Beck & Call by Emma Holly

May 25, 2015 By Leave a Comment

CALL
Beck & Call by Emma Holly
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (245 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/M, F/M/M, M/M, Ménage, Anal Play, Anal sex, Forced Seduction, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Women can’t keep their hands off billionaire Damien Call. The mysterious mogul has it all: fast cars, killer looks, and a brain that just might be his best asset.

Mia Beck loves her job at a PI firm. Her coworker Jake stars in most of her daydreams, so seeing him everyday is no hardship.

Jake hasn’t believed in human goodness since he worked black ops for the CIA. Romancing innocent Mia is unthinkable, no matter how enticingly submissive she seems to be. Then a case of corporate espionage forces them to pose as a dom/sub duo, to catch the eye of accused wrongdoer Damien. No fantasy is off limits for this voyeur—until the attraction the pair exerts lures him to go hands on . . .

This is the best order levitra without prescription http://nichestlouis.com/levitra-8729.html principle and the most common problems faced by men of all ages all over the world. Men who take over-the-counter pain relief medicines regularly or frequently viagra sale cheap bought this to overcome aches and discomfort are at the risk of cardiac problems as well. Mentat nichestlouis.com generico cialis on line from Himalaya Herbals is also coined by some medical experts as a wholesome tonic towards boosting and enhancing memory strength. A lot of young men are seen to recover full viagra prices go to drugstore sexual function in just six to eight weeks of medicine. Ready for an erotic romance that will blow your socks off? Give Beck & Call a try because Ms. Holly loaded this novel up with all the good stuff. The author introduced three characters that are all unique, quirky in their own way, and how they all mesh is a wonderful orchestration of personalities.

Damien is the aloof control freak with money to burn and a heart to protect. Jake is hardened ex-military with some experiences that inadvertently come in handy but who is doing his darnedest to stay away from the innocent and delightful Mia. Mia is the sweet custard filling in the middle of the treat. Yes, she’s a nice girl with a yen to please those she cares for but there’s nothing vanilla about this girl. She thinks she’s bland but when a case comes their way at the investigative company she works for, it means taking on a new challenge where her special skill and sunny personality provides the edge they need.

In the course of the case, Mia finds out more about herself than she thought possible and it’s very exciting. The reason why it’s such a page turner is the fire and sparks that erupt between Jake and Mia. The seduction was set in motion in the first chapter and the rest of the book takes a reader on a journey of sexual exploration, revelation and relationship development. Ms. Holly has perfected the telling of a romance while between the sheets, in the kitchen or wherever else passion overtakes her characters. Interspersed throughout are insights into what makes the characters tick because the point of view is told through all three characters, but Mia’s POV is a bit more prominent.

While reading the love scenes I saw the characters share secrets and insights about themselves which made what they were doing less about sex and more about falling in love. It wasn’t just about touching each other’s bodies but their hearts. The hardest heart to reach was Damien’s. His situation was unexpected and I really felt for him. However, once the HEA was reached, I had the distinct wish that he, with Jake and Mia at his back, would stand up once and for all to the perpetrator of his greatest hurt and stand tall and proud and tell that person that they had no more power over him, that he found people who love and believe in him. Because that is what Damien found in Mia and Jake – people who really won’t let him down, who believe in him and love him no matter what. And for me, that was the absolute most stupendously wonderful and powerful moment in the book. If I had to choose whose story was most compelling, I’d choose Damien’s.

Less a reader think this novel is only about sex, I have to mention the very devious little drama that plays out. There’s a bit of corporate espionage going on but I had no idea which way it was going to go, and when the conflict came to a crisis point, Ms. Holly presented a gripping and exciting conclusion which included a bit of military style help, cool gadgets and some crazy and delusional people to mess things up. It was very action packed.

If I could ask for things to make this book better, it would have been to get a clearer insight into Jake, to understand how Jake fit into the club scene. It was sort of hinted at and it was definitely titillating and intriguing but I was left unsatisfied. I can guess it was because it might have detracted from the main story but … just what was Jake and Curtis’s connection when they gave each other those looks? Did I miss something? One thing is for sure, this book is easy to re-read, so maybe I’ll figure it out with round two. A clever thing I did figure out was the novel’s title. I got a kick out of that.

Beck & Call is truly a romantic erotic story not to miss. Fans of Ms. Holly can be excited about this one; it’s a great showcase of her storytelling strengths. I’m a happy reader.

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

Merry Ex-Mas by Sheila Roberts

April 28, 2015 By Leave a Comment

EX
Merry Ex-Mas by Sheila Roberts
Publisher: Harlequin Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday
Length: Full Length (308 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Christmas in Icicle Falls…

Cass Wilkes, owner of the Gingerbread Haus bakery, was looking forward to her daughter Danielle’s wedding—until Dani announced that she wants her father, Cass’s ex, to walk her down the aisle. Seriously? Even worse, it appears that he, his trophy wife and their yappy little dog will be staying with Cass…

Her friend Charlene Albach arrives at their weekly chick-flick night in shock. She’s just seen the ghost of Christmas past: her ex-husband, Richard, who left a year ago when he ran off with the hostess from her restaurant, Zelda’s. Now the hostess is history and he wants to kiss and make up. Hide the mistletoe!

And bring out the hot buttered rum, because the holidays aren’t easy for Ella O’Brien, either. Ella, newly divorced, is still sharing the house with her ex while they wait for the place to sell. The love is gone. Isn’t it?

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Merry Ex-mas, ladies!

Talk about walking on egg shells and the potential for disaster. Having all your exes showing up for the holidays sounds like a total nightmare but Ms. Roberts proved that for some, divorces for the wrong reasons are extra hurtful when it’s discovered the marriage was for all the right reasons in the first place. But who will the lucky couple be?

The one thing I’ve discovered about Ms. Roberts’ writing style is she likes her stories busy. It’s very similar to a real community where lives overlap and everyone affects someone else because there’s a history. I don’t know everyone in Icicle Falls but I’ve read a few books written after this one and what I find interesting is that they are solidly standalone books. There might be a few extra characters that don’t really have anything resolved but they help out the ones that do in the current book. That’s sort of the case here and yet, their POV is just as an important contribution as the main characters.

The cast is varied but it comes down to Cass, Ella and Charley. Ella’s I could figure out, Charley was a heart wringer and Cass was fascinating. I cracked up about Cupcake the dog and yet, the dog’s antics provided insight between two characters that come to terms. It’s amazing how the author took every day mundane events and made them relevant and heavy with substance and meaning.

I enjoyed how the ladies had each other’s backs and how they were there for each other through thick and thin. Not everyone has those types of friendships but I know they exist and if a person is lucky to have them, they more than probably resemble the ladies from Icicle Falls. I also like how the role of pets assists with the storytelling. It gives the novel an everyday feeling making the characters relatable.

Inasmuch as I liked Cass, her story was a bit unbalanced. By that I mean that it seemed to play a huge role but there wasn’t a true role yet I was made to believe there was something that was going to happen but her involvement wasn’t the forefront but more her daughter’s. It came across like Cass was the narrator of the story but lived within the story, was affected by it and affected it but wasn’t the true focal point – if that made any sense.

Merry Ex-Mas is most definitely a character driven romance novel. It’s about family, one broken made whole, relationships in all their complicated glory and yes, a happy ever after that makes the story worth reading. Ms. Roberts has made Icicle Falls a wonderful place to visit with characters readers want to come back and visit with. They have faults and flaws like most people and that’s what makes reading about them so special. Happiness comes in different flavors and each novel about Icicle Falls is a unique treat.

Merry Ex-Mas has its moments of romantic genius and is a must read for fans of family/friends centered romances. It’s a novel about love and life and is worth checking out.

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

April Showers by Holly Jacobs

April 28, 2015 By 1 Comment

HOWERS
April Showers by Holly Jacobs
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (379 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Rainbows don’t come without rain

The world you want isn’t always how the world is. Former marine Sebastian Bennington discovers that upon his return to Valley Ridge for a friend’s wedding. Even his grandfather’s health isn’t what he’s expecting. Nor is the interference from his grandfather’s young business partner, Lily Paul.
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Even more aggravating, Lily seems to know everything about Sebastian, thanks to his grandfather. But Sebastian can’t get her to open up about anything. Is she using all that merry sunshine to hide something deeper and darker? He’s determined to find out, as long as their crazy attraction for each other doesn’t get in the way….

Two people battered by life come together and the unexpected happens. Of course, readers know exactly what is going to eventually happen; this is a romance after all. However, I really liked the dynamics of their complicated relationship and I was curious as to what the catalyst would be to set it all in motion.

The two protagonists are Lily and Sebastian (don’t call him Seb). Lilly comes across as a Pollyanna but I enjoyed Sebastian’s pet name for her. The hero comes across as a grouch filled with self-pity and anger. What ends up happening is that Lily teaches by example and Sebastian learned to focus on what he could do rather than all that he couldn’t. Lily learns to trust and reveals the havoc and pain that’s she’s worked so hard to raise above all her life. They both bring out the best in each other – even when it’s painful and emotional – and in doing do, start to heal in body and spirit. It’s a very touching story.

The overall story arc that weaves in and out in the background is a wedding. Interesting how the very end of the book comes with a surprise that was so profound, I’ve already bought the next book in the series even before I sat down to write this review. There is NO way I could not find out what happens next. It has nothing to do with Lily and Sebastian directly but I’m sure they are going to be affected. Everyone in the story is going to be affected and I can’t wait to read the next book!

Dangling carrot notwithstanding, April Showers introduced me to some well-developed and engaging characters that touched my heart. Ms. Jacobs created a sense of warmth and caring as well as community within the pages of this novel that was profound. I think the subplot about Hank is what affected me the most. The blurb mentions his health but I didn’t expect the diagnosis that the author chose. It was handled beautifully.

In fact most of the crises that pepper the novel are handled with compassion, intervention and genuine caring. This is a story that can make a reader feel good because so many characters are vested in the happiness of Lily and Sebastian, as well as other characters like Sophie and Colton, Mattie and Finn. Even Mrs. Dedionisio whose interaction with Sebastian end up being a turning point in his life because it was at that moment that the hero realized something profound. This book’s strengths are from those types of scenes; they have lots of insightful dialogue, repartee and observations.

April Showers was delightful. I really enjoyed meeting Lily and Sebastian and watching them fall in love. It wasn’t smooth or easy and they both had to compromise and face a lot of their inner conflicts. The result is a book worth recommending to readers who look for stories that romance the mind and heart while delivering a well written novel. It’s a great read.

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

Dark Gold by Christine Feehan

April 23, 2015 By Leave a Comment

GOLD
Dark Gold by Christine Feehan
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (312 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

They were masters of the darkness, searching through eternity for a mistress of the light . . .
Alexandria Houton will sacrifice anything–even her life –to protect her orphaned little brother. But when both encounter an unspeakable evil in the swirling San Francisco mists, Alex can only cry to heaven for their deliverance . . . And out of the darkness swoops Aidan Savage, a golden being more powerful, more mysterious, than any other creature of the night. The ageless Carpathian male snatches them from a hideous fate. But is Aidan Alex’s salvation . . . or her sin? If she surrenders to Aidan’s savage, unearthly seduction, and gives him the color, the light, the family he craves, will Alex truly save her brother? Or sacrifice more than her life?

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Ms. Feehan’s Carpathian series have pretty much the same scenario. They’re based on a race that over time, without finding their one true mate, the other half to their soul, they slowly lose the ability to feel emotion or to see color or to have any interest in life at all except for duty, honor and the ingrained need to protect their race, humans and the distant hope of finding the woman who will save them. What makes each and every one unique is the heroine, the circumstances under which they meet and the dangers they must overcome in order to reach their HEA.

Ms. Feehan’s heroes are all alpha. They’re dominant, commanding and expect obedience. The fun part about that is they have to adjust when their woman ends up being a modern, independent thinker who’s been self-reliant for a long time. So, they butt heads. Aiden is a typical Carpathian male. Alexandria is a not so typical human female but independent with a strong will. Those two personality traits are going to save her life, and eventually, Aiden’s.

The story this time around has a few vampire/Carpathian conflicts to spice things up but the bulk of the plot is character driven. Alexandria just can’t accept that the life she knew is over and resents and distrusts the new way of life she now has to learn. For the most part, her concerns are valid. However, the book would have been much shorter if she didn’t have quite so many anxiety attacks after which she backslides and Aiden has to work on getting her to trust him all over again. It got a bit tedious. Also, Ms. Feehan repeats things a lot. I don’t think it’s a filler as much as it is a mantra since I’ve noticed it in her other books in the series. It’s just the way she writes about her Carpathians. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t drive me nuts, it does but I’ve read enough of them to just ignore it. It’s her style. Then again, I mention it so new readers won’t think the author is being lazy by doing that. I don’t think that’s the case at all.

I liked Alexandria’s brother, and Aiden’s housekeepers. They’re good folk who prove pivotal at certain points throughout the novel. I also liked seeing Gregori. There’s a set up here for his romance and HEA coming and that’s one romance story to look forward to. He’s so scary in this book!

Dark Gold was a good read. It’s entertaining, and highly likable. Aiden is sexy once he gets going and Alexandria is a great sister to Joshua. Aiden is very sneaky. I liked that about him. My favorite part was with the crème puffs and the bee. The heroine’s stubbornness eventually becomes an asset to the hero and the happy ever after is complete and satisfying. It’s a fascinating romance and worth recommending to other paranormal romance readers.

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

Ghost Killer by Robin D. Owens

April 21, 2015 By Leave a Comment

GHOST
Ghost Killer by Robin D. Owens
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full Length (269 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Something wicked this way comes…

When her aunt died, level-headed accountant Clare Cermak inherited a fortune—as well as a phantom dog and the power to help ghosts move on. Her new gift led her to Zach Slade, a sexy private investigator with a unique psychic gift of his own, and the man who’s slowly opening her heart. But as they work toward building a future together, a sinister threat emerges.

Keep this prescription out pfizer viagra großbritannien of the range of ladies and youngsters. There was no serious effort by the Republicans to even contest the cheap viagra state. And this ingredient helps in improving the blood flow to genitals and enables cost cialis viagra stronger erections. All forms of Kamagra offer equal levitra sample treatment. An evil ghost is ravaging Creede, Colorado, threatening to devour the spirit of an innocent boy. Inexperienced in facing such a powerful ghost—and knowing her spirit, too, could be ripped away—Clare still can’t refuse to help. With Zach’s support she uncovers the ghost’s identity, and the ancestral weapon required to slay it. But does Clare dare to use that weapon before the ghost destroys the man she loves—and her own spirit?

Ghost Killer wastes no time in making chills run up and down a reader’s spine. The being called “The Other” not only creeps out the heroine, Clare, and the hero, Zach, but me too. In the first book it seemed omnipotent and wise. In this novel, Zach stood up to ‘it’ and wow, was that a revelation. The results of that confrontation added another layer of depth and intrigue to an already stunning and fantastical premise by the amazing Ms. Owens.

One thing I like about the Ghost Seer series is that each novel seems to have a complete resolved mystery even while the romance between Zach and Clare grows and blooms and strengthens. And, unlike regular murder mysteries, these books solve the deaths of people in the past whose ghosts want closure. Some ghosts go crazy, which is a unique concept, and become evil. Such is the case with Ghost Killer. What a reader will discover is that the title of the book is wonderfully clever and I did enjoy the insight.

Their romance goes through some growing pains in this novel. It was passionate, eye-opening and romantic. I like that the hero isn’t perfect and neither is the heroine. I liked how they both wanted to sacrifice for the other and how they handled the realization that they went about it the wrong way. Even though everything turned out alright, they couldn’t know that it would, so it was especially poignant.

I was fascinated as to how Clare doggedly pursued trying to identify the evil entity. There was a lot of drama and suspense because not only were they running out of time, the heroine was at risk of losing one of her very dear friends if she failed. Talk about pressure!

The dialogue, the descriptions of the environment, the interaction between Clare and Zach and even between Zach and Enzo were strong and well written elements throughout the entire book. In fact, I learned a bit more about Zach’s crows and I saw Zach come closer to accepting his own possible gifts and a relationship with Enzo, such as it is. There was so much going on, time passed by in a blur and I couldn’t stop reading until I got to the final wonderful, beautiful and oh, so romantic final page. My eyes got a teeny bit watery at the final paragraph.

Ghost Killer is a powerful story and a must read for fans of the series. Of the three so far, this one is the most intense because so much more was riding on Clare’s success. I’m thrilled that Zach is with her every step of the way. They are so good together and I enjoy watching them seduce each other in tiny, subtle and not so subtle ways. The plot is excellent and the romance delightful. I’m a very happy reader.

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

The Scandalous Adventures of the Sister of the Bride by Victoria Alexander

April 20, 2015 By Leave a Comment

SISTER
The Scandalous Adventures of the Sister of the Bride by Victoria Alexander
Publisher: Zebra Books/Kensington Publishing Corp.
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (372 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

The bride and groom request the presence of the bride’s sister, Delilah, proper widowed Lady Hargate, and Samuel Russell, groom’s friend, slightly improper bachelor, at their upcoming wedding. Lady Hargate and Mr Russell pretend to forget an unforgettable night in New York City. The lady plans to avoid love. The gentleman plans to change her mind.

This novel is certainly interesting as it takes place at the cusp of time when automobiles were being introduced as a potential progressive invention for the times. As with anything new, there are bumps and setbacks along the way, which goes hand in hand with the romance between Delilah and Sam. The dance of courtship is ever so complicated when one of them isn’t too keen on risk and the other thrives on it. How can the two come together? That’s the charm of The Scandalous Adventures of the Sister of the Bride.

Appearances deceive and that’s the intent of Lady Hargate. No one can know about her need and eventual fulfillment of a grand amorous adventure. It’s … unseemly. However, it helps a reader understand just how constrained and suppressed Delilah is. She is a woman mired in tradition and convention, yet deep in her heart, she yearns for the ultimate adventure, love. What stops her is fear. She has good reason to fear based upon what a reader learns of her life thus far. But then, she uses it as a crutch and it almost costs her the very thing that she wants most, Sam.
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Sam is an American and the hero of the story. He’s not too flummoxed by the British way of looking at things. What confounds him the most is Delilah. She says one thing, does another, pushes him away and yet draws him like a moth to a flame. What’s a poor guy to do? Sam isn’t averse to taking risks and a reader is treated to some fascinating scenes when his attempts pay off.

What helps Sam are the secondary characters; family and friends of Delilah’s, who believe he is the best thing that could happen to the very prim and proper heroine. Based upon references and scenes sprinkled throughout this novel, it’s part of a series and since I’ve not read any others, I’m comfortable with stating this is a standalone read. I did not become lost at any point because the focus remains on Sam and Delilah’s exploits.

That being said, and while I understand Delilah’s dilemma and emotions, I felt that the story was sluggish in parts. So much time was spent on her introspection of why she could not do a certain thing or pursue Sam for a husband – it became rather tedious. Her constant harping on being ‘proper’ and putting on airs, even though it was probably how things were done back then, drove me, a 21st Century gal, absolutely barmy. When Sam called her a certain profane name at one point when their emotions were quite out of control, I wholeheartedly agreed. I grant Sam a lot of points for apologizing to her later because I would not have. Especially since the revelations about her first husband proved without a doubt that Sam would never ever be so crass as to keep secrets from her. He treated her like a person with a brain, yet she didn’t want that from a “perfect” husband? Thank goodness saner heads prevailed in this story.

Despite some lapses with Delilah’s personality issues, she had some strengths, ideas and dialogue that redeemed her. She’s going to make Sam a very happy man because she’s a very energetic wife, competitive, intelligent, witty and once she opens up to her feelings, honest. It’s the honesty and trust that will be the glue that will keep them together.

The happy ever after is satisfactory. In fact, it was Sam that saved it. I liked the outline of his presentation and the way he handled it. It was so like the hero that I laughed. He’s got her number.

The Scandalous Adventures of the Sister of the Bride, was entertaining. For historical romance fans, Delilah’s adherence to social conventions of the time might very well appeal because they’ll understand more than most how things were. And who knows, that might make the heroine come across as more deliciously wicked than I took her for. But, I liked Sam, I enjoyed the story and I’d recommend this to other historical romance readers who look for stories that take place in the latter part of the 19th Century.

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

Werewolf Wedding by Lynn Red

April 8, 2015 By Leave a Comment

WEDDING
Werewolf Wedding by Lynn Red
Publisher: Yellow Moon Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (187 pgs)
Heat Level: Hot
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

“His voice, Dilly, it was… growly. Like real growly. It got me tingling.”

Life for curvy, witty, just-fine-by-herself-thank-you-very-much Delilah Coltrane has fallen into a slightly boring, but comfortable routine. She runs stadium stairs, she drinks a little too much and is a karaoke master. But for Dilly, a reluctant ice sculptor, the routine is starting to turn into a rut.

Jake Somerset is a man caught between two worlds. When his father died, he inherited both his spot as head of a massively successful tech company… and as the alpha of a pack of rowdy, half-crazed werewolves. Jake figures the best way to say “I’m The Boss” is to get a giant statue made of himself. He walks into Delilah’s studio, and straight into her heart.

The big, growly, adorably cocky billionaire is exactly what Dilly never knew she wanted, until he walked through her door with his dark curls, steely silver eyes, and shoulders broad enough to stop her dead in her tracks. And yeah, his voice is growly enough to get her tingling in all the right places.

While the two indulge in a whirlwind romance, a threat brews on the fringes. Jake’s brother – the exiled alpha-wannabe Dane – wants to take back the pack. Once he finds out about Delilah, Dane won’t stop with controlling the pack… he’s gunning for his brother’s mate.
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Will the unlikely pair survive a war with the brutal and murderous rogue wolf? Or will their match made in heaven turn into a match made in hell?

Nothing makes me grin ear to ear than the use of Shatner and Hasselhoff. Ms. Red has a tendency to make me laugh whenever I read one of her books and Werewolf Wedding is no exception. The clever quips and comments she graces her characters with always keep me coming back for more.

This story is kind of typical for a werewolf romance; they eat a lot, growl a lot and have hot tempers. Jake’s werewolf isn’t quite as hot headed as is tradition however and believe it or not, that is one of the conflicts. How can an alpha be so level headed? When he has great character. That’s the conclusion I came to.

Delilah is part delightful and part fluff. She’s truly the kind of a person who I’d want as a friend because she’s steadfast and loyal and she has a quirky sense of humor. She also has a very accepting nature which is fortunate as she has a ton of new information to accept about her life and her future role as a werewolf’s wife. I enjoyed the snippet about the ice dolphin.

Overall, Werewolf Wedding was a fun read. I was entertained, it kept my interest and for the most part I liked getting to know the characters.

I’ve enjoyed most of Ms. Red’s books that I’ve read so far but this one had a few things which made my eyes roll and my breath huff out in exasperation. First, the villain, Jakes brother – he’s either bad or redeemable – there has to be something that gives a reader a clear picture and I got a waffle. The heroine kept noticing details which could have lent credence to a redeemable character but the guy’s words, actions, treatment of Delilah and unrepentant brutish arrogance blew that idea of redemption out of the water and into the stratosphere. I absolutely despised his character. That Delilah’s friend kept making certain types of comments about him made me angry. I didn’t find him alluring or sexy and I absolutely felt no sympathy for him whatsoever. When he had a hold of the heroine’s wrists, the dialogue that occurred thereafter really got my back up. It was out of place and it made the heroine sound like a … I’m at a loss for words. All I can say is, it didn’t complement the storyline. What it did do, and was quite effective, was paint Jake’s brother as a first class villain and he deserved it with a capital V.

Fortunately, there were other secondary characters that I truly enjoyed and respected, like Jake’s mom. She’s a wonderful asset to this book and I wish I could have seen more of her. She has hidden depths and nothing showcased that more effectively than the one sentence after Jake left the room. I can see which side of the family Jake took after. Then there was Barney, the butler. I have fond thoughts for his character, as well as Jeanette, despite her taste in men. They were the bright spots in the novel in addition to Delilah and Jake.

Be ready to use some ice cubes however, because when Jake and Delilah finally, finally finish all the steps of their mating, it was quite steamy and sexy, hence the hot rating.

Werewolf Wedding has its solid moments of pure perfection and fun, making it worth reading. The not-so-great stuff didn’t detract from the romance – it was solid enough to retain my interest as well as keeping me amused and smiling for most of it. I’m glad I read it just because it had a lot of things I do like to see in a romance and Ms. Red made sure they were there for me to find. Because of that, I’d recommend this little nugget to other paranormal romance fans for them to read too.

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Rules for a Proper Governess by Jennifer Ashley

April 7, 2015 By 4 Comments

PROPER
Rules for a Proper Governess by Jennifer Ashley
Publisher: The Berkley Publishing Group (Penguin)
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (276 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

To Kiss A Thief…

Scottish barrister Sinclair McBride can face the most sinister criminals in London – but the widower’s two unruly children are a different matter. Little Caitlin and Andrew go through a governess a week, sending the ladies fleeing in tears.

Roberta “Bertie” Frasier enters Sinclair’s life by stealing his watch – and then stealing a kiss. Intrigued by the handsome highlander, Bertie winds up saving his children from a dangerous situation and returns them to their father. Impressed with how they listen to her, Sinclair asks the lively beauty to be their governess, never guessing that the unconventional lady will teach him a lesson or two in love

Reading this novel was like coming home and finding old and new friends waiting for me with amazing tales to tell.
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Sinclair and Bertie were a wonderful couple. I got a kick out of Bertie making the first move, and the second and I adored Sinclair’s response. I liked the hero’s children and their personalities. I laughed at some of Andrew’s exploits and I had great empathy for Caitriona’s shyness and pain. There is a wonderful family dynamic that is explored and expanded upon that made reading Rules for a Proper Governess a rich and rewarding experience.

Bertie was a treat. I think her charm came from her being willing to go for what she wanted, say what needed to be said and how she just loved everyone around her. She gave everyone a chance and each and every person was a gateway to a new adventure for her. It was delightful watching her grow to love Sinclair and his children.

Sinclair was a tough nut to crack. He was suffering the loss of his first wife and he was acting like an automaton. He loved his kids – he just didn’t LIVE anymore – until Bertie stole his watch and set in motion an amazing series of events that led the hero to rediscover passion, laughter and the determination to fight for the woman he eventually came to love. His journey is one of the reasons this book was such a page-turner.

There’s nefarious side of the tale that dogs the hero’s footsteps. He keeps getting letters that are very disturbing and so far, there’s no clue as to whom it could be. During the telling of the tale, I had an Aha! moment that ended up being right. I enjoy figuring out a mystery, but meanwhile, as Sinclair slowly gets closer and closer to confronting the villains, the suspense and not knowing was delightful as it kept me on the edge of my seat. The scuffle and chase was exciting, well written and quite dramatic. In fact all of the action scenes were well written and effective.

Beware of the seduction. Ms. Ashley has written a very detailed, romantic and extremely sensual love scene when Sinclair introduces Bertie to the passion she has hidden inside. It’s so well done and beautiful that I was moved. Of course Bertie, irreverent as she is, laughs, is delighted and simply embraces the joy and heightened passions as she falls in love for the first time. Bertie’s character makes me smile.

There are quite a few characters that pop in from books past but for me, any time Ian Mackenzie is on scene, I melt. I adore his cryptic comments because anyone who’s read The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie will understand why his saying anything is momentous and special. Ms. Ashley has kept his character true whenever he pops in during any of the novels in this series. His story will always have a special place in my heart so his briefly being in Rules for a Proper Governess was a major treat. True, this book can standalone just fine, but that feeling of family and continuity comes from having read the previous books.

Rules for a Proper Governess is another gem and a must read from the talented Ms. Ashley. I loved it, I enjoyed myself and I heartily recommend it to any romance reader who loves a story about a man who finds love after believing he’d never love again. It’s got it all: adventure, drama, suspense, love, laughter and characters that touch the heart. It’s a keeper.

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Hard as a Rock by Christine Warren

April 2, 2015 By Leave a Comment

ROCK
Hard as a Rock by Christine Warren
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (227 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Her name is Wynn Powe. A woman of great instinct and inner resources—and insatiable beauty—Wynn has returned to Chicago to do what she does best: Locate Guardian statues. But the Order of Eternal Darkness has beat her to the punch, and the statue she’s come to investigate has been blown to smithereens. An elusive enemy is on her trail…and this time, she’s on her own. Until a mysterious package falls into Wynn’s hands—one that contains contain a chunk of old stone, along with instructions for the spell required to summon a new Guardian.

HARD AS A ROCK

Enter Knox. He’s a Guardian magically embued with the skills and memories of his race…and drop-dead, expertly-chiseled good looks. Bound to Wynn as his Warden, Knox vows to learn the truth about the destroyed Guardian—and protect Wynn at all costs. But he never could have imagined the fierce attraction that has taken hold of him, body and soul. Is his desire for Wynn worth the risk of being destroyed by the Order? The only thing he knows for sure is that he won’t go down without a fight. Nor will he pass up a night of pure blind passion…

It is rich in viagra pill on line phytochemicals to increase sex drive naturally. Lack of sleep interferes with the generic viagra australia body’s ability to function normally. Aphrodisiacs are not so much of the field of science (major and minor in biology, chemistry, physics, math) and Education, it is the combination of degree in science and education course(sometimes refer to double degree programs B.Sc + B.Ed = B.Sc.Ed). http://downtownsault.org/soo-lock-boat-tours/ buy cheap cialis Edward Jacobson: Edward Jacobson viagra soft tablet MD, FACOG. would be the best person to advise you in this regard. Hard as a Rock starts off with a first chapter filled with drama as the heroine flees for her life and everything thing she does is thwarted by the bad guy chasing her. Ms. Warren wastes no time in bringing a reader up to speed that this book isn’t going to be boring and is, in fact, quite arresting and gripping.

Wynn is not a typical heroine. She likes her life just the way it is and she’s in control. But in the previous book in the series she helped a friend out only to find that her comfy, staid and organized world is about to go BOOM. She’s a bit out of shape, she’s a tad argumentative but she’s got a loyal streak a mile wide. What the heroine has to deal with is the discovery that her brother is not only missing, he may have known his abductors, she discovers that she’s the very thing she always wanted to be but now hates, and that she doesn’t want a fated love but a chosen love. Wynn is a stubborn lady who has to reconcile her wants with reality. It’s a bit bumpy but the hero, while not driving her bonkers, is able to smooth the way as only a Guardian can.

Knox is a typical Alpha Guardian whose sole purpose it to protect mankind from the ultimate evil. The author describes him in great yummy detail and he’s growly, assertive, assured and a bit paranoid with protecting Wynn. As much as I liked Knox, his characterization was a bit flat for me. He seemed too perfect and shallow in self-actualization. Kees and Spar from the first two books have stronger personalities with greater depth. Still, Knox does have a certain appeal and charm so I went with the flow. And what a flow it is.

The romance isn’t as strong as the first two books either. This had a ton more action, plot development, investigation and revelations. Finally someone with knowledge has been found but every time this person left the safety of a Guardian’s protection I got worried and a bit paranoid myself. I adored his character, I believe there is a lot more about him that the author has yet to share and I don’t want anything to happen to him. Hard as a Rock is a very busy novel and the story moved at a fast clip. Because so much went on, I suspect the romance suffered for it. But that doesn’t mean that there wasn’t romance or that I didn’t like the book. Au contraire. I could not read fast enough because the conflict is one that grips and took ahold of my imagination and all my attention. When Wynn gets over herself and succumbs to the wonder that is Knox, the scenes sizzle and a reader is not left in any doubt as to their physical and emotional attachment for each other. There is one scene where Wynn finally realizes the depths of Knox’s love for her and it’s a powerful moment.

As for the bad guys, they earn the title of bad to the bone. There are creepy entities to deal with and I was treated to some gross and icky descriptions of their demise. It was effective writing.

I liked Wynn’s family, especially her mom. Actually, the scene with the food and its interpretation made me laugh. Now that’s a family I could relate to.

Hard as a Rock is a fine addition to the series and a worthy read. From the discoveries, the research, the planning and ultimate confrontation, this novel is meaty, rich in detail and full of suspense, mystery and quite a bit of action. Wynn and Knox are sweet together as a couple and after what they went through during this story, I truly believe they’ll have a wonderful happy ever after – once all the bad guys are finally trounced and defeated. I can’t wait for the next book and I definitely recommend Hard as a Rock for paranormal romantic suspense fans, even new ones because for the most part, this is a standalone read.

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Avoiding Alpha by Aileen Erin

March 31, 2015 By Leave a Comment

ALPHA
Avoiding Alpha by Aileen Erin
Publisher: Ink Monster, LLC
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (148 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Seventeen-year-old Tessa McCaide has come a long way since her abrupt entrance into the world of werewolves, but she still has just as far to go before she’s comfortable with turning full wolf. In the meantime, she’s avoiding the topic of shifting to four legs any way she can. Thankfully her mate, Dastien Laurent, is quite the distraction.

When she finds her best friend, Meredith, getting sick in the bathroom, Tessa knows something’s majorly wrong. Meredith was cursed years ago, and the dark magic kept her wolf dormant—only now the wolf is awake, and that same spell is killing her.

Tessa has no intention of sitting around while Meredith wastes away. Even if it means playing with magic she doesn’t understand, she’ll do anything to save Meredith’s life. Including bargaining with the local coven of witches and its crazed leader, whose only goal is getting Tessa to join the witchy ranks.
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Can Tessa save her friend without losing herself?

Some characters are created so well that they take on a life of their own in your mind. Reading about them seems seamless and easy because the author is at one with her craft. That’s how I feel after following another adventure with Tessa in Avoiding Alpha.

I can’t remember reading a first person point of view that seemed so natural. I’m not sure if it’s because the dialogue flows so well, the action and descriptions keep the plot moving or what but it’s extremely effective. The story is Tessa’s and after reading this second book, I going to say with assurance that this is not a standalone read. It most definitely picks up where the first one, Becoming Alpha leaves off, if a few days later. The transitions that Tessa goes through as she learns the ways of her wolf are fascinating and it’s like being on a roller coaster. Some days are good and some days are bad, really really bad. In this segment, Tessa is watching her best friend die and there doesn’t seem to be a cure. After reading the first book, I know that the heroine is stubborn, feisty, testy and is willing to go the extra mile to accomplish the impossible. That tendency to go where angels fear to tread is the heroine’s major personality flaw, and her strength.

In this installment, the villain is exposed. Yes, there was a villain in the first book but this one showcases a taint that more than probably touched Becoming Alpha and set up house in Avoiding Alpha. Battle lines are starting to be drawn and it’s muddled as to who is on which side. I’m thinking the setup is key for future stories. The author is painting a very intricate picture with depth, fascination and an overall story arc. It’s gripping.

I can see Tessa and Dastien’s relationship grow in this book. It’s getting stronger; they’re starting to work on the kinks that come with her being turned and falling in love in such a fast manner and they’re learning to trust. Although, like I mentioned before, Tessa has this impulsive streak and it causes some significant stress for the hero. Trust is hard to balance with a headstrong alpha female, but Tessa is learning; they both are.

If a reader is anything like me, at one point in the story I jumped to conclusions. I expected, based on how the story was being told, that I knew what Tessa was going to do and it was going to be a cliché. Wow, was I wrong. I’m thrilled to be wrong. What Ms. Erin had her heroine choose to do was a perfect balance. I had this feeling of dread and it was all for naught. Tessa might be young in age, but she’s got what it takes to take a stand and defend her friends, herself and her new family. Sometimes her thought process is older, wiser than I expect but I firmly believe that it stems from her life before becoming wolf and it’s believable. Her actions certainly earn her the title of heroine.

Avoiding Alpha has so much going for it. The secondary characters, the dialogue, the hints of intrigue and the drama of racing against time to save a friend and the meeting of family members on their home turf all come together to create an intense, entertaining and wonderful reading experience. Even though there is an overall story arc and romance weaving throughout this book, and the first in the series, each one so far has its own complete suspenseful conflict and resolution for a reader to enjoy. This series is shaping up to be an amazing adventure and if the next book is as good as this one, I’m going to put this author on my auto-buy list. Ms. Erin is a new favorite author.

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