Affinity by LaVerne Clark

October 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment


Affinity by LaVerne Clark
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (115 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

In the wrong hands, Jenna Thomas’s legacy could be a curse—in her mind it already is. As a child, a routine x-ray awakened an abnormality in Jenna’s DNA, giving her the ability to “call” creatures and take on their attributes. Labeled a freak since then, Jenna’s learned to keep everyone at a distance. But all that changes the day she saves a young boy from drowning and the story goes viral.

Nick Hawke, an off-duty policeman, witnesses part of the drama. Captivated by Jenna’s exotic beauty, he decides to investigate, not sure what to believe. Jenna puts his cynicism to the test—even as the attraction between them grows.

As word of her extraordinary rescue spreads, a dangerous man who will stop at nothing to control Jenna’s abilities draws near. With her feelings for Nick putting him in danger too, can Jenna risk everything to protect them both?

Will Jenna put her life on the line for a man she’s just met?

Jenna is a very easy character to like. Even though she knows she’s risking exposing her abilities to the world, she still saves a young boy from drowning. That alone says volumes about the type of woman she is, but I still would have liked to know more about her past and how she learned to control her abilities. Not only does Jenna have a good heart, but a bold one as well. I expected someone who has spent a good deal of her life alone and trying to hide to be much more timid. However, Jenna has quite a bit of spunk in her. Her display of attitude after chasing some bad guys off her property is especially entertaining.

Jenna’s unique powers make for a thought provoking story that left me wondering what would happen if such a thing were really possible. In Jenna’s case, she becomes a target for a very evil man, but I also couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if those powers resided in someone who didn’t have Jenna’s morals to begin with. The thought is truly terrifying.

Jenna and Nick have an intense connection from the moment they meet. The chemistry between them practically sizzles. Jenna hints that other people have been less than accepting about her powers, so I thought it a bit odd that she was so quick to not only trust Nick, but pursue a relationship with him. Their relationship moves a bit fast for my taste, but the connection between them seems genuine. I also enjoyed the twist added to their bond after they make love.

I thought the conflict with the man who was after Jenna was resolved a bit too quickly. Just as the story was picking up speed and the tension was mounting, everything ended. I just wasn’t ready for the story to be over yet. I also have to question why Jenna and Nick didn’t take more precautions for her safety in the first place. Nick and Jenna knew she was a target, yet they didn’t take much action to prevent another attack. I would have thought Nick would have at least insisted on moving her to a different location. Despite this issue, the plot flowed well and had a satisfying conclusion.

Affinity is a fun, fast paced story sure to get the blood flowing. Anyone looking for a good paranormal suspense filled with spicy romance should give Affinity a try.

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

It’s Always Been You by Leanne Tyler

October 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment


It’s Always Been You by Leanne Tyler
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short story (62 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Retired Staff Sergeant Seth Roberts returns to Summerville to begin the next chapter of his life. To do that, he needs to find out why his girlfriend married another man more than twenty years ago while he served in the Persian Gulf. Their high school reunion is the perfect place to confront Elyse Jordan.

Determined to be a strong role model for her daughters, Professor of Feminist Theory Elyse Jordan never talks about the loss of her only love twenty years ago. Caring for her mother during cancer treatment brings Elyse back to Summerville, the one place she avoided after Seth’s death. When an invitation to her twenty-fifth reunion arrives, she decides to go and reconnect with lost friends. She never imagines she’ll come face-to-face with Seth instead.

Can Seth and Elyse find the thread of love that bound them together or will past tragedies and misunderstandings keep them apart?

Over twenty years have been lost due to false reports, misconceptions, anger and lies. Can these two put away the ghosts of the past and grab a hold of their future?

The Class of ’85 series is a wonderful concept. It’s dated perfectly with my own age and I get a chuckle out of remembering way back when. This story centers on a newly retired military man, Seth Roberts and his lost love, Elyse Jordan.

Seth was devastated when he found out the woman he loved had not only married another person, but was having twins. This set him on a course of becoming a lifetime military man and to never return to his hometown of Summerville. Upon retiring from the military, he decides that enough time has passed, and is ready to spend his retirement years with family and friends. He decides to return home and renovate his family’s lakeside home.

The man of her dreams has just been killed in Afghanistan. Elyse decides to leave the pain behind and she forges a new life away from all she knows. Mother of twin girls, she is happy but not content in life. She is forced to return home to Summerville every weekend to take care of her mother who has cancer. Elyse is ready to move on, is intrigued by the reunion and wants to reconnect with her old school mates.

Seth wants closure from the past and to find out what happened and why. Elyse is about to be broadsided with new revelations that will change her life forever. The reconnection scene is heartbreaking, emotions run high and the passion is still very obvious.

I enjoyed Ms. Tyler’s writing style and the idea with the story. The problem I have is that this book was too short for such a complex plot. It is a brilliant concept for a story and I wanted to bury myself in it, but then it was over. This plot had the makings to be a brilliant novel, but writing it as a short story doesn’t do it justice. I would personally beg and plead with the publishers to allow Ms. Tyler to be able to continue this story. For twenty plus years of angst to be resolved in basically one weekend was a bit unbelievable. There is a little treasure to be had if this story was permitted to be expanded and continued.

I do plan on checking out other books from Leanne Tyler. She obviously has the ability to weave a intricate and romantic tale. She seems to be a true gem.

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

Spy Games: Trained For Seduction by Mia Downing

September 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment


Spy Games: Trained For Seduction by Mia Downing
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery Length: Full Length (326 pages)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/M, Ménage, Anal Play, Toys
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Aster

Emma Walters didn’t choose to be a spy, but when her crazy father was caught selling bombs to the wrong people, she was given a choice–become a spy or rot in jail. Her exciting new life as agent Kate Wells becomes more so when she discovers her new boss is the agent–undercover and investigating her father at the time–who took her to third base. Emma is already half in love with the dark and dangerous Chase Sanders. Kate wants nothing more than for him to finish what he started, but he’s the devil incarnate. And one doesn’t make deals or fall in love with the devil.

If someone had told Chase he’d fall in love with a certain virgin when he was on his last mission, he would have shot them dead, sniper style. She was nothing more than collateral damage, damn it. But watching the sexy new spy morph into a bombshell killing machine is too much to bear. So when the powers that be command him to train her in the art of seduction for her first–and possibly last–mission, he’s scared witless. Making love to Kate means preparing her for sex with another man.

Somehow, Chase has to find a way to get Kate in–and out–of her mission without dying. And without falling in love.

Strong, powerful characters, dramatic intrigue, and a captivating love connection. Spy Games: Trained for Seduction has most all of the elements needed for a fantastic story!

Katelyn Wells, once known as Emma Walters, is a wonderfully mysterious character. Raised in a less than loving home, her natural brilliance developed over time, leaving her far less vulnerable than she may have appeared. After being rescued from a near fatal plane crash, Kate finds herself involved with a ring of spies, and is given a choice between working in espionage and a prison term. Initially intended as expendable, the abilities she may have lacked were well made up by others, making Kate a very capable, strong person, much to the surprise to those who have to train her.

Jake Anderson is Kate’s partner, and main trainer. When he isn’t making passes at her, he’s determined to make her the best agent he can. Despite being turned down sexually at every turn, Jake and Kate develop a close friendship, and in the midst of a turbulent time, Kate is able to rely on Jake as her partner and confident. That is, until she meets Jake’s best friend and their mutual boss, Chase Sanders.

Chase, who Kate knew once as Alexander Bishop, is a devilishly handsome, though outwardly cold, man. He’s learned over the years to very carefully hide his emotions and never lose his control. Having been through a multitude of conflicts and battles, there is little in life that unnerves him. The only exceptions are his General uncle, who acts as a surrogate father to him, and now, Katelyn Wells. A brief encounter, ending in Kate bettering Chase, overshadows their reintroduction, but the mission Chase is forced to send Kate on threatens everything – including her life.

There was much I liked about this book. The writing was very good, and although it did take me a little longer to get into the story, I was glad I stuck with it because the interaction between the characters was very enjoyable. There was enough of an air of mystery to keep me constantly wondering what the big secrets were, and the plot, after the initial chapters, unfolded at a pace that helped keep me involved and turning the pages to find out what happens next.

The shifts in point of view were a bit jarring, but nothing too distracting to make me stop reading. I did have to go back in a few areas to realize we’d shifted, and perhaps that could have been cleaned up a little, but it wasn’t very often. The dialogue was easy to follow and each person was consistent in their characterizations.

The only negatives I found were in the very beginning and towards the end. The first chapter, the initial meeting between Chase and Kate was a bit sudden. Kate was supposed to be a fairly young virgin, yet within seconds of meeting what she thought was a businessman, she was involved in a sexual escapade that she seemed to have no control to stop. If there had been a little more reason as to why, it perhaps wouldn’t feel as forced, and in any other point in the story it may not have been as noticeable, but since this was the first introduction to the heroine, it initially affected the way she was seen. Kate was more than redeemed later, however.

I will say I was disappointed in the final third of the book. One of the main issues with the relationship between Chase and Kate revolved around jealousy and trust. There had been wonderful development as they learned to lean on each other and eventually open up to each other – not an easy thing in a world filled with spies, no doubt. When talk of a threesome began, I was hoping very strongly this wouldn’t happen, as I couldn’t see the issues they’d resolved surviving a third party – especially someone as close as Jake. I was hoping the two saw enough in each other, and their love was strong enough not to go to that place, but apparently they were willing and it was consensual for all three.

The positives in this story were far more than the negatives, and I did enjoy reading about the spy world for a short time. Depending on what the author has planned for Jake’s story, I may consider reading another of her tales.  Trained for Seduction was a good, sensual, action filled page turner. If you like spy games, this is a good one to pick up!

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

The Valkyrie and the Marine by jj Keller

August 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment


The Valkyrie and the Marine by jj Keller
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (96 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Aloe

As a Valkyrie, Kiara of Asgard must look beyond the man to select only the best warriors to fight for Odin. But all her training deserts her when she sees Special Ops Marine Harrison Lombard. Unable to resist him, she saves his life on the battlefield instead of taking him to Valhalla. For her disloyalty, she’s given five days as a human while Odin decides her fate.

During a mission in North Korea, Harrison’s Force Reconnaissance team is ambushed. Critically wounded, he’s straddled by a magnificent blonde wearing a helmet of feathers who eliminates his pain. Before he can find out who she is, she’s gone. When she turns up in the States months later, he can hardly believe his luck—or the fire burning between them.

But Odin still has a claim on Harrison’s soul. Will his angel of mercy save him again? Or has she come to collect?

Kaira didn’t know why she was dreaming about the warrior she was to collect for Odin’s army. She just knew she felt a connection to him. When she sees him, all the training and all the rules go out of her head. He’s handsome, he wants her, and the connection between them grows. She defies all her training and takes another dying male next to him. She leaves him a feather to cure to him and remove his memories…

Ms. Keller’s Marine is a strong man who is brave and independent. He knew he almost died, but he still has this vision of an angel who came to visit him. He wants to see her again. Ms. Keller’s Valkyrie is a beautiful woman who has magic and is part of an elite team. She has worked hard to succeed as being the best in her team. I found it very easy to relate to both characters; it might be fantasy, but the author expresses true emotions.

The conflict between Odin and Kaira is tense. She has broken rules. She can either be punished or she can die. He does almost the worst thing to her; he makes her human. Kaira is tormented. How does a woman who previously had god-like powers adjust to being a human?

Here is where the author does a great job of adding human interest and a bit of sparklies to the story. She places Kaira in Harrison’s room during a big event at home and has relatives come busting in the door shortly thereafter. The conversation is enough to make you laugh and it’s great fun to watch the Marine and the Valkyrie try to respond and react appropriately.

I had to keep reading to the end of the story because this was just a short visit for Kaira and we all know Valkyrie’s and humans can’t marry. The author has found a unique ending that was most appropriate for this story. I really enjoyed it. Why don’t you try it and see what you think?

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

Backlash by Karyn Good

August 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Backlash by Karyn Good
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (246 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Sunflower

What he’s sworn to protect, she’s willing to sacrifice to save those she loves…

When dedicated teacher Lily Wheeler interrupts a vicious gang attack on one of her students, she vows it won’t happen again. But her rash interference puts her in the path of a cold-blooded killer and the constable tracking him–a man she has little reason to trust, but can never forget.

Constable Chase Porter returned to Aspen Lake to see justice done, not renew old acquaintances. But when he rescues the woman he once loved from a volatile situation, he realizes his feelings for Lily haven’t lessened over the years.

Now, the dangerous killer Chase has sworn to capture has Lily in his sights. Can Chase and Lilly learn to trust each other again before it’s too late–or will old insecurities jeopardize their future?

Picture an ordinary day, in an ordinary small town. School has let out. People are making their way to their destination. Minds are filled with things to do, places to go….You get the idea. Until you notice a strange group of people that seem to be huddling together. Does that set any warnings off in your gut instinct? For teacher Lily Wheeler, it does,. And that’s only the beginning of the nightmare this woman is about to endure….

Never think things like this don’t happen in small towns. They do. It’s everywhere. Lily has now found herself in the middle of a dangerous group of people. The protective aspect in her wants to keep a student she knows safe. She’s willing to go above and beyond. Lily isn’t afraid of going up head to head against danger. A little hard headed? Perhaps. But wouldn’t you do the same thing? Lily’s strong willed, opinionated, and a perfect example of what today’s heroines have shaped out to be. She’s not without her quirks and pitfalls, of course, but that’s what makes for the conflict within the book.

Not only does she have to deal with this situation, but it all brings her past back when ex beau Chase comes into the picture. Now a police officer, he’s got to do all he can for Lily, along with the person in trouble. Can you just imagine how the sparks fly and the intensity heats up? Oh yes, within the pages of Backlash comes plenty of angst. Add in the suspenseful element of stopping the villain, and you get a page turning story.

I like the small town setting. This community looks out for one another, but when danger is near is when you learn who the good folks really are. Ms. Good sure spins a tale of deceit and a trail of clues that lead right to a climax I never imagined.

Need some suspense to keep you up long into the night? Why not give Backlash a chance. Immerse yourself in the strong sense of right and wrong, with a great cast of characters.

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Buckskins, Boots and Bondage by Desiree Holt

August 6, 2012 By 1 Comment

Buckskins, Boots and Bondage by Desiree Holt
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (122 pages)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/M, menage, anal play, toys
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Dogwood

Twins Justin and Tucker Davis only want one thing–one woman to share for the rest of their lives. Angel Cruz wants two men who will cherish her forever. Sex between them is hotter than the Texas sun in August as they play out their fantasies at Rawhide, the private bondage club. But when her job threatens their livelihood, will their newfound connection be strong enough to survive?

Book four in the Rawhide series, “Buckskins, Boots and Bondage” provides the same blistering heat as the previous three books. As the reigning literary queen of the “3-way romantic adventures”, Desiree Holt does a fantastic job at turning this sexy cowboy menage story into a sizzling tale that heats the heart as well as the libido.

Gorgeous and domineering twins, Justin and Tucker Davis are co-owners in a cattle feed-supply company. Both men have been burned by love before but both men also know that the only relationship that is for them is sharing that one “little-gal’s” affections between themselves.

Their hometown is very conservative, making it hard to find someone to connect with that not only lives close by but is also someone who is looking for the same kind of relationship that they are seeking.

Justin is ready to settle down with “Miss Right” but he still has to convince his brother Tucker that the heart is worth risking again after it has been hurt badly in the past.

One day while Tucker is venting out his frustrations to his friend Reece Halloday, Reece tells Justin about the existence of Rawhide, an exclusive BDSM club that has been a source of connecting unique couples and trios over the years with a permanent love match.

Could this be the place that the Davis brothers might find their unique brand of true love?

As an active member of Rawhide, Angel Cruz is no stranger to the BDSM lifestyle. A hard-working litigation attorney, Angel is a junior partner in a prestigious law firm on the rise to soon make full partner. She too is looking for a unique relationship on a more permanent basis but feels she has to keep her desires quiet as co-workers might judge her sexuality.

When Justin, Tucker and Angel meet at Rawhide only to discover an immediate bond, they soon find themselves grasping towards the brass-ring… but when Angel’s job threatens the new found love-trio can they survive the carnage with enought strength to carry them through to happily ever-after?

Ms. Holt provides the reader with enough erotic fantasy ideas to fuel a bonfire. Her characters are intriguing and her words flow smoothly into a fun and entertaining read. I will definitely pull this story out again in the future when I am looking for a quick tale to stir the imagination, after all what is not to love about hot, sexy cowboys paying homage to one lucky lady?

The love scenes in this story are extremely hot, and the sexual details are explicit and juicy. The main characters have exciting chemistry and are totally loveable. What can I say except, Yum-Yum, darlin’ giddy-up?

Need a “noon-day” pick-me-up? Well mosey on up to Rawhide partners where “Buckskins, Boots and Bondage” will warm you faster than a wild-west camp-fire.

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Her Cowboy Stud by Randi Alexander

July 25, 2012 By 1 Comment

Her Cowboy Stud by Randi Alexander
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (94 pgs)
Other: M/F, Anal Play, Spanking, BDSM, Toys
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

Trace McGonagall’s quiet life on his Houston stud ranch is shaken up when gorgeous Macy Veralta arrives to claim an inheritance left to her in his uncle’s will. Trace sees her as just another gold digger, but he also can’t resist her curvy body. When she hints at being the perfect submissive to his Dom, he has to have her.

Macy wouldn’t have been three months late to claim her inheritance if she’d known Trace was sin in jeans. The cowboy’s dominant bearing and the smoldering glint in his eyes send shivers to her toes and stirs images of being bound in his bed and disciplined at his hand. But could Trace’s perfect seduction be part of his plan to reclaim her inheritance?

Sometimes, Uncle knows best!

Lust at first sight, a Texas drawl, and a good sense of humor, I think I’m in love!

Her Cowboy Stud is a story that’s been done but Ms. Alexander throws in just enough twists and a healthy dose of BDSM play to make it fresh and fun.

Macy Veralta may be submissive in the bedroom, but Trace McGonagall manages to push the right buttons to turn sweet and blushing into angry and boiling in a matter of minutes. Lack of trust and enough conclusion jumping to make a an Olympic pole vaulter jealous go a long way to changing Macy’s preconceived perception of Trace.

This cowboy stud (actually, I liked Macy’s name for him but can’t repeat it here) is going to have a whole lot of quick talking and groveling to do to get Macy back to blushing and all sweetness. I was pretty sure he could handle it and was looking forward to watching this dominant male squirm just a little. Ms. Alexander didn’t disappoint and she also didn’t draw it out. Quick apologies and candid conversation kept this hot train on track and back to the steamy action.

The dialogue is really fun. I had to smile when Trace tells Macy, “Wait until you get a taste of my lovin, sweetheart. You’ll be hooked”. I know I was and I was only reading the smokin’ bedroom action.

Ms. Alexander launches the reader straight into the first meeting between Macy and Trace. That works just fine for this short story so that I had more time to watch the sparks turn into an all-out Fourth of July show worthy of Times Square!

I never felt cheated from character background or development. Bits and pieces of both Macy and Trace’s backgrounds are sprinkled throughout this novella.

This was my first book by Ms. Alexander but it certainly won’t be the last. Her story moves quickly and flows smoothly from start to finish with almost no lag time. It kept me reading to see how Macy and Trace would come to the same conclusion his thoughtful Uncle Silas knew all along. They were perfect for one another.

If quick, hot and sweet is what you’re in the mood for, check out Her Cowboy Stud. I’m glad I did.

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An Inheritance for the Birds by Linda Banche

July 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

An Inheritance for the Birds by Linda Banche
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (97 pgs)
Heat: Sensual
Rating: 4 Stars
Review by Snapdragon

Love Letters Series

Make the ducks happy and win an estate!

Mr. Christopher “Kit” Winnington can’t believe the letter from his late great-aunt’s solicitor. In order to inherit her estate, he must win a contest against her companion, Miss Angela Stratton. Whoever makes his great-aunt’s pet ducks happy wins.

A contest: What a cork-brained idea. This Miss Stratton is probably a sly spinster who camouflaged her grasping nature from his good-natured relative. There is no way he will let the estate go to a usurper.

Angela never expected her former employer to name her in her will. Most likely, this Mr. Winnington is a trumped-up jackanapes who expects her to give up without a fight. Well, she is made of sterner stuff.

The ducks quack in avian bliss while Kit and Angela dance a duet of desire as they do their utmost to make the ducks–and themselves–happy.

An Inheritance for the Birds follows young master Kit as his life sets off on a quirky new course- a chance to inherit aunty’s estate…or possibly not.

Christopher ‘Kit’ is a likable enough character, with (sensible) doubts about the extradorinary opportunity that lands in front of him. Yet, he sets off, with rather minimum expectations and some hope. It could all be a joke or then again, the opportunity of a lifetime.

Miss Stratton (not at all what he expected) starts out a competitor. Poor Kit, who does seem remarkably able to adjust to circumstances, even has a passing hope that she might set her sights on seducing him to win the contest…Then again, there might just be more than one ‘contest’ going on here. This story is full of unpredictable twists and turns. Quirky events and wry humor frequently lighten and speed events along.

Quirky, also, were the point-of-view changes which seemed to crop up randomly, and while useful to humorous effect, were in fact also rather distracting. No other point caused any complaint. Conversations, like fowl behavior, were believable and often hysterical. Descriptions were exceptional, and wonderful for setting the mood.

Picture the grand old manor house, first sighted through flashes of lightening during a storm or imagine the cozy conversation over scones at breakfast. Characters, events, and setting were completely engaging and delightful – yet deliciously surprising .

Fans of the English historic setting with the classic romance will really enjoy this one. Everything about this one is “right as a trivet.”

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Up All Night by Renee Ashley Williams

July 13, 2012 By 1 Comment

Up All Night by Renee Ashley Williams
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (37 pgs)
Other: M/M, anal sex
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Seth Ferguson has never shared his secret for admiring the male body. His parents would cut off his college tuition. However, a secret celebration of Independence Day with Ryan Jacobs, the university’s star swimmer, may spark more fireworks than cast in the sky and challenge Seth to embrace the spirit of the holiday.

Will Seth learn something college could never teach him…that with Ryan’s love he can claim his own independence?

The first time was never this hot!

I love a story where there’s confusion, missed chances, and white hot beginnings. This story fit the bill. Renee Ashley William’s has a sweet story in Up All Night. Seth and Ryan are fun characters and I enjoyed reading their story.

I loved the tentative feel of this short. The boys want to touch and yet there’s the hesistation. It’s sweet and got me involved. I wanted to shove them together. That’s one of the great things about this short story. I got involved with the characters. I thought about Seth and Ryan after the book closed.

If anything, wanting to know what happened to them after the book was the one niggle I had with the book. I got so wrapped up with them, coming to the end of the book was almost saddening. This book has a great beginning and I do hope the author revisits them so I can find out what’s in their future. Ms. Williams, please do revisit them! I’m game to see Ryan and Seth again. The other small niggle was the quickness with which the story did end. I won’t go into detail, but the story seemed to stop almost too abruptly. That’s not a totally bad thing. It means I was so invested, I hoped for the next scene.

If you’re looking for a change of pace story, where there’s love and romance and something hot, then this might be the book for you!

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Out of Control by Desiree Holt

July 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Out of Control by Desiree Holt
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (323 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 stars
Review by: Aster

Twenty five years ago Carrie Nolan was the only victim to survive the killing spree of a pedophile. Her life has been frozen in time, and not even a move to a distant city and a name change has healed the wounds that left her emotionally and sexually scarred. Determined finally to reclaim her life, Carrie returns to High Ridge as multi-published crime novelist, Dana Moretti, in hope of asking the questions that would lay her nightmares to rest.

Sheriff Cole Landry, came to High Ridge to escape the horrors of Iraq and Afghanistan, but soon after the sexy author arrives and starts poking her nose into matters best forgotten, his town once again becomes the hunting ground of a ruthless killer. She’s sure it’s the same man, and he’s not all that convinced she’s wrong. Keeping Dana safe means keeping her close–very close–under his protection, under him.

Between her sexual need for Cole and the danger lurking behind every stranger’s face, her world is spinning out of control.

The “incident” should have destroyed her life. Imagine being kidnapped at seven years old, sexually assaulted and forced to witness your sister’s murder. A trauma like that would have destroyed even the strongest of people, but not Carrie Nolan. Now living as Dana Moretti, this brave young woman not only soldiers on, she devotes her life to writing about unsolved crimes and giving fresh eyes to cases that had long since gone cold. Once she realizes she can never truly move forward with her life until she lets go of her past, she shifts her energy to her own unsolved case, which brings her back to the small town where it all happened.

Cole Landry is the sheriff of Salado County, Texas. Retired from the Marines after witnessing more than his share of violence and death, he now spends his days citing speeders, breaking up fights and dealing with occasional shoplifters. All was quiet, until the dead bodies start to pile up. Was this a serial killer? Was this the same man who had plagued their small town twenty five years earlier? Did these killings have to do with the stranger, Dana Moretti, who just arrived in town and completely captivated him?

This was certainly a page turner, while not for the weak of heart. There was much discussion of sexual assault of children – although done in a tasteful and non-gratuitous way – but the subject matter was disturbing, to say the least. That said, it served to make the hero and heroine extremely sympathetic. Dana was a survivor of this monster, a monster who was never caught, and she was battling her own demons along with what seemed to be the entire town to find the answers she was searching for. Cole admired Dana’s fortitude, and while he wasn’t anxious to dig up old memories, he wasn’t opposed to Dana’s work and began to believe her theories, while quickly falling for the beautiful city woman.

I will say the suspense element was good, but I did suspect who the killer was as soon as he was introduced. The writing was good, giving us the point of view of hero, heroine, and killer – with occasional glimpses of his victims, which really amps up the drama factor. Despite occasional typos or editing misses, I was pulled into the story from page one and was kept there until the epilogue finished.

The erotic elements of the book were good, although mostly in dream form. When we got to the eventual coupling of Cole and Dana, the sparks flew, but in a caring and understanding way. Considering Dana’s past, which Cole was not aware of, but suspected, he was gentle and patient, but also helped her to move past the hurdles she so desperately wanted to. The love scenes helped to further progress their connection and showed how deeply each felt for the other.

There was one thing I do have to mention the author seemed to focus on a bit too much. Coffee. Every scene in the book, it seemed, had something to do with coffee: making, pouring, drinking, needing, tasting, etc. It was a minor thing initially, although something that I noticed, until it came to a very disturbing part of the story. It had been a long day, murder victim searched for and found, and Dana came home to find her home vandalized. In the midst of Cole comforting her during a breakdown, she asked for a cup of coffee. It unfortunately took me out of the story with a little bit of a chuckle, and that was a bad point to have that happen. I think it was the repetitive nature of it that made me take note of how often coffee was mentioned. Seems something silly to mention in a review, but it became a big distraction that kept me from losing myself in the story.

Most of the major questions are answered by the end of the story, although it does seem there were a couple loose ends that the reader doesn’t exactly know how were tied up. Despite the minor elements, this is a good story, a fantastic hero and heroine who are perfectly suited for each other, and a thrilling, page-turning read.

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