Blue Ice by Donna Dalton

August 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Blue Ice by Donna Dalton
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (119 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3 books
Reviewed by Iris

Reformed jewel thief Addison Hayes wants to make a fresh start. A new television series featuring rehabilitated thieves staging break-ins seems perfect. The only snag? Her handsome co-host Garrett Powell—his Texas drawl makes her body sing. But seven years behind bars taught her that romance and business don’t mix.

Garrett Powell only signed on for the TV show to satisfy a debt and get his life back on track. Fellow inmate Jimmy Patterson once saved his life and in repayment, Garrett agreed to secretly look out for Jimmy’s protégé, Addison. But Addison’s spunk and intelligence soon have Garrett wishing there could be more between them.

When a rare blue diamond necklace they stole for the show goes missing, Addison and Garrett have to join forces to clear their names. With gun-toting thugs and the law after them, can they find the jewel—and each other—before it’s too late?

Blue Ice has an interesting premise, taking two ex-cons, and making them part of a T.V. show that will teach people to protect their valuables. It’s also a recipe for disaster which our heroes find out quickly enough.

I felt, at times, the story was going to follow a particular formula and end up boring and agitating to the readers. But, like many a good storyteller, Ms. Dalton managed to throw some curves that made this a worthwhile read. The action showed some ingenuity and intelligence of our main characters. I especially liked Garrett’s use of stones during the getaway.

Addison has a backstory that affects the getaway and her relationship with Garrett. It advances the plot, but seems a little worn.

Addison and Garrett’s criminal past and their pride in their skills is an interesting twist. Even though they have both served time, they are likeable characters, and their desire to remain law-abiding drives all of their actions.

While it is a “happily ever after”, the road there is circuitous, and unexpected. This book is not what I expected, but in a good way. I recommend that you look for this book and enjoy the twists and turns ahead.


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Animal Attraction by Jenna McClure

August 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Animal Attraction by Jenna McClure
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (334 pages)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 3.5 Books
Reviewed by Sunflower

Environmental consultant Emmalyn Ashmore is outraged when she discovers the last minute replacement for guest speaker at her annual conference is none other than Adam McLean, a cattle rancher, whose lifestyle represents everything she loathes.

Adam McLean has never met a more contrary woman. From the moment Emmalyn opens her mouth, he knows she’s exactly the type of woman he doesn’t need in his life—ever.

As the sparks fly, Emma realizes there’s more at stake than conserving the environment. She has to figure out how to conserve her heart, before she loses it forever.

She’s armed and dangerous. She’s got her opinion…and is not afraid to voice it. She’s not a woman to mess with when it comes to debate. She’s Emmalynn Ashmore, environmentalist. So when it comes to a rancher speaking at a convention, Emma has no problem walking right up to his face and telling him he’s wrong. Where does he get his information, and who invited him to speak here?

Well that started our story off with a bang. Adam McLean didn’t know what to expect when whirlwind Emma walked up to him and started running her mouth about how his information was misleading. Didn’t she invite him to this shindig? If only she wasn’t so darn cute.

Eventually, Emma is forced to apologize, and she can’t even get the word out past her stubborn pride. But now she and Adam are in close quarters, and their attraction begins to sizzle. They are complete opposites. Could it actually work?

Emma sure is a spitfire, and I wouldn’t want to go head to head with that woman in a heated discussion. I had a love/hate relationship with her throughout the story and sometimes wondered why Adam stuck it out. She’s stubborn, strong willed, and very opinionated, and that seems to get her in a load of trouble sometimes, though she definitely changed for the better towards the end of the book. As for Adam, he cracked me up quite a few times. He is witty and stands his ground quite well. He’s good for Emma, once she allowed her ice to melt and he got through her barriers. This is a fun contemporary romp, a battle of the wits, and all around an enjoyable story.

If you don’t mind a very opinionated woman, a sexy hero that makes her rethink her feelings, and a wee bit of drama, curl up with a copy of Animal Attraction, and watch the sparks fly!

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Passage to November by Phyllis DeMarco

August 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Passage to November by Phyllis DeMarco
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (332 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 3.5 cherries
Reviewed by Amaryllis

Clara Grace cannot recall the traumatic events that brought her to this desolate Canadian beach. As debris washes ashore, memories flash through her mind: a terrible storm…men swept to their deaths…the deep, menacing darkness of the lunatic sea. Cold and alone, she only knows she must wait for the man who promised never to leave her.

For Captain William McTavish, life alone was simple, so he thought, until Clara Grace came to work aboard his ship. Something in her eyes, something in the music from her old violin, broke through his hardened heart…he’d found his kindred spirit.

Torn from each other by the white hurricane that has devastated the Great Lakes, will they find their hard-won love can somehow lead them home?

Passage to November is a special kind of vintage romance because of the unique setting on a ship that sails the Great Lakes. Clara Grace is a well-rounded character. A strong-minded young woman with determined goals. But she also has an inner frail vulnerability that makes her even more interesting. Adjusting to her new job as cook on a ship is not easy, especially since she hates to cook. But she keeps on trying anyway, even in the face of McTavish’s disapproval and scorn. This makes her even more admirable and engenders much sympathy for her. Captain William McTavish is tough as nails and all alpha male but Clara gets under his skin and awakens his soft side.

There is a quite a bit of passive narrative in this story where distance comes in between the reader and the character’s moment-to-moment experience. The prose tends to be wordy. It all made for slow reading in several spots. That said, these faults are somewhat offset by the depth of emotion in the story and the real passion one can feel for the subject matter.

The dialogue and the mindset and motivations of the characters are believable for the time. I did not catch any anachronisms. This story has a strong historical feel and a real sense of adventure. The characters are well drawn and consistent in their actions and motivations. I could believe these were men who fought the elements on a daily basis in their shipboard lives yet nothing was stereotypical.

This story has a strong beating heart that is somewhat dulled by problems of technique but not totally. There is a lot of emotion and sexual tension going on with a strong minded, softhearted heroine and a tough, alpha male with a heart of gold. The sense of history is strong. For those seeking a different setting for a historical romance and a return to sweet romance that is not cloying, Passage to November could very well be the refreshing change-of-pace you are looking for.


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Gifts Gone Astray by Linda Banche

August 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Gifts Gone Astray by Linda Banche
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (103 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 3.5 books
Reviewed by Freesia

A gift is a wonderful surprise. Or maybe not.

At the Earl of Langley’s family gathering, everyone receives a gift, including the servants. Tutor Stephen Fairfax expects a small token, but the present from family member Mrs. Anne Copley, the widow who has caught his eye, is a dream come true.

Until he opens it. What a gift! How did that demure lady acquire such a book? And she wants to “study” the positions in it with him? If he accepts her offer, tempting as it is, he could lose his job.

Anne has no idea why Mr. Fairfax is in such a flutter. Her present is a simple book of illustrations. The subject interests them both, and she would like nothing better than to examine the book—and Mr. Fairfax—more closely.

A Regency screwball comedy? Linda Banche’s latest romantic offering, Gifts Gone Astray, comes pretty darn close. As her title implies, a round of gift giving gone wrong leads to mayhem for several couples and the ensuing mistaken intentions make for some of the funniest situations you could find in a Regency Romance.

Despite the setting of an English country manor and the presence of many members of the nobility, the hero and heroine of the book are ordinary people, a tutor and the widow of a scholar. I especially liked this combination, because more than just the aristocracy populated Regency England. We need to be reminded that the common folk too have wonderful romances to tell. This couple, Anne and Stephen, are a perfect match, if only they can overcome those around them—her brother, his employer, a jealous suitor, and a bratty child—to realize their affections.

The comedy that runs throughout the book will have you laughing out loud (I certainly did) as the mistaken present looms ever larger in Stephen’s mind. His musings on just how they are to use the gift, coupled with the hilarious action-packed scene when the mistake is revealed, makes for a fun read that will have you turning pages frantically trying to keep up.

One qualm I did have was with some of Banche’s language. She obviously knows her Regency terms and references, which may be part of the problem. Expressions such as havey-cavey and cork-brained, exclamations of “by Jupiter” and “Capital!” and references to Regency places, like Astley’s Amphitheatre, all correctly paint the period. They are used, however, too frequently in the work. I found myself being pulled out of the story by these unusual terms and, although I was able to immediately return to the Regency world, they interrupted the flow of the book, thus reducing my overall enjoyment of the experience.

The only other disappointing aspect was the somewhat heavy-handed introduction of a linking thread in the character of Mr. Pratt. His appearance seemed a bit convenient for my taste, although the character and his actions were well portrayed.

Although I do not often read romantic comedies, I frequently watch them at the movies and am charmed by their joie de vivre. That joy and comic spirit are wonderfully alive in the characters and action of Gifts Gone Astray. If you’d like to experience laughter as the hero and heroine fall in love, this is the book to read!

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One For The Road by Lynne Marshall

August 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

One For The Road by Lynne Marshall
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (290 pages)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4 Books
Reviewed by Sunflower

D’Anne Palmer and her husband had a life others dream of—traveling the US in a luxury forty-foot motor coach, going where they wanted. Suddenly, D’Anne finds herself a widow with her only asset being the motor home. Without funds to return to California, she decides to hire out the RV.

Tyler White was a “one-hit-wonder” ten years ago. At a crossroads, he decides to attempt a comeback. He’s hoping the three-week tour he’s put together will reignite his career. All he needs now is some cheap transportation, and the widow with the RV might just fit the bill.

D’Anne and Tyler discover a lot about themselves—and each other—as they journey from Nashville to Las Vegas, via Texas, with the band and Tyler’s dog. Can close quarters really help a has-been singer on the comeback trail and a widow with California style find love?

D’Anne is widowed, broke, and out of luck. She’s got an RV she and her husband bought before he died, and time on her hands. Not sure what to do next, she decides to rent out the RV, much to both of her sons’ dismay. Who knew that it would change her life and give her a second chance at love?

Tyler is a down and out country singer. He’s had one song at the top of the charts, and most have forgotten him by now. But he’s still playing gigs with his band members, making whatever money they can. He is the one that answers D’Anne’s ad, and he brings along his rowdy members with. Is this deal going to work out? None of them know, but it sure makes for a wild trip across the country!

Ms. Marshall’s One for the Road is a heartfelt story, and it shows that love can be found even at an older age. D’Ann never expects to find love with Tyler. She’s got enough on her plate trying to figure out how she’s supposed to survive after her husband’s death leaves her broke and confused. Tyler has had a few marriages behind him, and the fact that he’s a struggling singer always on the road doesn’t help. But put the two of them on a cross country trip, with situations that are both good and bad, and they find love right under their noses. The author crafts some dynamic characters. I enjoyed the scenarios that Tyler, D’Anne, and the other band members faced.

If you’re in the mood for a funny, touching and amazing story, then One for the Road is not to be missed. It’s full of heart, wit and charm.

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Next Tuesday at Two by Margo Hoornstra

August 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Next Tuesday at Two by Margo Hoornstra

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Genre: Contemporary

Length Short Story (141 Pages)

Heat Level: Spicy

Rating: 4.5 Books

Reviewed by Moonflower

Blane Weston’s construction company needs the venture capital Matt Durand is more than willing to provide. Except, given his reputation for hostile business takeovers, she wants no part of the deal and tells him so just before she catches a flight to her hometown to attend her 25th high school reunion. Alone and single for far too long, she plans to hook up with a former flame.

Not used to being told no, and determined to close this particular deal, Matt catches the same flight to wherever it is she happens to be going, prepared to dog her every move until she agrees to his terms.

Not for one minute can Blane enjoy the journey back into her past when Matt’s so hell bent on dictating her future. But, imagine his surprise when he learns her destination holds memories and unfinished business for him.

Love can find you when you least expect it. That is the case when it comes to Blane Weston. There is no time for love when you run a large construction company. She knew she needed an investor for capital for her company, but she had no idea she would find an investor for her heart.

Blane Weston’s business is in need of a financier for the on time completion of the construction of a high end apartment complex. One choice is Matt Durand’s company, Advanced Properties. The problem is his company has a reputation of being corporate raiders. Blane refuses to work with Matt right from the beginning, but there is something about Blane that intrigues Matt. He refuses to allow her to ignore his offer and decides to pursue her to change her mind.

Hard working, independent and stubborn can all be used to describe Blane. As the forty-something co owner of Weston Construction, she needs to be tough to succeed in a man’s world. She is a no nonsense woman who doesn’t have time for arrogance or ego. After rejecting the first investor she is determined to contact a wealthy member of the community from her home town. Heading home to Summerville for her 25th class reunion is a perfect time to connect with old friends and meet her next possible backer. Blane is also going to take this opportunity to connect romantically with an old flame. This three day vacation is well deserved and very much needed.

Matt Durand is the third generation owner of his family’s venture capital business. Interested in investing in Weston Construction, Matt’s first meeting with Blane fails miserably. Not a man that is used to being rejected, Matt is invigorated at the possibilities ahead of him. He hasn’t felt this way in a long time. Blane won’t know what hit her.

Next Tuesday at Two is a wonderfully sweet but spicy story. Ms. Hoornstra has constructed a believable plot and interesting characters. The pacing of the story was steady and didn’t lag; it is a real page turner. My only regret is that the story had to end. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything because of the length of the book. Ms. Hoornstra did an excellent job of development and storytelling. While I wanted more I don’t feel unfulfilled. I am very satisfied, sated and pleased.

Great job Ms. Hoornstra! You have made a first time reader a major fan. I highly recommend Next Tuesday at Two for a curl up in your comfy chair with a warm blanket and a glass of wine type of read.

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Brodie’s Bride by Amie Louellen

August 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Brodie’s Bride by Amie Louellen
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (252 pages pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 5 Books
Reviewed by Sunflower

Waking up next to a beautiful golden-haired stranger isn’t the worst thing that has ever happened to Brodie Harper, but staying in a fake marriage in order to gain a new construction contract could very well be.

Savanna Morgan just wanted a way out of an engagement to a man she didn’t love. Marrying Brodie seemed liked the perfect answer at the time. Less perfect the next morning when she finds herself disowned by her father and flat broke. Now she must make it through the weekend. Monday they can get it all annulled and forget it ever happened.

The real problem may be keeping their hands off each other until then.

Married? Savanna was married, and she doesn’t even know the man’s first name. Or last name, for that matter. In fact, she doesn’t recall the wedding! Yet she wakes up in bed in the morning with this man next to her. Okay, what a night. Now it’s time to regroup and remember. It takes a reminder from the man who performed the wedding ceremony for it to sink in for both Savanna and Brodie.

So things are a mess and the two are hungover. And sure enough, they are married. Oh boy. Brodie has an important meeting he can’t miss. Savanna thinks she can fix this…until she’s disinherited! Things keep getting worse as the day goes on. And now, Savanna and Brodie are caught up in a charade and lie that they must keep up for a few days. What’s a few days, right? After the weekend, they can get an annullment and get on with their lives. If only it were that easy. What started out as a mistake turns into something more emotional…

I’ll admit I didn’t like Savanna at first. She’s spoiled, hasn’t worked a day in her life, and could be considered a Pampered Princess. The kind who can just run to Daddy and he will fix everything for her. Not this time, though, and Savanna gets a taste of having to deal with life on her own. But further into the story, the author sheds some light on the reasons for Savanna’s actions and attitudes, and she goes through a major change. More and more into the story, Savanna redeems herself, becoming more grown up and responsible, and definitely likable.

I loved Brodie from the start. His family — Nan and Blair — are hilarious and their presence in the story gave me plenty of laughs and heartwarming feelings. This deliciously funny and touching story kept me up long into the night. I wanted to devour every last page but at the same time I didn’t want the story to end, either. I fell in love with the dynamic characters and the fun plot. Ms. Louellen’s sparkling debut is one to remember.

If you love a tender romance, characters that make you laugh and cry, and an all around good feeling, then get ready to fall in love with Brodie’s Bride. And Brodie, too.

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Slapping Leather by Desiree Holt

August 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Slapping Leather by Desiree Holt
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (110 pages)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Anal Play, Toys, Spanking
Rating: 5 Cherries
Reviewed by Moonflower

Liz Gillibrand wants a man she can submit to in the bedroom but still keep her sex life a secret from the conservative ranching community. When she discovers her neighbor owns Rawhide, a private bondage club, she might have found the answer. But the first Dom she meets is Alex Wright, a man she’s already connected with physically and emotionally. Once before she tried to merge her private life with the lifestyle but with disastrous results. Can Alex be the one to finally free her from the past and give her the life she longs for?

Desiree Holt has done it again!! She wrote another hot story with an amazing Dom. Ms. Holt stories make you want to grab the closest cowboy, run out to your nearest club and have a bit of fun! YEEHAW!!

Slapping Leather is great short story in the Cowboy Kink line, a collection of stories by various authors. Elizabeth is tired of working hard and being sexually frustrated. She is unsure how to have a fulfilling sex life in her small community. She’s been hurt before and she has no desire to be hurt again. Alex might just be the man to help fix her little problem. He is a man that knows what he wants and it is Elizabeth, in his bed.

Elizabeth “Liz” Gillibrand has spent the last year trying to prove to everyone in her community that she deserves Lucky L Ranch. Unknown to her, the owner willed the property to her a year ago and has been fighting to make a name for herself ever since. She is now known for her determination and work ethic. Liz has not had time or the desire to have a personal life. Her sexual preferences would be a bit too shocking for her rather conservative clientele. She has too much to lose and a past that she has no wish to relive. That is until the day Alex drove into her ranch. The only thing she can think of is “Oh my hot Texas lord”.

Alex Wright is all cowboy, from his loose-hipped gait to his thick as sorghum drawl. He is way too much temptation for Liz and she knows her limits. With a little help from her friends, she finds that she can venture into her old lifestyle at the club Rawhide. Unfortunately, Alex is also a member of Rawhide and he sees this as an opportunity to get close to Liz.

The chemistry between these two is instantaneous. Liz is very protective of her life and fears Alex will cause too many problems. It doesn’t take long for Alex to work his way into Liz’s heart. This is purely a love story. There are no villains within the story, only emotions to work through. I cheered for these two from the beginning all the way to the end.

Slapping Leather is wonderful story of how Liz is able to work through her past hurts and move on. Ms. Holt does not disappoint with steamy scenes and great story telling. She is consistently a favorite author of mine. From the first page to the last, nothing gets between me and my Desiree Holt books.

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The Second Kiss

July 31, 2011 By 12 Comments

Since I started off with the first kiss, I thought I’d continue on with the second kiss in Quick Silver Ranch: Saddle Up

Every time he saw her, damn if his cock didn’t take notice, too. She’d bat her eyelashes at him, and make some comment about how he filled out his jeans. But today there had been more in her gaze than simple flirting. Today he saw need and raw desire.

Now was the time to deal with her and her not so subtle flirting. It was time to find out what she really wanted. With a quick glance, he noticed that everyone else was already making their way to their quarters. Marching over to Angie, he pushed her against the wall, took her hands and raised them over her head.

Her eyes grew wide when his body pressed against hers. As her mouth opened, he took her lips with his, not giving her time to protest. His tongue thrust deep into her mouth, tasting the coffee she’d drunk earlier. More, his body cried out. When her lips softened and her tongue began to tangle with his, he broke away and stared down at her. Her eyes were cobalt blue now.

“What do you want, Angie?” He wanted her, but first he had to make sure she wanted him.

He didn’t take unwilling women.

Her tongue slipped out and wet her lips. “You,” she whispered.

“I’m not like other men.”

So tell me readers, why did Jared tell Angie he’s not like other men? What makes him different from other men? Take a guess.

You can visit Marie at her website: www.marietuhart.com

And if you’re interested in a free bookmark/postcard leave your email address in the comments and Marie will contact you.

For more on Quick Silver Ranch: Saddle Up click here

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Borrowing The Bride by Roni Denholtz

July 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Borrowing The Bride by Roni Denholtz
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (253 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4 Books
Reviewed by Sunflower

Brett Ryerson knows that Julie Merritt, his first love, is planning to marry a real creep. To convince Julie her fiancé, Warren, is the wrong man, Brett “borrows” her for several days. He plans to introduce her to a few key players from Warren’s past—and prove to her she’s making a huge mistake.

Julie, on the other hand, has her own reasons for going along with Brett’s wild plan. Truthfully, she never completely forgot her first love, and the more time they spend together, the closer she is drawn to him.

When danger threatens, Brett realizes he doesn’t want to let her go.

Can this borrowed bride become a permanent wife?

We’ve all heard the term something borrowed, something blue, etc. Usually it’s the bride that does the borrowed, blue, old and new. In this case, however, it’s the bride that’s being borrowed! Not just by anyone, however. The “Borrower” happens to be her ex boyfriend, Brett. He sweeps into her life years after their relationship is over, warning her she needs to know some critical information about the man she’s engaged to marry.

Okay, so it’s a little strange, odd even, for Brett to be showing up like this, wanting to whisk her away to meet some people. But Julie will go with it- for now. Does this mean she has some doubts of her own? Or is it something more? Oh, such suspense! And, is there some leftover chemistry between the two? Major conflict already.

With each person Brett takes Julie to see, he anxiously awaits her thoughts. It’s not as if he’s trying to ruin her engagement, or at least, not without honest reasons. What does he know, and what do these people know about Warren that’s so important for Julie to know?

With plenty of intrigue and great pacing, Borrowing the Bride takes the reader on a whirlwind ride. The characters that each play a role in the story are quirky and realistic. Julie and Brett make a dynamic pair, and the fact that they have such a history keeps it entertaining. The question stays with me in each chapter. What’s going to happen? What secrets are going to be revealed? What choices will Julie make after hearing these stories? There are plenty of obstacles to get through before Brett and Julie’s happily ever after.

Some of the conflict and untold secrets are a bit weak, but not enough to make for a bad ending. Overall it’s enjoyable anda good book. If you like reading about a hero and heroine that have shared a past and have a second chance, then add Borrowing the Bride to your list of books to read.

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