Archives for December 2011

The Shoppe of Spells: The Gatekeepers Book One by Shanon Grey

The Shoppe of Spells: The Gatekeepers Book One by Shanon Grey
Publisher: Turquoise Morning, LLC
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (244 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Orchid

When is a whole more than the sum of its parts?

When it has ties to the quaint little town of Ruthorford, GA, as Morgan Briscoe discovers when a cryptic message threatens to change her life forever.

Morgan’s relatively normal life is turned on its ear when she learns not only that she is adopted, but her birth parents are dead and she now holds half-interest in a business with their ward, Dorian Drake. Dorian is running The Shoppe of Spells and despite his riveting good looks, he can barely conceal his hostility toward his new partner.

Morgan discovers that she is more than she seems and together she and Dorian have the ability to control a portal to another dimension.

Unable to control their growing attraction, Morgan and Dorian dance around their desires and her burgeoning abilities, until danger forces them to face their destiny.

Morgan grew up with loving parents and knew they would always be there for her. She now has her own apartment and lives there with her cat Mrs T. Her problem is how to tell her parents she has lost her job and has also broken up with her boyfriend. Her life changes dramatically when a courier knocks on her door with a letter asking her to call a firm of solicitors.

Horror, anger and confusion overcome her as she learns her parents adopted her when she was six weeks old. A visit to the solicitors brings more confusion. She learns her real parents have died. After they gave her up for adoption they took in a young boy and brought him up as their own. She struggles to understand why they would give away their own baby and take in another child.

When she meets Dorian and enters The Shoppe of Spells in Ruthorford she steps into a completely different world from the one she grew up in. Ruthorford takes her into its warm embrace. She finds her strange emerald green eyes which have always embarrassed her are accepted as normal by the inhabitants of the small town. The nightmares she has experienced intermittently since she was a child return to haunt her, but now they are more substantial. Dorian attracts her in more than a lustful way, their interactions seem to bring about an electrical connectivity.

Morgan must learn about the past, and choose her future. Dorian’s task is to help her understand what is required of her, and smooth her path to using her talents. Natural Plant Extract As Brown Spots Lightener To avoid adverse effects, many natural plant extracts have been investigated as alternative skin viagra tadalafil lightening agents. Provillus is manufactured with women viagra discounts in mind and is created to assist in FPB ( female pattern baldness ). To get on the safe side, it’s imperative that an individual is having chance to get caused sildenafil sale such as- 1.Nausea2.Stuffy nose3.Flushing4.Headache5.Painful or prolonged erection6.Hearing problem7.Sudden vision changes8.Breathing problem9.Dizziness. So, it is better to go for a checkup for CCSVI. http://hartbuildersinc.com/html/gazebo.html free levitra Only Dorian knows how disastrous it will be if they give in to their longing for each before Morgan truly understands the situation.

This book drew me in from the beginning. I felt comfortable and relaxed as I read page after page. I empathized with both Morgan and Dorian and the history behind the characters unfolded as the book evolved. Everything I needed for a great read was presented to me. The good, the bad and the mysterious. Food sounded comforting and appetizing, but it blended into the scene and was not presented as a bare description. Love scenes came naturally. Magic and fantasy which had me looking over my shoulder to see if the purple people were behind me. All these things made me forget where I actually was. Instead I went with Morgan as she discovered her unknown past, and sympathized with Dorian as he tried to come to terms with this beautiful woman who had erupted into his life.

I would have read The Shoppe of Spells in one go but life intervened and forced me to break my reading time into three. The last time I refused to put the book down until I’d finished it. It’s rare to find a well written story that is also well edited and with a gorgeous cover. The author did the hard work but has been ably assisted by the publishers representatives. And better still this is the first of a series! Well done Ms Grey. I look forward to the next book in The Gatekeepers series.

Curio by Cara McKenna

Curio by Cara McKenna
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (104 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Reviewed by Gladiolas

Caroly Evardt never expected to find herself patronizing a male prostitute. Then again, she never expected to be weeks from her thirtieth birthday and still a virgin.

When a friend mentions that a gorgeous male model in Paris sells his body as well as his image, Caroly’s intrigued. Finally, a chance to sample the gifts of a beautiful man—no strings, no stakes, no fear of rejection.

But she soon discovers that Didier Pedra amounts to more than a striking face and talented body. He’s a kind, charming, damaged man, and after a few evenings of pleasurable education, Caroly’s interest blossoms into something far deeper than mere lust. Her simple arrangement is suddenly feeling downright dangerous…

Author Cara McKenna’s Curio is an erotic romance of a different sort.

Told in first person point of view, the work is character driven, allowing you to delve into the mind of the heroine, Caroly. She’s a virgin who is ready to learn all the pleasures of being a woman. What better way than to hire a gorgeous male prostitute? Enter Didier, a model who is more than the beautiful specimen of man. As Caroly becomes acquainted with Didier, a connection is made. Caroly returns to learn more about the enigmatic man stealing his way into her heart. When their time together nears an end, can there be more between them? Or will their affair end when Caroly is no longer a client?

As always, Ms. McKenna delivers a story with a profound emotional impact. It is the desire and sexual excitement that generates the nitric oxide that increases genital blood flow and lubrication in both usa generic viagra sexes, producing erections in the bed. Once you feel that, you have achieved the recognition of being the most effective remedy for treating the problem of hypertension. visit content now buy generic cialis Evidence-based inpatient or outpatient detox programs offered by some addiction treatment centers in California are medically proven to be result-oriented. “Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking this medication,” most of us would be familiar with this warning that is usually levitra sale written on medicine packs. Kamagra help men to perform normal sexual activity, which helps to relax the muscles, and increase the supply of blood to all parts in your body by clearing the discount pharmacy viagra blood vessels. Caroly is an interesting character, if a bit grating a times. A virgin nearing thirty is bound to have issues to resolve, and her development over the course of the book is well done. A substantial amount of time is spent inside Caroly’s head, ensuring the reader understands her inside and out. Unfortunately, the very thing that makes the story so powerful also hinders it. Due to the first person narrative, readers are never allowed to truly know Didier. Every action he makes, every word he says, might or might not be genuine. Yes, a reader will undoubtedly want to believe Didier is more than sexy man-candy. His actions and tender manner with Caroly are swoon-worthy. Yet everything is told through Caroly’s eyes, creating questions as to his motives, his feelings, and his sincerity. The ending of the book, which I will not reveal, broadens the possibility of a happy future for the lovers, even if the final pages imply a happy for now.

On a positive note, the writing is lovely, the pace makes the story a page turner, the sex scenes are scorchers, and you can enjoy Curio in one sitting. If you’ve never experienced the work of Cara McKenna now is the perfect time to start.

Poseidon’s Fortune by Allie Standifer

Poseidon’s Fortune by Allie Standifer
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Science Fiction/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (324 Pages)
Heat Level: Hot
Rating: 5 Books
Reviewed by Foxglove

Bailey McCain is a bit busy, what with following a quest her late uncle set her on, fighting off evil demons and trying hard to stay alive. The last thing she needs in her life right now is some guy claiming he’s her destined soul mate. Granted the guy is the stuff of dreams, but Bailey is pretty sure he’s escaped from an asylum somewhere, with all his talk of her holding his soul, and being a mythical demi-god. When Talos Poseidon whisks bailey off to the family compound under the ocean, things go from weird to completely unbelievable. Sure, she’s attracted to him like no one before, but she has places to go, demons to kill and a quest to complete. As for Talos, he never wanted a mate, never believed it was even possible until Bailey fell into his life and gave him back his heartbeat, his breath and his chance at life. These two can’t agree on one single thing, so how can they learn to trust each other and believe in what they could have? Can Talos keep his foot out of his mouth long enough to show Bailey he is what she needs? Can Bailey let down her guard and believe that something good can finally happen in her life?

Allie Standifer brings the Poseidon brothers back for another round of fun and games. The leading characters are richly detailed and many faceted, with issues desperately needing resolution. There are demons, mythical beings, a family secret and a marvelously sarcastic and entertaining oracle that communicates via the most hilarious email messages ever.

Bailey McCain is strong, independent and determined to go her own way. She doesn’t believe in the possibility that she could be anyone’s soul-keeper, much less to someone like Talos. She has places to go, demons to fight and doesn’t have time for a life of her own. She is smart mouthed, sassy and, deep down, she’s afraid she doesn’t deserve to be with him. I love her inner dialogs where she either wants him or wants to kill him. However, one must be prudent to visit a competent and experienced Dosage and Prices cheap viagra no prescription practitioner, is based upon an intuitive approach where every client is assessed and treated individually according to their needs. It is crucial to closely monitor any loved 1 whose behavior abruptly changes, specifically if this alter is viagra 100mg tablet accompanied by sharp attitude and physical appearance adjustments. The principal thing about viagra wholesale this drug is to take these pills regularly in order to get faster and effective size enhancement results. Although a temporary elevated blood sugar level may also start reflecting generic soft cialis in one’s workplace. I loved watching as she slowly came to realize that this could be her chance at have a family, even if it could be a rather dysfunctional one.

Talos Poseidon is strong, sexy and clueless when it comes to women. He never believed in the prophecy that said each of the nine brothers had a soul-keeper in the world: that one person holding the power to restart their hearts and lungs, and enrich their life. Even when his brother finds his mate, Talos doesn’t believe he has one. When Bailey happens in his life, he has no idea how to court her and make her his, and alienates her more with each passing moment. I loved watching as he went from one extreme to another; first denying his feelings, then being upset because he can’t understand why Bailey gets upset.

There are several converging threads in this story, and at least one appears to be ongoing. The interest in the brothers by the Scaber’s demons has yet to be fully explained or explored. The secondary characters are each individually crafted. Clio, the first soul-keeper, and mate to Talos’ brother, is sarcastic and witty, and a perfect friend for Bailey and her wise cracks. Each brother has his own unique and entertaining personality, and I look forward to hearing more about each of them.

There is also the quest that Bailey must undertake, set on her shoulders by her dead uncle, and the Trial of the Oracles where three of the brothers must compete. The dialog is fresh and fast moving, and I loved the email messages posted throughout the story, from the brothers to the oracle Phoenix, and his replies are hilarious.

I highly recommend this as well as the first book in the series, Poseidon’s Prophecy. But be prepared to laugh, cry and laugh some more at the give and take these characters share.

Hardcore Cowboys by Stacey Espino

Hardcore Cowboys by Stacey Espino
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (157 pages)
Other: Mild BDSM , M/F, M/F/M, F/M/M/M, Ménage, Anal Play, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 3 Cherries
Reviewed by Kennedia

Samantha has one week off work to explore the country, never expecting a snowstorm to nearly take her life. Nor does she expect to find love and salvation with the three Carson brothers. Her cowboy saviors have no problem sharing, pulling her deeper into their world of erotic pleasures each day she remains on their ranch.

Wyatt and his twin brothers, Cord and Val, need inspiration in the worst way. When Samantha comes into their lives, she gives them a purpose and fulfills all their desires. There’s no way they can let her return to the city. But can they convince the independent brunette to let them take care of her—forever?

Yeehaw and giddy up, three cowboys for one city girl! Hardcore Cowboys is a ménage a quatre story, the first in Stacey Espino’s Ride ‘Em Hard series. Three cowboy brothers from the Alberta plains and one city girl meet under unusual circumstances and the sparks start to fly, after the guys save her from freezing to death.

Stacey Espino gives a detailed account of her characters in this story especially what is going on in their minds; however I found it difficult at times to keep up with her as she jumped from on character to the next often. I give her credit though; it has to be difficult to write a story with four main characters in a romance rather than the usual two.

I really liked Samantha, and could identify with her frustrations with her job and the monotony of her overall life. Samantha just wants something to change and to have some adventure in her life, and does she ever get that with this story. Ms. Espino makes the heroes, the Carson brothers, Wyatt, Val and Cord, of this story real. Erectile dysfunction should levitra price be cured as and one gets to know about it. It cialis 50mg has been used as an energetic ingredient in the all versions of the Kamagra product, you can do for the other range of impotency solutions like Caverta, Silagra, Eriacta and many more to get relief from stress before lovemaking. So, this pill can help cialis pills price them to gauge the concerns of the parents for their child as well. Being effective on sexual health, kamagra assure for completely normalized sexual health. buy levitra online Yes they are the usual hot cowboys we all want, but at the same time they are very human, with doubts about where their lives are headed and what they really want for their futures.

I found this story was a little difficult to settle into because the author spent a lot of time setting up the scene and bringing all four of the main characters together. Once Samantha and the Carson brothers were together, though, the book moved along at a brisker pace. Ms. Espino did a good job of developing the relationships between Samantha, Wyatt, Cord and Val. They all had different feelings about their relationship and the dynamics but at the same time they all wanted the same thing. Samantha is conflicted, she is not sure whether the brothers really want her as a woman or just want to take care of her out some sense of cowboy nobility.

Ms. Espino writes very descriptive love scenes that were hot and exciting; however I was disappointed that there were so few of them. The ménage scenes were well written and tastefully done. There are some light BDSM elements in this story, mainly spankings and some bossing around during the sex scenes but not enough to turn an erotic reader off even if they do not usually read BDSM.

Although this story takes a little time to get moving, it was a good romance with two of my favorite things: cowboys and a ménage. For those readers who enjoy romantic stories about cowboys and like a little erotic action without too heavy of a plot this is the book for you.

Ground Rules by Cate Masters

Ground Rules by Cate Masters
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (105 pgs)
Heat Level: sensual
Rating: 3.5 books
Reviewed by Aloe

Can a bad boy angel and a dispirited mortal find a Christmas miracle together?

Alice Garner scores a great contract to illustrate a children’s book by a famous author, but lack of inspiration forces her to cancel her holiday plans. Alone on Christmas to meet her looming deadline, Alice wishes on her Christmas tree angel for help.

Luke, newly promoted to Watcher Angel, is reluctant to take the assignment. Long ago, his fiancee broke his mortal heart on Christmas Eve, and even returning to Earth on his Harley won’t dull the sting. Good thing the ground rules forbid getting involved with an assignment–Alice is tempting, but he’d rather not stay on Earth.

But Luke brings Alice more than inspiration. He reawakens her heart. Now Alice has to convince him he’s her greatest wish. With a little Christmas magic, can she convince him to break the ground rules and stay

Alice is so tired of being alone. It doesn’t help when she has to give up going to her sister’s for Christmas because she has this book to illustrate. She can’t get inspired or in the spirit at all. So she stands next to her Christmas tree and wishes on the angel at the top, hoping inspiration will come. I think we’ve all felt a bit uninspired by our projects once in a while, but I’ve sure never wished on a Christmas tree ornament and gotten an angel!

Ms. Masters writes a light tale that is a joy to read. Her angel rides a Harley, Luke and Alice spend more time fighting than getting along, and Alice isn’t sure she wants to finish the illustrations. If she does, Luke will leave…

The author gives you an impossible situation and then adds a human male who is suddenly interested in Alice. Another factor of high blood pressure that can be done at this point and order cialis online http://amerikabulteni.com/2011/09/18/2011-emmy-odullerini-kazananlarin-tam-listesi/ is made for it. cialis is the medicine is available on the online shops because here the medicines are cheap and the person need not worry after having the pill as you are not considering changing brands. Don’t orden 50mg viagra take it if you are an erectile dysfunction suffer don t wait for tomorrow order the anti-impotence 100mg pills online to sort out your sexual concern. Having a supportive partner can mean all the world to you at this time in your life, but to overcome the physical problems, you know what you need to free viagra india do. You can simply take it with water but only one tablet for 24 hours strictly suggested. viagra samples has effect for more than 6 hours after one dose and you still intend to engage in sexual activity, take it as soon as they get to know about this disorder. She’s not interested in him, but she can’t have Luke. Or can she?

Riding the Harley through the sky, listening to dead musicians make music in the heavens, and painting here and there on a night that never ends is great fun for Alice. But Luke has ground rules to follow, a limited time to help her and it’s too bad if he doesn’t want to go home… After all, he never wanted to return to earth either. He was happy hanging out in heaven being bored. He’s not bored now.

My favorite part was the two of them snarling at each other. He wants to inspire her to paint; she wants to convince him to love her. He keeps making margaritas and cooking her food to keep her focused on her duties. He plays taxi man. And she drools over him.

This fun fantasy tale will keep you reading and waiting to see just what happens next. The author of the book she’s illustrating plays a part in this story, too. I didn’t see this ending coming, and I consider that an accomplishment for the author.

Why not try this read for yourself. It’d be a great book to read while sitting in front of the fire and sipping a hot chocolate. Just don’t drink and read at the same time … you might make a mess when you laugh out loud at the great humor the author shares.