McClintock’s Reluctant Bride by Caroline Clemmons

January 20, 2016 By 1 Comment

BRIDE
McClintock’s Reluctant Bride by Caroline Clemmons
McClintock’s Book 3
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (176 Pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Sorrel

Nettie Clayton’s well-planned life is stolen in a few moments when Josh McClintock mistakes her window for that of her carousing neighbor. Never mind that Nettie’d had a crush on Josh since they met. Because of his carelessness, she loses her coveted teaching position, the community’s respect, and her father’s high opinion of her.

Now all the print, electronic and even digital media is increasing their foot in every body’s life. opacc.cv tadalafil 20mg canada A man s life is always full of tension as sildenafil canada pharmacy it leads the man to unsatisfying erections. Psychology says that, “Anything which produces pleasure in your brains has the possibility of becoming addictive.” Studies have also identified the six signs of behavioral addiction which view to find out more generic viagra pharmacy are applied to cell phone addiction. * Tolerance * Salience* Withdrawal* Conflict* Relapse * Mood modification But did anybody think that cell phones were possibly carcinogenic. cialis wholesale online Pfizer’s Talking RobotPerhaps the finest moment of the festival, in our eyes, belonged to Oscar, the cheeky robotic chappy accompanying the bods from festival sponsors, Pfizer. Josh McClintock’s free-wheeling life comes to an abrupt end after his birthday celebration. He works hard by day on the family ranch; he plays just as hard on weekends. He loves being single to play the field of willing females and has no plan to marry for five or six years. One drunken mistake alters his life and Nettie’s forever.

While Nettie and Josh struggle to deal with an unwanted marriage, a crazed villain planning his revenge against the McClintock family targets Josh and Nettie. Can a reluctant bride and groom conquer the odds to discover a love that will last through all time?

A mistake, not of her making, leads Nettie to a marriage that may be doomed from the start unless they find it in themselves to work together as partners.

Nettie’s dream is to find a teaching position and help her younger brother to become a doctor. One night of drunkenness by the town’s bachelor leads to a forced marriage. At first glance, Nettie would be classified as a shy woman, but as Josh finds out, there’s a fiery spirit kept in check there, just waiting for the right catalyst.

Josh McClintock is a hard worker, helping his father on their family ranch. But by night he parties hard. The consummate playboy, it would be hard to truly dislike Josh and to his credit he is attracted to Nettie, he just didn’t plan to marry her. Actually, his plans didn’t extend past the next willing bed partner. There was some real humor in the situation that forces Josh and Nettie to wed. That was nice because the author could have taken it into a different direction when Nettie’s dad walks in demanding answers.

This is a historical novel where the setting, language and colorful descriptions felt very accurate. It was easy to picture the story as it played out. The story is simple, not overly complicated. What really makes this story special are the characters. They were easy to cheer for and it was nice to see them end with a HEA despite the rocky start. The writing and the plot are good. But the story highlights the characters, at their best and their worst.

McClintock’s Reluctant Bride shows how family and love can come into your life in different ways. It has humor, heart and just enough heat to satisfy readers who enjoy a good western historical romance that begins with a shotgun wedding. Worth the read.

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The Cupcake Coven by Ashlyn Chase

January 15, 2016 By Leave a Comment

COVEN
The Cupcake Coven by Ashlyn Chase
Love Spells Gone Wrong Book 1
Publisher: Lachesis Publishing Inc
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full length (295 Pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Sorrel

Pretty Wiccan Rebecca Colby borrowed money from her father to start her bakery, and now he’s calling the loan due. When she learns he fell off the gambling wagon and owes big money to some scary people, she has to start making a profit—quickly—and hope the loan shark takes payment plans before anyone has an “accident.”

Hot Cowboy Dru Tanner is looking for his missing sister who left Texas to explore their New England Wiccan roots. She’s the only family he has left and losing her is not an option. Dru has to hide the fact that he’s not Wiccan long enough to infiltrate a Portsmouth, NH coven, which is the only lead he has.
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Dru needs a job and a place to stay. Rebecca needs cheap help, and he’s willing to work for nothing. Perhaps he can pick her brain about Wicca and she can learn how to run a business from a ranch foreman—if lust doesn’t drive them crazy first.

A sweet but sexy read consisting of a witch with a sweet tooth and a cowboy looking for his missing sister–how can this go wrong?  Together the cowboy and witch bring the best out if each other. I loved reading every moment of it.

Rebecca is a baker and witch who starts to fall for the cowboy who enters into into her life looking for his sister.

Now Rebecca is a sweet and kind woman who loves helping people even if it may hurt her–I could completely relate to her because haven’t we all had someone we’ve cared about even though we know it could end in disaster? I loved how Rebecca came into her own–it didn’t hurt that the cowboy Dru Tanner happens along about that time, too. This is a kind if damsel in distress trope, except Rebecca is an independent woman and she can take care of herself. She’s the type of person who will be there with her friends through the thick and thin, but she’s not afraid to give her blunt version of advice at the same time. Her sassiness drew me in. I wanted to know more about her and I couldn’t help but root for her. She felt real and I liked that. Now add in Dru and it’s a great story. The passionate chemistry between Dru and Rebecca was perfect.

There was little mystery and comedy in the basic plot. These elements enhanced the story. I laughed, cried and smiled a lot while reading this book. If that was the author’s plan–to make me go through the gamut of emotions, then she hit the mark.

I have to admit, the first couple of pages started out a little rough. I think the main reason could be either the tenses or the POV, but don’t let that discourage you. It took me some time to get into the rhythm of the story, but it was well worth holding on. I”m glad I did.

This is a book for a reader with a sweet taste and love a touch if mystery, paranormal and comedy in their books. Recommended.

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The Earl Next Door by Julia Daniels

January 14, 2016 By Leave a Comment

EARL
The Earl Next Door by Julia Daniels
Publisher: Heartstrings Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (90 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Lord Brandon Maxwell is a flawed man. He lives daily with the ugly memories of the death and destruction he witnessed during England’s war with Napolean. He has become a recluse, avoids people as much as he can, knowing anything can trigger the anxiety attacks that debilitate him. His only solace is the controversial column he writes anonymously for his brother’s newspaper, and the occasional glimpse of his enchanting neighbor, Lilliana.

Lilliana Staplehurst is about to be evicted. Having lost her parents in a horrible accident six months earlier, she knows the man set to inherit will be arriving any day to boot her from her home. The only distraction from her woes is her weekly correspondence with a mystery man who writes for the local newspaper. When he suggests they meet, she jumps at the chance to put the egotistical man in his place.
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The two neighbors realize quickly they are destined to be together. Although they accept their feelings for one another and allow their love to grow, soon the memories from Maxwell’s past threaten what should be a happily-ever-after. Lilliana will have to be strong enough for both of them, to help him move beyond the past and embrace their future happiness.

They called it nightmares, they worried they were going insane, and they didn’t have a name for it back then like we do now, PTSD. Max fought in the Napoleonic Wars and came back a changed man where the scars are only on the inside. He’s so afraid his demons will scare off any potential bride yet as an earl he’s beholden to produce an heir. What woman of gentle breeding would have him?

This novella focuses on the growing romance between Lord Max and his next door neighbor, Lily. They’d known each other growing up but the hero is much older than the heroine, a huge expanse of eight years. Doesn’t seem like much these days but back then, it’s an age. What I found charming about this story is the gentle dance of courtship when chaperones were diligent, protocols were strictly enforced and saying what was on your mind was strictly restricted. No lady of good breeding would snort, fish and get muddy, spend time alone with a man or say what’s on her mind. The strictures of the time seem stifling as an over-tight corset to my modern thinking. It amazes me to read about all the little subtle flirtations that women had to use to get their point across. What amazes me even more is when a man actually GETS the hidden message. This convoluted means of communication is hazardous as far as I’m concerned. All one has to do is misinterpret one gesture and hopes are dashed, assumptions are easily made and a crisis is born. That drives me nuts. Good thing Max and Lily ‘think’ alike for most of the story; the crux comes from neither of them knowing it. Only through the courtship does the picture get fully painted.

I’m thinking fans of ‘proper’ historical romances might find this a refreshing read. I don’t believe any modernisms sneaked their way in.

The one thing that jarred for me is when Max earnestly, honestly and forthrightly reveals his biggest secret and fear to Lily. I thought that was rather brave and wonderful of him. Then comes the test – and he failed, spectacularly. I was rather astounded. He laid the perfect groundwork, Lily responded just as a loving wife should and bam! Max totally messed up. He’s a guy, he has his pride and in this case it didn’t do him any favors. Thank goodness nature has a way of making silly men smart again, like a biological reset button. The ending was truly a happy ever after on many levels and was completely satisfying. Lily is truly his perfect match.

All in all, The Earl Next Door is a delightful story about an endearing romance between two people who loved each other all along – first as young kids, then as adults. Those are the best kind because they know each other on a deeper level than two strangers meeting and falling in love. I enjoyed meeting Max and Lily and I thought her Aunt Bea a hoot of a secondary character. This is a nice story to spend time with and I recommend it to other fans of historical romances.

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Over a Fence by Ruth J. Hartman

January 8, 2016 By Leave a Comment

FENCE
Over a Fence by Ruth J. Hartman
Publisher: EsKape Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (79 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Romance novelist Cora Dumont needs a place to land after college. So when her parents ask her to housesit for a year, she jumps at the chance. Being home stirs up feelings for Drew, a former neighbor. Too bad he’d never given her the time of day.

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Sometimes you can go home again.

The misbehaving pets in this story made me giggle. Both Cora’s cat and Drew’s dog had minds of their own. The only thing funnier than seeing how these pets interacted with the world around them was seeing how their owners responded to their hijinks. I enjoyed every single scene that mentioned the silly dilemmas the animals ended up in and showed how the human characters tried to take control of the situation.

I would have liked to see more attention paid to Cora and Drew’s speaking styles. They had such similar ways of thinking about the world that I had trouble telling them apart even though the different chapters always began with a note about which narrator was now sharing their tale with the audience. Life had taken them down such different and yet equally interesting paths that it should have been much easier to tell who was who.

The dialogue was a lot of fun. Both of the main characters had a quick wit, and they weren’t at all afraid to use it. What I liked the most about their exchanges was how quickly they moved from playful to serious moods. These conversations reminded me of what it can be to talk to other intelligent people in real life because of how much effort Drew and Cora put into thinking of their next quip. They definitely kept each other on their toes with their snappy comebacks.

Over a Fence is a good choice for anyone who is in the mood for something lighthearted.

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Cowboy Lies by Lynde Lakes

January 8, 2016 By Leave a Comment

LIES
Cowboy Lies by Lynde Lakes
Ryan Ranch Trilogy Book 1
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (239 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Myrtle

Matt Ryan, cattle rancher, doesn’t tell Molly Smith, former newspaper reporter, that he is more than just a rancher—he’s is also a federal agent assigned to protect her and her baby. He hates lying, but the doctor warned him that if Molly remembers too fast it could cause a serious setback in her fight against amnesia. To protect Molly, Matt tells her they are married.

Molly can’t picture herself married to this controlling man and suspects he’s lying. Determined to get at the truth, she digs around on her own. Was it only the men chasing her she should fear—or was this tall, dark stranger asking for her trust also a dangerous man?

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Amnesia has blocked any memory of Matt Ryan, the handsome cowboy who claims to be Molly’s husband. She has a beautiful baby who “feels right” in her arms, but she lives on a wide-open Texas ranch that feels “all wrong.” What has happened?

Molly is thrown into a life that feels totally foreign to her, and although just about everyone around her seems nice and accommodating, something is just not right and she knows it. Her supposed husband, Matt, is an overly protective cowboy who runs their ranch with a natural rough and tough attitude. And although Matt is controlling, he also has a soft and tender side. And it appears he might actually be in love with Molly, although she does not remember him as her husband or as her baby’s father. The one thing that keeps her playing along is a spark of recognition, plus the fact that this stranger adores her tiny daughter.

The setting of a modern day Texas ranch was portrayed well and I often felt as though I was riding the range, too. The secondary characters, especially Tita, who cared for the baby much of the time, was a nice addition to the story.

As things heat up, Molly catches Matt in several lies, which turns her blind faith into fear. Some lies are small, but others are big. Being the strong-willed, independent woman that Molly is, she takes matters into her own hands with deadly consequences.

This is an engaging story, but it does tend to drag out at times. And Molly does have lots of flippant moments where she trusts Matt then doesn’t trust Matt, and then trusts him again only to find that she shouldn’t have, or should she? During the last third of the book, several tense scenes bordered on not being believable, but never completely crossed that invisible line. With that said, I enjoyed the overall story and I am glad I read it.

But this is not just a cowboy story … No, there is much, much more to Matt Ryan and his attachment to Molly. If you enjoy involved plots with some twists and turns, romantically and otherwise, which is set on a Texas ranch with a handsome cowboy, this story might be the perfect one for you!

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Texas Rebels: Quincy by Linda Warren

December 16, 2015 By Leave a Comment

QUINCY
Texas Rebels: Quincy by Linda Warren
Publisher: Harlequin American Romance
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Holiday
Length: Full Length (218 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Aloe

A Heart Divided

Quincy Rebel lives by a strict code of honor. Family first. Which means Jenny Rose Walker, his younger brother’s ex-girlfriend, will never know how deeply and devotedly he loves her. The woman of his dreams is off-limits…until his brother gets engaged to someone else.
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Jenny is ready to sever all ties with the ranching clan who has been like a second family to her. Even if it means giving up working with her best friend, Quincy, who she helps train paint horses. Quincy…the tall, masculine Rebel who’s always been there for her. Is she developing feelings for him? Or are they headed for a rebound romance that will leave them both brokenhearted?

Jenny couldn’t believe it. Paxton was engaged and getting married and it wasn’t to her! When she goes over and asks Quincy about it, he asks her to not come the engagement party they will be having at the family ranch. Then she’s mad at Quincy, too.

This is a big family of Texas men who work at ranching. Quincy specializes in paint horses and Jenny has always spent time working on them with him. After all, their farms are next door to each other. He’s tried telling her that Paxton will never settle down. He’s a rodeo competitor and he likes travelling and the women he finds while on the road. Jenny dated Paxton in high school, used him for support when her mother died, and she thinks he’s her soul mate. It’s a dose of cold water to find out he doesn’t feel the same way.

This story is smooth and roots through the issue of a broken heart and trying to make a new beginning. The author shows a good insight at family relationships and romantic rebounds.

Jenny suddenly finds that Quincy is more than just a good friend. But she’s afraid she’s just rebounding. Quincy is afraid maybe she still loves Paxton. Somebody needed to take them in for a good sit down talk about life. The family tried but we all know how that goes. When Jenny almost loses her dad, it shakes her up. It also shows her who stands by her.

Paxton comes back. This was the best part of the book to me. It’s where everyone finally has to grow up. This is a sweet cowboy romance with a big magic thrown in. It’s a good read.

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12 Honeymoons by KL Brady

December 9, 2015 By 15 Comments

BookCover_12Honeymoons

12 Honeymoons by KL Brady
Publisher: LadyLit Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full (348 pgs)
Heat: Sensual
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Poppy

Miki Vincent’s entire life stalled because she’s addicted to the beginnings of things, especially relationships. She relishes in the emotional highs, first hugs, first kisses that new love brings. But sex always ruins it. That’s why abstaining during the first three months of a relationship—following the 90-day rule—was supposed to help land her down the aisle with Mr. Right. Miki finds out the hard way, Mr. Wrong can wait that long, especially if his ultimate prize is her inheritance.

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Miki’s best friend Pam, a repressed artist, struggles to keep her honeymoon alive but she can no longer ignore the blatant evidence staring her in the face: Her husband is having an affair. A different kind of “honeymoon plan” designed to free her from her troubles, and a chance meeting with a handsome artistic stranger, help reignite her passions. But will they destroy her marriage in the process?

12 Honeymoons had me laughing from the first page. Miki is a hoot, with a smart, sarcastic sense of humor and a mouth that won’t quit (and gets her in trouble quite regularly). While I admittedly don’t agree with her outlook on life, watching her pursue it was so much fun.

I wasn’t as enamored with Pam. Not that she wasn’t an interesting character, but I’m a huge believer in keeping marriage vows and communication with your spouse, and she … wasn’t. Not really. Yes, she thought her husband was cheating. I was frustrated that they didn’t just sit down together and have a real, honest conversation. So, I had ill feelings toward her for the entire book and just couldn’t root for her.

Thankfully, Miki’s story made everything better. It was almost a case of “be careful what you wish for”. By the end of the book, her cup definitely ran over! LOL!

KL Brady is a master wordsmith as well. Amazing, but completely non-intrusive descriptions that put you right into the story, realistic (if a bit larger than life) characters, a silly but believable storyline. She really has skills and I was thoroughly enthralled by her ability. Honestly, I think she might be the kind of author who could write a book about anything and make it interesting. She’s that good. If there hadn’t been the second storyline about Pam, this honestly would have rated much higher marks. And really, that’s a personal dislike of mine that might not be an issue for anyone else.

I recommend giving this book a read, especially if you’re a fan of romantic comedy. KL Brady knocks it out of the park, and I can’t wait to read the next book she writes.

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Ruby by Juliet James

November 30, 2015 By Leave a Comment

RUBY
Ruby by Juliet James
Book 1 Come By Chance Mail Order Brides
Publisher: Squeaky Clean Western Romance
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (180 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Myrtle

It’s 1884, and love is in the air in the town of Come-By-Chance!

In this much-loved series strong women risk everything to rise above their desperate circumstances, find true love, and wed real men who’ll treat them right.

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Ruby sees an advertisement in the Matrimonial News and takes a desperate chance, writing away to the handsome Six-feet-four James Drinkwater.

Will James be the answer to Ruby’s plight? Is the handsome Montana man all that he seems? Or will someone else come to Ruby’s rescue, so together they can find true love?

Every cloud has a silver lining, or so Ruby had always been told, but after working for Mr. and Mrs. Murphy, doubting had become easy.

It’s 1884 and beautiful twenty-year-old Ruby works a decent job as a house-worker in a lavish home belonging to the owners of the “worst school in Pittsburgh.” When the husband claims his wife has “shut up shop” meaning no more romance in the bedroom, he decides that Ruby should provide those services, too. The vile and disgusting man has Ruby on the hunt for an escape from her undesirable life when she comes upon an advertisement from a rich Montana man looking for a bride. He sounds too good to be true, but after exchanging a few letters, Ruby packs up and heads for Montana.

Unfortunately, things are not always what they seem, and Ruby’s belief in a “silver lining” starts looking a bit tainted in Montana. Slim Jim turns out not to be the perfect man Ruby envisioned after all, but upon her arrival in Big Sky Country, a whirlwind wedding followed by a hotel room honeymoon that serves only her new husband’s needs, leaves Ruby confused and scared. Finding out there are more farces than truths when it comes to Slim Jim, Ruby welcomes her new friendship with Lettie, who knows Slim Jim as the true scoundrel he is. On Ruby’s behalf, Lettie makes a deal with Slim Jim, and soon bride-worthy men start admiring Ruby. The three Wilkinson brothers, each more handsome than the next, decide it is high time to find brides for themselves making things even more interesting for Ruby.

This quick read tells a decent story, but there is not much “meat” to the tale. The writing and editing are both good, but the story just scraped the surface making it feel more like a draft than a final version, especially at the end, which lacked detail and wrapped up the next day/month/year in summary form. I would love to read something full length or more detailed that this writer has written, because she does have a flare. Several more Mail Order Bride books are available by this author, and given the talent in Ruby, although it has room for improvement, I am not opposed to trying another.

If you enjoy historical romance, or happen to be a mail order bride story fan, this might be the perfect quick read for your next lazy day afternoon or vacation getaway.

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And They Lived Happily Ever After: Modern Fairy Tales Boxed Set by Maddie James, Janet Eaves, Cat Shaffer, Arlene Hittle, Jennifer Anderson, May Williams

November 13, 2015 By Leave a Comment

HAPPILY
And They Lived Happily Ever After: Modern Fairy Tales Boxed Set by Maddie James, Janet Eaves, Cat Shaffer, Arlene Hittle, Jennifer Anderson, May Williams
Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (628 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet, Sensual, and Spicy (depending on the story)
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

…and they lived happily ever after. A modern fairy tales boxed set.

This boxed set includes six modern fairy tales by popular and bestselling romance authors. In this set you will find:

Red: A Seduction Tale by Maddie James (Little Red Riding Hood)
Sins of the Father by Janet Eaves (Sleeping Beauty)
Dixie White and the Seven Dates by Cat Shaffer (Snow White)
Just Right by Arlene Hittle (The Three Bears)
Death Sat Beside Her by Jennifer Anderson (Little Miss Muffet)
Playing the Piper by May Williams (The Pied Piper)

And They Lived Happily Ever After has a little bit of everything!

”Playing the Piper” by May Williams (Contemporary-sensual)

Penny is a very entertaining heroine. Her inner thoughts and the things she writes in her diary never failed to bring a smile to my face. I love how good she is with her students. However, Penny is very insecure. She frequently jumps to conclusions about James and his motivations concerning her and the park she loves. I could understand her misgivings the first time around, but they seemed to straighten things out fairly quickly. Unfortunately at the very next sign of trouble, Penny is ready to believe the worst again. The situation Penny and James find themselves in is very difficult, but without trust they aren’t going to make it very far. Will Penny finally give James a chance or will she let her insecurities cloud her judgment?

Some of the secondary characters in this short story are very nasty at the beginning but undergo some dramatic changes by the end. I understood the reason for one character’s change, but some of the others changed very quickly and without much explanation. Consequently, I found those parts unrealistic.

I also think that Penny and James’ relationship progresses too quickly, especially given Penny’s inability to trust James. However, the ending was still sweet and the situation with the park is solved in an interesting and fun way.

“Just Right” by Arlene Hittle (Contemporary-sensual)

I truly felt sorry for Callie. She has fame, good looks, and money. From the outside, her life might look perfect. However, I don’t envy the price Callie has paid for fame. As I watched Callie struggle to manage her public persona versus her personal life, it was easy to see why she needed a vacation out of the spotlight.

Ty and his brothers are certainly an interesting group. They teased each other unmercifully, but they also cared for and looked out for each other. Callie was nothing like Ty expected her to be, and their first encounter with each other was anything but smooth. I could certainly sense some underlying chemistry. However, I found it very hard to get a sense of what kind of couple Callie and Ty will be. He is very jealous and possessive right from the start even though they don’t know each other very well. Most of their encounters are antagonistic despite their physical attraction. In spite of these issues, Ty is a good man who just wants to protect the woman he loves from the ugly side of the media.

I must say that I found the “happy for now” ending to be very realistic and a good solution for Callie and Ty. Callie’s schedule is very demanding and while being famous has definite drawbacks, she isn’t ready to leave the spotlight just yet. I’m not sure what the future will hold for this new couple, but I think they are on the right track.
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“Red” by Maddie James (Paranormal-spicy)

“Red” was by far the most unusual story in this collection. There is a lot about Garnet’s world that I don’t understand. Even Garnet doesn’t seem to know much about it. I definitely think the magic and the history of Garnet’s family needed to be expanded in greater detail. While a bit of mystery is intriguing, Garnet was put in a position of making major, life changing decisions mere moments after learning that her family is much more than it seems. I understand that her family thought they were protecting Garnet by allowing her some time to live a normal life, but I think it is unfair to spring everything on her right before she’s called to make a monumental decision.

Garnet’s relationship with Max ignites from the moment they meet and the chemistry between them burns brighter with each turn of the page. Sex between them is nothing short of scorching. However, I do wish they had had more time to get to know each other. Unfortunately time is something neither of them seem to have. Does Garnet make the right choice, or will the night end in disappointment?

“Death Sat Beside Her” by Jennifer Anderson (Suspense-sensual)

Elysse is a sweet girl, but she is stuck conforming to her mother’s idea of what a young lady should be. Her mom strikes me as very old fashioned and controlling. I know that her mother loves her, but it was clear to me that Elysse was struggling to gain her mother’s approval and was losing her individuality in the process.

Everything changes when Liam walks into her life. The attraction between them is clear from the start. Unfortunately, Elysse has a boyfriend. As I read, I wasn’t sure how the love triangle was going to play out. I can’t give any details without ruining the story, but I will say that I found it very easy to cheer for Liam.

I enjoyed watching Elysse begin to distance herself from the carefully crafted image she’s maintained for so long. Elysse says she’s making the changes because she wants too, but I couldn’t help but wonder if Elysse was simply trying to remake herself into the kind of girl she thought Liam would like.

It was very easy for me to figure out who the murderer was. The suspense of this story came from not knowing who the next victim would be and wondering when Liam and Elysse would put all the pieces of the puzzle together. The conclusion is very satisfying, and I have no doubt that Liam and Elysse are well on their way to a happy ending.

“Sins of the Father” by Janet Eaves (Contemporary-spicy)

Aurora has led a very sheltered life thanks to her overprotective aunts. I must admit that I’m not entirely sure why Aurora’s family went to such great lengths to insulate her from the world. There is some violence in Aurora’s past, but she was too young at the time to remember anything and drastic steps were taken to conceal Aurora’s identity. Aurora certainly needed some degree of protection, but the situation with the aunts just didn’t sit right with me.

Consequently, it is very easy to understand Aurora’s powerful urge to break away. I do think she made some very poor decisions in the process. She is very trusting of Philip, a man she knows nothing about, and she puts herself in an extremely vulnerable position. Fortunately, Philip is a very nice guy, and I enjoyed watching Aurora and Philip relax in each other’s company.

As the story progressed, and the truth of Aurora’s past is revealed, Ms. Eaves did a good job of building the suspense. When Aurora finally learns about her parents and who Philip is, I couldn’t wait to find out what their next step would be. Unfortunately, the story ended at this point. I must admit to being disappointed as I had hoped for a more satisfying conclusion.

“Dixie White and the Seven Dates” by Cat Shaffer (Contemporary-Sweet)

Dorothea’s story is easily my favorite from this anthology. She had my sympathy from page one when she learns some ugly things about her boyfriend. Rather than wallow in self pity, Dorothea decides to take control of her life for the first time. As I read, I had the pleasure of watching Dorothea blossom into a vibrant, caring young woman I’d be proud to call a friend. It took courage for Dorothea to walk away from everything she’s ever known. Fortunately, Dorothea discovers a wonderful small town in Kentucky that nurtures her new found desire to grown and change.

Ms. Shaffer did an excellent job creating the charming small town of Cardington, Kentucky, and most of the people who lived there were just as lovely, especially Lou and Len. Without their support and encouragement, Dorothea’s quest for independence would have been much more difficult.

The blind dates Dorothea goes on are entertaining. However, the men she met seemed more like caricatures rather than real people. Some of the dates were better than others, but I wasn’t surprised that Dorothea didn’t really click with any of them.

Rick is definitely a great guy. He and Dorothea are very comfortable around each other, and they have the beginnings of great chemistry. Their slow dance is particularly memorable. I have no doubt that they will grow into a wonderful couple.

I enjoyed reading And They Lived Happily Ever After. Each story is different with a unique take on various classic fairy tales. I recommend this collection to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Balancing Act by Angie Barry

November 11, 2015 By Leave a Comment

ACT
Balancing Act by Angie Barry
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Contemporary
Length: Short Story (44 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

In a world where even the Greek gods have to earn a paycheck, former lovers Adonis and Narcissus make a bet on who will be the first to successfully seduce the newest intern at Olympus Air: Ganymede. But seduction isn’t so simple when old feelings are far from faded and new realizations come to light, leaving the two men confused as to who and what they really want.

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The bet between Adonis and Narcissus was what first drew me to this tale. I was completely fascinated by the idea of betting a significant other that you could win the heart of someone else, and I couldn’t wait to see what these characters did with this concept. The plot moved so swiftly that I soon had an answer to my question. It was satisfying to see how this idea was played out between these characters because of how quickly everything moved and how they reacted to everything that was going on around them.

It was confusing to switch between the narrators so often. While I was intrigued by both of them as individuals, I would have preferred to get to know one of them better instead of learning a little bit about each of them. There simply wasn’t enough space to give both of the main characters the attention they deserved in this story.

The dialogue was well done. All three of the characters had distinct voices that I was soon able to identify even before the plot reminded me who was speaking. It was really interesting to see how their personalities mingled together as the characters wandered deeper and deeper into the logical consequences of the contest. Their voices sounded even more unique as I grew to know them better.

Balancing Act should be read by anyone who loves ancient Greek mythology.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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