Dragon Consultant by Mell Eight

DRAGON
Dragon Consultant by Mell Eight
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (100 pgs)
Other: M/M, Masturbation
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

The FAA has been struggling with dragons attacking their planes, and hire Dane, a supernatural consultant, to look into the matter. What Dane finds in the woods is not quite the problem he expected: a group of dragon kits and their sick father.

But there are still many medications viagra sale australia on the market, these pumps are said to offer permanent results. How Vinpocetine Works to Improve Memory: In a particular case study, approximately a dozen of healthy women had cheap viagra from canada been given Vinpocetine prior to having taken a chain of 4 mental tests. Picking the accomplished Speovernight cialis unica-web.comt will be the top decision. levitra properien Health experts may blame to health problem, mental condition and interpersonal cause to hurt the quality of your relationship. When he learns the real reason the family was in the woods, his case only grows more dangerous, and while Dane is plenty experienced at watching his own back, taking care of baby dragons and their handsome, distracting father almost makes danger look easy.

The blurb is what hooked me into giving this book a try but the amazing plot, fascinating main character and the mystery of the dragons kept me until the climactic and exciting conclusion. Dragon Consultant was a delightful treat that I really enjoyed reading.

Dane is a hero who is more than human. At first I thought he was Fae but what he really is, is even more fascinating and interesting. It’s a good thing he is what he is because his talents are needed by dragonkind everywhere, they just don’t know it yet. But they will because their survival is tied to his quest.

Part of Dane’s commitment comes from his saving Mercury and his family. I adored how the author presented every one of the kids/kits and provided me with clear insights into their personalities and quirks. I chuckled frequently, smiled and enjoyed their antics, but I also hurt for them because those young kits are survivors of tragic circumstances. The drama from multiple rescues, close calls and the revelation of a darker more evil plot arc kept me flipping the pages. The suspense is gripping and because I grew to care for all the kits and Dane and Mercury, the reading experience was intense and heart thumping.

As for the relationship with Dane and Mercury, it’s slow in growing because the author took time to tell a story. It’s well written and very meaty with lots of layers and that’s why I loved this book so much. It’s not about the sex, it’s about the people, it’s about surviving the odds and coming out winners, and when Dane and Mercury finally allow themselves to express how they really feel for each other, once the fires are out and everyone is safe, they celebrate life in the most basic and passionate way. They finally took that wonderful, physical step and yet it wasn’t graphic. I appreciated the fact that Ms. Eight didn’t feel the need to sex it up – their love spoke loudly and strongly with what the author chose to share and it’s beautiful. It’s the essence of romance and that thrilled me.

Dragon Consultant is the first in a series because it’s listed as a Supernatural Consultant, Book one. I’m excited. That means I’ll be seeing more of Dane and Mercury as they follow the clues to save the other captives, and I get to see how Lumie is faring, how Nickel is growing and if Zinc is truly safe and recovering. The author has presented me with a lot of characters I’ve come to care for and if future books in the series are as well written, and continue to engage my emotions and concern for all the people I’ve met in Dragon Consultant, then I can be counted on to read more books in the series. I’m definitely hooked.

In the Company of Wolves by Paige Tyler

WOLVES
In the Company of Wolves by Paige Tyler
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (278 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

There’s a new gang of criminals in town and it’s organized, ruthless, and, most importantly, a pack of wolf shifters. Eric Becker and his Dallas SWAT Team are determined to rid their streets of these lowlifes, but when his fellow cops collide with the criminals in a shoot-out, he finds himself face–to-face with the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen.

Incapable of shooting or arresting the alluring shifter who’s stolen his heart, Becker decides to hide her and leave the scene with the rest of his team. Now Jayna, his mystery woman, is left not only wondering why she was protected, but also what a street-savvy thief like her is going to do with a hot alpha wolf officer like him…

There’s a new meaning to the acronym, S.W.A.T. and it’s really cool. Special Wolf Alpha Team consists of good guys with paranormal talents that get the job done when regular humans can’t due to the high risk. Eric was lucky to be part of the S.W.A.T. team but not everyone is so fortunate to find a pack that protects your back. Enter Jayna, the heroine and an unlikely one at that. She doesn’t see herself as anything other than subservient to her alpha, but things are about to change and wow, does it get exciting!

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The action scenes are gritty, the suspense is knife sharp and the romance sizzles. Ms. Tyler weaves intrigue with lust, suspense with laughter and shocks with revelations. In the Company of Wolves is a busy book with lots of layers for readers to explore.

However, the author actually starts off with how Jayna’s turn came to pass in the prologue. It’s scary because she was just a kid when it happened and the violence was shocking. It’s not until the chaos of the first chapter that I found out what had happened to Jayna and I was horrified. How could she have gone from the frying pan to the fire? It’s through Eric’s determination and dogged perseverance that I found out. Eric is a man of action but even he, with all his wolfie talents, might not be enough to save the day. The ‘how’ of it is another reason why I found this book hard to put down.

When Eric and Jayne follow their mating instincts, it’s really hot stuff. Those scenes are well-written, well placed and every one of them is worth reading.

Secondary characters are key. The ones in Jayna’s group provide motivation, heart and conflict. The villains are decidedly creepy, violent and effective bad guys. Even someone who used to be good was actually bad and that made me sad. It was Jayna’s remembrances of him earlier that made it so hard to reconcile the past with the reality of the present. My favorite secondary character was Cooper. Ms. Tyler put my emotions through the wringer when she had him on stage. I think what got me the most was how she described his smile.

For romantic suspense readers, this novel has enough chases, fights, bullets, blood, drama, action, trepidation and heart stopping moments to cause an adrenaline rush. It’s riveting!

As for the happy ever after, it’s perfect because it comes with a couple of surprises. That last couple of sentences were so romantic they left me sighing. It was all worth it. In the Company of Wolves definitely gets a thumbs up from me. This is an awesome book and an easy one to recommend to other readers. It’s a standalone so a new reader can jump right in and feel welcomed. Certainly, it’s one not to miss.

The Spinster’s Guide to Scandalous Behavior by Jennifer McQuiston

GUIDE
The Spinster’s Guide to Scandalous Behavior by Jennifer McQuiston
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (337 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Free-spirited Lucy Westmore isn’t yet a spinster, although she fully intends to be. Fortunately, an eccentric aunt has left her both a diary detailing the secrets to spinsterhood and a cottage in Cornwall. Unfortunately, an insufferable marquess is angling for her prize! Turning Lord Thomas Branston down flat should be easy. So why does this man who won’t take no for an answer make Lucy’s body and soul sigh yes?

Thomas knows the real value of Heathmore Cottage, and he has no intention of letting some silly Society miss get her hands on it. He’ll simply have to charm Lucy into selling. But the clever young woman he encounters, first in London, then en route to Cornwall, stands stubbornly on her own two (quite lovely) feet. And now, Thomas can think only of sweeping her off them.

How many times do we romanticize something until it has no bearing on the truth? And what happens when faced with the reality of how things really are? That’s the impetus for one of the conflicts that propels this well told romance by Ms. McQuiston.
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Lucy, the heroine, is faced with obeying the edicts of her parents, and dying inside, or taking the path less traveled, one she believes a barely known aunt actually lived. She was bequeathed diaries and a cottage and as far as she’s concerned, Lucy is going to choose to live the grand life of a spinster. She thinks she is armed with all the information she needs, written in her aunt’s own hand. The heroine’s rose-colored glasses slowly get a tint adjustment from the hero, Thomas.

Thomas wasn’t what I expected in a hero. He’s rather odd, reclusive and stuffy. He thinks he prefers life as he’s living it and that includes a secret. A secret that I admit to never even coming close to guessing correctly, and because of which, makes this a truly enjoyable read. I love being surprised.

The one thing that Lucy does to Thomas is make him feel. She challenges him, she thwarts him and she beguiles him to the point that he starts imagining seductive scenarios and having intriguing thoughts about having his way with her. It scares him silly, yet, he can’t stay away. That, of course, is too bad because Lucy wants nothing whatsoever to do with him, and that is another plot conflict that was rather fun to watch unfold. How she goes from not trusting him and despising him, to craving him is quite entertaining.

I waffled back and forth about whether or not her parents truly loved her or were using her as a pawn. I think it was a little bit of both, but I’ll let other readers decide for themselves. Certainly the author provided plenty of scenes and info to support both views. Eventually, there is mini HEA of a sort regarding that plot conflict, and I found its delivery engaging. The Spinster’s Guide to Scandalous Behavior is very much a character driven romance. Lucy was a bit too stubborn at times and I felt she should have given in just a bit earlier, like half a chapter’s worth, but then again, she wouldn’t be Lucy if she did cave. She’s quite the firecracker.

I liked the many humorous moments, some of the towns people, especially the orphans, and I very much enjoyed watching Lucy discover the many people in real life that she had only read about in her aunt’s diaries. That she knows their secrets when they don’t know her at all was a very clever bit of writing. I enjoyed seeing the heroine try to dig herself out of a hole when she said something about an event she should not nor could not have known. There were many pink-cheeked moments that made me smile.

Ms. McQuiston has written a charming, entertaining and clever romance that I very much enjoyed. The heroine has such an adventurous spirit that she compliments Thomas’s pragmatic and almost proper mien. The hero is Lucy’s rudder and rock, and she’s his life’s spice and dreams of adventure. Between the two of them, they make a miracle happen, and that’s about as romantic as it gets. The Spinster’s Guide to Scandalous Behavior is a book that is easy for me to recommend because it made me care for both Lucy and Thomas, and that’s a good thing.

Alpha Unleashed by Aileen Erin

ALPHA
Alpha Unleashed by Aileen Erin
Publisher: Ink Monster, LLC
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (220 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Tessa McCaide has had it up to here with supernaturals. Luciana may have failed to steal Tessa’s magic, but she’s just getting started on her crusade for magical domination. If her demonic summoning isn’t stopped, it could mean the end of everything.

Tessa’s allies, including her mate Dastien, are ready to fight, but they’re no match for Luciana’s power. A little help (and ancient Inca mojo) from Tessa’s cousin, Claudia, may give the side of good a chance if she can make it home in time, but stopping the war is no longer an option.

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As a fan of the Alpha Girl Series, my expectations were met and exceeded with this latest installment. Finally, finally the confrontation between good and evil, heroine and villain, takes place and it’s every bit as exciting and nail biting as I could have wished.

Alpha Unleashed is the fifth book in the series and is not a standalone. For a reader to understand what is at stake, to understand the pain of friends lost, horrors visited and challenges overcome, one has to read the entire series, books 1-4, to experience the immense impact book five has for a follower of the plot arc and the heroine, Tessa and her alpha hero, Dastien. It’s told from first person POV and the author never missed a beat because a reader only knows what Tessa knows which left both of us open to the surprises and emotional challenges that pepper the novel.

All the loose ends get wrapped up in this final novel with regards to Luciana. That witch is vile, vindictive, determined and not quite herself; certainly not as any of her coven knew her to be, which is quite the surprise later on in the book. There is good news about Raphael, fascinating intrigue with the introduction of Van and his association with Cosette, Tessa and Dastien’s bond is finally sealed, but not done quite as expected and through it all, Tessa’s family provides the unconditional love and support that gives the heroine strength, and the story heart and grounding. Family is important – Tessa’s family and her pack family, and they’re worth fighting and dying for.

There is action galore especially in the final battle. There are many moments of suspense, of not knowing who will make it, what potions will work, who the enemies from within are, and who else will die. Not to mention the fact that the biggest kept secret is let out of the bag and the ramifications are almost overwhelming for Tessa, who for all intents and purposes, is still a teenager. Talk about growing up fast!

Tessa and Dastien are still wonderful together. The author focuses mostly on their relationship and the action, not so much on their love life, which is fine for me. The strength and support Dastien provides is immense but I adore their bantering, those moments of light humor and teasing and how Tessa is affected by just looking at her hero’s yummy abs. Those were fun scenes, special scenes, and they personified what was at stake if she and her allies failed to defeat Luciana.

Alpha Unleashed totally wowed me. Every question I had, every wish I hoped, all were more than met and I’m a very happy reader. The Alpha Girl Series was discovered by accident and it’s the best book series I’ve come across in quite some time. It’s unique, intelligent, meaty, romantic, action packed and it grips a reader’s imagination. It’s symbolizes the battle between good and evil and even though the heroes and heroines mostly wear fur instead of the requisite white hat, they get the job done. This is a well written novel and a compliment to the rest of the series – the cake topper, if you will. I heartily recommend this novel, and this series.

The Fox and Her Bear by Lynn Red

FOX
The Fox and Her Bear by Lynn Red
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (87 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

When fox-shifting Angie Holton goes to work, she’s all business. Being all work, all the time, is starting to wear her down. Angie is lonely, though she’d never admit it. She goes from one thing to the next, more surviving than living, and has more or less given up on the whole love thing – who has time for all that anyway?

That is, until she meets Dawson Lex – a piano playing, hamburger cooking, sexy-as-hell werebear.

Dawson’s not just a pretty face and… really, really muscular arms. This bear has a dark, violent past and a present that barely keeps him from exploding again. But once he lays eyes on Angie, he knows he won’t—can’t—let this one go.

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This novella is a great choice for readers who enjoy stories of friends stealthily conniving and matchmaking two folks who they feel are perfect for each other. The plot is really cute.

I enjoy Ms. Red’s storytelling style because it’s lighthearted, easy to read and there’s always a knee-slapper or giggle along the way.

The Mating Call Dating Agency is at it again but this time the author takes a very brief side trip that clued me in that the owner and her assistant might be in Cupid’s crosshairs in the future. In The Fox and Her Bear I found the first hints that readers might be getting more in depth glimpses into Eve and Dora, but not today. This book is all about Angie and Dawson.

I like that the author spends some time getting a reader familiar with the unique quirks that make her hero and heroine special. When Angie and Dawson finally tear up the sheets it’s after a substantial and entertaining amount of sensual buildup, hints and teasing. The payoff comes from some well-written and engaging scenes that illustrate just how compatible the two of them are. It was a lot of fun.

The book isn’t all fluff and lust; there is a brief bit of drama and heroism that pushes this story up from a fun read to a solidly good read. I like a bit of action that brings out the mettle of the man, or in this case, Dawson. He proved to be someone I’d want in my corner when things get tight.

The best thing I liked about Dawson? How he made his pancakes. That sold me too. I just never had that kind of reaction when I made pancakes. I think I’m missing out.

All in all, The Fox and Her Bear is simply adorable. I know the sex was hot, and the story was easy to read and fast and all that good stuff, but Angie and Dawson are so cute together, they’re what made the story as good as it was. I liked them and I liked the book. This novella is perfect for a reader’s afternoon quickie fix.

Duty Bound Guardian by Terri Reed

FUTY
Duty Bound Guardian by Terri Reed
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Inspirational, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (171 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

FRAMED

When a priceless artifact is stolen, museum curator Lana Gomez becomes the prime suspect. How can she hope to adopt her orphaned nephew if she’s a person of interest in a crime? Cooperating with Capitol K-9 Unit officer Adam Donovan doesn’t get her very far—the handsome cop thinks she’s hiding something. But when the real thief returns set on silencing Lana, it is Adam and his Doberman pinscher, Ace, who become her only defense against a madman who wants nothing more than to see Lana eliminated.
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A mystery wrapped in a mystery but which one leads to the HEA? That’s what I found most intriguing about this novel. The one that involved Lana and Adam is all over the place in the beginning but towards the end, I could see which way it was heading. I didn’t mind the other one not being resolved because I clearly got the picture that there was another case, another hero, who was going to have to deal with it. Adam and Lana had enough to deal with in Duty Bound Guardian.

The interesting thing about this book was set up. The author took time for a reader to understand the demons that drove both the hero and heroine and it was easy to see how both their pasts affected their present. I liked how the author showed Adam and Lana, in turn, seeing the strengths of the other person as they battle to stay alive and solve the case. I saw their trust grow, the attraction simmer and the best part is how Ace, the K-9 officer and Adam’s partner, played a major role, like an equal character, in the novel. I’ve seen K-9 officers in action and they truly are an amazing team in real life and I could relate. A police officer and his canine partner really are inseparable. That loyalty comes in handy many times throughout the story.

The most Adam and Lana do that physically shows when their extreme attraction for each other combusts and passion overcomes them, is kiss. It was enough to satisfy me that the chemistry is smoking hot but they toed the line because of the seriousness of their situation. It was realistic in that regard. Then again, they both have a strong sense of faith in God and quite a few times they ask/pray for strength and guidance, and a little saving especially when the bullets fly. It’s not overdone at all, instead it provides a healthy dose of grounding, which reminds me, that even when things are at their worst, comfort can come from a higher source, and it can see a person through.

I think I might have guessed as to whom the bad guy was, but I wasn’t sure because the author, through use of her characters, kept throwing me off of the scent. In the end, the heroine was just as shocked as I was. I liked that.

Duty Bound Guardian is a clever read with heart pounding action. It was entertaining, exciting and I really enjoyed myself. I’d recommend this to all romance suspense readers who don’t want to read a huge tome but want a quick edgy read that affects their breathing in all the best ways. It’s a solid recommend.

Maverick Sheriff by Delores Fossen

MAVERICK
Maverick Sheriff by Delores Fossen
Publisher: Harlequin Intrigue
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (155 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Saving a little boy’s life reopens painful wounds for Texas sheriff Cooper McKinnon. This could be his son, whose loss has haunted him for two years. But Cooper has a formidable adversary in Jessa Wells. She’s the adoptive mother—and she’ll do anything to hold on to Liam.

It’s cruel justice that the man who shares Liam’s rare blood type has an unsolved murder in his own family. And the danger’s far from over. Fighting her desire for Cooper, Jessa has no choice but to join forces with the maverick cowboy. Jessa knows working together is their best shot at keeping the child safe. But it’s the possibility of a future alone that breaks Jessa’s heart.

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I’m completely serious about the impact this book had on me. Every chapter ended with a cliff hanger that placed Jessa in jeopardy, or it ended with a shocking revelation in which the next chapter had Cooper and Jessa dealing with what it means to their lives, their hopes and dreams. Or, people are getting killed left and right and whenever someone hints at giving Cooper the information he seeks to solve a crime another crime occurs to compound the first one. I was biting my nails, shouting at my e-reader and many times overcome with emotion because Ms. Fossen kept the suspense, urgency and action at a fever pitch. The intensity was amazing!

There is nothing as yummy as two adversaries getting bit by the passion bug and succumbing to their physical attraction. Whenever Cooper and Lana forget themselves and lose control, it’s great reading.

The villain is to be despised. After everything he did and was willing to do is exposed, there is no doubt in my mind that Ms. Fossen created a perfect antagonist. What a demented creep.

The only thing that detracted from a perfect score was the ending. For some readers it might be minor but for me, I didn’t get what I needed. If the ending had been the same in a movie in a theater, I would have left with the jitters of adrenaline. After everything Cooper and Lana went through, almost right up until the teeth clenching end, the HEA wrap up came so quick, my head spun. I needed a bit more follow through, even an epilogue, to calm my heart, be certain that the HEA I read was really going to happen and that the new family-to-be was truly abuzz with love, laughter and for the moment, peace. I didn’t get that and after practically hyperventilating through the novel I needed that smooth-over. Although to be fair, I would never have gotten in that situation if the writing hadn’t been so superb in the first place.

Avid fans of romantic suspense seriously have to consider giving Maverick Sheriff a read. It’s so well done, I don’t know why it’s not been made a movie yet. I’m wowed. I really, really recommend this book!

Nine Lives by Wendy Corsi Staub

NINE
Nine Lives by Wendy Corsi Staub
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (279 pgs)
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

After the death of her husband, Bella Jordan and her son need a fresh start. But on their way to stay with family in Chicago, they stop in Lily Dale, New York and a storm forces them to spend the night.

Brimming with psychics and mediums, Lily Dale is just the kind of quirky little town Bella’s late husband always talked about settling down in. So when the local hotel’s owner, Leona, passes away, Bella agrees to step in and help temporarily. The longer she and Max stay there, the more Lily Dale starts to feel like home.

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A chance for new beginnings is complicated by a mystery of a murdered lady. A newly widowed mom and her son get plunked right in the middle of it. How can a woman who is still hurting so bad able to be the catalyst for solving the crime? That is a good question and the answer can be found by reading this well-written and entertaining mystery filled with heartfelt insight into a woman who needs to stay strong for her son but isn’t quite sure how to pull it off. Bella receives help from a most unlikely cast of characters, which in turn creates an atmosphere of charm, acceptance and support. If not for the chill of death, this story would have just been quirky fun.

There is a lot of internal dialogue on Bella’s part because she’s human. She second guesses herself, gives herself pep talks and generally tries to make sense of this strange town of Lily Dale and the people she meets. Her character is easy to like, to connect with and to cheer for. There are two men who might be a perfect match for her but one is a suspect and the other just seems like a nice guy. As little as they are on stage, they do provide some plot movement, inspire some interesting mother/son moments and dialogue, and some pondering from a reader as to what further role they might have in any future books that might be told about Bella’s new life. Somehow life in Lily Dale isn’t as placid as it first appears, or as kooky.

The storytelling voice is hard for me to pinpoint. I had a tough time trying to figure out if it was third person, narrative, or a little of both. In the middle of the paragraphs, I got into the grove of the story and I was fine. When there was a chapter break or a shift in scene, it starts off a bit different than I’m used to. It jarred me because I’m used to a certain format, but the storytelling is so strong, the mystery too intriguing and the threads of clues the heroine discovers amazingly intricate, I could not stop reading.

There is a light brushing of paranormal in the novel that was a nice touch. So much could be explained away but it was the things that could not be explained by science or fact that fascinated me. The most poignant and tear jerking moment came at the end of the story. If that wasn’t beautifully paranormal, I don’t know what else to call it. Whatever other readers will label that moment, it gave me the sniffles and happy tears.

I enjoyed how Bella solved the crime, not so much because she had a knack for sleuthing, but because she lived her life, and in getting to know the other residents in Lily Dale, could pick up on things they could not. Sometimes an objective eye is all that’s needed, and the willingness to believe. The heroine is a doer, a mover and it holds her in good stead in this book, especially with the ultimate solving of the mystery. I didn’t figure it out when she did. I was still led along like everyone else so the confrontation was rather shocking. I liked that.

Nine Lives is not just a mystery, but a story of a mother’s determination to provide a life for her young son and the sacrifices she’s willing to make in order to accomplish that goal. The author created a lovely town in Lily Dale and it came across in the writing. The fact that such a nice town could be subjected to a violent crime is a powerful conflict and it works. That a regular woman, with no super powers, military training or martial arts, could outwit a criminal and win is a great reason to check out this novel. It’s how the characters are written; ordinary people doing extraordinary things and saving the day. It’s one of the best things about this book and why I definitely recommend it to mystery and nonmystery fans alike. It’s just that good a read

A Sorceress of His Own by Dianne Duvall

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A Sorceress of His Own by Dianne Duvall
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical, Paranormal, Action/Adventure
Length: Full Length (274 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Since the day Lord Dillon earned his spurs, rumors of his savagery on the battlefield have preceded him into every room, stilling tongues and sparking fear. Weary of battle, he wishes only to find a woman he can wed who will approach him not with fear, but with the tenderness that has been absent from his life for so long. Yet only the wisewoman seems invariably at ease in his presence. Perhaps because she garners the same fear in others that he does himself.

For seven years, Alyssa has been by Lord Dillon’s side, counseling him from the shadows, healing him with her hands, and staving off the worst of his loneliness while his fearsome reputation keeps others at bay. Blessed–or cursed–with gifts that label her a sorceress, she is forced to conceal her youth and the love she harbors for him beneath umbral robes that lead Dillon and his people to believe she is the same aged wisewoman who served his father.

All is revealed, however, and passions flare when an enemy threatens Dillon’s life and Alyssa sacrifices everything to save him. When Dillon discovers that the wisewoman is far from elderly, he is instantly entranced. And, as he and Alyssa work together to defeat an enemy bent on destroying them both, Dillon will risk anything–even the wrath of his king–to be with her.

I have to say, this is one humdinger of a jump in time. It’s a good thing I was alone in the house when I got to the chapter with the surprise guest. I was surprised, overjoyed and thrilled. I voiced my “WOOHOO!” quite loudly. Then, came the realization of what Ms. Duvall had actually done and I was tickled pink.

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I have no idea if readers will find my reference obtuse but one of my favorite 80s movies is Krull and the Widow of the Web’s secret name was Lyssa or Alyssa, which reminded me of the heroine in this novel. In the movie, she’s also mysterious, clad in black and ‘knows things’, is considered a seer. So too is the heroine in A Sorceress of His Own. She’s the Wise One, the advisor to Dillon as lord of the keep. But she wants to be so much more to him and knows that can never be. As a plot conflict, unrequited love is quite effective.

Dillon is a man with an open mind which I greatly appreciated. His acceptance of what he eventually must face was refreshing because it was written as natural and thoroughly believable. His defense of his advisor, the woman who he never touches, never sees and never questions in any way when referring to her person, is amazing considering how much of a mystery she was to him for many years. The scene when he yearns for more, when she listens to his deepest heart, when the final moment of trust was sealed in that personal sharing is the turning point in their relationship. Things pick up from there.

The heroine’s love knows no bounds when it comes to Dillon. It takes a toll on her and is reminiscent of the original Star Trek episode, The Empath. There are so many elements of sci-fi fantasy movies woven throughout this tale that I can’t help but enjoy myself and look forward to what else Ms. Duvall will surprise me with.

The villain is easy to spot as he makes no bones about hating Dillon, but he’s a slippery one. He was written effectively and when, how shall I say this, when Allyssa asked Dillon where he was, the hero’s answer was worthy of a Jeff Dunham skit – I laughed out loud, then giggled. As morbid as it was, I found Dillon’s dry recount hilarious.

The only thing that I felt was a bit rushed were the scenes with and about the surprise guest. I can’t say anything further. Perhaps I am greedy for more and because I didn’t get it, I’m pouting. But that’s the only negative I can come up with for this whole novel.

As for secondary characters, wow, are there a lot to be impressed with. Every single one was important and certainly moved the plot along and contributed to my understanding of the hero and heroine’s personalities. Ms. Duvall excels in creating a community feel to her stories and this is no different.

I quite enjoyed my journey in the historical past spiced with the flavor of fantasy and the paranormal. I enjoyed Dillon’s eventual seduction of Alyssa and how very much in love they came to be. It was a hard road, filled with betrayal, sword fights, death, ambushes, and yet there are moments of lightness, joy and familial reconciliation. A love that can weather the storms that batter Dillon and Alyssa as they did surely means they are destined for a solid and secure happy ever after and I couldn’t be happier for them.

If a reader has read Ms. Duvall’s contemporaries but doesn’t usually read historical romances as a rule, I heartily and earnestly recommend giving A Sorceress of His Own a try. You might be delighted by the surprise like I was and add this new series to your must buy book list. I know it’s on mine. A Sorceress of His Own has a wonderful dynamic, an amazing promise of future adventures and a well-told romance that is sure to please. I’m a happy reader.

Combustion by Elia Winters

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Combustion by Elia Winters
Publisher: Samhain
Genre: Steampunk, Historical, Alternate Reality
Length: Full (218 pages)
Other: M/F, F/F, Multiple Partners, Masturbation, Anal Play, Toys
Rating: 4 stars
Review by: Xeranthemum

A war orphan, Astrid Bailey is content living her adult life alone, working as a contract machinist. Her real passion, though, is inventing felicitation devices that promote women’s sexual empowerment and help them find pleasure independent of a man.

The upcoming World’s Fair, with its substantial cash prize, is an opportunity to open the shop she’s always imagined and hopefully solve her financial woes. Except the committee has denied her entry unless she obtains a “sponsor”. Astrid suspects they mean “male”.

Eli Rutledge, noted watchmaker, knows entering the fair will solidify his reputation as an innovator —but he’s fresh out of ideas. Until Astrid approaches him with her outrageous product line. With no other options, though, he agrees to lend her his good name.
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As construction heats up, so does their chemistry—and the complications. Astrid is unaccustomed to asking for help, much less sharing credit. And Eli fights an attraction that could spell professional disaster. As the Fair date approaches, Astrid and Eli must decide how far they’ll go. For the business…and for each other.

Product Warnings Contains period-appropriate graphic language, highly inappropriate amounts of M/F and F/F sex, and copious amounts of *ahem* product testing. May *ahem again* “spark” an online shopping binge for *cough* toys. Of the adult variety.

It was known as ‘female hysteria’ until 1952 and what the medical establishment concocted to deal with the issue prompted the emergence of vibrators. I really enjoyed Ms. Winters’ take on ‘what if’. What if women were allowed to create the very items that in reality were male dominated for centuries? I liked Ms. Winters’ steampunk world of an alternate course in London’s history and thrilled to the heroine’s exploration of how it would work when creating an intimate aide with the assistance of a sexy male partner. I expected sparks and found fireworks.

For those readers who aren’t into F/F encounters, I’ll give kudos to the author for some tastefully done scenes. The short seduction of a secondary character was very sensual. Its power comes from the almost clinical way the heroine goes about it. It made the guilty pleasure that much more titillating. There’s one other encounter and it’s integral to the plot conflict and movement.

Eli and Astrid were two characters that worked well together in all aspects of their relationship. They were yin-yang; he’s proper yet she’s wild, he’s hiding but she’s confident, he’s stagnant and she’s progressive. Even though they come from different parts of the social spectrum, they are still man and woman, and they play off of one another beautifully. It’s while they are building the device for the fair that they work out their differences until they realize just how perfect they are for each other. It’s not as easy as I make it seem because the one big flaw they both have is stubbornness. A mule could take lessons from them. It takes a different secondary character to dangle the carrot to get the protagonists past themselves.

Since Astrid is the creator of many fascinating vibrating objects, a reader can expect the exploration of their use and resulting hot flashes. Readers will not be disappointed. Ms. Winters’ knows her way around a sexy scene, alone and with partners, and delivers quality spice with just the right amount of quantity to please most erotic romance readers.

The final scenes that lead to the happy ever after were classic romance and very satisfying. An erotic romance fan can’t go wrong in reading Combustion. It’s entertaining, fascinating, fun, and many times, quite stimulating. On sheer novelty alone, this is an easy book to recommend. I’ll never look at saddles the same way again.