pace was good and it kept my interest the whole way through. The characters were well rounded and we got to know a little more about the other Blood Princes and Eurydice in the World Tree.  The other princes have to come together to help Kirill save Irina but surrendering their blood to a vampire may push the limits of their trust too far.



Friday, December 27, 2013

Doug's Review of A Breath of Winter by Hailey Edwards







Title: A Breath of Winter (Araneae Nation) Book Four
Author: Hailey Edwards
Author's Website: Hailey Edwards' Website
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Genre: Fantasy Romance with Intrigue and Suspense
Length: approx 232 pgs
Buy Link: A Breath of Winter (Araneae Nation) Book Four

Summary:


There’s no easy cure for a love of epidemic proportions.

Araneae Nation, Book 4

Zuri and her mercenary brothers had a simple mission. Transport a captured harbinger to Erania and collect the bounty. But this job turns out to be anything but easy.

Their welcome to the northland is nothing short of frigid. A scuffle with border guards and her prisoner’s attempted escape leave Zuri injured—and she and her brothers stuck in quarantine. Worse, the bounty comes with silken strings attached. Strings held by a scientist with a daring, dangerous plan.

Because Zuri and her prisoner barged in before his fail-safes were in place, Henri had no choice but to lock them all down until he’s sure there’s no risk of spreading plague. He’d planned to study the harbinger, but it’s the mercenary holding the leash who intrigues him the most.

When Henri’s experiment goes awry, they learn they’ve all been pawns in a plan with one goal: bring the Araneae Nation to its knees. Zuri is forced to make a choice that could sign her death warrant—or sacrifice everyone she loves.

Warning: This book contains a chair-bound heroine who won’t let anyone—least of all a man—push her around. Expect tea-drinking, net-tossing, and knife-wielding. Should you feel compelled to indulge in a bear ride, please keep your hands on the reins and your feet in the stirrups. Author not responsible for possible maulings.



Doug's Review:

While this was on the surface a very slow romance of Zuri and Henri, it was also another excursion into the work of The Araneae Nation and the overarching story that Hailey Edwards has crafted in this series.

The opening starts much like the others with a bit of action resulting in an injury to Zuri but then things start to slow down a bit .... well they slow down a LOT for a majority of the novel. We are watching this whole story unfold through the eyes of Zuri and we get her feelings and thoughts but nobody else (there is a reason for that we will see). So while the romance slowly builds a bit at a time the more typical fantasy plot of the approaching enemy hangs in the background always letting you know that things are not going to remain calm for much longer.

There is a major break at about the 65% mark in this story, just when you start to think "this may be getting a bit boring" things happen to remove any such thoughts from your mind . One of the major points in this story seems to be to bring the reader up to speed on the enemy and the purpose for many of the things you have seen in the previous books. The action picks up significantly and the ending while somewhat satisfying still leaves you with several questions that I have to assume will be revealed in subsequent novels.

Bottom Line: A very good installment into the series but left me feeling like it was more of a bridging novel for the next one since a lot of the novel felt like an information dump. The ending was good but I felt like I needed another chapter or two for a better look into Zuri's future. My only real disappointment is that the most colorful character in this whole series is Isolde and we get to see none of her in this novel. 4 Stars and while a very enjoyable reading experience, it left me wanting a bit more than this novel delivered, the next novel needs to have a bit more meat to it and move the overarching story further down the line. Make no mistake, this is not a book you can skip and by the end you will not want to, trust me :)










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Doug's Review of Black Arts by Faith Hunter




Title: Black Arts: A Jane Yellowrock Novel
Author: Faith Hunter
Author's Website: Faith Hunter's Website
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) LLC
Genre: Epic Urban Fantasy with Romantic Interests
Length: approx 336 pgs
Buy Link: Black Arts: A Jane Yellowrock Novel

Summary:


Jane Yellowrock is a shape-shifting skinwalker who always takes care of her own—no matter the cost....

When Evan Trueblood blows into town looking for his wife, Molly, he’s convinced that she came to see her best friend, Jane. But it seems like the witch made it to New Orleans and then disappeared without a trace.

Jane is ready to do whatever it takes to find her friend. Her desperate search leads her deep into a web of black magic and betrayal and into the dark history between vampires and witches. But the closer she draws to Molly, the closer she draws to a new enemy—one who is stranger and more powerful than any she has ever faced.



Doug's Review:

When I got this I was already sure that I was going to like it (since I have loved every installment in this series) but this was a major step up in not just the story but the look inside to see exactly who Jane Yellowrock is under the hard exterior.

Don’t get me wrong, Jane is STILL Jane but she does a lot of self introspection during this novel and comes out better for it. I must admit I still spent most of the novel wishing for or waiting for her to kill someone that richly deserved it (and there are a plethora of candidates).

The main thing here is that Molly is missing and she has to find her since Evan is a loose cannon without Molly but nobody seems to know what happened to her but Jane will be piecing things together all through the book and concurrent plotlines that all converge with deadly results as always.

The book comes to an explosive conclusion with most things settled but some things are left for the next book so it is not a cliffhanger but everything is not settled …. yet. Ms. Hunter tried to give us a bit of payback for the acts of betrayal of Leo/Katie/Bruiser back in previous story but maybe I am a hard case since I was not really satisfied yet, but it was not overlooked completely which would have been completely out of character, there may still be some payback. We shall see……

Bottom Line: This is 5 Stars with no real reservations other than maybe I am such a revenge junkie I might want more payback but that was not the real story in this novel. Jane is her deadly best and she handles things better than anyone could and her love life still sucks but what else is new. You don’t want to miss this so get your order in now and read it the first chance you get.










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Thursday, December 19, 2013

Angela's Satin Sheets Romance Review of Highland Solution by Ceci Giltenan!



Thursday-December 19, 2013 Satin Sheets Romance          Review of Highland Solution by Ceci Giltenan

               Title:  Highland Solution

               Author: Ceci Giltenan

               Author’s Website:  www.cecigiltenan.com

               Genre: Historical Romance

               Length:  233 pages

               Find it On: Amazon

               Niall MacIan, a Highland laird, desperately needs funds to save his impoverished clan. Lady Katherine Ruthven, a lowland heiress, is rumored to be “unmarriageable” and her uncle hopes to be granted her title and lands when the king sends her to a convent. King David II anxious to strengthen his alliances sees a solution that will give Ruthven the title he wants, and MacIan the money he needs. Laird MacIan will receive Lady Katherine’s hand along with her substantial dowry and her uncle will receive her lands and title.

               Lady Katherine must forfeit everything in exchange for a husband who does not want to be married and believes all women to be self-centered and deceitful. Can the lovely and gentle Katherine mend his heart and build a life with him or will he allow the treachery of others to destroy them?

Angela’s Review:
                As an avid reader of Scottish Romance, I am always on the lookout for new authors in this sub-genre.  Ms. Giltenan did not disappoint! I could not put this book down until I had read “The End”.
                Niall MacIan personifies the perfect alpha male hero. The horror and reaction to Katherine’s wounds was realistic and amazing. However, it was the moment he agreed to become Tomas’s father…that I was in love. What an amazing man! *Sighs*
Katherine was the epitome of strength that I love in heroines. Though she suffered horrible abuses at her uncle’s hand, she was a survivor and a protector to those in her care. Even though Niall’s character was an imposing figure, Katherine never cowered to his temper or accusations.                 
This story was wrought with danger, treachery, conflict and it was the ultimate page turner. The connection between the Niall and Katherine was tender and passionate.  If you love Scottish historicals, then you do not want to miss out on reading Highland Solution by Ceci Giltenan.              
Satin Sheets Pillow Rating:  
                 
 
            Satin Sheets Heat Rating: 
 
 

 

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Roseanna’s Satin Sheets Romance Review of Hold Me Together by Felice Fox

 
Hold Me Together
AUTHOR:  Felice Fox
PUBLISHER:  M. Scribes Press
RELEASE DATE: October 27, 2013
PAGES: 118
BUY LINK: Amazon 


              
Blurb:
 After boot-stomping all night with every last Cameron man on the ranch, Holly can't wait to get her honeymoon started with her new husband, Gavin. He's her dream come true--smart, rugged and kinky as hell, but the very best part is marrying into his big family; a close-knit, loving clan who take care of each other. She'd never had that. Ever. "Do you take this man...?" was the easiest question Holly ever had to answer.
But when Gavin poses a new, unthinkable question on their wedding night, Holly must choose between the idealized happily-ever-after she'd always dreamed of and something much more than she ever knew she wanted-- or needed. Yet her happiness isn't the only thing put at risk by the unconventional arrangement she finds herself in, and when everything Gavin treasures is threatened, Holly must decide if she can give up the family she'd always wanted for the family that wants her... in every possible way.
Warning: This story may make you squirm like a little roped calf. It is a grit-your-teeth hot romance intended for an adult audience which includes questionable consent and issues of polyamory/open relationships.
Hold Me Together is a novella with a complete happily-ever-after ending and no cliffhanger. It is the first book in a series about the men of Cameron Ranch.


                                                                
Some may say love is blind while others may put definitions on love. Love is messy, confusing, hard, and grows every day with no set limitations or boundaries.  Everyone has faults, doubts, inner demons to fight.  This book was an epic tale of how messy love can be. How your inner demons, others’ views, limitations or self-doubt can rule your life.  At first I was prepared to not really care for Gavin’s character. He comes across as a little underhanded to highhanded at best. But in reality he has a vision of how he sees love and while it may not fit in a box on the self; he is willing to try to bring Holly over. Holly is so full of doubt and indecision. She is just floored at how Gavin tries to do this. While his method is harsh, I think that is what Holly needed to grow into the woman she became at the end of the book. At times, I was a little fearful that the e-ink from my kindle would permanently melt off while reading.  Talk about explosive chemistry some of the characters had.  Each character was developed to be so different yet the same as the others. It made interesting dialogue and interactions. I love the growth and strength each character developed near the end of the story. I like that there was a happy for now at the end. I could tell that while everything worked out, the story is not nearly over.  No dreaded cliffhangers in this one. I look forward to reading and learning more in upcoming books.

                                   





Monday, December 16, 2013

Angela's Satin Sheet Romance Review For Santa Takes A Wife by Betsy J. Bennett

Monday, December 16, 2013-Satin Sheets Romance of Santa Takes a Wife by Betsy J. Bennett

Title: Santa Takes A Wife
Author: Betsy J. Bennett
Author’s Website:
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy
Length: 273 pages
Find It On: Amazon and Barnes & Noble

He was Santa Claus...wasn't he?

Nicholas St. Noel knew what to do to make children happy and he knew
where every gift in his over-packed sleigh had to go until one Christmas
when there was a gift he could not deliver.
It was time to choose a wife.

Beth Anderson believes in Christmas and in Santa Claus. She'd been
relentlessly teased her whole life since she caught the real Santa as a
child. But was she willing to give up her family and move to the North
Pole and live with a thousand miserable elves?

Angela’s Review:

This delightful read is set in a small, Christmas spirit-filled town in Pennsylvania. This was a
well-written and the perfect story to get a reader into this special time of year.

Ms. Bennett gives us the “guy next door” type in our hero. Not only is Nick St. Noel
handsome…HE’s Santa Claus. I loved how the author made understanding and sweet, but turned
him all virile and spicy when he met the woman he had been searching for.

In steps the heroine, Beth. Though she has the tendency to be vulnerable, she has an inner
strength. She is the backbone of her large extended family. Christmas, especially Santa, is an
obsession for her.

Though her family takes her for granted, I loved how Nick tore down some of the
emotional walls Beth had erected. Santa bares his own doubts, but together they find the one
thing that they both desire. Each other. Watching this relationship evolve was touching and very
romantic. This couple was absolutely endearing and they had a love made in heaven….or should
I say the North Pole?

If you’re a fan of sweet, romantic Christmas stories that draw out the spirit of the season,
then grab a cup of hot cocoa and curl up with Santa Takes A Wife by Betsy J. Bennett and enjoy!

Satin Sheets Pillow Rating:

Satin Sheets Heat Rating:


Sunday, December 15, 2013

Satin Sheets Romance Guest Author : Molly Harper!


With the recent release of RHYTHM AND BLUEGRASS and the upcoming release of my third werewolf book, HOW TO RUN WITH A NAKED WEREWOLF, loyal and lovely readers often ask whether they should  crossover between my genres.  My contemporary readers aren’t sure how bloody and scary I get in my paranormal titles.  And my paranormal readers aren’t sure whether my work will be the same without pantsless werewolves running around. So, allow me to compare and contrast the two areas of my work. Here’s what is the same about my contemporary and paranormal work: Snarkiness – My writing voice is very much the same sarcasm-laden, first-person quirkiness in both genres.  I guarantee laughter, from belly laughs to abrupt snickers.  In either category, I will make public transportation very awkward for you.  (People tend to move away from you if you laugh too loud for no apparent reason.) Wackiness –  I put my poor heroines through their paces no matter what I’m writing.  Librarians get mistaken for deer, shot by drunk hunters and turned into vampires.  Human gals find out that their expected job promotions are not forthcoming in front large groups of influential people – while wearing satellite-sized picture hats.  Holiday dinners are ruined by exploding side dishes.  The situations will be awkward and completely unexpected, because many of them are inspired by incidents from my life.  (Except for the deer thing.  I have never been shot.  Not even by mistake.)

Sexiness –  The “hotness” rating is pretty equal between the two areas.  I don’t see any reason why humans should have less enthusiastic or creative love scenes than vampires or shifters.  I will say that of all my books, AND ONE LAST THING… and HOW TO FLIRT WITH A NAKED WEREWOLF are considered my sexiest works.  Then again, HOW TO RUN WITH A NAKED WEREWOLF
hasn’t been released yet, and trust me when I say that Anna and Caleb put the “naked” in Naked Werewolf.
Here’s what’s different. Monsters – Clearly, I don’t include vampires and witches in my contemporary novels.  My brand of supernatural creature is a bit weird compared to the average paranormal romance.  Some of my vampires live in trailers and occasionally deal in counterfeit Snuggies. My werewolves are more interested in carbo-loading than human carnage.  Imagine the weirdest, but still basically harmless, guy you know and give him magical powers.
Cursing – For some reason, my werewolves use a lot more cuss words than my humans, who are more demure.  I blame their isolation from polite society.  It gets rough in Grundy, Alaska.  Or maybe it’s the nudity thing.  Once you’ve seen most of your adult relatives naked, dropping the f-bomb doesn’t seem like that big of a deal.  Dilemmas involving death – I don’t kill off characters in my contemporaries.  (At least, not yet.)  For some reason, I end up bumping off my adorable old man characters in my paranormals, to the point where my writing partner asked if I have grandpa issues.  To be honest, I torture myself over it and usually end up crying for several days after writing the death scenes.  But really, for books about supposedly bloodthirsty creatures, my books include very little violence.  I can’t handle a lot of blood and gore myself, so I’m writing for people who have a very low “ew” threshold.
For more information about my books, go to www.mollyharper.com.  RHYTHM AND BLUEGRASS is available now in ebook and audio.  HOW TO RUN WITH A NAKED WEREWOLF will be available in print, ebook and audio on December 31, 2013 from all major book retailers.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Nadene's Satin Sheets Romance Review of Lycan Gladiator by Eva Gordon


LYCAN GLADIATOR
AUTHOR: EVA GORDON
AUTHOR'S WEBSITE: http://www.ravenauthor.com/
PUBLISHER: CORVALLISS  PRESS
RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 20, 2013
PAGES: 282
GENRE: PARANORMAL/HISTORICAL ROMANCE
BUY LINK: AMAZON

BLURB: During a time of bloody gladiator games and treacherous schemes, a secret society of lycans live amongst the Romans.

When Ulric, a lycan gladiator, meets a mysterious human woman with green eyes, he’s drawn to her fiery beauty, enraptured by her alluring aroma. Unfortunately, Ulric and the beauty are slaves. To make matters worse, he can mate only with someone marked with the sign of the wolf.

Cassia’s hidden wolf mark burns in the presence of the handsome gladiator. While her heart yearns to be near Ulric, logic warns her against it—having a slave as a mate is against the lycan society’s plans for her.

In spite of the lycan society’s rules and the emperor’s brutal plots, their love grows … but their passion just may cost them their lives.

REVIEW: The first thing that captured my attention was the cover, which I thought was totally hot. The next thing that totally had  me intrigued was the blurb and as such when I was granted the opportunity to read and review this title I was delighted.


Lycan Gladiator is set in ancient Rome, in a time when slaves that had a warrior spirit were trained as gladiators and were forced to fight to the death to appease their masters.  Ms. Gordon added an extra flavor by mixing historical, romantic and paranormal events.  This story is about lycans dwelling among humans who were unaware that such a  species actually existed.  

The male protagonist, Ulric is the kind of hero that most females dream about. He is strong, compassionate and is not afraid to sacrifice all for those he loved.  He was forcefully taken from his people and  forced into slavery and was ultimately trained to be a gladiator.  He is a fierce fighter and this was compounded by the fact that he was not human but a lycan.  The people of Rome actually believed he was the only one of his kind.

Cassia, the female protagonist, is a gifted healer.  She is a werewolf maiden which made her revered among the werewolf nation. She however was forced to keep her true nature hidden as if it were revealed it would mean a life of abuse and slavery.  She was orphaned at the age of five and was raised by Gaius who was a doctor for both humans and lycans.  Gaius helped her to hone her gift and also helped in keeping her secret.  Cassia’s secret came under threat when she met Ulric, who also happened to be her life mate. The romance between these two was quite intense.  I believed that this intensity was increased due to the fact that a romance between a slave and a free woman was forbidden in those times.  
The villains of the story were definitely not likable.  Ulric’s master and mistress were the epitome of evil and I was glad when they received their comeuppance. 

Ms. Gordon’s writing style is quite descriptive and this added a touch of realism to the story.   Lycan Gladiator is an exciting story of love, jealousy, the quest for power and greed.  There are moments of laughter, there are moments of sadness and there will be moments of anger especially when reading about the injustice that was being meted out to the slaves.  When you have a story that can bring out all those emotions then you definitely have a winner.

If you are looking for a unique story which combines romance with historical and paranormal events then look no further.   If you like the thrills that come with reading stories about fights to the death then this book is for you.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading this title and I am looking forward to reading more of this author’s work.










Friday, December 13, 2013

Nanee's Review of a Special Kind of Love by Tamara Hoffa


website


tamara.hoffa1964@gmail.com
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Book Description:

Through Fights and Fire, Prejudice and Passion, Burns A Special Kind of Love

A Special Kind of Love
A divorced school teacher, estranged from her family, wants to start over. Sharon Daily moves to Gaines, Wyoming with her ten year old autistic son, Aaron. She hoped to find kindness and acceptance in this small town. She wasn’t looking for love…

Tanner West, the Fire Chief of Gaines, seems to have it all. Great job, loving family, and any woman he wants to warm his bed at night. But, Tanner has suffered too. A Native American in a white world, he longs to find love and acceptance. He is ready for more than someone to share his bed. He wants someone to share his life. And Sharon really lights his fire.

Making a life with Sharon will require A Special Kind of Love.

Nanee's Review:

Very sweet, loving, romantic and did I say sweet. I cried, laughed and had a awe moment. Great characters especially Tanner sexy as hell Native American fire chief (yummy) and of course Aaron, he's sweet and adorable and the Love of Sharon's life; of course until Tanner comes into her life now she's got love for both. I loved this emotional roller coaster but especially loved Tanner for being the man he is honest, strong, loving and his family Nana and Annabelle all of them are a picture perfect family. I hate discriminating  ass hats like Tanner said but the way he rose above it shows you what type of people they are. Aaron broke my heart (in a good way)  with his love for Tanner, so sweet. Loved how the author made Sharon a real women with curves...and touched on some very real issues in people's lives. Great story.

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Thursday, December 12, 2013

Angela's Satin Sheets Romance Review of The MacKinnon's Bride (Book #1 of the Highland Bride Series)


Thursday-Dec. 12, 2013 Satin Sheets Romance Review of The MacKinnon’s Bride by Tanya Anne Crosby

Title:  The MacKinnon Bride (Highland Bride Series Book #1)

Author:  Tanya Anne Crosby

Author’s Website:  www.tanyaannecrosby.com

Genre:  Historical Romance

Length:  326 pages

Find It On:  Amazon, B&N and www.bookfinder.com

Scotland 1118

Descended of the sons of MacAlpin, Iain MacKinnon refuses to bow to the English. When his young son is captured by a minion of the English king, the fierce Scottish chieftain vows to stop at nothing to secure the lad's return. Retaliating in kind, he captures the daughter of his enemy, planning to bargain with the devil ...

FitzSimon's daughter has lived her entire life in the shadow of the man she called father--yet never would she have imagined he would forsake his only daughter. Even as Page blames her captor for welching on a contract with her father, she suspects the truth. But the shadows hold secrets ... now only the love of her reluctant champion can save the MacKinnon's Bride.

Angela’s Review:

I love it when I discover a “new to me” Scottish Romance author! I know! I know! Tanya Anne Crosby has been around….how is that I didn’t discover her until now? The most important thing is that I did! What made my discovery of Ms. Crosby’s book, The MacKinnon’s Bride even sweeter….it’s part of a four book series! All have just been re-released! I am looking forward to discovering more from this writer.

From the very first page of this story I was hooked! The storyline was extremely engaging and the author has an amazing sense of humor that is sprinkled throughout the read, but never deviates from the seriousness of the plot.  I can openly admit to giggling out loud!

Iain MacKinnon is every women’s dream. I loved that the author gave him a bit of maturity behind all that brawn. Personally, Iain’s best feature was the graying at his temples.  It gave him that seasoned warrior feel. So sexy!

I loved the heroine! Page’s character is vulnerable, but she is very practiced at hiding those feelings. This character’s emotions were very realistic, and I loved that she channeled that into an inner strength and wit in order to survive.

This super couple brings the sexiness and sass to the table.  Absolutely, adored this well-written story and can’t wait to read more from this author. The MacKinnon’s Bride by Tanya Anne Crosby is a must read for Scottish Historical Romance lovers!
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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Kimberley's Review of Believing Again Peggy Bird

Believing Again

Book 5 in the Second Chances series


Contemporary Romance/Suspense


Buy Link: Amazon




BLURB: 
As the youngest woman ever to make detective in the Portland Police Bureau, Danny Hartmann has racked up an impressive record. It doesn't keep her warm at night, but it does make up for feeling she’s somehow disappointed her family with her career choice. Called to the scene of the murder of a homeless veteran in a transient camp, Danny doesn't expect it to be anything other than another case she clears. Then she meets the man who made the 9-1-1 call and everything changes. Jake Abrams, a volunteer doctor at the Veterans Medical Services Clinic, doesn't have much faith in anything other than his work and the vets he cares deeply about. Not shy about voicing his opinions, even to the cops investigating the murder of one of his patients, he annoys Danny with his snarky remarks. However, working the case, she has to rely on Jake to help her find her way around the transient camps under the bridges and in the city’s huge wilderness park. As they work together, their attraction becomes mutual and passionate. But Jake has demons. Like the vets he cares for, he carries scars both mental and physical from his service in the National Guard in Iraq. He fears Danny will turn from him in disgust when she discovers them. She’s afraid his experience in Iraq makes it impossible for him to love someone who does what she does for a living. When the murderer of the homeless vets comes too close to Jake, it’ll be up to Danny to save his life. It’ll be up to their love for each other to save them both.  


What do you get when you cross and hot ,sexy ,doctor,  diagnosed with PTSD, and a workaholic , cop who is scared to change herself for anyone .... throw in a killer aiming at the veterans and you got one hell of a book. Ms Bird did it again. I love this series! It kept me guessing up to the end. And what a wonderful steamy romance. Great group of characters, amazing story line, and I can't wait to read more and more from Peggy Bird.