Valencia and Valentine by Suzy Krause


Valencia and Valentine by Suzy Krause
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Fiction
Length: Full length (244 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

For readers of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, debut author Suzy Krause delivers a quirky, colorful story about love, loss, second chances, and what it means to truly live.

Valencia, a timid debt collector with crippling OCD, is afraid of many things, but the two that scare her most are flying and turning thirty-five. To confront those fears, Valencia’s therapist suggests that she fly somewhere—anywhere—before her upcoming birthday. And as Valencia begins a telephone romance with a man from New York, she suddenly has a destination in mind. There’s only one problem—he might not actually exist.

Mrs. Valentine is an eccentric old woman desperate for company, be it from neighbors, telemarketers, or even the funeral director (when you’re her age, you go to a lot of funerals). So she’s thrilled when the new cleaning girl provides a listening ear for her life’s story—a tale of storybook love and incredible adventures around the world with her husband before his mysterious and sudden disappearance.
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The stories of Valencia and Mrs. Valentine may at first appear to have nothing in common…but then again, nothing in life is as straightforward as it seems.

I decided to read this story based on the blurb. It sounded interesting and I thought it might be fun. Well, Valencia and Valentine was absolutely interesting but fun wouldn’t be my word choice. It was a story that spoke to the heart in a way that was unconventional and surprising. There were so many times I expected Valencia and Mrs. Valentine to meet. In the end, they did, but not in any way I could have guessed or imagined or predicted.

There were times during reading where I wanted to skim or skip some paragraphs or pages because I didn’t think the plot was moving fast enough. My advice, slow down, take it in, and keep on keeping on. I ended up doing that because I discovered there was this intangible sense, a knowing that I was heading for a revelation that I couldn’t fathom but I wanted to get to. I needed every little clue to understand.

The author wrote in such a profound and effective manner about Valencia and how OCD affected her life, it made my heart ache. It gave me insight into those whose lives are dogged by the specter of revolving doubts, questions, panic attacks, worries and the ever-present ‘what-if?’ – if they did or didn’t do something, would it cause harm? Then there’s the guilt that comes from the imagining and then the questions, is it really imagination or is it real? I can’t visualize feeling that way all day, every day, yet the author clearly showed me though the heroine’s point of view just how challenging and hard a life can be when dealing with OCD. It was an eye-opener.

The reason I didn’t give this novel five stars was because I did get the feeling like I wanted to skim through parts, to hurry up and get to where the good stuff I believed should be. The kick of it is, I needed all those reminisces from Mrs. Valentine, I needed to read about Peter’s interaction with Valencia and how she tried to like him back – I needed to understand these two ladies which meant I needed to not rush things and let the author guide me to where she wanted me to go.

Because I eventually became so invested in their stories, when I came upon the scenes about the plane ride, I turned into a water faucet. It came upon me so suddenly – the knowledge of what I had been actually reading and what it meant and I cried and sniffled and used many tissues. My heart broke, and yet, there was a nostalgic love and gentleness, and a bittersweet happiness woven into the wrap-up. Even with that little bit of brightness, as I type this, I’m tearing up all over again. My heart was engaged at a much deeper depth than I believed it could be and I credit my emotional response to the care and expertise of Ms. Krause’s writing.

Valencia and Valentine is a difficult book to describe because anything I think to say doesn’t seem to do it justice. It’s not my usual type of book and yet, I feel better for having read it. In my own life, I want to be more like Grace. She was a great secondary character and a wonderful ally for Valencia to have. Readers who enjoy books with serious substance shared with love, character driven plots and protagonists who are brought to life before your very eyes, should definitely consider reading this novel.

A Ghostly Undertaking: A Ghostly Southern Mystery by Tonya Kappes


A Ghostly Undertaking: A Ghostly Southern Mystery by Tonya Kappes
Publisher: Witness Impulse
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (304 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

A funeral, a ghost, a murder . . . It’s all in a day’s work for emma lee raines . . .

Bopped on the head from a falling plastic Santa, local undertaker Emma Lee Raines is told she’s suffering from “funeral trauma.” It’s trauma all right, because the not-so-dearly departed keep talking to her. Take Ruthie Sue Payne—innkeeper, gossip queen, and arch-nemesis of Emma Lee’s granny—she’s adamant that she didn’t just fall down those stairs. She was pushed.

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This book was a fascinating read. What first grabbed my attention was Emma Lee’s encounter with a Santa. From what was described, I think she should have died. Instead, she came out of the encounter with a new ability, a talent that won’t be denied. Her gift makes her come across as daffy but Emma Lee is anything but.

A Ghostly Undertaking is definitely a cozy mystery with a little bit of romance thrown in that kept this romance reader happy. I did a mental happy dance at the moment where the ‘sweet’ heat happens. I don’t mind that the romance is only background to the solving of the mystery. The fact that it’s there made reading about Jack Henry and Emma Lee much more rounded, interesting, and engendered a soft sentiment to an otherwise very serious situation.

One of the elements that made this novel fun to read was the relationships between the townspeople and the humor surrounding them. Everyone had quirks and Ms. Kappes created characters who, by virtue of their individual idiosyncrasies, contributed to the flavor of this very small town called Sleepy Hollow.

The twists and turns of the investigation kept me guessing. I fell for the red herrings the author threw in because they not only made sense to the heroine, but they seemed logical to me too. I was intrigued with the different interpretations from the points of view of both the sheriff, Jack Henry, and Emma Lee. She gathered clues using her new ‘talent’ and he used the tried and true investigative techniques of law enforcement. Between the two of them, the puzzle pieces are discovered but what amazed me even more is how both interpreted them as a whole. One thing that was not discovered or explored is why in the world Jack Henry accepted Emma Lee’s ability so easily? He was surprisingly lackadaisical about it, and he didn’t seem surprised one iota with her revelation about Ruthie. Why is that? I hope to someday find out.

The solving of who-done-it was exciting and clever but the best thing? I didn’t even have a clue. So many secrets abounded in Emma Lee’s home town and the end of the novel teased me with one more. It’s a good thing there are already multiple books in the series, because I don’t have to wait to read the next one like early fans did. I can’t wait to find out about the chicken.

If you haven’t discovered the Ghostly Southern Mystery series yet, you’re in for a treat. A Ghostly Undertaking is a book with a clever hook and I’m happily caught.

Sweet Wild of Mine by Laurel Kerr


Sweet Wild of Mine by Laurel Kerr
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (416 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Love runs wild at the Sagebrush Flats Zoo…

In a bid to revitalize his career, bestselling author Magnus Gray has come to Sagebrush Flats to write about the local zoo’s latest rescue—an orphaned baby polar bear. But Magnus dreads the drama of small towns and is bullishly determined to keep to himself.

June Winters is a people person, and delights in welcoming Magnus to Sagebrush Flats, though it seems unlikely she can get the handsome stranger to crack a smile. Then a mishap with an open gate forces Magnus and June to deal with a stampeding flock of fainting goats, an adorable but clingy polar bear cub, a cranky pregnant camel, and two star-crossed honey badgers. Never mind small town drama—the lively animals may just convince these two that opposites really do attract…

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The author provided exceptional respect, care and consideration to a topic I have no knowledge of – speech dysfluency. There’s a naturally organic plot involving rejecting and accepting, hiding and being open to possibilities, fear and courage, with love and healing woven throughout. Ms. Kerr captured the heart of romance, the perfect balance of hopes and dreams among the landmines of traumatic pasts. In their own ways, both Magnus and June have broken pieces inside of them and they’ve dealt with them by means of various coping mechanisms, some positive and some stifling. The thing they have in common is not being complete, that something is missing but have no idea what it is or how to identify it. They’re pretty much clueless. Their first meeting was inflammatory and yet, it started something bigger and more profound than anything they could have imagined. My heart, emotions and feelings, were all engaged in this delightful and truly marvelous journey of love, forgiveness and discovery. I feel fortunate to have read this because it’s simply beautiful, fun, entertaining and charming.

Another strong element is the theme of family. Not all of it is good, especially on Magnus’s side, but most of it is, and it’s as real as it gets. I read so many scenes that I could relate to. June’s Nana reminds me of my aunt because they both are suffering the same kind of condition. What June is going through touched me deeply because my own family is starting that emotional journey, making those same heartrending decisions. It’s not easy or without pain and I could relate to June’s position on a more intimate level. The thing that touched me the most is how Ms. Kerr made sure that a reader felt the unconditional love June had for her Nana.

Magnus’s family situation is not only sad but when he revealed the truth to June, it was horrifying. The reveal was powerful, and June wasn’t the only person reeling from the enormity of what the hero lived through. I was also tremendously relieved that the hero experienced some level of reconciliation but I won’t reveal how, when or with whom. I’m just happy the author shared that with me.

The only advice I have to give about reading this novel is to have on hand a glossary of Scottish slang. I used the one from Wiktionary. The author was clever in her usage by having her characters utilize them naturally in conversation. I could guess on the meaning and more often than not I got it right. But there were some colorful ones I wanted to be sure of so I could enjoy all the nuances. I actually had fun learning some of them and found them so fascinating, I’m thinking of adopting a few into my own vocabulary.

I could go on and on about all the awesomeness that can be found in Sweet Wild of Mine, from the adorable polar bear cub, the camels, the secondary characters, and the sensual exploration between the sheets showcasing the physical side of Magnus and June’s love. Sometimes it was hot, other times sensual but at all times perfectly well placed and well written.

Romance readers are in for a solid treat, a memorable story and a remarkable and amazing romance between two characters easy to fall in love with. I enthusiastically recommend reading Sweet Wild of Mine for yourself.

Puppy Love by Lucy Gilmore


Puppy Love by Lucy Gilmore
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (384 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

These adorable service puppies
are matchmakers in the making…

When Sophie Vasquez and her sisters dreamed up Puppy Promise-their service puppy training school-it was supposed to be her chance to bring some good into the world. But how can she expect to do anything when no one will take her seriously?

Enter Harrison Parks: a rough, gruff, take-no-bull wildlife firefighter in need of a diabetic service dog. He couldn’t be a more unlikely fit for Sophie or Bubbles-the sweet Pomeranian she knows will be his perfect partner-but when Sophie insists he give them both a shot, something unexpected happens: he listens. Even better, he keeps on listening, even as Sophie and Bubbles turn his lonely, uber-masculine world upside-down.
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As it turns out, they all have something to prove…and more than enough room in their hearts for a little puppy love.

I adored this book. Every chapter, every page, even the epilogue was perfect. This was the most uplifting, romantic and heartwarming novel I’ve read in a long while. The plot revolves around Sophie and Harrison but the character that stole the show was Bubbles, the support dog. You have no idea how emotional I got while reading this story. It was spectacularly believable, cheery and joyful, with a wonderful sense of humor. I felt like I was getting a book hug.

If a reader is fed up with all the dark drama in the real world then escape to a place where miracles happen – between the pages of Puppy Love. Harrison is a bit of a grouch and he has a few reasons to be that way. He’s solidly made of hero material because he cares, he can be counted on and he’s really a protector – although if you told him all these things he wouldn’t believe you. He thinks he’s broken and in some aspects he is, especially after he suffered a serious medical condition and his mom abandoned him when he was just a kid. That’s one of the reasons I liked him so much. Harrison’s sad past made him the unsocial guy everyone respects but won’t approach making him a hero in need of healing. The hero is worth saving and I was cheering for him.

Sophie has her own past burdens to carry and they’re significant. The difference of having family support and love during trying times is made very clear – the heroine ended up well-adjusted, determined, happy and somehow can lighten the mood and bring sunshine where there is grumbly thunder. She was the light in Harrison’s internal dark fortress. I loved her sense of humor and her extreme patience when dealing with her recalcitrant hero. Best of all, she was great with puppies.

Bubbles is the best dog ever. The funniest dialogue occurs early in the book when Harrison experiences Sophie, and meets the puppy, for the first time. The names the heroine comes up with to describe Bubbles were hysterical. In fact, even before the first chapter was done, I’d already laughed out loud quite a bit, I know had a grin plastered on my face. I truly had a feeling I was in for a very fun time right from the get-go. I was not wrong. The heroic little puffball was able to do what no human could do, reach Harrison’s heart and the soft side of the hardened man.

When I mention fun dialogue, I mean it’s hilarious. The names she comes up with to describe Harrison’s male attribute were comical and amusing, not to mention incredibly inventive. I let out a loud guffaw at the scene were Sleeping Beauty is referenced. The banter between Sophie and Harrison turned out to be the gem of the novel due to its strength, naturalness and sheer irreverent fun. Their attraction to each other caused sparks to fly. They pretty much seduced each other and though it initially was subtle, once passion flared they explored it to the max. What amazed me was that every encounter showed progression of their relationship and expressed their growing love in tangible ways. It was awesome.

There is a lot more I can say about this book but a) it would be too long and b) I’d be sorely tempted to unleash a few spoilers. I didn’t get to mention that the book is populated with awesome secondary characters. Also there is the theme of forgiveness. When a person forgives and reaches out, the gains and benefits are extraordinary and good things start to happen. Happiness can happen.

Run, don’t walk, to get your own copy of Puppy Love. It’s worth every minute reading. It’s worth staying up until 1 a.m. just to finish it. It’s worth falling in love. Ms. Gilmore has written an awesome novel!

Cinder by Harley Wylde


Cinder by Harley Wylde
Devil’s Boneyard MC 5
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Action/Adventure
Length: Short story (120 pages)
Other: M/F, Masturbation
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Meg – For ten years I suffered at the hands of a monster, bought at auction and forced to be a slave, at the whim of a Columbian drug lord who also ran underground fights. Then the Devil’s Boneyard came to rescue one of their own and I was free. I don’t know who I am anymore, or what my purpose is. I only know one thing. Cinder, the President of Devil’s Boneyard, makes me feel safe and that’s something I haven’t felt in forever. But one kiss and I’m seeing him in a new light, and I know that one kiss will never be enough.

Cinder – Meg’s a sweet girl, a little angel who tends to sing and distract me as she cleans my house. I never said she had to pay for her keep around here, but she insists. She’s easily thirty years my junior, which makes me feel like a sick fuck every time I get hard around her, especially after all she’s suffered. Then I royally fucked up and kissed her. Now that I’ve had a taste, I want more, even though I know we’re doomed. A threat to my club, and to Meg, has her under my roof 24/7, and I have no idea how I’ll keep myself from giving into temptation. Whoever leaked her information to The Inferno is going to pay in blood. Even if I haven’t claimed her, Meg is mine, and I always protect what’s mine.

Talk about heart thumping! I figured this was going to be a romance between some very salty characters and instead, I found a sweet and gentle heroine who had so much love to give, and a crusty, tough ex-marine with a hidden soft inside while his outside is made of tough armor – dented, tarnished a bit, but strong. At one point the romance is in jeopardy. The suspenseful, dramatic and nail-biting delivery kept me on the edge of my seat, and the obstacles that they had to be overcome made for fascinating reading. It was intense!
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The internal conflict that complicates things is on Cinder’s side. He is definitely a silver-fox but there’s nothing old about how he fights, talks and the things he wants to do to Meg in the bedroom. The hero fights falling for Meg every chance he gets. He’s convinced he’s a confirmed bachelor with nothing to offer a wife, and forget about kids, they drive him nuts! He’s a stubborn cuss and his attitude leaves the door open for unpleasant things.

Meg is a survivor. She initially came across as timid. After finding out about her background, I’m convinced that she had a believable reason for her behavior. The great thing about living with the Devil’s Boneyard was that it gave her security and I slowly watched the heroine open up enough to see the real Meg.

When it comes to sexy times in the book, there’s a bit of BDSM action but it’s not related to that particular lifestyle. There’s no doubt that Cinder is dominant and it does enhance the passion and sexiness of their encounter when the author goes into great detail describing what Cinder demands from Meg. It’s when Meg reciprocates and her passion comes alive with Cinder that I found most rewarding and enjoyable to read.

The action/adventure comes into play when a really bad MC, bad like in deviant, twisted, sick, mean, nasty and solidly illegal, targets Meg and the other families living in the Devil’s Boneyard compound. The lengths the hero is willing to go to in order to get information he desperately needs was shocking and violent, but effective. The race against time, the last request, the not knowing if the good guys will be able to save the day was breath-stealing. I really didn’t think they’d survive. I expected some casualties because the situation was so dire. The author truly had me worried because by that point, I came to care for Cinder and Meg and I really wanted them to have an HEA, but there were so many ways it all could come crashing down. Talk about being on the edge of my seat!

There was only one thing that annoyed me about Cinder. He practically beat me over the head with his repetition about being too old, couldn’t change, not marriageable material, and that Meg can do better than him. Meg at least knew her own mind and figured out a way to make the hero step up to the plate. She took a chance and it eventually paid off, but not before Cinder suffered for his self-centered griping.

What I found unusual and interesting was the switch in points of view. The author took turns sharing the story with me by alternating chapters from Meg’s or Cinder’s POV. It kept things flowing smoothly because each stage moved the story forward. Nothing stalled or seemed overwrought. I liked how the author handled things.

The story of Cinder was one heck of a ride. I enjoyed getting to know the hero and heroine and I can easily recommend this book to other fans of MC romance stories. It’s a solid plot with great delivery.

His Father’s Intern by Michelle Hasker


His Father’s Intern by Michelle Hasker
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short story (47 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Thirty-five-year-old Casey is content being a once-divorced ice dragon. She gets her fun on when she needs it, and with her job change and position as an intern in a company she loves, her life is looking up. She doesn’t need a hot young stud like fire dragon Eddie, who just happens to be her boss’ son, to screw up her life. But Eddie is not about to let his souler escape.

Fire and Ice? When they meet — dangerous. When they’re meant to be together — explosive.

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I don’t know how the author does it. The romance between Eddie and Casey was fast but fulfilling and there was enough emotion and dialogue to make things work. The sheet scenes were hot and well written but the goal was the bite. I have no idea why I like that aspect but I find it very sexy, and Casey’s reaction is what sealed the deal.

Why did I like her reaction? She’s not afraid to apply the brakes and I 100% agree with her reasoning. She’s intelligent, a hard worker and she stands up for herself. Hers is not a pushover personality no matter what her inner dragon demands. Eddie’s reaction and decisions after that had me swooning – he’s a perfect mate for the heroine.

The only question that plagues me is: what about Casey did Eddie’s father actually like? Did he intuit that the heroine might be the one for his son? I’ll never know his POV, but at least I have no doubts about the main characters. The draw between them is real.

This might be a short little story but it covers every aspect that qualifies it as a happy romance. I also enjoyed that their dragons did have a chance to come out and play. Perfect balance there too.

If readers enjoy paranormal romances about dragons with hearty passions for their mates, then His Father’s Intern is a wonderful afternoon read not to miss.

Secret Princess by Michelle Hasker


Secret Princess by Michelle Hasker
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short story (93 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Posing as her best friend’s lover shouldn’t be a problem. At least that’s what Tonya tells herself — until she meets Michael’s twin brother Gabriel, and finds out just how hot fire dragons can burn.

I adored this book! I totally enjoyed the story, the romance and pretty much everything about it.
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When I say I enjoyed the story, it’s because the plot was one I could sink my teeth into. I understood the motivation of Michael and Tonya. I believed in the heroine’s torn loyalties, Michael’s needing a break from familial pressure and the stress it caused, and I sighed over Gabriel’s dragonish ways.

I commend Ms. Hasker’s description of Gabriel when he was overcome by passion, even when he tried to rein it in. I had so much fun reading about the effect his dragon had on Tonya, and visa versa. The way Tonya first met Gabriel was sexy, seductive and oh, so exciting. The sex scenes between the two were perfect in execution, timing and level of heat. I really felt that the plot was more about the romance than spending page after page describing one sexual event. Every feeling that I expect a romance story to invoke, the author nailed it.

There were only a few things I wished were in the story, Gabriel’s actual descriptive response to the beignets, a sentence or two of dialogue from Michael and Gabriel’s parents clearly illustrating their snobbery so the reveal would have a stronger impact, and a wish that Tonya and Gabriel’s dragons had a chance to let loose so they could come out and play. I bet that would have been fun.

The one big secret that is hinted at early on, when it was finally revealed to the reader and the secondary characters, (pretty much everyone — everyone that is, except the hero), was like a fairy tale. You have no idea how much I appreciate Ms. Haskell’s handling of the great reveal to Gabriel. His actions, his words, and his response to Tonya, all of it made me happy.

I’m absolutely delighted to recommend this romance story to readers. Secret Princess was awesome.

His Darkest Hunger by Juliana Stone


His Darkest Hunger by Juliana Stone
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full length (388 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Jaxon Castille: jaguar shifter, warrior, assassin. He has long hungered for the chance to make his former lover, Libby Jamieson, pay for her deadly betrayal. After three long years he’s finally found her. The hunt is over . . .

But the Libby that he finds is not what he expected. She has no memory of their tumultuous affair, of her treachery, of anything beyond her own name. A shadowy and deadly clan has marked them both for death, and in an instant, he game changes: the hunter has become the hunted.

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But the truth is far more shattering than anyone could imagine . . .

I found a fun treasure in my TBR pile. The best thing about discovering the Jaguar Warrior series is that there are three books already published so I can binge read. After reading His Darkest Hunger I was left with a craving to find out what happens next to Jaxon’s brothers. The last chapter left me with a hook and a good idea as to who was going to fall in love next. I’m intending to buy the other two so I can find out.

Ms. Stone wasted no time in immersing me into the action between Jaxon and Libby. At first I thought they were enemies, but the plot is far more intricate and devious than what first appears. Complications pile on top of each other and the twists and turns culminate in harrowing escapes, rescues missions that don’t seem to work out, and an evil force that only presents itself in the final few chapters. Throughout all of that chaos is the romance between Libby and Jaxon. Their passion isn’t a pale thing but a seething cauldron filled with emotions so powerful they can’t help but be together, even when they’re not sure in their trust for each other. Their relationship is definitely a work in progress.

I enjoyed my reading experience, no question about that. I did have a few issues, like when the pace dragged at times, the repetition about Jaxon’s inner jaguar and the difficulty he has with his jaguar, and how easily he seems to fly off of the handle when he’s supposed to be this hotshot, in-charge anti-terrorist warrior. The balance was a bit off kilter. The sex scenes were well written and readers who enjoy every juicy tidbit, in detail, with pages worth of description, will be eminently pleased. I found the story and plot strong enough to skim those parts and never miss a beat. It’s the suspense, romance, explosive action, complications and plot twists that kept my fascinated gaze glued to the pages.

Secondary characters had strong supporting roles in addition to Jaxon’s brothers. Declan in particular stood out. Readers will find out why when they get to the cave. That was an ‘Oooooh’ moment.

Like I said, this was a fun read and I enjoyed spending time with Jaxon and Libby and learning about the ultimate plot thread that I’m sure is going to be woven into the next two books in the series. That kind of evil just can’t be vanquished in only one book. If readers haven’t discovered Ms. Stone’s Jaguar Warrior series yet, then I recommend giving His Darkest Hunger a whirl. I’m especially determined to read the other two after reading the review of the third book, here. Talk about incentive!

My Plan B by Shelley Munro


My Plan B by Shelley Munro
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full length (167 pages)
Other: M/F, Masturbation
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Review by: Xeranthemum

Plan A sucks. Move over for plan B…

Sports commentator and reporter, Megan Saxon, has it all. The perfect career and freedom to do anything she wants, but as the years creep by she realizes love, or at least male companionship, has thumbed its nose at her. With the help of her agent-friend, she hatches Plan B. A brief love affair with a younger man will cure all ills and help her plan for the future.

The problem with plan B? Nothing, I repeat nothing, goes the way she plans, and she’s left gasping for breath, dodging reporters and suffering acute embarrassment.

The. Worst. Blushing. Epidemic. Ever.

Buyers have the opportunity of accessing quality results since they will purchase at the price that generic levitra is sold for. The use of herbs is a time-honored approach cover to strengthening the body and additional info wholesale sildenafil treating disease. ED issues are no more buy cheap cialis an issue to men across the globe experience erectile dysfunction and live a miserable life. The Library of Congress held the free tadalafil function on Tuesday, April 2, 2013. Long-term widower and werewolf, Jacey Anderson, has moved to small country town Middlemarch to be near his grieving adult stepson, Henry, and to embrace the wide, open spaces with his wolf. He’s not expecting romance and especially with a public figure who attracts reporters like flies at a dung heap. His attraction to the sexy, sassy Megan has disaster written all over it, yet try telling that to his moonstruck wolf.

Yes, this Plan B has potential calamity for both parties. A pity that neither of them has a lick of good sense when they’re in the same room, touching… Kissing… Caressing…

Do you know what I get when I pick up a book by Ms. Munro? An engaging story, an actual plot and a sigh-worthy romance with all its sexiness. I love the theme of second chances. Of discovering that, even if you loved and lost, there’s a solid chance of finding love again. Happiness is about to find Megan and Jacey.

The way Plan B evolved during the planning was interesting but the actual implementation of it was not what the heroine expected. At. All. There is plenty of amusement from that scene.

The editing was clean and the dialogue provided wonderful insight into both characters. It’s written in third person POV and I’m glad it was. When the hero and heroine ‘talk in their head’, a reader learns their pains, fears, confusion and their burgeoning hope not to mention the inside scoop as their feelings for each other grow.

The sense of family between Jacey and his step-son, Henry, and the other secondary characters gave life, believability and substance to the plot, and the camaraderie engaged a reader 100%. These were people, although mostly paranormal in nature, experiencing the same kinds of issues that readers could relate to. And some issues are, as you know, really delicate, like how to tell a human that you’re more than just a man. A common trope is to have the other partner discover the secret themselves in an untimely, inopportune moment and everyone gets emotional. Ms. Munro handled it perfectly.

There’s a wonderful amount of nipping and biting, touching, and getting and giving satisfaction until they see stars. But with all the sexy going on, it doesn’t drive the story; the characters while navigating their romance among nosy and mean spirited reporters, snippy sisters and a surprising oops moment, all kept me riveted and charmed. Maybe even giving me a hot flash or two.

I’ve hopscotched reading books in the Middlemarch Shifters series and I find that I hardly ever feel lost or confused. The author zeroes in on the stars of the story and I get all the info I need to enjoy it. My Plan B is an easy recommend to other paranormal erotic romance enthusiasts. The story is 167 pages and I zipped right through in one afternoon. There is a sneak peek to another book, My Cat Nap which explains why the total page count is higher. The bonus chapter at the council meeting is a very nice touch. I believe other readers will like the emotions the characters displayed in that scene.

My Plan B is a great read. When you pick up your own copy, kick back and get ready to enjoy a fun romance.

The Trouble with Vampires by Lynsay Sands


The Trouble with Vampires by Lynsay Sands
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full length (304 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

For close to three thousand years the imposing, impossibly handsome Santo Notte has fought in armies across the world and battled his own, more personal enemies. Of all the places he might expect to encounter his life mate, a quiet corner of upstate New York doesn’t seem likely. But as soon as he makes contact with history professor Petronella Stone, while hunting down a suspected rogue immortal, he knows that she will be the greatest adventure of his eternal life.

He expects her to be surprised, confused, even overwhelmed. What he doesn’t expect is that Pet has a secret history of her own. There’s no mistaking the mind-blowing, mutual pleasure they share. But as Pet struggles to protect her nephew from a danger lurking too close to home, Santo realizes there’s another threat to her safety—him. And claiming their passionate future will be impossible until he leaves his past behind, forever…

The intake has no alcohol and dietary restrictions and works well on the generic cialis online male impotence problem. An overdose of the medicine levitra tablets https://pdxcommercial.com/considering-becoming-landlord-evaluate-whether-rent-sell-property/ can have a damaging impact. You can cross check with the doctors as this medication might affect cheapest cialis in canada them. If you are facing most of the cases, this disease is caused by some underlying conditions which need to be diagnosed without you having to see your prescription viagra prices doctor, or even anyone at all, face to face. This latest adventure in the Argeneau extended family is pure romance with a little conflict to spice things up and challenge their burgeoning relationship. There are also two extremely effective, nail-biting, don’t-bother-me-I’m-reading scenes that had my emotions in a vice grip. When you get to those parts, go somewhere quiet so you can FOCUS. I wish I had. Right in the middle of both of them, my family decided (how do they DO that?) to need this or that, or want to talk to me, or talk about supper. Noooo! I want to read! But they just don’t get it. When Ms. Sands writes drama and gritty scenes, they are so good, people who interrupt should be growled at.

I know that the page count seems high but I tell you, I never noticed. I read this book like it was only 150 pages. I couldn’t get enough. When it reached the romantic end, I was startled. It’s over already??? I read all those pages already? That’s the mark of a really good book.

I liked Santo and even though he went through torture for years, he’s mostly a well-adjusted guy. I say mostly because he has a few quirks he needs to work out. I really liked Pet, short for Petronella. Her family history is fascinating and I know, just KNOW that we’ll be seeing a book about her sister in the future. Same thing for her nephew, Parker. Pet’s whole family is part of the story and conflict and it’s a doozey.

Fans of the series know that some of the Argeneau family always pops up and this is no exception. Marguerite, her husband and a few others stop by to conduct a stake out and end up helping Santo and Pet when things get dicey as well as complicate the romance at the most embarrassing moments. They’re such a helpful family. Always listening in when the main characters wished they wouldn’t. Too funny,

The happy ever after is like nothing you’d expect. It starts off like a lot of dream sequences do, but there’s a significant twist that’s adorable and genius at the same time. The Zodiac comment just slayed me. I really, really like Pet.

The Trouble with Vampires focuses mostly on the romance and Ms. Sands does it justice. I heartily recommend this novel. I enjoyed it.