The Edge of Always J. A. Redmerski

December 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment

EDGE
The Edge of Always J. A. Redmerski
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (464 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Gardenia

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Camryn and Andrew are back! After that life changing bus ride from The Edge of Never, their lives continue to evolve around the fear of Andrew’s health deteriorating, Camryn’s pregnancy, and all the loses they have experienced.

This is a new journey for them. This journey is based on their love, which keeps on growing. Andrew’s love for Camryn goes beyond devotion. He is very protective of her, which sometimes leads him into more trouble than he can handle. Reading this book made me sigh and wonder if such could possibly exist. The author makes believers out of us as Andrew tries every possible scenario to bring Camryn out of her depression … even when the situation is not to his liking.

Trust and belief in a future is at the heart of this story. So is acceptance that tomorrow is not promised to anyone and our time on Earth is undetermined. Accepting death as part of life, Camryn and Andrew come to the decision to live for today and make few plans for tomorrow. Their pact is to live their lives true to their beliefs and without regrets. This book made me think. Too many lives are spent on working and daily drudgeries and not enough are spent appreciating life and loved ones. This is a lesson not easily learned. I could relate to this story because of the years it took me to understand that first of all you have to love and trust yourself, then you can love and trust your loved one and do what is right for both of you.

Just like in The Edge of Never, they take us with them in their journey through life and we are transformed. Priorities shift, life is appreciated, and zest is infused in all of us who are trapped in the perennial “rate race”. Great conclusion to a heartfelt story!

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

Wraith’s Heart by Donna Steele

December 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment

HEART
Wraith’s Heart by Donna Steele
Publisher: Rebel Ink Press
Genre: Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery, Contemporary
Length: Full Length (187 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Daisy

When Gail Duncan finds herself in her home town with no memory and, unfortunately, dead, she’s a little confused. Deciding to stay close to Ryan Davis, the hunky detective investigating her murder she might as well help out on the case.

Ryan has other problems than this recent murder. He earned his honorable discharge but the past is still with him. He’s used to seeing things as black and white, so what’s helping him with his investigation, and why is his apartment no longer as lonely?

Together they work on the case and learn about one another, and what they can accomplish, in ways neither had ever dreamed.

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Ryan Davis is a physically fit, strapping man with the looks and the smarts, if not the mental and emotional stability. He uses acronyms for the medical and police spheres which work, even if ‘DB’ had me questioning myself until ‘Dead Body’ popped into my mind with a sneer at how long it took me to work it out (most the acronyms are easy and natural to deduce, or non-essential to plot). There is a believability in the depth of Ryan’s mental pain and a realism in the description of his home and working life. Nightmares plague him and sleep does not come easy.

Gail Duncan is the dead girl walking and it’s pounded home how beautiful she is and was, even in death. This doesn’t become over the top but persists in the reader’s mind. She’s the lost, loner kid done good and it doesn’t feel forced. She’s come over the hurdles with her scars and insecurities but more or less intact (minus being dead). Her thoughts are witty and to the point, if sometimes blunt, and both characters swear often – realistic for a murder inquiry and a dead person, I’m sure.

There are few issues with the text itself – the odd semicolon should be a comma and there is a missing comma here and there, a wrong word on the odd line, but for the most part the text doesn’t distract from the action.

The paranormal element is what makes this book a slight mystery. It is not fully explained and is left hanging which, I think, is a good take on the paranormal: after all, it’s the mystery which makes it interesting.

The only thing I had against this book was that sex scenes occurred between a ghost and a living human. They were treated with care and another may find them perfectly acceptable but they did make me feel a touch uncomfortable, particularly as the communication between both parties wasn’t great. The resolution of the novel may do much to atone for this in another reader’s eyes.

This isn’t a typical romance by any means but if you like the twists of criminal enquiries and the idea of a lusty guardian angel, this could be for you.

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

The Prince She Never Knew and Kholodov’s Last Mistress by Kate Hewitt

December 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment

PRINCE
The Prince She Never Knew and Kholodov’s Last Mistress by Kate Hewitt
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (380 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

The Prince She Never Knew

Behind the royal wedding…

While the world believes her romance with Prince Leo Diomedi, Alyse knows it’s just a calculated sham.

Yet beneath his icy exterior, Leo’s kisses give Alyse a taste of the man behind the crown… But will their fairy tale survive the headlines threatening to rip everything apart?

Kholodov’s Last Mistress

An innocent in Moscow

Cold-hearted Sergei Kholodov was shocked by Hannah Pearl’s wide-eyed approach to the world. Fearing her effect on him, Sergei obliterated all traces of her from his life.

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Two stories in one book means twice the fun, the passion and the foibles and challenges that face two couples while falling in love.

The first story, The Prince She Never Knew is about the painful transformation from puppy love to adult love, from loving the exterior to discovering the passionate and complicated emotions of the person hidden deep inside.

It’s not a light-hearted romance but one that explores the pain and suffering of children when their parents are too into themselves and they forget to be parents, leaving the kids to find their own ways to deal with the emotional fall out. Leo pretty much walls himself off from everything and Alyse gives too much, almost like overcompensation. It’s how these two unlikely and hurt people, now adults, find their way to openly love and accept each other that makes this story so compelling.

The author captured the stiffness of Leo and the yearning of Alyse by using clever dialogue, descriptions and environment. Secondary characters were only on scene to reinforce the elements that made Leo as dysfunctional as he was. It was Alyse’s strength of character that saved them. She had better insight into what made the hero tick once he let her in. It wasn’t a lot but since the heroine hadn’t shunned emotion or personal involvement in her own life, she was better equipped to recognize what was really happening and then deal with it. Not that she didn’t feel emotional pain, she did and the writing made that abundantly clear.

Even though I thought Leo’s stubborn aloofness overshadowed the romance despite my understanding of why it happened in the first place, the romance’s progression was clearly shown. The story had elements and shadows of the past writing style of Harlequin romances but in this case, at least readers can get into the hero’s head and understand why he is the way he is. It gives a reader a chance to have empathy for his plight and a reason to want to him to have his happy ever after.

The Prince She Never Knew is a poignant romance with heart.

The second story in the novel is Kholodov’s Last Mistress which is another tale that explores the redemption of a tortured hero. When Sergei and Hannah meet it’s unconventional to say the least. The heroine is different than anyone he’s ever known and despite his best intentions to leave her be, he just can’t. She reminds him of something…or someone. It’s that tiny crack in time that fate drives a wedge through, making the hero face the man he’s become and open himself to the possibility that it’s not all he could be. Hannah makes all the difference – and it drives him wonky.

The author painted a clear picture of the kinds of people both Sergei and Hannah are in the beginning of the book. Ms. Hewitt used dialogue, descriptions of eyes, mouth and skin color to mark their emotions and the effect their words had on each other. The story is told from both points of view and is well balanced so a reader feels that they’ve got a handle on the characters’ personalities. In fact, I’d say that Sergei had a whole lot worse childhood than Leo did in the previous story. I also think the author did a better job of making me care for Sergei than the other hero. No matter what Sergei thought of himself, Hannah, with her Polly Anna attitude, had it right. And I agree with her. Ms. Hewitt wrote one of the most impassioned, romantic and amazing scenes in this entire two-book novel when Hannah stood up to him, and really opened her heart to him. When she asked him that one simple question, a reader could almost see the light bulb pop over Sergei’s head. Genius.

Another thing I enjoyed was seeing the transition and maturation of both the hero and heroine. They grew, changed and brought out the worst and best in each other. It was very much like Hannah and Sergei had to walk through fire, expunge all the burdens and perceptions they had of themselves and their backgrounds before they could go forth. It wasn’t easy and it certainly provided me with plenty of emotional drama that kept me flipping the pages. The best part is the end, when Sergei learned to trust, believe and to love and Hannah learned to recapture her sunny nature and balance her man’s newfound belief in himself. It was very poignant.

The best part was the ending. It came full circle and I thought the delivery was brilliant, clever and very sweet. Of the two books, Kholodov’s Last Mistress was my favorite.

If romance fans love reading Harlequins because they’re quick, interesting and fun, then rest assured these two stories deliver all of that. They’re not fluffy and brainless. No, these two explore tortured heroes and the women who lead them to salvation. It’s a showcase of love’s strength and perseverance and is worth taking the time to read.

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

Once and Forever by Mary Blayney, Elaine Fox, Emelle Gamble, Lavinia Kent and Evie Owens

December 16, 2013 By 7 Comments

Cover_OnceAndForever

Once and Forever by Mary Blayney, Elaine Fox, Emelle Gamble, Lavinia Kent and Evie Owens
Publisher: Self
Genre: Contemporary, historical, paranormal
Length: Full (366 pgs)
Heat: Spicy
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Dandelion

From five compelling authors, five original novellas which will make you laugh and cry, and believe in a love that once found will last forever. Meet a duke, a psychic, a bodyguard and a professor…and one “guardian fairy” in absorbing stories ranging from regency and contemporary romance to paranormal and women’s fiction.

Playing for Keeps by Mary Blayney

Actress Kendall Marshall is determined to get an autograph for her sick sister from famous TV personality Mike O’Hara, the Oprah Winfrey of sports. In the process she meets his brother, security consultant Steve Marshall, lands a job on O’Hara’s show and gets in the way of a man set on causing big trouble. As the stalkers attacks escalate, Steve and Kendall are thrown together and find it impossible to ignore the chemistry between them.

The Princess & the Pinot by Elaine Fox

When a beautiful woman shows up at the Vineyard Inn, wine manager Kim is certain she’s been sent by fate for the inn’s owner, Cooper. Self-effacing to a fault, Kim knows she can’t hold a candle to Principessa Bella, who also seems to know even more about wine than Kim herself, but her heart has belonged to Cooper since they shared one kiss as teenagers.

While Prin sweeps easily into the job of sommelier at the renowned inn, Kim is afraid Prin will sweep just as surely into Cooper’s arms if she doesn’t do something about it. Can she tell Cooper how she feels without losing even his friendship?

Kim is willing to try except for one problem: she’s almost certainly losing her mind. Or is that belching, swearing, smoking, farting fairy – who claims to be trying to help her – real?

Duets by Emelle Gamble

Duets offers alternating looks into the lives of two women who would seem to have little or nothing in common.

Screen star Molly Harper is on the verge of marrying a man who has swept her off her feet, thought perhaps hasn’t swept all her feelings for her first love away. Anne Sullivan, happily married for twenty-five years, is fighting to hold onto the man she loves, and hold off a confrontation that could shatter her family’s image of what they are.

Duets confronts a past secret that ties these two women’s lives together, just as chance events turn Molly and Anne’s worlds upside down.

At the point when a man takes tadalafil vs cialis , there is an undetectable quantity of sperm within a man’s semen. High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels or bad fats in the body. cialis online price How to Kamagra online kaufen? buy viagra from india This is the best way to get alternative treatment without dire consequences. However, there are ED medications toothat are a great deal and the two major good reasons cheap tadalafil pills which can be pointed are orgasms. Never and Forever by Lavinia Kent

Never and Forever is the beginning of the love story of two people who shouldn’t belong together. Molly, Miss Wilkes, runs an employment agency helping women of quality find positions perfected suited to their characters. Although her father held the title of Earl for just over a week before his death, Molly has never wanted to be a lady. She knows her place in this world – and it is not at the center of society.

The Duke of Radford also knows his place in this world – and it’s above everybody else’s. He cannot imagine a world without all the privilege and power that comes from being Radford. He’s had foreign princesses and heiresses dangled before him for years. Why would he ever have interest in a simple woman who doesn’t even understand that she should want to be a duchess?

Can these two overcome the obstacles of their own beliefs and realize that love can make all things possible?

Never and forever are both a very long time. Where will their love fit?

The Psychic Detective by Evie Owens

Psychic Martin Sterling doesn’t trust cops–and the feeling is mutual. Detective Erin Healy needs more than a ghost story to save her job and reputation. Her partner is dead, a million dollars in drugs and money is missing, and all the evidence points to her.

Can a sexy psychic and a by the book cop, trapped between the living and the dead, unearth the truth? Or will a cold-blooded killer get away with it all…

I’m a big fan of all the romance genres, so was excited to dive into this anthology, and I wasn’t disappointed.

In Playing for Keeps by Mary Blayney I found a really fun mystery/romance. There was a lot of cute back and forth between the hero and heroine. I smiled a lot while reading this story. The two of them were trying to find out who was trying to frighten people, and why was it being done. A lot was put into this short story and I enjoyed it very much.

Next came The Princess and the Pinot by Elaine Fox, a sweet romance with a lot of fun twists and turns. This author managed to put a lot of detail into this short story, and really engaged me. I thoroughly enjoyed the word play between the hero and heroine. Also enjoyed the gnome (or fairy godfather) in the story. A neat idea, well executed.

The third story was Duets by Emelle Gamble. This story, though exceptionally well written, felt a tad out of place amongst the rest which were very clearly romances. This was a very intriguing and somewhat sad story. A story of lovers separated by fate. When they meet again, sparks fly, but this story is not a fairy tale romance. This is more like real life, and made my heart hurt a little.

Then I moved on to Never and Forever by Lavinia Kent, a touching regency romance. This story really explains how differently all the people in those days were expected to behave and live. A very interesting, very proficiently written sweet story that touched my heart.

Lastly I read The Psychic Detective by Evie Owens to get my paranormal fix. It’s a really unique ghostly novella as well as a tender romance and may have been my favorite story in the series (tough to decide since I enjoyed them all). Ms. Owens wrote about the heroine and hero so well, I felt that I knew them both almost at once. The ghosts in the story are delightful and the mystery was very important to the story. Just reviewing it makes me want to go read it again.

If you, like me, enjoy your romance in all genres, I highly recommend this anthology. It’s a great way to get a taste of everything you enjoy.

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

The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrelyn Sparks

December 16, 2013 By 1 Comment

VAMPIRE
The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrelyn Sparks
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (266 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

He’s Out of Control

Dougal Kincaid has something to prove. After being injured in a battle with the Malcontents, he’s ready for active duty protecting unsuspecting mortals from these villainous vampires who want to rule the world. But first he has to get control of himself . . . because just the sight of a certain lovely doctor has his injured hand doing some peculiar things, not to mention the sizzling sensation that burns along his dragon tattoo.

Vampires? Vampires?! As a scientist, Leah is having trouble believing that these immortal creatures exist. But there they are, standing in front of her, asking for help in solving a genetic puzzle that can save mankind. There’s even one in a sexy kilt! Just one look into Dougal’s gorgeous green eyes sets her pulse racing. But can she trust him—and the overwhelming desire that refuses to be ignored?

Shivers, action, romance, re-romance and third chances are in store for readers in this roller coaster of a tale from Ms. Sparks. What is a re-romance? It’s the only way I can describe the amazing story of Dougal and Leah. By the time I reached the happy ever after, I was a believer in love, destiny and that true love conquers a lot of things, even the thwarting of free will. This is a novel hard to put down just because so many interesting things kept popping up in each chapter.

My favorite thing about reading a story written by Ms. Sparks is the funny jokes and hilarious scenes that she puts her hapless heroes and heroines in. I had the hardest belly laugh at the scene with Dougal and the blow up doll. The descriptions the author used had me in stitches. On the tender side were the scenes where the dialogue was very reminiscent of The Princess Bride. Remember ‘As you wish’? It was romantic in the movie but how Ms. Sparks wove it into The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo was simply sublime.
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The saddest part was Dougal’s music. Music has power in this story and the author used it quite effectively. It lifts, it saves and it heals. I was truly affected by those scenes.

Leah is a fine heroine. She’s smart and her initial introduction to the world where vampires are real was funny and understandable. Her hysterical hysteria was fun to read although I acknowledge I’d probably react the same way as her. I would also more than likely mirror her reaction to Dougal. How could any red blooded woman not? He wears a kilt and makes no excuses for how he wears it. If you get my drift. I also enjoyed her encounter with Bunny and finding out about Josephine.

Another fascinating aspect of this particular story is the author’s exploration of demons and angels. I am not a fan of the demon fad so I’m thrilled that Ms. Sparks kept demons as they should be – as the ultimate villains. And I liked that she didn’t make this story dark. It’s more like pre-dawn – dark but not. Master Han and Darafer are perfect bad guys, totally unredeemable and commendable foes. But just when a reader thinks that the good guys are going to get their heads handed to them because Darafer seems unstoppable, the author pulled some lightness out of her hat and had a great battle take place. Not everyone makes it but I understood why they couldn’t. Still, I was sad.

I enjoyed Dougal’s teasing of Leah. It was so cute because he never let her get away with hiding. The part when she wanted to make sure he had a heartbeat inspired the scenes and dialogue afterwards and they had me snickering.

The hottest parts are when Leah succumbs to Dougal’s ‘oots’ and Scottish charm. He’s romantic in his words and deeds and was a wonderful hero. Okay, so he beats himself up a bunch, mentally chastising and flagellating himself over a past failure and that sort of got old after a while. But I understood its use as a plot conflict and motivation so I could forgive its presence. There is so much to like and enjoy about the hero so I didn’t let it bother me, much. Thank goodness Dougal is so sexy.

Did I sniff and tear up at all during the story? You bet I did. Right after Briathos gave a reluctant hug I just blubbered with happy tears and sniffles. What happened and how the Ms. Sparks chose to write it, the words she used to describe how it affected the heroine, really touched my heart. It was very special.

Secondary characters provided a riot of a good time. I had incredible fun reading the byplay between all the personalities and when the author introduced a new female character that scared one of the supposed big bad supernatural guys, I had a grin from ear to ear. What I didn’t expect was a potential side romance to come out of meeting this new character. It was cute and endearing.

The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo is a busy, exciting and very romantic book that was impossible to put down. There were so many fascinating and interesting things that happened in every single chapter that I was compelled to keep reading. I really liked the dynamics between Leah and Dougal and I find it especially pleasurable when characters I’ve met in previous books come out and play too. This is a standalone read for sure but having read most if not all of the previous books in the series, I find my reading experience is fuller and richer for having done so. Fans are going to find a lot to enjoy in this latest adventure and new readers might just find a new author to love. I know I do.

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

Taming the Wild Highlander by Terry Spear

December 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment

TAMING
Taming the Wild Highlander by Terry Spear
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (395 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Edana Chattan senses concerns where people she knows could be in danger. When her brothers warn her they’re in trouble, she can’t convince her father to listen to her, so with an escort, she tries to locate them.

Separated from her escort during a storm, she is discovered by Angus MacNeill, who is tasked to return her home. Only Edana has other notions – and convinces him and his companions to allow her to use her abilities to locate her brothers who are manacled in a dungeon somewhere. That leads to a faux marriage and more dungeons and more trouble than Angus had ever thought possible. So why is the bewitching, fiery-haired lass making him think of marrying her for real?

It’s hard being a woman back in the day when lairds ruled the clans. It’s even more difficult when a woman has a special ability and has to hide it from others. But there comes a time when hiding that gift is no longer an option and I believe saving the lives of those you love constitutes the best reason of all for using it, no matter what. It’s a wonderful conflict and I was intrigued by the notion – how was Ms. Spear was going to have her heroine accomplish this Herculean task? The tale is worth reading.
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Edana is the heroine who hears the thoughts of those she loves, or is close to, in her head. She doesn’t’ read minds; it’s not that kind of paranormal story. She just … hears snippets and phrases. It’s proven to be a hardship in her life no matter how much her brothers and father love her. But the story opens with her hearing the worst thing ever, her brothers are in trouble. She finds that the only person who can help them, who is willing to rush out to save them, is herself. That’s why I liked her character. She’s a doer, a mover and shaker when she has to be. She’s clever, witty and unafraid to venture forth while keeping her wits about her. She also has a sense of humor, of adventure and isn’t afraid to try new things, like for instance – impersonating another lady, fighting off brigands, and the best one of all, falling in love. She’s also loyal, compassionate and stubborn to a fault. In short, Edana is fun.

Angus, the hero, was pure entertainment. I loved reading the story from his point of view because he was so confused. Should he believe in Edana? How can he not? He wants her but shouldn’t. He knows he should marry, but would she marry him? And the craving! His fascination with her! His lust for her and the torture of restraint, his respect for her and his fear that she might be right; so much of Angus’s inner angst and yearning made the book totally delightful. Ultimately, he’s a Highlander and men like that know what to do. He was a terrific hero.

Secondary characters are varied. There are my favorites of course. Niall and Gunnolf are family to Angus and are along for the adventure. Those two have been on hand to help out other MacNeill brothers find their wives and here they are again. Just like the other books, this one is also a complete standalone read. There is no confusion from lack of background information – everything is here that a reader needs to enjoy themselves 100 percent. But since I have read the other books, I get a tremendous kick out of the relationship they all share. The teasing jests, the smiling eyes and the big grins that split their faces when Angus does something daft all because he’s star struck by a lovely lass. Only best friends could have such awesome camaraderie and Ms. Spear’s writing makes it very clear.

Other secondary characters are Edana’s brothers, her father and someone I’m not thrilled with, Keary, Laird of Lockton. Now he’s a character that was important to a degree and I acknowledge his role in the plot movement, drama and suspense. I didn’t enjoy all aspects of his contribution because I felt he overstayed his welcome. I can’t explain it well but I didn’t like his further involvement after a certain critical point was rectified. I do understand why he was needed and his character did provide the impetus for a few wonderful events. But he was creepy and I don’t think I liked seeing things from his point of view. I guess it’s because it confused me. He sounded at times like a good guy, or a victim, someone who should know what it’s like to be on the receiving end of an injustice. And yet the course he pursued irked me. I didn’t want to feel bad for him and I shouldn’t have. But the author made it hard for me to just see him as irredeemable jerk even though I was privy to his intentions. He was a moron. And yet … if only things were different for the guy. I realize I’m sounding like a waffle but Keary was the one aspect of the whole story that bothered me. I liked everyone else. Okay, that’s a misstatement. There is one other person, a carryover from a previous tale. This character is just as vile, twisted and a troublemaker as before. I liked the wrap up this time around.

The good stuff is when Angus introduced Edana to married life. However, Edana cracked me up because she shocked the kilt off of Angus with her kisses. You have to read it to understand why that was so powerful. The effect it had on the hero and the conclusions he jumped to were snicker-inducing. It’s awesome to see a lady turn the tables on a man.

Taming a Wild Highlander is another fun adventure not to miss. There are various levels of action, heroic rescues, daring escapes and plenty of wooing. A reader will find many reasons to smile, gasp and keep the pages turning all because of this well told romance. Ms. Spear has a reputation for providing readers with characters they can enjoy getting to know and this book continues to deliver the same. I adored Angus’s infatuation and burgeoning love for Edana and I enjoyed how enthusiastic she was in exploring how to please and tease Angus. The last few paragraphs proved to me that their marriage and happy ever after isn’t going to be a boring one, not by a long shot. This is a very fun book and I’m happy I read it.

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

Sunrise Over Brasov by Stephanie Burkhart

December 10, 2013 By 4 Comments

Cover_SunriseoverBrasov
Sunrise Over Brasov by Stephanie Burkhart
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
Genre: Historical, Paranormal, Suspense
Length: Full (254 pgs)
Heat: Spicy
Rated: 4.5 Stars
Review by Poppy

Rosa Getzi lives a life of intrigue at Poiana Brasov with Clement, a werewolf, and Cassandra, the witch. Her past doesn’t matter to her – until she discovers what it holds.

Prince Michael Sigmaringen joins his sister-in-law, Caroline, and the vampire prince, Darius, in a daring rescue, igniting Rosa’s desire to find her family. However, all is not as it appears. Rickard, Rosa’s friend, escapes with her. Clement will go to any lengths to get Rosa and Rickard back.

At Darius’ fortress, Michael soon discovers Rickard is a new breed of werewolf – one who can control the change, and Clement hopes to exploit Rickard’s abilities.

If you want to soft tab viagra become a teacher, then, an illustrious career awaits you. I generic sildenafil do remember the last time I did an Internet “disease” search it was for prostate cancer. Like any other health problem, it can be early cialis sales australia warning signs of having or getting some severe heart conditions. If you can make a girl laugh, it breaks the tension, and she will feel more comfortable viagra 100mg pills around you. Michael’s courage, strengths, and convictions will be tested like never before. Can Michael and Rosa find true happiness and the rid the lupine haunting of the Sigmaringens once and for all?

Much different from any historical or paranormal book I’ve read, Sunrise Over Brasov was both exciting and terribly romantic.

It’s not a regency historical … taking place far outside the ballrooms with which I’ve been acquainted. And the story is filled with paranormal beings of all types, from shifters to vampires to witches. Yet, Ms. Burkhart makes it all seamless.

I need to point out that this is the third in a series, and I’ve read none of the others, but was only a teeny bit lost now and then. The author does an admirable job of filling in the backstory without being dull.

The story is heavy on the mystery/suspense part with a curse and mayhem, bad guys blowing things up and chasing our heroine and her friend and more. There is mistrust and sadness (Rosa has been given drugs to erase her memory, and so has forgotten the man who loves her). The author writes her descriptions with a wonderful skill, painting a clear picture with her words. I loved how unusual her story, characters and setting were. This wasn’t the same old werewolf story. I was intrigued by her take on things.

Since I read primarily for romance, I was a bit frustrated by how it took backseat frequently to the storyline itself. I was really invested in Rosa and Michael, and wanted to see more of them together. Still, ultimately, their story made my heart happy and that’s all I can ask.

Now I need to go back and read the first books … I want to see how everything began!

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

Once a SEAL by Anne Elizabeth

December 9, 2013 By 1 Comment

SEAL
Once a SEAL by Anne Elizabeth
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (281 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

It’s going to take a SEAL’s strength to make this marriage work
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Every woman dreams of marrying the perfect man-handsome, thoughtful, strong, and sensitive -and Aria Kavanagh believes she’s found the ultimate hero in Chief Petty Officer Daniel McCullum. But being a U.S. Navy SEAL wife is a serious challenge, especially when the missions are putting more than their love in the line of fire. Can they jump the hurdles and handle the daily rigors without falling apart? Or will the pressures attached to the handsome uniform have them both questioning if their dedication is worth it? Every moment matters when the only thing that truly lasts is love.

Sometimes the happily ever after doesn’t come the way you expect, but it’s exactly what you need.

Anne Elizabeth writes a crisp story of two people muddling through married life. This book starts with the wedding. There isn’t the getting-to-know-you lead up like in many books and I found this refreshing. This might not appeal to readers who want a long courtship. But don’t let that keep you from enjoying this book.

Aria and Dan are typical people. They have their ups and downs and Ms Elizabeth shows them with startling realism. I rather liked that these people weren’t perfect. That said, there are moments where I wished she’d have been a tad stronger as a heroine. I wanted to see her handle the issues of being the wife of a SEAL with a little more strength, but I could relate to her feeling thrown off the deep end. Dan is very much a SEAL (I know, you wouldn’t expect less). He’s focused and alpha. I wished I could’ve seen more of him outside of his job, but sometimes a man is married to his work.

This book is on the sweeter end of steamy. That’s fine. I liked the change in pace. Not everyone has sweeping, crazy hot sex. I connected with the characters and am looking forward to more from Ms Elizabeth.

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

Highland Rake by Terry Spear

December 9, 2013 By 2 Comments

RAKE
Highland Rake by Terry Spear
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (205 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed byXeranthemum

Dougald MacNeill is the next to youngest MacNeill brother and he’s not about to settle down, until Lady Alana Cameron is placed squarely in his lap…and then, the trouble begins.

When Dougald finds Alana roaming the heather on the MacNeill lands, he takes her in hand to see his laird brother James at Craigly Castle to determine her fate. But who has sent her there and why? Her uncle, laird of the Cameron clan, that has warred with the MacNeills for years, has made a marriage arrangement with another clan and now that is even at stake.

Having witnessed her father’s death, and even believing he had returned her home when all along he had been dead, Alana discovers she has the gift, or curse, of seeing the newly departed and sometimes those who should have long ago passed over. Her own deceased brother continues to plague her, the rake, and now another, who is very much of the flesh, Dougald MacNeill, has her thinking marrying a rake might just have its benefits. Dougald’s sister, who is one feisty ghost, has offered to help Alana keep Dougald in line if he thinks of even straying.

They also cost very http://downtownsault.org/about/volunteer/ order cheap levitra less to give these options to sufferers. If a man continues this therapy for 4 months to get expected results. pharmacy canada cialis These medicines are prepared to improve male erection quality generic viagra germany for a few hours after intake. Subsequently nitric oxide causes muscle relaxation and dilation of arteries also help blood spreading in different directions near buy cheap levitra http://downtownsault.org/the-art-store/ the male genitals. But who sent Alana on a fool’s errand in the first place to remove her from the Cameron’s lands and set her squarely in Dougald’s care, and who really killed her father and her brother, and what has it all to do with Alana? Will she and Dougald learn the truth before it is too late?

I found an impish sort of delight in reading about a secondary romance in this story between two ghosts. They appeared to tease and guide and, when possible, assist the heroine on her own rocky road to romance with a most dashing and tempting rogue in a kilt. This story has enough twists and turns to keep a reader captivated. There are two mysteries to solve, killers to catch and enough witty dialogue to keep the pages turning.

This is a standalone read and follows another MacNeill brother as he finds his own one true love. If anyone has been following this series, this is the brother who always seems to find himself in a dungeon and has to be rescued by a winsome lass. The tradition continues, much to my delight. I also gave this book a high rating because I’d read it once and didn’t write a review right away. Too much time had passed so I figured that I would just skim it to refresh my mind of certain facts. Instead I found myself drawn back into the story and I re-read it again from cover to cover. I still found myself enjoying the plot, the characters, the camaraderie and the dialogue. I’d forgotten some key parts and was amazed all over again. I laughed, smiled, giggled and snickered because there were so many clever quips and digs between brothers and friends, jesting and general fun sprinkled throughout the book, it was a joy to read. Even when there were sad moments or times of reflection or distressing realizations, Ms. Spear never let the somber facts drag the story’s optimism down. This novel is a celebration of life and love.

Alana is the heroine and she is cursed. Of course she’s not really cursed but that’s what everyone whispers behind her back. Only a few know the truth. The actuality is fascinating and provided a lot of entertainment. I also commend the author for her writing skills. Alana sees what others cannot. The hero accepts this unusual behavior which allowed for a challenging writing dilemma. How does a person write about a character who sees other characters from the point of view of a different character who can’t see anyone else at all? How does an author convince a reader that the hero truly does accept the impossible all the while listening to only one side of a conversation? Ms. Spear pays attention to details, that’s how. It’s the words the author chose as she described Dougald’s reactions and his feelings that appealed to me and convinced me.

Dougald is a wonderful hero. He has quite the reputation to overcome and once he admits to how he truly feels about Alana, he knows he has his work cut out for him to prove he has found ‘his one’. The hero is a romantic at heart and I enjoyed discovering that about him. He’s a strong, fair, upright man, with a wicked wit. I loved how protective he was of Alana – he didn’t talk down to her. How he talked to her, dealt with her and handled her showed respect, reverence and a healthy dose of lust. That last part caused him no end of trouble and a lot of fun for me.

There were wonderful cameos from Dougald’s brothers, like James, Angus, his cousin Niall and even his sister, Seana. I liked Alana’s brother a lot and I also liked the Cameron, although I wasn’t too sure about him in the beginning. I actually felt bad for Hoel, but not too bad because he did act like a spoiled brat. I even felt bad for Landon and was totally sad about Alana’s dad. Love is a very strong theme throughout this book and it takes many forms. A reader can only understand the scope of it after reading the book. The flip side of love is hate and there are shades of that too which causes some unique double mysteries that plague Alana, her clan and Dougald. It’s another aspect that kept my eyes glued to the pages.

One of the most fun elements is when Dougald introduces Alana to the joys of being a woman. It wasn’t the hero’s prowess that impressed me. It was Alana’s reaction, quick learning style and her blossoming cheeky wit when it comes to wrapping her man around her pinky. Just thinking of the two of them together makes me smile.

Highland Rake is a sure pleaser of an adventure. Yes, it has sexy Highlanders, some terrific Scottish brogue, some sword fights, quite a few surprises and a satisfying happy ever after, but it’s the romance that is the star of the novel. It’s wonderfully scripted and its delivery has exactly what I look for to push my happy buttons. The editing was clean, the characters were engaging and the story has a strong re-readability factor. I should know, I read it twice and loved it each time.

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

Who Saw the Deep by Christine Lim

December 6, 2013 By 3 Comments

WE


Who Saw the Deep by Christine Lim
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery, Contemporary
Length: Short Story (147 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

When Noah moves back home after grad school, he doesn’t expect a simple handyman job to turn deadly. Amelia seems like a sweet old lady with a run-down house, but appearances can be deceptive. When an alien ship lands in her woods, Noah discovers that everything he believed about Earth and human civilization is wrong.

Amelia already gave her heart to one man—does she really want to let another one inside? Even though Noah is everything she ever wanted, can she really trust him? He seems like a good person, but her family’s genetic legacy is more important than romance.

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Imagine seeing a strange object fall from the sky and noisily crash into the woods nearby. Would you call for help or run into the forest to investigate?

The characterization in this novel is slow and subtle at first, but eventually even the smallest clues are tied together in ways that I never would have anticipated. I was especially interested in watching the friendship between Amelia and Noah develop during the first half of the plot. At first glance I never would imagined that they’d share so much in common, and it was fascinating to see two people from such different stages in life find so many things that unite them.

While the pacing remains steady throughout the story, the climax includes quite a bit of information that is vitally important in order to understand everything that is happening. My sole criticism of this piece is minor, but I would have preferred to learn certain facts a little earlier on in the plot so that there was less competition for my attention when the tension reaches its highest point.

With that being said, postponing the revelations does make sense given the subtly creepy atmosphere of earlier chapters. Ms. Lim knows exactly how to paint a thin veneer of dread over what otherwise appears to be a perfectly ordinary day, and her ability to find the dark underbelly of even the most mundane chores and experiences plays a large part in why this tale earned such a high rating.

This book desperately needs a sequel. While all of the most important questions find answers, I am extremely interested in finding out what happens to Noah and Amelia after Who Saw the Deep ends. The final chapter drops hints about the future that made me wish the narrative would never end.

Who Saw the Deep is a must-read for anyone who loves alien invasion stories or heart-stopping mysteries.If these genres are up your alley, go pick up a copy today!

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