Bought for the Greek’s Revenge by Lynne Graham

November 3, 2017 By Leave a Comment


Bought for the Greek’s Revenge by Lynne Graham
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (186 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Bedded for the Greek’s pleasure!

Ella Palmer has neither the money nor the connections to warrant the interest of Nikolai Drakos’s archenemy. Yet the unassuming beauty has done just that—and claiming her will be Nikolai’s ultimate satisfaction!

The ruthless tycoon will use any means necessary to ensure Ella’s compliance, so he buys out her family’s debts. Debts he’ll forgive if Ella becomes his mistress. But when he discovers the true extent of her innocence, Nikolai is forced to consider something new; it appears the indomitable Greek is about to take a bride!

Usually these types of romance stories deal with a tortured, rich and broody hero, and a put-upon but beautiful heroine. It’s the internal conflicts which power the plot. However, in Bought for the Greek’s Revenge the external conflict touches base on a heftier topic which gives this novel a higher emotional caliber.

Even though the conflict topic is serious, it does not overshadow the romance nor does it bring a reader down. What it does do is shake the hero up. Nikolai’s emotions are all over the place – he starts off feeling one way with one goal and as the story gets told, the hero comes face to face with the fact that nothing is as it appears or as he believes.

Ella truly is an innocent but she’s not stupid nor a pushover. She’s a fighter which is very important when her trusting and forgiving nature gets tested when she’s accosted.

When it comes to our hero Nikolai, unfortunately for her, but fortunate for me, she can’t withstand his force of personality and she succumbs to his seduction. With a hunk like Nikolai, falling under his passionate spell was a foregone conclusion. It’s what happens after that kept me turning the pages. The scene where she tells the hero she found pertinent information in a book totally had me grinning. Ella kept Nikolai on his toes and hot under the collar.

There are some important secondary characters and my favorite is Ella’s gramma. Her presence is brief but it’s strongly felt. A reader will figure out what I mean when they read their own copy of Bought for the Greek’s Revenge.

The happy ever after is delightfully fulfilled in a wonderful epilogue that pushed all my happy buttons. I really enjoyed Bought for the Greek’s Revenge and I’m so glad I read it. It’s a terrific afternoon read.

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The Scandalous Flirt by Olivia Drake

October 31, 2017 By Leave a Comment


The Scandalous Flirt by Olivia Drake
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Historical, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full Length (352 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Scandal begins with just one kiss. . .

Aurora Paxton was once the belle of the ball, the most sought-after debutante of the season―until a scandalous mistake ruined her. Shunned by her family, Rory was banished to the country to live in disgrace. Now she’s been summoned back to London by her stepmother, who is being blackmailed by the least likely person Rory can imagine: Lucas Vale, Marquess of Dashell.

Lucas is someone Rory’s known for years―a man as devastatingly handsome as he is coldly disapproving of her. What in the world could he want from her or her family? Rory intends to find out as soon as she comes face to face with her old foe. What she never expects, however, is that the icy aristocrat has a soft spot for her―and a secret plan to redeem her status. Could it be that Lucas has been in love with Rory all along. . .and has finally found a way to win her heart?

Any fan of stories that mirror the tale of Cinderella stand a good chance of being charmed and enchanted, not to mention entertained, when they dive into this very fun novel by Ms. Drake. The Scandalous Flirt has just the right amount of balance between humor, emotional engagement and intrigue as it’s woven amongst a very fine romance between to very opposite personalities. Rory, a/k/a Aurora, and Lucas, Marquess of Dashell.

There’s a bit of a mystery going on in trying to find a blackmailer and the sleuth that’s going to solve the puzzle was supposed to be only one person. Inadvertently the hero stumbles upon the case and gets involved. The complications from that pairing provide the impetus for some of the most memorable moments in the novel and provided many chapters of pure entertainment.

The author included some unique characteristics and talents for the main protagonists and I was fascinated. Some provided humor, food for thought or impressed me. Rory’s was pretty cool.

The internal conflicts of an ambitious hero and a shunned heroine are significant because they have the potential to tear them both apart. As can be expected with a solid, well-told romance, love, attitude, duty and volatile bursts of passion draw Lucas and Rory together despite the odds. I really enjoyed how the author wove their falling in love while in pursuit of the truth.

Of course, there are secondary characters that give this tale a fine flavor, Lady Milford being one, Grimshaw for another. The revelation about that man raised my eyebrows. I never saw that one coming. There are a few words out there that could aptly apply to that man, but I’ll refrain from using such language. Then, there is Rory’s sister, Celeste. I wasn’t sure what I expected but it wasn’t to end up liking her as I did. As for Rory’s step-mother – she was classically written, if you know what I mean.

A pleasant development was Luca’s dragon of a mother. I thought her a wonderful touch and I actually had fun meeting her and watching her effect on the people around her. Once again, an avid reader can guess what has a high probability of happening but the author’s clever writing provides for a pleasant and humorous surprise or two.

A reader will not be disappointed with the fairy tale ending. The mystery is solved, the internal conflicts are addressed in a delightful manner and I was treated to some very spicy romantic moments as Lucas and Rory discover they have more in common than they thought. Lust goes a long way to break down barriers and provide opportunities for shenanigans. They sure were fun to read.

This review is pretty barebones considering the vast number of choices I had to write about. There are way too many twists and turns, scenes of adventure, curiosity and the effect of other secondary characters on the hero and heroine to mention them all and do them justice.

The book’s title, The Scandalous Flirt, makes the novel sound shallow and fluffy. It’s not. There is a lot of heart, passion, depth and wonderful character development. There are crafty plots, dubious deals, preconceptions and amazing revelations. In short, this is a wonderful romance with a solid plot, interesting characters brought to life and a hero and heroine I really enjoyed getting to know. This is a wonderful romance novel to get lost in because it’s that good and I heartily recommend reading this story as soon as you can. I’m glad I did.

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The Wyoming Kid by Debbie Macomber

October 30, 2017 By Leave a Comment


The Wyoming Kid by Debbie Macomber
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (256)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Rancher Lonny Ellison has never known a woman like Joy Fuller. She doesn’t seem very interested in him, and as a former rodeo cowboy, the Wyoming Kid is more used to being mobbed by women! And he and schoolteacher Joy seem to argue constantly. But it doesn’t matter, because he’s not interested in Joy, either. Except…maybe he is. Now he just has to convince her that opposites attract!

Fans of cowboys falling in love even when they don’t think they want to but end up falling hard and fast and then stumble around trying to figure out what to do with all those ‘feelings’, are in for a fun experience when they meet Lonny Ellison. Lonny gets stirred up by his nemesis, Joy Fuller. The fun starts right away with one of them running a newly installed stop sign. As you can imagine, emotions run high in the middle of a crisis and in The Wyoming Kid it opens the door for a romantic adventure to being and for readers to enjoy.

The chief instigator in the book is Lonny’s sister, Letty. I liked her and the love she has for her brother beams from the pages. It’s perfectly natural for someone who has found love to wish the same happiness on those they love and care for so I felt her role was natural and believable. I also liked her relationship with Joy. It’s a forgone conclusion that not every little manipulating tweak works out quite the way Letty wished for her brother. But when it works? It works.

Secondary characters abound and a couple are just plain adorable, namely Cricket. Ms. Macomber has a way of writing that makes it easy to fall in love with them, both secondary and primary.

The passion that overtakes both Lonny and Joy sometimes ended up being cute and funny when it overwhelmed and consumed them in the most unlikely places. I had no doubts their chemistry was combustible. Those scenes were entertaining and well written. There was no doubt that love was in the air.

There’s a background drama that revolves around Lonny’s ranch hand and a girl in town. It’s typical and yet it’s not. By that I mean, do places in our country still resolve testosterone clashes the old fashioned way, by letting them ‘work it out’? These days, it seems everyone likes to analyze, judge, opinionize and advise, and adults try to fix everything without the kids ever learning their own way in dealing with adversity, challenge and personal relationships. It was rather refreshing to see adults letting kids be kids while, as adults, monitor it so it doesn’t get out of hand but allows the lesson to be learned. Our current generation has it drilled into us that there’s never an excuse to fight, so this scene now seems like a fantasy, a distant memory of times past when people looked into each other’s eyes, and had it out, fist to fist – not text aspersions and Snapchat gestures and being buffered from consequences. I really respect how Ms. Macomber wrote the entire scene and I feel she made her point about why the characters had to do what they did. :: slow clap::

The romance is practically perfect and I grinned when the beginning came around to the end. Lonny might not be eloquent but he knows enough to get the point across. Love needs no translation.

The Wyoming Kid is a winner of a romance with a sweet HEA. This is a definite recommend.

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Bride by Royal Decree by Caitlin Crews

October 30, 2017 By Leave a Comment


Bride by Royal Decree by Caitlin Crews
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (219 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

His lost princess bride!

King Reza abandoned the search for his childhood betrothed, Princess Magdalena, years ago. Until the shocking appearance of a photograph of the elusive princess reignites the legend that gripped his nation. Now Reza must return to the hunt and claim his queen!

Waitress Maggy’s family history is a mystery, and even though she often dreamed of Prince Charming, he was never as devastatingly handsome as Reza! Fiercely independent, she won’t accept her birthright on any terms but her own, so if Reza can’t use legal bindings, he’ll use sensual ones that Maggy will be helpless to resist!

There’s nothing like a sweet romance that feeds my addiction for brain candy.

As a fan of Harlequin romances, there’s a certain kind of hero, premise and journey that never fails to entertain, engage and lure me in. I’m happy to report that Bride by Royal Decree met my expectations and I was a happy clam all nestled in my comfy chair while I enjoyed this wonderful story.

I’m dating myself here but for those readers who remember Shirley Temple’s 1939 movie The Little Princess about a little girl forced into servitude due to a reversal of fortune, as well as the classic Cinderella, they’ll recognize that this novel combines elements of both, and Ms. Crews’ wonderful writing captures the intense feelings of stubbornness, hope, despair and eventually, love.

Maggie is a foster child who, through sheer grit and determination, has survived a horrible upbringing. She’s feisty and mouthy but she has a good work ethic and still dreams of a better life. Enter the hero, King Reza, and things get really interesting. He’s infuriatingly arrogant, powerful and rich and … unprepared for the force that is Maggie. I loved it when she talked back to him. Those scenes made me giggle.

Maggie’s prince has come, but in actual fact is already a king. She was lost for years and years and as soon as she’s rediscovered, the plot kicks in high gear because Reza is determined that she WILL be his, she WILL act like a future queen and expects her to toe the line, except, when she does, he’s still not happy. Why is that you wonder? You have to read the book to find out what’s going on in the king’s head.

The novel is told mostly in Maggie’s point of view because she’s the star and the one that most of the change happens to, but Reza has a few enlightened moments to share with readers too. Of course he’s not without internal conflicts and past hurts which of course stymy their budding relationship; that’s a given for these types of stories. It’s how those issues get resolved; it’s how Maggie and Reza finally reach the point where they realize that they really do love each other that the story races to their happy ever after.

How it comes about cracked me up. Not that it’s overtly funny – it’s because Maggie basically tore a page out of Reza’s “how to be royalty” book and figuratively whapped him over the head with hit. I really liked Maggie.

If a reader is in need of a quick and easy bit of romantic escapism, Bride by Royal Decree should do very nicely indeed. It was a quiet afternoon’s read for me and I enjoyed every moment.

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Blade of Darkness by Dianne Duvall

October 19, 2017 By 2 Comments


Blade of Darkness by Dianne Duvall
Immortal Guardians
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full length (382 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Dana Pembroke has been able to glimpse the future of those she touches for as long as she can remember. But she never saw Aidan coming. When the tall, dark Celt with the charming grin yet world-weary eyes walks through her door, the future she sees for him is one full of violence, danger, deception… and passion. Because amidst the terrifying battles that unfold in her visions, she also sees herself in Aidan’s arms and in his bed. Dana knows she should keep her distance, but the tender moments and laughter they share entice her even as she finds herself thrust into a world of vampires, immortals, and other preternatural beings.

Immortal Guardian Aidan O’Byrne has been hunting and slaying psychotic vampires for nearly three thousand years, so visions of bloody battles don’t trouble him. The battles Dana foresees, however, show Aidan’s brethren turning against him, so he can’t help but feel alarmed. While he spends as much time as he can with Dana, struggling to decipher her dire predictions, Aidan finds himself utterly smitten. Hope rises that he has finally found a woman who can banish the darkness and loneliness that plague him. But when vampires begin targeting Dana and a powerful enemy spawns chaos, will fate grant them time to find happiness together?

You know how some novels can take a week to read even though it’s really good but your progress is kind of slow because it’s heavily detailed, wordy or intricate and you have to spend time letting it gel? Well, have I got news for you. Forget that happening in Ms. Duvall’s latest Immortal Guardian adventure. Finishing the book was a compulsion that overtook even the interest to eat. Seriously, the balance of dialogue, descriptions and action, never mind the wonderful love scenes between Dana and Aidan – all of it was sheer perfection. The writing was strong and evocative, the plot suspenseful and gripping, and the characters are those a reader can fall in love with. There is nothing slow about this book. I devoured the entire story in one day!

Blade of Darkness left me breathless; every single feeling and emotion a story can evoke is brilliantly brought to life with an impact that left me clamoring for more. I don’t know how Ms. Duvall does it but she consistently delivers a high impact, thoroughly engaging story in each installment that follows a gifted one finding love with an Immortal Guardian who never thought to find true love. It’s the best hook in the world and this author does it justice.

I lost count as to how many times my heart was in my throat during the sword battles as Aidan and his brothers fought against the insane vampires. Drama and gripping suspense shot through the stratosphere when it became apparent that Gershom is back and has a few new tricks up his sleeve. It’s shocking and yet so typical of a Super Villain, a classification of which he more than earns – he defines it.

Only once does a reader get into the villain’s head and it was enough to convince me that Gershom deserves to be taken down. For the most part, the book stays in the point of view of both Dana and Aidan and that’s fine with me because there is no question they are the stars of this book and their romance is unconventional to say the least.

Secondary characters abound but they were more than welcomed. Practically every one of them is someone I’ve fallen in love with before in past novels. They do a wonderful job of supporting Aidan and Dana – more than this humble review can reveal. My heart hurts for Seth though. And David. When will it be their turn is what I’d like to know. In this novel I get to see Seth experience extreme emotion which makes him even more alluring as a future hero. I just adore his role and how he really loves the people under his command. They’re family and that theme of family shows itself in surprising and rewarding ways throughout Blade of Darkness.

I usually don’t talk about book covers but for this review I will mention just a couple of things. First, the guy is yummy, that’s a given. But look at his eyes! Finally someone has paid attention to some of the characteristics that make a hero so special. In this case, an Immortal Guardian named Aidan. The cover for this novel rocks!

There is so much more I want to say, to share, to comment on because Blade of Darkness.takes place in a world that is rich, vibrant, and at times almost real, that even when I reached the last page, I didn’t want to leave. Also, I’m guessing here, but Aidan’s ‘as you will’ seems like a nod to the Dread Pirate Roberts in The Princess Bride – a movie I absolutely adore. As he says to Princess Buttercup, ‘as you wish’. I wish Ms. Duvall much success because I want her to continue writing about this world until every Immortal Guardian finds love, until everything Seth fought for and protects is relatively safe, and maybe, just maybe the two lone warriors we all respect will find love too.

Blade of Darkness is a must read, a must have and a book worth the space on a reader’s keeper shelf. Dana and Aidan’s story is extra special and wonderful and I’m thrilled that such a misunderstood hero finally finds a woman to love and cherish. What more could a reader wish? I’m a very, VERY happy reader.

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Dreaming of a White Wolf Christmas by Terry Spear

September 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment


Dreaming of a White Wolf Christmas by Terry Spear
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (320 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

angling with a White Wolf—Best Christmas Ever, or Real Trouble?

Romance writer Candice Mayfair never missed a deadline in her life—until an accidental bite from a werewolf puppy turns her into an Arctic wolf shifter. She’s forced to isolate herself in the wilderness to cope with her unpredictable shifting while she works on her deadlines. After all, for Candice, Christmas is just another day.

Enter private investigator Owen Nottingham, a wolf shifter hired to find Candice so she can collect her inheritance. They have a real problem: she must arrive home in human form, and that’s not happening during the full moon. Besides, Owen has a new mission: to convince the pretty she-wolf her best move is to join his pack in time for Christmas…and to prove he’s the only wolf for her.

Ms. Spear has done it again. She has written another fun werewolf romance with an interesting twist on an often told tale. You know, a struggling heroine finds herself a possible heiress, has to compete with someone else to prove she is who she is and finds herself in a pickle because someone does not want her to prove it. Throw in a new way of life, a hero she’s not sure she can trust and finding out she is not a lone wolf after all, totally makes Dreaming of a White Wolf Christmas worth taking the time to snuggle down and get comfy with while reading.

I liked Candice and Owen’s romance. I liked how they met, how they courted and the dialogue that flowed back and forth between them. I enjoyed seeing how the heroine fit in with Owen’s small pack and I adored all the kids and their antics. One of the kids is of course extra mischievous and ends up having a special place in Owen and Candice’s heart. Mine too, for that matter.

The conflict is mostly character driven except when it comes to the heroine proving her authenticity. That’s where the external conflict shows up and it provides the suspense and drama needed to keep the plot moving. There are plenty of surprises and interesting twists so this story avoids being a cliché. Ms. Spear sure had a challenge ahead of her in trying to fit all the action in during a rushed but believable timeline that raced towards the final showdown and satisfying conflict resolution. It was well paced, used effective descriptions and engaged my emotions.

I know the title mentions Christmas and that it’s a really big holiday, but the season isn’t the focus of the story. The special time is used more to wrap up the happily ever after as it’s the perfect reason for a celebration of family, of hope, of dreams come true and the start of a wonderful future. It has a feel good, optimistic and charming ending all tied up with a beautiful, big bow of romance and love.

Dreaming of a White Wolf Christmas is a sweet romance that pulls the heartstrings because both Candice and Owen lost the lives they had before the ‘big change’. But, in each other, found happiness and joy for the life that’s ahead of them. I’m quite confident that their happy ever after is actually the beginning of a wonderful new life adventure for both of them. I’m a very content reader.

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Immortally Yours by Lynsay Sands

September 19, 2017 By 2 Comments


Immortally Yours by Lynsay Sands
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (400 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

One hundred and twenty-five years is a long time to nurse a crush. That’s how long it’s been since Beth Argenis first met Cullen “Scotty” MacDonald and he instantly became the star of her most X-rated dreams. Back then, he was rescuing her from a Rogue Immortal. Now Beth’s a Rogue Hunter—a damn good one. She doesn’t need saving anymore, despite what Scotty thinks. What she does need is the fierce, wild desire that finally erupts between them.

Scotty has hesitated to claim Beth as his own. But one explosive kiss confirms what he’s long suspected: She’s his life mate. But Beth is tough, fearless, beautiful…and in immortal danger. Unless he wants to lose her forever, he’ll have to rethink everything he once believed about love and destiny as well as confront an enemy who’s terrifyingly close.

No matter how fantastical the paranormal aspect is in a novel, it’s the human factor that helps a reader relate to the characters and the overall story. One of the plot conflicts is a tale as old as time in Immortally Yours and yet Ms. Sands injects a refreshing wrinkle, Argeneau style, and makes it her own.

In the last book with the mad scientist, I thought for sure the next novel would pick up that thread and in a way it did, but not as I expected. This tale shifts to the ramifications and effects on the rest of the Argeneau clan that were left behind when the others went to rescue their kidnapped family members. Reinforcements are called in from other parts of the world which introduces new personalities that the Canadian Argeneaus need to not only work with but trust. One would think that was a safe bet, they’re sort of like family after all, right? Nope, because not all of them are Argeneaus and there are other prominent Immortal families out there that are also movers and shakers. I found out that there is a Russian faction that, from the sounds of it, are rather fierce, who play hardball and are feared by many. So, how does that play into this plot? It’s effective, clever, interesting and surprising.

The mystery involves the basic questions of figuring out who is a traitor, who is betraying them and why do all the attacks seem to target specific people and how in the world are the villains always one step ahead? I didn’t find out until the heroine, Beth, found out the hard way. Once I read the ‘great reveal’, I sat back and thought, “Why didn’t I figure that out earlier? It seems like it should have been so obvious!”, except it wasn’t. Not for me. I was wonderfully stunned.

As for the heroine, that poor girl! I mean, seriously, how many times can a person get toasted like a marshmallow, skewered like a shish kebab or dodge other surprising attacks? Beth had some near misses and some attacks were dead on. Was she continually in the right place at the wrong time? Was it a jinx of supreme bad luck? The thing is, in the middle of one of the most physically painful times between Beth and Scotty, a/k/a Cullen, the author slipped in a brief moment of hilarity.(Ms. Sands does that a lot) It was their reaction that made me snort and guffaw. It was like a Loony Toons moment; totally snicker-worthy.

In addition to the mystery conflict, there’s a huge internal conflict going on. It seems Scotty has this noble idea about what is best for Beth. He also thinks he’s magnanimous, forgiving and enlightened. Yes, he’s giving, but he’s not forgiving or enlightened as he’s deluded himself to be. The hero had a rude wakeup call, that’s for sure. I liked watching him not only come to terms with his own failings but grow as person to become better – which seems incongruous as he was already totally swoon-worthy and sexy and heroic.

As for the heroine, her own internal conflict was substantial and mind blowing. Her early life was a nightmare. And yet, the analogy of the sword that Ms. Sands used totally made sense, was believable and basically summed up Beth’s personality. The heroine is a strong, stubborn and highly opinionated woman. I loved it.

Of the new Immortals that were introduced, I like Kira the best. She has a future, I think. She has attitude, confidence and her own serious conflicts to deal with which makes her an ideal future heroine especially if she ‘hooks up’ with an Argeneau. The conflagration from that could be highly incendiary, dramatic, and a perfect venue for more snickers and snorts. After a reader experiences Kira in this novel, I think they’ll understand my opinion.

The shared sex dreams of new Life Mates, and the physical sexual encounters were of course, hot, but what intrigued me was how Ms. Sands used the sex for something practical and altruistic. It also proved to me without doubt that Scotty and Beth are perfect together.

Immortally Yours is more about people than the paranormal. It’s about healing, challenging perceptions and admitting when you’re wrong. It’s about imperfect people falling in love in the face of the dangers of assumptions. It’s about why it’s important to take the time to really listen to the person you love, even if it hurts. And, it’s about fighting for what you believe in. There’s a lot of emotional depth to this novel that makes it more than just a fun, fluffy and entertaining read. Ms. Sands has another winner and is an easy recommend.

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Her Montana Millionaire by Crystal Green

September 8, 2017 By Leave a Comment


Her Montana Millionaire by Crystal Green
Publisher: Silhouette/Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (256 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

FROM LIFE IN THE FAST LANE…
New York socialite Jinni Fairchild would take care of her sister, even if that meant sacrificing, temporarily, her jetset lifestyle for the wilds of Rumor, Montana. No limos, no parties, no haute couture — she was barely surviving. Until she met Max Cantrell.

TO SLOW AND EASY.
Tall. Dark. Gorgeous. And rich as Midas. Jinni knew how to handle men like him. With one flirtatious smile, she would have him eating out of her manicured hand. Except Max had his own agenda, one that involved long talks, gentle kisses and an unhurried sensuality that tempted this city girl to stop and smell the roses — with him!

MONTANA MAVERICKS: THE KINGSLEYS
Nothing is as it seems beneath the big skies of Montana

I don’t believe I’ve ever read a story where the heroine is so blatantly stereotypical – on purpose. She knows she’s got the looks, the charm, the style and the attitude and Jinni flaunts it for all she’s worth. She’s also used to having no problems getting men to propose and her saying ‘yes’. The heroine just has this little issue with commitment; the ‘yes’ never turns into ‘I do’ – until Max. He makes her question her sense of self. It’s that process and how Ms. Green wrote the journey that made this novel so engaging and charming. I actually liked Jinni and got the greatest kick out of her internal dialogues. She’s actually pretty funny.

Max is a loner, a man scorned, a single dad with a kid he can’t seem to reach – you know, the perfect tortured hero? Getting into his head allowed me to understand that the strong man people see from outside doesn’t give the whole picture of just who Max is inside.

Being in both their POVs was positively humorous especially when they took turns teasing, seducing, bantering and employing tactile innuendo; they basically drove each other crazy with lust. Even though I tagged this as spicy, I’d call it ‘spicy-lite’ because the culmination, when it finally, FINALLY happened, had just enough description to say the door was open and to assure readers that they were compatible in all the best of ways.

Max has a romantic streak in him a mile wide and I think Ms. Green had quite a ball imagining all kinds of toys, pursuits and eccentricities a millionaire might have if he indulged in flights of fancy. As over the top as some of them were, I give kudos to the author for creativity that invokes the word – FUN.

Max’s son, Michael is a plot/conflict mover. He’s on stage enough to be a pivotal player. As for Max’s brother, I’m not sure what to say about him. Actually, I’m not sure if I should add as a tag a ‘sci-fi’ aspect, or something. Guy is like an absentminded professor and his … discovery is the stuff of those old B movie horror flicks – totally implausible but fun. At least he’s a good guy. I’m disappointed that his loose end wasn’t tied up. I wonder if that means he will have his own story? I’m going to have to do some research because I simply can’t leave him where this book left him.

Her Montana Millionaire was pure, enjoyable escapism that was a pleasure to read. I had fun and I think its charm could be appreciated by many fans of romance.

I think a story that leaves you smiling is a good thing. Her Montana Millionaire does that.

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A Little Fang Never Hurt Anybody by J R Pearson

September 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment


A Little Fang Never Hurt Anybody by J R Pearson
Monster Haven 1
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (128 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Werewolf Wild Child.
Taco Enthusiast.
Drunk Table Dancing Expert.
Queen of Shitty Relationships.
Me.
Kokoa Lovell. (Pronounced as cocoa)

I’m an honest-to-goodness, denial wearing- f*ck-up. My love life contains themes of extreme complication, washboard abs and mind-blowing romps in the sack. It’s okay though. I swallow the crazy sh*t life is bringing in buckets because I really don’t want to deal with what’s important… like finally facing my scarier than split ends great grandfather — the head honcho himself and why his decades long absence has come to an end in time for my birthday. And wondering why I collected lust cards from three different guys.

The next few days I face is sure to be a cluster–f*ck of epic proportions, during which, I will learn the following: It’s cute to cuddle with a lion but dangerous when he’s keeping secrets… Flirting and making hubba-hubba eyes at a vampire is just asking to get your neck chomped on. And sending Polaroid pictures of your ass to a dragon is all fun and games till he decides to kidnap you.

My solution: Eat a ton of birthday cake then run like hell.

It was the title that grabbed me but the story is what kept me. This book was a pleasant surprise because it was like nothing I’ve ever read before. Yes, it’s first person point of view but the heroine, Kokoa, with her internal dialogue, her turns of phrases and her unapologetic kookiness charmed me, engaged my interest and gave me so many reasons to smile or chortle that I lost count. She is not my typical heroine, her location isn’t like Mayberry and her relationships are mind bogglingly complex.

I guess I’m going to have to label this one as a happy for now because I think J.R. Pearson is just getting started in showing me that Kokoa isn’t the simple pancake-eating, taco devouring lover of food and family. She has three love interests but only one who she’s accepted into her bed. She’s lusting after all of them and she’s kind of happy-go-lucky about her friendship with them because for the heroine, being friends is key. She truly loves them all but … not enough to have indiscriminant sex with all of them. There’s just something about Gavin that does it for her, but Jon is the only one that is closest to touching her heart. Then there’s Adrian Galzra . Wow. Adrian is a loose cannon. He’s not a friend per se, but he’s not her enemy. The heroine kind of instigated his interest in her but from the sounds of the final chapter I’d say Kokoa may have bitten off more than she handle – if she handles the situation like she did that drink, boy is she in trouble!

A Little Fang Never Hurt Anybody has the potential to be a powerhouse of a series if this first book is any indication. In the beginning the heroine seems like she has a bit of a potty mouth but readers are going to be in for a bit of an eye-opening experience with her character. Kokoa has depth and it sounds like the revealing of her complexity is just getting started. J.R. Pearson is world building in this novelette and I am thoroughly fascinated with its history, its population, its secrets and how the heroine is going to fit within it.

Jon featured strongly in this story but the next one is going to focus on someone else, and I can’t tell if it’s going to be Gavin or Adrian – both men have something to recommend them and both perhaps are not all as they seem. I feel like I’ve been teased with a hint of intrigue and after her last interaction with Adrian, I’m hooked. And I mean seriously hooked. This story isn’t a short shot of an excuse just for having sex. No, this one has meat, intent, a rich community to work within and secrets to uncover. While I was reading I had the feeling that I was experiencing a quality of writing that I’m used to seeing from the bigger names in the industry. I’m duly impressed and feel fortunate that I chose this book to read. Thank goodness for the catchy title!

Keep your eye on the Monster Haven series because if it continues as it’s started, this is going to be one powerful ride. I can guarantee I won’t want to get off of anytime soon if the following books are as well done and surprising as this one was.

A Little Fang Never Hurt Anybody is an unexpected gem and I look forward to seeing it shine as the story arc unfolds. I think the adventure is just beginning and I’m glad I discovered this series early on. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!

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

Forever Wicked by Nina Bangs

September 1, 2017 By Leave a Comment


Forever Wicked by Nina Bangs
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (400 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Sparkle Stardust wishes she could take back the angry words she threw at Ganymede. Now the man she loves has left her and is on a collision course with death if she can’t stop him. When she finally tracks him down, Sparkle discovers he has stirred up more trouble than both of them can handle.

Ganymede storms from the Castle of Dark Dreams determined never to return. He vents his anger by creating chaos around the world, certain that the mayhem will drive Sparkle from his mind and from his heart. It doesn’t work.

But when a powerful enemy from their past threatens Ganymede and Sparkle, they stand side by side to protect their lives, their castle, and their love.

The conclusion of a story arc is always a joyously sad event. I mean, you finally get the satisfaction of seeing how everything comes together, usually in a big, dramatic event and it’s joyous and exciting because you’ve waited for it for what feels like forever. The sad part is because it’s concluded. The good thing about Forever Wicked is the happily ever after is one fans have been waiting for, for years upon years and it seems Ms. Bangs decided all hands should be on deck, so to speak. It was really awesome to see the ‘plants’ are still doing well. *grin*

The most fascinating revelation about Sparkle and Ganymede is their origins. That was something I never, ever saw coming. In the Castle of Dark Dreamsseries the two protagonists were always Cosmic Troublemakers – they wrought various forms of destruction and misery on worlds and on Earth. It’s what they did and what they were. However, throughout the series I saw them slowly morph into something else besides destroyers and troublemakers and this novel explains why. It was very cool. Actually, it was kind of sad too, and shocking. It’s that element that leads the plot into twists and turns that does Ms. Bangs justice.

As far as the romance goes between Sparkle and Ganymede, it starts off bumpy because they kind of broke up with each other in the previous novel. I say ‘kind of’ because it was more a matter of hurt feelings than either one not being in love with the other, so there was a lot of healing and attempts at reconciling in the first part of the story. It’s the threat they face and the realization that they are stronger together than apart when faced with the biggest fight in their long lives that brings them back together.

In fact, all of my favorite characters where brought back to play important parts in the final, dramatic and exciting conclusion. Seeing them again sparked an interest to read the whole series from beginning to end and relive why I enjoyed this series so much. The variety of personalities always kept the story arc fresh and interesting.

Anyone who has read Ms. Bangs’ works knows that humor is a big part in the lives of her characters and that remains true in Forever Wicked. Yes, there are sexy times to show that Sparkle and Ganymede are still hot for each other but it’s lightly sprinkled throughout the book. The main focus is on the plot, the characters and their personalities, and how they suddenly understand the meaning of ‘family’ – of which is an incredibly important component to the conclusion of the story arc.

I suppose this book could be considered a standalone story because the focus is on the two main characters but I strongly believe that the potential impact is greatly enhanced for fans of the series. With that in mind, I’d lean towards it not being truly a standalone read. Ultimately, it’s reader’s choice.

Forever Wicked was a tale worth waiting for. I am satisfied with their happily ever after and the story told to get there. It was pure Sparkle and Ganymede just as I’ve known them to be, but with more depth and surprises. I’m a happy reader.

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