She Came First by Kayden Claremont

June 26, 2019 By Leave a Comment


She Came First by Kayden Claremont
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (28 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

As head mechanic for her family’s stock car team, Tracy Hyland is making sure her car is ready for tomorrow’s race. If the car comes in first, she can claim her rightful place in the business. She can’t afford distractions, especially an ex high school sweetheart, one who broke her heart but still makes her engine purr.

Racecar driver Delaney P. Jones comes home to drive the Hyland’s car and to win back the girl he left behind. To break the iciness between them, he tempts his sexy mechanic into a smoldering dance of passion. His ultimate goal might prove more difficult—getting her across their own private finish line.

Quick, steamy and satisfying for a lunch read.

I’m all for short stories. Pack a punch in a few pages and I’m there. This story was no different. In a few pages, the author ramps up the heat. I couldn’t put this book down.

I have to admit, I would’ve loved a few more pages with Delaney and Tracy. I have lots of questions and would’ve appreciated more backstory. This is a short story and there is only so much space. The heat level was right up there. I mean hot. Some readers might think some of the descriptions bordered on raunchy, but it worked for the story. I loved it. The chemistry is hot and I’m glad I read this book.

If you’re looking for a short read that’s hot and will fill half an hour, then this might be the book for you.

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

Hot Lap by Leslie Scott

June 11, 2019 By 2 Comments


Hot Lap by Leslie Scott
Arcadia Fast series, Book Two
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full (249 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Starting a new life isn’t easy when the skeletons locked in her closet are the notorious town drunk for a father and a haunted past. But, Hadley Morgan isn’t one to shy away from second chances or giving them either. When a young, single father wrapped up in an octane fueled package takes particular interest in her, she begins to dream. But well-known drag racer Aiden Casey is also her boss, making her hesitate to grab at her chance at happiness. Will her secrets shatter their chance at love or will his past come back to destroy both of them?

This is my second Leslie Scott book and I’m certain I’ll read more books by her since I find her writing style to be captivating. I find it captivating because she makes her books come to life. Hot Lap is part of the Arcadia Fast series. I didn’t read the first book, The Finish Line, however that wasn’t an issue. I was able to quickly catch on to what was going on and connect with all the characters. As much as it can be read as a stand alone, I do want to go back and read the first one. I want to read Jordan and Raelynn’s story because I felt slightly left out when they talked about their memories. I want to feel the entire Casey family experience in Arkadia, Texas.

This story is about Hadley Morgan and Aiden Casey. Hadley, the heroine, pulled at my heartstrings. She’s lived a heartbreaking life prior to meeting the Casey family. I couldn’t help cheering when she opened her heart up to Aiden, the hero.

Aiden is book boyfriend worthy. Many of the male characters are. I look forward to the next book in the series to find out who will be the next hero and heroine. I am hoping it will be Aiden’s sister, Breanna and the newcomer, Noah. Noah is a bit mysterious in Hot Lap and I want to discover more about him.

I found this romance story, Hot Lap, to be an entertaining read. The ups and downs between Hadley and Aiden made for a fast paced, riveting story. I didn’t know much about street racing so I found that topic quite fascinating. Overall, this book was a winning race for me.

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Bloodlines by Denise Carbo

June 4, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Bloodlines by Denise Carbo
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, sci-fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full length (276 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

They have been here for centuries. Their planet was destroyed by war, and they now hide among us. Malcolm Donovan, a dragon shifter, rules over one of four clans. When a clan member is murdered, he must find the killer. Nothing will disrupt his pledge to protect his clan. Nothing that is until he finds his mate. Elsie Monroe, human to the bone, and the resort manager for the Donovan family finds herself falling in love with the charming Wyoming town, and she can’t help but be drawn to the mysterious, Malcolm Donovan. His rude attitude is atrocious, but his kisses can bring chocolate to a boiling point. Not to mention what he does to her body and heart. Soon Elsie is dragged into a world of secrecy and violence. Creatures she thought were fantasy are actually real. And she is left wondering if love will be enough to capture and tame her own personal dragon.

Finding his mate is the last thing Malcolm wanted.

Malcolm’s life is stressful but well organized. As leader of his clan, he has maintained an uneasy peace with the other clans. Then one of his clan members is found brutally murdered. To make matters more complicated, Elsie appears to be his mate. Unwilling to accept that a human could be his mate, Malcolm fights his attraction to Elsie, but is this a battle that Malcolm can win?

I found the concept of shape shifters coming from a different planet interesting, and I’m intrigued by the nature of the shape shifters Ms. Carbo has created. I want to know so much more about them! What exactly makes them different from humans? How were the aliens able to adapt so well to Earth? I also want to know more about the animals they shift into. It seems that the animals they can shift into are not restricted by familial ties. I’d love to know how their body determines which animals they can become.

I must say I found the relationship between Malcolm and Elsie to be problematic. While there is an instant physical attraction between them, there is nothing else to anchor the relationship. Malcolm immediately discards the idea that Elsie could be his mate because he’s never heard of his kind mating with humans. While I understand that Malcolm has a lot on his plate, I would have thought that such a powerful reaction to a woman would have made him think twice or at least seek out more information. They barely spend any time together, and when they do, Malcolm treats Elsie atrociously. He’s possessive, demanding, and rude. He alternates between seeking her out and pushing her away. I don’t find any of this behavior attractive. I also feel their happy ending is very abrupt. So much time is spent agonizing over the nature of their relationship, and Elsie is kept in the dark about Malcolm’s true nature for the majority of the book that it just seems unrealistic for them to reach their happy ending so quickly after Elsie discovers the truth.

Despite my issue with the romance, I think the story is well paced, and I genuinely wanted to know who the murderer was. I enjoyed learning tidbits about the shape shifters, and I also liked seeing Malcolm cooperate with another clan. From what I gather, clans working together is rare. I hope this is the beginning of more open communications between the clans.

I think Bloodlines is a good read. While the Malcolm and Elsie’s relationship might not be for everyone, I did find the world of the shape shifters intriguing and worth exploring.

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

Seventeen Days by Linda Griffin

May 24, 2019 By 1 Comment


Seventeen Days by Linda Griffin
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full length (182 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Divorcee Jenna Scott moves to a quiet California fishing village during the first Gulf War to make a new life in a house inherited from her grandfather. Her next-door neighbor recommends widowed handyman Rick Alvarez to fix her leaky roof. Jenna is intimidated by his good looks and annoyed by his self-assurance, but disarmed by his affection for his young son. She is still hurting from her ex-husband’s betrayal and resists the attraction between them. Rick has lived in the village for only three years and is still an outsider, friendly but not sharing his past with anyone. When an attractive vacationer is murdered, local gossip says he is the killer, and rumors spread about his wife’s death as well. Jenna is determined not to believe the gossip, but will she ever be able to trust Rick with her wounded heart?

I can’t think of a better way to pass a rainy Sunday than reading a good book. I always like to have a book on hand for such an occasion. Seventeen Days didn’t disappoint. It’s not often I get uninterrupted time to do just what I love best, to dive into a story and stay there. The best part of my day was when a severe thunderstorm passed through and at that very moment, I was at a suspenseful part in the story. You can imagine how the combination of the two made me come alive with adrenaline, but I never put the book down. It was too exciting!

From the first page I was drawn into the story as Jenna, the heroine, was exploring the house she inherited from her grandfather. There were several well developed characters introduced throughout the story. I loved the setting of a quiet California fishing village. It was the perfect backdrop for gossip, rumors and murder. Seventeen Days consisted of all the ingredients needed to create a fast paced story with unexpected plot twists.

I felt the chemistry between the hero, Rick, and Jenna even though he was reserved. Rick had his reasons to be cautious especially after what happened to him three years ago. It was sweet how his son and Jenna connected over her drawings. Jenna was easy to like. It was only a matter of time before they realized they had a future together.

I need to mention how much I absolutely loved that the author, Linda Griffin, chose to end the story with an “Afterword”. That was better than an epilogue, and everyone knows how much I adore epilogues. I just loved that wrap up. Seriously, this book deserves the opportunity to be read. I recommend it.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Within the Skin by Zara West

May 22, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Within the Skin by Zara West
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full length (342 pages)
Heat Level: Hot
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Known as El Toro, street artist Alba Vargas is on the cusp of fame and fortune. Winner of a prestigious award, she is the toast of the New York City art scene. Or at least she will be, once she figures out how to act like a woman after living disguised as a boy for six years. If she is lucky, she might even attract the attention of the tattoo artist she has long loved from afar. Tattoo artist Fernando Pharaoh has betrayed everyone who ever cared about him, including El Toro, the street-wise graffiti artist who saved his life when all looked bleak. Depressed, he turns from his friends and becomes ensnared in a criminal enterprise run by a former enemy. Then the crime boss kidnaps Toro’s younger brother, Hanger. Blaming himself, Pharaoh sets out to rescue him, resolving to do one good thing in his life. But Toro has her own desperate plan to save her brother—one that will not only break Pharaoh’s heart—but will also destroy every hope and dream she has ever had.

Some of the best movies are the ones where you sit on the edge of your seat screaming “No, don’t go in there!” That was this book. Within the Skin is the the third book in the series, “The Skin Quartet”, but can easily be read as a stand alone. After reading this novel, I am interested in going back to read the others to get a better picture of the backstory.

I’m not exaggerating when I say this book was filled with unpredictable suspense and mystery. I had to put it down to go to sleep, but it took a long time for sleep to come. If I didn’t have to work then I would have just kept on reading. I made sure to finish it when I got home from work.

I’m at a loss for words. If the synopsis sounds interesting to you then definitely give it a chance. The writing style was riveting and it kept me turning the pages as fast as I could from beginning to the end.

I fell in love with Alba, also known as, El Toro, the heroine, and Pharaoh, the hero. They were clearly soulmates with hot chemistry. They had so much in common – from their past hardships to their perseverance to survive.

How realistic was this story? I have no idea but I suppose anything is possible in today’s world, especially in New York. It sounded more than believable to me. I found the scenic descriptions about graffiti art very interesting.

Anyway, I have zero qualms in recommending this thrilling book. It was a really great read!

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Taming the Lyon by Loretta C. Rogers

May 16, 2019 By 1 Comment


Taming the Lyon by Loretta C. Rogers
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical (early 1900’s)
Length: Full length (287 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Recently widowed, Dr. Margaret Boynton leaves England and sails to Africa. She finds herself up against dangerous animals and terrifying witch doctors. Determined never to fall in love again, Margaret finds her most formidable enemy is her own heart when she meets the enigmatic Jeremiah Lyon.

A scoundrel whose scarred face and ice-blue eyes make strong women weak, Jeremiah Lyon, legendary great white hunter, resents his assignment to escort a middle-aged doctor to the mission hospital. She isn’t what he expected…and neither is his unguarded reaction to her.

When a secret society of cannibals kidnap Margaret, can Lyon rescue her before their chances for a future are destroyed forever?

Margaret came to Africa to leave her past, but she just might find her future.

After suffering a terrible loss, Margaret finds very little reason to stay in England. Determined to put her skills to use, she takes a position working as a doctor in Africa. While Margaret had heard of the beauty and danger of Africa, nothing could have prepared her for the reality of living there. Her adventures in adapting to the climate and learning about various culture groups was quite humorous at times and at others a bit scary.

Although Africa isn’t what Margaret expected, she isn’t one to shrink from a challenge. Understandably, she has moments when she breaks down and questions her decision to make such a bold move, but this serves to make her a more realistic and relatable character. She’s a very strong and courageous woman.

As unprepared as Margaret was for Africa, she is even more surprised by Lyon and her feelings for him. Initially, Margaret and Lyon struck me as an odd couple. They come from very different backgrounds. Margaret and Lyon definitely have a strong physical attraction to each other, but I never got the feeling they were really comfortable around each other. They gradually grow to respect each other, and become friends, but I always felt like they were tiptoeing around each other. They weren’t comfortable sharing their pasts at first, which I understand as they have both suffered tragedies. However, once they decided to take their relationship to the next level, things progressed very quickly and Margaret still hadn’t divulged some very pertinent information to Lyon. I really feel something that important should have been discussed before they moved forward. Despite this issue, I do think that Margaret and Lyon have potential to be a great couple. With their strong personalities and chemistry, their lives will certainly be exciting!

Taming the Lyon is an entertaining read, and I enjoyed following Margaret and Lyon on their adventure. Fans of historical romance and happy endings would do well to pick up a copy.

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

Gone by Karyn Good

May 13, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Gone by Karyn Good
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full length (356 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Dryas

Ever since a devastating family tragedy seventeen years ago, Grace Bighill has struggled to keep her remaining family from falling apart. Then the discovery of her mother’s body in the woods unearths a connection to a decades old murder case, and Grace is dragged into a politician’s bitter bid for revenge. Constable Mike Davenport’s days in Aspen Lake are numbered. He’s ready to take his next step up the career ladder somewhere a lot more cosmopolitan. He’s avoided any emotional attachments, despite having fallen hard for a certain stubborn local. But when a body turns up, Mike’s careful intentions collapse in the face of Grace’s grief and her exhaustive efforts to care for her family. A search for answers leads Grace and Mike down a twisted path proving no one can escape their roots. But someone might die trying.

The story is complex and the writing drew me right in. I couldn’t stop reading about these two fascinating characters.

Mike is a man with issues. He’s weighed down with his guilt and refuses to make long term connections with people, let alone a relationship. Enter Gracie. Thanks to Gracie’s stubbornness he ends opening up to her like he has not to others. He struggles every day to keep away from Grace as long as he can but she draws him in. He is not afraid to show her his emotions when he is overwhelmed. He is up front about what their relationship can be.

The story unfolds slowly, like a disjointed but beautiful waltz. Mike and Gracie’s passion runs high. They trust and admire each other and the foundation of a stable relationship is built. Lessons are learned and the mystery…well, you’ve got to read this book to figure that out. It’s well worth the read.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Moonsworn by Amber Renard

April 22, 2019 By 1 Comment


Moonsworn by Amber Renard
Pine Valley Wolves #1
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Paranormal, Contemporary
Length: Full length (232 pages)
Heat Level: Hot
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Kel O’Conley, DVM, treats supernaturals and their pets. Where else can a witch take a talking familiar for vaccinations or vampires get a stake removed? Kel wants experience in her field before returning to her pack. She’s fought tooth and claw for her dream and nothing will stop her.

Until Tavis Alger, Heir to a rival pack, appears at her clinic with a gravely injured werewolf. Accustomed to obedience, Tavis doesn’t know how to handle Kel—except in the bedroom. She completely disregards Tavis’ title, but remains his packmate’s best chance at survival.But Tavis’ Alpha doesn’t trust Kel and swears a blood oath: Should the injured werewolf die, so does Kel.

To save herself, Kel proposes a political mating with Tavis despite their bickering. She didn’t expect their white-hot attraction or developing feelings, but when more supernaturals are targeted, Tavis and Kel must work together or lose everything.

A vet who wants to specialize in supernaturals? One who is a wolf in hiding? What could possibly go wrong?

It’s been a while since I’ve read a good shifter book, so I was looking forward to this one. The cover is gorgeous, and really piqued my interest. Once I started reading, I was hooked. These characters are so vibrant and full of life, I was smiling from the start. Tavis and Kel are a perfect match for each other – in their stubbornness if nothing else!

The story is twisted enough to have kept my interest from start to finish, and has left me wanting more. The world building is excellent, with enough definition given between the two packs that it is never a question over which pack is which. I would have loved to have learnt more about the Pack Hierarchy, and the politics/rules/regulations that Alphas have to abide by, but I’m guessing that may come in future books! So many intriguing characters I want to hear more from.

A fantastic story, rich with detail and emotion. First book in a new series, and I am definitely left wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.

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

Dearly Beloved by Peggy Jaeger

April 2, 2019 By 2 Comments


Dearly Beloved by Peggy Jaeger
A Match Made in Heaven, Book One
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (310 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Colleen O’Dowd manages a thriving bridal business with her sisters in Heaven, New Hampshire. After fleeing Manhattan and her cheating ex-fiancé, Colleen still believes in happily ever afters. But with a demanding business to run, her sisters to look after, and their 93-year-old grandmother to keep out of trouble, she’s worried she’ll never find Mr. Right.

Playboy Slade Harrington doesn’t believe in marriage. His father’s six weddings have taught him life is better as an unencumbered single guy. But Slade loves his little sister. He’ll do anything for her, including footing the bill for her dream wedding. He doesn’t plan on losing his heart to a smart-mouthed, gorgeous wedding planner, though.

When her ex-fiancé comes back into the picture, Colleen must choose between Mr. Right and Mr. Right Now.

This is a book that I couldn’t put down despite the fact that it was past my bedtime. I eventually had to for the sake of being able to function at my job the next day. However, the level of my function was up for debate because all I could do was think about getting home to finish this book! That’s the type of book Dearly Beloved is, life gripping! While reading it I kept thinking how I couldn’t wait to write a review for it. Thanks to unfortunate circumstances such as getting sick, it’s been a couple of days since I finished the book but I’m finding that my love for it hasn’t diminished one bit. I’m super excited that it’s book one in the series! Yeah for me! I’ll be reading the next book when it’s released.

This happens to be my second book that I’ve read by Peggy Jaeger and I’m going to have to officially classify myself as a Peggy Jaeger fan. She writes amazing books with unforgettable characters that you wish you personally knew.

Some people say that romance bridal books are no longer fashionable, and they might decide not to read this book, at which point I say, they are missing out on an entertaining read. Dearly Beloved was more than an entertaining read for me because I really connected with the cast of characters. I loved Colleen, the heroine and her family, the O’Dowds, especially Nanny Fee. Oh, and it’s a huge understatement to say that I fell head over heels for the hero, Slade. I mean, seriously, just his name is drool worthy.

An element of the writing style in Dearly Beloved that I particularly enjoyed was the use of colloquialisms. I want to go back and write some of them down and use them in my verbiage repertoire. I just thought that they were clever, funny and implemented at the most appropriate timing.

I have to address the relationship between Colleen and Slade. Slade has, let me just say, some issues that fortunately for him, Colleen is a strong woman who has the necessary skills and family support to help him see the light, if you will. Their romance left me feeling a beautiful book glow at the end. There was plenty of chemistry between these two to light up the night.

Needless to say this was an awesome book. I’d like to personally thank Peggy Jaeger for writing one of my favorite themes since quality bridal romance books are hard to find these days. Now, I just need to practice some patience for the next book in the A Match Made in Heaven series to come out.

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

Spirited Quest by Julie Howard

March 14, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Spirited Quest by Julie Howard
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Short Story (127 pages)
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Snowdrop

Paige Norman believes in a tangible, explainable world. When her ghost-hunting niece comes for a visit, she tries not to scoff. But someone, or something, is stirring up trouble at the Deerbourne Inn and her niece, Jillian, is at the center of the mystery.

Paige is certain the handsome Aussie photographer is behind the unexplained disturbances, and she warns her niece to stay clear. Meanwhile, Jillian gets to know the otherworldly Lady of the Deerbourne, who foretells an encounter with “two men.” Then the pranks turn dangerous. Has her niece attracted a stalker or has she conjured an evil presence? Can the culprit be the man who has captured her heart?

Do you believe in spirits? How about ghosts? I’ve never thought too hard about it but one thing I know is they don’t leave things on your pillow or steal things from your room. Nonetheless, Jillian is sure that is the only type of visitor she has at the Deerbourne Inn.

This is a cute sort of cozy about a niece, Jillian, visiting her aunt in a small New England town. While that might sound “normal”, the fact that the Jillian has a blog dealing with spirits and ghosts and has thousands of followers world-wide makes this a little different than your everyday story. Jillian has come to visit her Aunt Paige but also to stay at the Deerbourne Inn to see if any spirits are trapped there. Jillian is also gorgeous, naïve, and friendly and sweet enough to make you gag. Oh whoops, the gagging thing wasn’t part of the story, that must have been my own jealousy creeping in. But actually, Aunt Paige begins to wonder if she herself isn’t just a little envious of the carefree nature and natural beauty of her niece.

This was a pleasant read. One of those “make you feel good” kind of books. It read quickly, the characters were interesting and defined to the point that they were visible in my mind. When you are a visual person, this becomes very important to the reader. You almost need to see the story. Not always done well by every author but well-accomplished here.

Julie Howard is an author to check out.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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