Paris Rose by Dawn Douglas

January 15, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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Paris Rose by Dawn Douglas
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (66 pages)
Heat level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Willow

When Lucy Rawlinson moves into the fixer-upper next door to her ex-husband, Nick, she has more than renovations on her mind. Desperate to win back his love, she begins a campaign to reignite the passion they once shared.

Nick is haunted by the same bitter-sweet memories of their marriage and the baby they lost, but he is determined to never forgive his ex-wife’s infidelity. All Nick wants to do is move on and forget, a task that now seems beyond impossible with Lucy and her noisy little dog living right next door.

Is there a way back? Can Lucy convince Nick that everything they once had is worth fighting for?

If this short story proves anything it’s that everything is better the second time around.

Nick can’t let go of his anger towards his ex-wife Lucy, but Lucy will not take no for an answer. Buying a house that is a bit of a ‘fixer-upper’ that just happens to be right next door to Nick proves that – she needs him to listen to her. Little did she know that even though she wanted Nick to talk to her and listen to what she has to stay, she might get a little bit more then what she bargained for.

Lucy is a very lovable character who easily got empathy from me. Everything she and Nick have been though in the past nearly broke my heart. She bought the house next door to be closer to Nick and try and tell him her side of the story but when Lucy realises that Nick may be ready to move on she uses the house renovations to figure out what she’s going to do with her life next.

In such a small amount of time Ms Douglas has created a very beautiful love story that took no time at all to get me hooked onto Nick and Lucy’s love/hate relationship.

With this deep and emotional read with just the right amount of humour thrown in, this short story quickly became an excellent and very entertaining read. I recommend it.

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

The Maid’s Secret by Jane Whitney Clark

January 14, 2015 By Leave a Comment

SECRET
The Maid’s Secret by Jane Whitney Clark
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Genre: Mystery/Suspense, Historical
Length: Short Story (149 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Thornapple

Twelve years ago, Jameson Parish spent a summer at her best friend Dancie Duvall’s estate of Blue Chimneys. At first, it was all Jameson hoped for, including a passionate romance with Callen Marsh, the local bachelor that every woman seemed to have in her sights.

When Dancie died in a suspicious fall off a footbridge, Callen was suddenly nowhere to be found, and Jameson left for college amid rumors linking her to Dancie’s death. Now she returns to Blue Chimneys, hoping to clear her name and put her lingering feelings for Callen to rest.

Callen, handsomer, wealthier, and more seductive than ever, falls in love with Jameson all over again. But, hungry to rekindle what they once had, he hides one devastating truth.

Soon, sparks fly between them, igniting old passions and lighting the fuse that will send long-buried secrets and lies raining down like fireworks on them all.

The tone and atmosphere of this novel sucked me right into the story from the very beginning, all the way to the end.

Twelve years after the tragic death of her good friend, Dancie, Jameson returns to Blue Chimney Estate for a dedication ceremony honoring her friend. She had left under a cloud of suspicion and although she remembered finding her friend’s body, she has no memory of what lead up to her death. Although most everyone agrees Jameson should never have come back, it is important she clear her name once and for all.

Being back at Blue Chimney after all this time and seeing all her old friends, and a former lover, has Jameson experiencing flashbacks about the night her friend died. Slowly she begins to piece together what actually happened that night, revealing an incredible, shocking revelation that will knock Jameson’s world off its axis forcing her to face truths she has buried for twelve long years. But, someone will work very hard to make sure Jameson doesn’t live long enough to reveal the truth.

Jameson’s initial discomfort sets the stage for a tense and edgy suspense novel that kept me riveted. The tension builds at an agonizing pace, as long buried secrets slowly begin to reveal themselves.

The only flaw in the story was that Jameson seemed to walk into a few too many convenient eavesdropping opportunities where she was able to obtain information she felt might be relevant to the crime or even information about Callen, her old lover.

I found the flashbacks to be more effective and described very vividly, just like a person would really feel if a painful, long buried memory kept trying to resurface. As desperately as Jameson wanted the truth , she was also scared and worried about what she might remember, and the flashbacks often left her confused and disoriented. Despite her fears, Jameson was determined to face her past and I admired her courage and tenacity.

Every person seemed like a viable suspect and I could never settle on one person, try as I might. So, I admit, I couldn’t wait to see what happened next and wound up reading this in one afternoon.

I love old secrets and buried memories and love affairs being rekindled against the backdrop of a small community. I also love cold case mysteries and the satisfaction of knowing justice will finally be served. If you like romantic suspense that uses a psychological edge to build suspense you will really like this one. Well done.

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

30 Seconds by Chrys Fey

January 9, 2015 By 1 Comment

SECONDS
30 Seconds by Chrys Fey
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (111 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Willow

When Officer Blake Herro agreed to go undercover in the Mob, he thought he understood the risks. But he’s made mistakes and now an innocent woman has become their target. He’s determined to protect her at all costs.

The Mob’s death threat turns Dr. Dani Hart’s life upside down, but there is one danger she doesn’t anticipate. As she’s dodging bullets, she’s falling in love with Blake. With danger all around them, will she and Blake survive and have a happy ending, or will the Mob make good on their threat?

It only took me 30 second to fall in love with this novella.

Dani Hart went from workaholic resident saving lives to running from the mob and fearing for her safety all because she literally bumped into an undercover cop – Blake.

Blake Herro was trying to stop the mob and keep people save but ended up putting Dani right in the middle of the fight.

Ms Fey’s use of detailed language got me hooked right from the very first character. She didn’t waste anytime in getting Dani and Blake into danger. I literally could not put this book down, so much so that I finished it in one sitting. It is a fast paced, suspenseful mystery with a whole lot of romance thrown in that left butterflies in my stomach.

The nail-bitting plot twists in 30 seconds just kept coming – each one better then the last. Both Dani and Blake’s past struggles really helped move the story along and although I was itching to find out what happened in the end I just didn’t want the story to finish.

I highly recommend this book to those who love romantic stories that have an air of mystery to them. I definitely enjoyed 30 seconds and look forward to reading Ms Fey’s other novellas as well.

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

Embraced by Fire by Louise Delamore

January 8, 2015 By Leave a Comment

FIRE
Embraced by Fire by Louise Delamore
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full length (354 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Daisy

The last thing Ryu McKay needs on a mission to expose a black market information ring is a simmering attraction to his boss. Not only is he undercover, he needs to keep his shape-shifter identity a secret. Despite his desire, he dare not act on his attraction.

For Kait, excitement and that one special man exist only in her dreams. However, everything changes when Ryu walks into her office looking for a job as a fire-eater. Now she wants nothing more than to turn her dreams into reality.

Kait’s attraction to Ryu grows, but can it survive the secrets he’s hiding? Like the fire with which he plays, this man is dangerous.

Embraced by Fire is a book which draws on the hypnotism of flame and the heat of sexual attraction. Ryu and Kait – the main characters – are drawn to each other physically and thrown together through dangerous circumstances.

This is a romance which revolves around a secret dealer in Kait’s company. The stakes get higher as the lust between the main characters blossoms into romance. The kisses are hot but I found the sexual scenes were downplayed and not as satisfying as I would have wanted due to sex scenes being fully played out in dreams as well as reality.

I also felt the beginning was cliché and ineffective – “Today was just like yesterday, and like yesterday’s yesterday”. The depression from the first line doesn’t draw me into the sparky and lively romance this turns into and it doesn’t put me on the character’s side from the beginning. “The only place anything exciting happened was in her dreams” was also not particularly promising for the rest of the book. Grammatically, there were a fair number of comma splices throughout but not many typos.

Ryu, as the love interest, is introduced quickly and described in great detail. I found this to be too much too quick and more of an info dump than a brilliant illustration of the character. Kait obviously finds Ryu to be incredibly attractive but I didn’t pick up on what made this man so special until much later in the story, when he’s playing with fire (literally). The descriptions of characters in movement were much better, more alive on the page.

That said, the book did turn out pretty good and I enjoyed reading it. Kait is a logical character who comes undone under Ryu’s skilled hands, developing her into a much more emotional and sexual person. I did feel at times her logical actions did not fit with her overly emotional thoughts but that may just be me and those only looking for romance could overlook these small inconsistencies.

On the whole, I found the book an enjoyable romance read, as long as I did not look too closely at the plot (which I found a little predictable). The characters are strong in dialogue and individuality and don’t match any stereotypes I’ve found to be worn out in romance fiction. Kait is an ambitious businesswoman undone by a fire eating god of a man and Ryu is a man who realises commitment isn’t such a bad thing.

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

Reality Re-Do by Ally Hayes

January 6, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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Reality Re-Do by Ally Hayes
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Comedy
Length: Short Story (114 pages)
Heat level: Sweet
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Willow

Following her husband’s sudden and tragic death, Beth Franklin finds solace in her couch, watching Dream House, a home improvement show – until she tires of the show’s routine and writes into the network, suggesting a plot twist.

When TV executives ask her to consider appearing on the show, she finds herself not only renovating a house, but her own life when she and co-host, hottie Scott Roberts, hit it off.

With broken hearts in common, Beth and Scott take a risk on love, surprising not only themselves but the show’s viewers, as well.

The novella – Reality Do-over – is definitely every Fan-girl’s dream!

Beth Franklin is ready to move on with her life. To do this she gets her favourite reality television show to help her, but finds more then what she could of hoped for – that being Scott Roberts.

Scott Roberts, co-host of Dream house and Beth’s celerity crush is everything a main love interest should be – sweet, caring, gorgeous and most importantly truthful. Scott is definitely going on my list of fictional crushes.

The character development of Beth was brilliant. I was along for the ride a she tired to figure out how to continue her life after her late husband’s accident. I was truly blown away with Beth as she built her life back up from scratch after it crumbled around her. I was especially amazed with the fact her close friends and her daughter didn’t question her grieving method of ‘channel-surfing’ and help her out as the story goes along.

Ms Hayes has created a beautiful written story that I literally could not put down. I needed answers to the questions that had me bitting my nails right up to the last sentence.

This novel is perfect for all those who have ever fantasized a life together with their celebrity crush. I highly recommend it.

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Resorts, Regrets, and Returning to Love by J L Wilson

December 16, 2014 By Leave a Comment

REGRETS
Resorts, Regrets, and Returning to Love by J L Wilson
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (430 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Can you recapture a lost love?

Thirty-four years ago, they were each other’s first romance. For three magical months, Nate Boltz and Emily Sutherland worked together at a Michigan resort and fell passionately in love. But when the summer ended, Emily moved back home and their relationship faded.

Now Nate is the town’s police chief. When a skeleton is uncovered at the resort, the bones are identified as a girl who disappeared right after that tumultuous summer. Looking for answers, Nate reaches out to the resort’s former staff–including Emily.

Emily never forgot Nate and eagerly joins him as he tries to untangle old clues and half-forgotten rumors. Working together again, they rekindle the passion they once knew. But can they find a way forward from the old memories to something more permanent?

Or does the murderer have other plans for the reunited lovers from that magical summer?

Are Nate and Emily truly in love, or just in love with the past?

Nate and Emily certainly have a passionate romance. I think their first encounter with each other is a bit strange. Emily talked about some very personal stuff with a man she hardly knew. Even though I thought this was odd, it is clear right from the start that Nate and Emily have great chemistry, and I looked forward to learning about their epic summer romance. I do think that too much of their relationship revolved around sex. Since they were each other’s first serious relationship, I understand how powerful that physical connection can be, but Nate and Emily spent most of their time together either having sex or talking about it. Even when they were spending time together outside the bedroom, their thoughts still revolved around sex. It became a bit much after a while, and the sexual tension began to lose its impact.

There is also no real explanation as to why Nate and Emily didn’t stay in touch, especially since Emily managed to stay in touch with other people from that summer. After everything they went through, I find it hard to believe that their relationship simply faded into the background. I understand that they would have been trying to make a long distance relationship work in a time before cell phones, email, and the internet, but I would have thought the intensity of their relationship would have warranted more effort on both their parts.

Watching Nate and Emily reconnect was fun and frustrating at the same time. Everyone else in town already knows that they are meant to be together. Nate and Emily never really got over each other and are thrilled at the prospect of reconnecting. However, they are so hung up on the past they can’t decide if what they feel is love or nostalgia for their summer of romance. Nate and Emily jump into a physical relationship almost immediately, making it even harder for them to sort out their feelings. I couldn’t help but shake my head as they alternated between jumping into bed with each other and having fights born out of jealousy and a lack of trust. Despite my frustration with how they handled their relationship, I enjoyed watching Nate and Emily work together to solve the mystery, and their happy ending is well deserved.

I found it pretty easy to figure out who the murderer was. Once clues started emerging, I was able to piece them together pretty quickly. Then it just became a matter of waiting for Nate and Emily to figure it out. I can’t say much about the culprit without spoiling the ending, but I will say it is easy to see why this character got away with everything for so long. I must also warn readers that there is a graphic description of a near rape that is very unsettling. Ms. Wilson paced the mystery very well by alternating chapters between the present and the past. It was a very effective way to gradually reveal the mystery of the past and how it connected to the present.

I enjoyed reading Resorts, Regrets, and Returning to Love. I recommend it to anyone looking for a mystery with a healthy dose of romance.

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

The Dressmaker’s Duke by Jess Russell

December 12, 2014 By Leave a Comment

DRESSMAKER
The Dressmaker’s Duke by Jess Russell
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (282 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Bluet

Rhys Merrick, Duke of Roydan, is determined to be the antitheses of his depraved father, repressing his desires so severely he is dubbed “the Monk” by Society. But when Olivia Weston turns up demanding payment for gowns ordered by his former mistress, Rhys is totally flummoxed and inexplicably smitten. He pays her to remove her from his house, and mind. But logic be damned, he must have this fiercely independent woman.

Olivia’s greatest fear is becoming a kept woman. She has escaped the role of mistress once and vows never to be owned by any man. Rather than make money in the boudoir, she chooses to clothe the women who do. But when a fire nearly kills her friend and business partner, Olivia’s world goes up in smoke and she is forced to barter with the lofty duke.

As their lives weave together, Olivia unravels the man underneath the Monk, while Rhys desires to expose the lady hiding behind the dressmaker. Will his raw passion fan a long-buried ember of hope within her? Can this mismatched pair be the perfect fit?

Just – Wow! I am in awe of this wonderful book. I’m one of those people who has to be dragged kicking and screaming to try a new author, as I’m frequently disappointed. The blurb for this book sounded intriguing, so I decided to give it a try. This is the story of the Duke of Roydan, Rhys Merrick, who is described as monkish, rather than rakish, (a welcome change from the norm) and widowed dressmaker, Olivia Weston.

Olivia is currently in a sad financial state. The Duke of Roydan has dismissed his former mistress, and five gowns that she commissioned from Olivia remain unpaid. In desperation, Olivia goes to the duke’s residence to demand payment. Initially he has no intention of paying, but he is so affected by Olivia that he agrees. His intent is to just get rid of her, but after she’s gone, he finds himself tracking her down. Rhys can’t really understand his reaction to Olivia, but he can’t seem to stay away. After several encounters, he makes her an offer to be his mistress, which she turns down. Soon, a disaster destroys Olivia’s shop and all her possessions, leaving her with nothing, and sending her to the duke to accept his offer if it’s still available. This is where we start to see how damaged Rhys really is. His story is enough to break your heart. The only love he ever knew was from his mother, who died when Rhys was very young, leaving him at the mercy of his cruel, abusive, and perverted father. Everything done to him shaped him into the quiet, controlled, and monkish man he is. Despite being damaged, he only treated Olivia with generosity and kindness. Olivia also suffered abuse, and is hiding secrets about herself. She finds herself falling in love with this good, but strange man who is totally beyond her reach. Yet, in her heart she wishes he would defy convention and offer her marriage.

Jess Russell has written this story and these characters so skillfully that my heart broke along with theirs. I felt the impossibility of their situation, and wondered how on earth it would ever work out. I cared for them, and I literally could not turn the pages quickly enough. Everything about this book worked for me – the characters, the plot, the conflicts, and a happy ever after that was sweet indeed. It’s hard to believe that this is a first book, it’s that good. This will be in my top ten books for this year, and I am very much looking forward to future books from Jess Russell. If you enjoy exciting, emotional stories with damaged heroes and heroines, this is the perfect one for you.

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Sterling’s Way by Sarita Leone

December 10, 2014 By Leave a Comment

STERLING
Sterling’s Way by Sarita Leone
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (172 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rated: 4 stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

Jack Sterling isn’t having a good day. A swindler has stolen family property from his elderly grandmother and Jack has taken the law into his own hands to steal it back. Only the stagecoach he intends to rob is under fire, forcing him to rescue the very occupants he’d planned to rob. One glance at the beautiful woman inside nearly has him forgetting why he’s there in the first place.

Kristen March has fled Boston to avoid an arranged marriage between moneyed families. She’d rather take her chances on the untamed frontier than marry a man she doesn’t love. But the Wild West proves to be more adventure than she anticipates when her stagecoach comes under attack.

Not only does handsome Jack come to her rescue, he makes it clear he plans to court her. But both are keeping secrets that could tear them apart for good.

Jack Sterling is tough, confident and abruptly, unintionally falling for the steely, blue-eyed Miss Kristen Marsh. He makes a good impression, holding off the ‘bad-guys’ when the stage-coach is attacked and behaving as a gentleman. Mind you, he’s had in mind to ‘twirl’ a lady on occasion , and I think, any lady meeting him would not find that adverse at all.

Kristen is hellbent on becoming a whole new person when she arrives in the rough west of 1874 practically straight from a certain prestigious ladies’ academy. She’s determined, she’s motivated (for a reason she tries to keep secret) but she’s ‘more vinegar than honey’ at some points. She’s possibly not the most admirable leading lady, although Leone establishes early on that Kristen is very good looking. She doesn’t lack courage though, and more and more, readers will find they like her.

The recurring highlight in Sterling’s Way are the light moments: subtle touches of humor, sometimes because of events, sometimes revealed in conversation. This reader simply adored Jack Sterling, start to finish. A clip from a conversation:

“…as you so delicately pointed out, I may have nearly knocked you onto your—” He raised an amused brow before he continued. “Well, let’s just say I almost knocked you down.”

Jack’s good humor and courage are well established at the start; Ms. Leone keeps the story moving, keeps the humor coming, and indeed, doesn’t let her readers down.

Cover expectations led me to expect some echo of a cheesy western, with images like the sunset-colored hair, or perhaps the ocean-blue eyes, and sure enough: At times, descriptions delve into almost a parody of the old time western, offering an element of the cheesy that seems unintended … the moments don’t spoil an otherwise good story, but the over-the-top does tend to distant the reader from the action.

A fan of the western romance will find a lot to like here, especially the truly admirable hero.

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Sweet to the Taste by Alyssa Cole

December 10, 2014 By Leave a Comment

SWEET
Sweet to the Taste by Alyssa Cole
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (34 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Callie, unlucky in love and unable to move on, rediscovers passion at her best friend’s wedding with the handsome singer hired for the traditional Indian event. He’s more god than man, but does he have the power to soothe her soul and teach her body to sing?

Callie Jane Robert hasn’t had much luck in the relationship department, but a night at her friend’s wedding could bring about a change.

At a beautiful traditional Indian wedding for Callie’s best friend, Priyal, Callie is introduced to a ganharva, a man who sings Indian music. Per Priyal’s nani ganharva are magical and very handsome and skilled musicians. Callie soon finds this to be true when the sensual sounds have her body vibrating with his music.

In an oasis of beauty the battle between her rational mind has short circuit her inhibitions once the mystical ganharva gives Callie overdue moments of fulfillment.

This short erotic tale has a poetic flow that paints a visual picture of the surrounding scenery. The author’s words offer a visual seduction that were a pleasure to read. I liked how the author let the moment happen. Callie found pleasure but wasn’t greedy to want more, which sometimes can mess things up. She didn’t over think it; she lived in the moment happen. A hot short read with a ending that wasn’t predictable.

Being that the story was short it didn’t leave much space to build a connection with the characters. It was more of a I can relate because I am a woman with fantasies. How many women haven’t fantasied about being the center of a handsome talented man’s desire?

This is a recommended quick read that will surely have your mouth ready for something sweet to taste.

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

Heart Shifter by Charlotte Copper

December 9, 2014 By 1 Comment

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Heart Shifter by Charlotte Copper
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (68 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Mitch Mingan has chosen to remain a bachelor; he doesn’t want anyone else to suffer his destiny. But when his cousin Ken dies leaving behind twin boys, it is up to Mitch to ensure his nephews are ready for what lies ahead. Inviting Ken’s widow Sarah and the boys up for the summer seems like a perfect start.

For Sarah, a summer up north is the perfect opportunity for her sons to get to know their father’s family. It’s also a chance for Sarah to learn the truth behind why her husband left his childhood home at such an early age. What she doesn’t count on is falling for their handsome host. She also doesn’t count on finding out the family legacy: Mingan means wolf!

Her deceased husband and father of twin boys has been dead for three years, but when his widowed wife, Sarah receives a letter requesting she take the twins up north for the summer of the boys 12th birthday she finds it strange but complies. Why would Sarah’s deceased husband request that she connect with a family that he seemed to distance himself from while he was alive?

Heart Shifter was a refreshing read that gave just enough. I enjoyed the mystery behind the family secret and also the attraction between Sarah and Mitch. Sarah loved her husband and thought highly of him but his cousin Mitch Mingah has a dark sex appeal that Sarah can’t help feel the pull. From the description the author has given Mitch, he sounds irresistible. The characters were likable and the plot was original. The author has a talent for writing. I even enjoyed the domesticity writing details of the day to day breakfast, grocery shopping and family gatherings.

There were a few typos but nothing that would take away from the reading flow. The ending was slightly predictable but still manages to not leave you disappointed.

This is a book of wolf shifters. However as I stated earlier the author gave just enough of a balance between romance and a soft version of the wolf behavior. I enjoyed the family heritage and family togetherness. If you enjoy a novel of wolf shifters but you don’t want all the violence and killing this will be an enjoyable read for you.

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