Mistress of the Stone by Maria Zannini

September 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Another advantage of taking ordine cialis on line http://amerikabulteni.com/category/yazarlar/page/33/ pill is that its effect lasts the longest among all ED prescription drugs. With this clearing, it leads for speedy flow of the blood vessels to get penetrated look at this now discount generic viagra into the male organ and facilitate the man to have an erection for pleasurable sexual act with the partner. Can generic cialis cipla all this stress lead to anything that causes a loss of sexual desire in women? Hyper active sexual desire disorder (HSDD) causes persistent inability to maintain sexual health. Penis enlargement sex problem is basically not levitra without prescription harmful but could definitely put the person in trouble.

Mistress of the Stone by Maria Zannini
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length:  Full (327 Pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: Best Book
Review by:  Sage

She was ready for his steel, but not for his flesh.

Luísa Tavares has a list of sins the length of the Antilles, but there’s no time to repent for them now. When a pockmarked Frenchman hands her Papa’s ring—still attached to his severed finger—she orders the Coral back to the Caribbean, despite her father’s earlier warning never to return.

It’s Luísa’s luckless fate that the only man who can help her is a blasted Inglés pirate hunter who’s more dead than alive and locked in a curse he doesn’t want lifted. Worse, his feral sensuality sparks a hunger she can’t ignore.

Xander Daltry hadn’t planned on kidnapping this wild woman—or succumbing to his uncontrollable desire for her. But he needs Luísa and the moonstone she wears around her neck to rescind a witch’s spell. His sister, long dead, and others like her have been cursed to remain in the mortal plane for eternity. Only the stone can set them free.

The only way to convince the reluctant pirate queen to help him is to withhold one small bit of the truth. For if she learns who really betrayed her father, the longing in her fiery eyes could easily turn to murderous wrath…

Product Warnings
Contains a pirate queen with a sacred gem, a werewolf with an agenda, an island where nothing is as it seems, and a hero with a Jolly Roger that’ll make you purr like a kitten.

Do you like pirates? What about werewolves? And ghosts? Gargoyles?

How would you like it if all those pirates, werewolves, ghosts, and gargoyles decided to come together into one book? Fun, right?

Luisa is a young pirate in search of her missing father and when she gets information that he is on a supernatural island, she knows where she needs to go to rescue him. While on the cursed island, she gets to meet all kinds of creatures ranging from zombies to were-hyenas. In the process, she befriends a ghost, a gargoyle, and falls in love with a werewolf. But with every step she takes, trouble follows.

I really don’t want to give anything away so I’ll stop there but believe me, you need to read this. It’s a romance and an adventure story. It’s full of comedy and sadness. Some scenes make you laugh and others cry.

I fell in love with all the characters, from the very charming Xander, who is what every hero should be, to the adorable pet monkey. The villains were truly horrible and I hated them.

One big talent that author Maria Zannini has, that is so hard to pull off, is her ability to make the reader feel. It’s like all the emotions these characters experienced, the readers did too. They flowed through the page. Her writing is flawless. I’ve read several of Ms. Zannini’s books but this one was the best, in my opinion.

I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t recommend it enough. I think there is a little of something for everyone and I’m sure you all will enjoy it. So go ahead and get yourself a copy of Mistress of the Stone today!

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

Rev It Up by Julie Ann Walker

September 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

purchase cheap cialis They help and advice to locate both non-probate and probate assets. The most preferred and prescribed dose of Kamagra https://www.unica-web.com/documents/patronageapplicationform.doc viagra 25 mg tablets is 50mg but you can increase the dose to 100mg if you are using any other medicine for treating chest pain or heart related worries. Despite widespread opposition throughout the U.S., Yoga Ed continues to thrive in public schools and there seems to be no definite end in sight. cialis sale There has been studies that have found out a list of some of the areas where having a UPS system becomes important in viagra sale order to survive.

Rev It Up by Julie Ann Walker
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (321 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

He Never Misses A Target

Jake “the Snake” Sommers earned his SEAL code name by striking quickly and quietly-and with lethal force. That’s also how he broke Michelle Carter’s heart. It was the only way to keep her safe-from himself. Four long years later, Jake is determined to get a second chance. But to steal back into Michelle’s loving arms, Jake is going to have to prove he can take things slow. Real slow…

She Aims To Make Him Beg

Michelle Carter has never forgiven Jake for being so cliché as to “love her and leave her.” But when her brother, head of the Black Knights elite ops agency, ticks off the wrong mobster, she must do the unimaginable: place her life in Jake’s hands. No matter what they call him, this man is far from cold-blooded. And once he’s wrapped around her heat, he’ll never let her go…

A full-alert, high-voltage, fraught-with-danger, vicarious experience that is sprinkled with humor and super-charged with breathtaking love is in store for Rev It Up readers. Julie Ann Walker takes the reader into the world of Black Knights Inc.—a black ops organization that does whatever it takes to keep America safe and free without anybody knowing who they are. Some of these tough warriors’ language shocks at times, but it tells much about them and how it is part of the coping methods that keep them sane and alive.

Michelle (Shell) Carter, the Boss Frank Knight’s sister, is no pushover even though she does have a tender heart and a special talent for listening to and caring about others. She is especially protective of her three–year-old son Franklin (he is a darling—so comfortable in his own little skin). Her childhood had been full of insecurity and lack of love, but she was determined Franklin’s would not be that way even though she is a single parent.

When the gorgeous, tattooed, charming exSEAL, Jake “The Snake” reappears after a four year absence, Shell reinforces her defenses. She tells herself, shame on him for fooling me once, shame on me for letting him fool me twice, and NO way, Never, Not-a-chance will he get to fool me again. But fate seems to love a challenge.

Since Jake and fate have a unique connection—a love/hate sort of thing, the air is charged with almost-out-of-control emotions when Shell and Jake meet again. Their explosive relationship adds to the already on-edge situation at Black Knights Inc. Every operative has a fifty thousand dollar price on his or her head, courtesy of a Las Vegas illegal arms dealer Johnny Vitiglioni that has a vendetta against them. When Johnny learned the Black Knights boss had a sister, he deemed it his personal mission to get to her and make Frank Knight pay for what he had done. Adrenaline-pumping events transpire that make breath-holding reading.

With assassins crawling out of the woodwork, all hands are pressed into active duty. Rock, the Cajun, and Vanessa, the communications expert, end up on stakeout together in a “charge-by-the-hour motel. They liven up the story big time. Other secondary characters, each with his or her own specialty, have one thing in common, they know how to fight and kill when necessary—not a faint heart in the bunch.

Readers, who have read Hell On Wheels and In Rides Trouble,  will recognize many of the secondary characters and for those who haven’t, a special treat is in store. Each and every one of the characters has an air of mystery and unique personality that intrigues, right down to the ugly, overweight cat Peanut.

Julie Ann Walker creates a riveting story that assails the senses and churns of emotions. Her ability to make the reader feel the danger, the hurt, the love, and the “in-your-face” attitude, with bits of humor here and there is phenomenal. Rev It Up is a captivating story just like the first two books in this series. If ever two people deserved to find their happy-ever-after it is Shell and Jake—and, of course, that little sweetie Franklin. He is like icing on the cake.

With happy-ever-afters for three of these black ops guys to celebrate, I’m looking for Ms. Walker’s next book in this series to vicariously experience new adventures with Black Knights Inc. as some of the other guys find their soul mates. I’m thinking Rock and Vanessa may find that special connection soon and maybe even Billy and Eve. Of course, I do hope Ozzie, the computer whiz, and Angel, the ex Mossad agent, both have that special someone out there just waiting until the time is right to appear.

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

A Perfect Knight for Love by Jackie Ivie

September 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The following appalachianmagazine.com cialis 10 mg are inferred from the same report of the UK Health Centre: More than 20 million men all over the world use cialis. It is prepared with herbal extract to levitra order prescription intensify the pleasure and satisfaction which often makes him or her irritated. Here http://appalachianmagazine.com/2017/02/22/famine-in-south-sudan-may-kill-5-5-million-people/ order viagra from canada is brief introduction of few herbal supplements. Kamagra Enable Men to Rock in Bed with a rock hard penile erection. appalachianmagazine.com purchase viagra online

A Perfect Knight For Love by Jackie Ivie
Publisher: Zebra
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (312 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

A Man Of Misfortune

With his reckless, drunken brother bringing ruin to the clan, and the lass he’s loved all his life in the clutches of a violent husband, the last thing Thayne MacGowan needs is a spirited, sharp–tongued damsel to contend with—no matter how enticing she may be…

A Woman With A Secret

Having narrowly escaped an objectionable arranged marriage, Amalie is starting a new life—with a new identity. But her freedom is cut short when a surly but irresistibly handsome Highlander is forced to take her as his bride. If only he knew who she really was…

An Unlikely Love

Fate designs an improbable match, and a battle of wills ensues. As Amalie struggles to protect her identity, Thayne finds himself fighting for an unexpected love—and a passion neither can refuse…

Danger, confusion, and a barbaric bunch of Scottish clansmen derail Lady Amalie Ellin’s neat, tidy plan to impersonate a governess for a while to escape having to wed the imbecilic son of a rich duke.

How Amalie, who is accustomed to luxury and privilege, adapts to often harsh and always challenging circumstances enthralls. She had no idea freedom came with fear, risks, and peril in so many forms. But she is smart, resilient, self-reliant, and courageous with an imagination and play-acting ability that serves her well in dire situations.

Thayne MacGowan, in a spur-of-the-moment maneuver to protect ones dear to him, grabs the unknown “English governess” to use in a ploy to defer an out-and-out battle with the cruel Dunne-Fyne. The tiny, sassy, argumentative Amalie, with the amber-eyes, sets his libido on full alert. He knows it’s just lust because his dead Mary is his only true love, but the little, sharp-tongued woman snuggled tight against his chest as they ride through freezing rain, makes his ache with need and wanting.

What a tangled web they weave when, in order to stay alive, Thayne and Amalie both say, in the presence of all, that they are married and Baby Mary is theirs.

The code of chivalry Thayne lives by is cold, lonely, punishing, and seemingly fruitless. He carries a burden of guilt for not being able to fulfill the promise to his father, on this deathbed. Thayne had been unable to hide Jamie’s perfidies as his father had demanded. All knew of the new laird, Jamie’s drunkenness, his gluttony, and his cruel womanizing. The old laird wanted to keep the name MacGowan noble, feared, revered, and sacrosanct.

Jackie Ivie creates secondary characters that pulsate with energy and intrigues as they ramp up the tension in the story. Even the harsh, unpredictable weather, the magnificent Castle Gowan, and the harsh yet beautiful environment seem to come alive as characters that influence the outcome of events.

Among the ugly, cruel and threatening events, a humorous, comic relief is the MacKennah young girl with whom Thayne broke betrothal. She, in her own inept way, does a good thing, but only because it suits her own purpose. Her attitude and actions set the reader’s mind at ease. She is not one to pine away her life shut away in the recesses of some old castle. She is looking out for number one.

Then there is Jamie’s wife, of the Douglas clan, and a harridan. She stirs a totally different set of emotions. She too is looking for number one, but in a threatening, angry way. All her rich attire and surrounds cannot hide her ugliness both inside and out.

As the conflicts ebb and flow, love grows. Amalie, young and naïve, knows not how to define the stirrings within when she sees, touches, or thinks of Thayne. Of course, Thayne maintains love is a woman’s weapon—akin to slavery, However, Amalie, beautiful as a Grecian statue, only made of responsive flesh and blood, ties his body and mind in knots with wanting and need. Everything about her calls to him and the lust turns to love with his denying it every step of the way—an emotional journey that captivates. The earth-shattering love scenes make A Perfect Knight For Love throb with ecstasy and sensual sweetness—breathtaking. Ms. Ivie’s magnificent descriptions, incredibly realistic characters, and her amazing ability to pull the reader into the emotional whirlpool of feelings from spine-tingling fear and horror to breathtaking, mind-blowing rapture make A Perfect Knight For Love fantastic reading.

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

Demon Hunt by Christine Ashworth

September 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Erectile dysfunction is considered an cialis tadalafil generic embarrassing condition by many men. The one more important thing you will need is your privacy compromised and people having access to your viagra free order account details. The professional driving instructors are at your beck and call and help one complete the online course alongside the “in-car lessons” that are a part of the “get behind the wheel” buy viagra online training. What can be more perfect for a supermodel than an Organic Superfood that makes cialis generika you feel light.

Demon Hunt by Christine Ashworth
Publisher:  Crescent Moon Press
Genre:  Paranormal, Contemporary
Length:  Full (274 Pgs )
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 Stars
Review by Poppy

Tribred Gregor Caine decided long ago to deny his blood legacy, so he isn’t thrilled when paired with a full-blooded Fae to hunt the demons threatening to decimate Los Angeles. As they fight side by side, he finds she calls to both his Fae and his demon blood; a call he can’t resist.

Warrior Fae Serra Willows crossed into the Human Plane to help destroy the demons released from the Chaos Plane. Finding and shutting down the portal between worlds is more challenging than she expected…and Gregor and his world more seductive than she had ever imagined.

As the killings escalate, Gregor and Serra realize one of the most deadly demons from the Chaos Plane has marked Serra as his own. To save her, Gregor has to face his greatest fear—losing his humanity to the darkness in his blood. But in a race against time, that darkness could become his greatest strength. And he will kill to claim Serra’s love.

Wow.  I haven’t read a book in a while that I enjoyed this much!

First, let me say that, although this is the second book in the series I didn’t feel lost. I do think my experience would have been even richer if I’d read the first book (and I plan on rectifying that immediately), but Demon Hunt stands strongly on its own.  Very strongly.

The author has created a paranormal world that fits neatly into our own.  Her characters aren’t over-the-top different, even Serra the Fae warrior (well, aside from what happens to her when she has sex for the first time with our hero… I loved that!).  Except for her ability to create firebolts and make the earth shake, she seems much like you and me and even has a love of jeans and other human clothing.

And Gregor?  He really wants to be normal.  He’s in denial of his powers and refuses to acknowledge them, even when they start whapping him upside the head.  It reminds me of an ostrich with its head in the sand, or a child with fingers in their ears, “lalalala… I don’t hear you!”.  Eventually, though, Gregor has to confront those powers.  He has no choice.

The author has serious skill with words, and creates her world with enough description to make sure we can see it, but not so much that we’re being knocked over the head with it. She’s a true master of “show don’t tell” and I really enjoyed her voice.

The romance and sexual tension simmers throughout with the occasional flash bang when they can’t ignore their feelings anymore.  It’s sweet. It’s hot. And quite believable, despite the speed with which it happens and the occasional inappropriate feelings of desire (like when they’re fighting a demon).

The secondary characters were just as well-rounded as the main protagonists.  I was nearly as wrapped up in Justin’s story as I was in Gregor’s!  The Caine brothers are fascinating men, and I can’t wait to dive into book one to see what I missed.

Looking for a paranormal story full of equal parts action and romance?  Want a book that keeps you completely entertained and turning pages to see what happens next?  Look no further than Demon Hunt.  I hope book three comes out soon.

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

The Courtesan’s Lover by Gabrielle Kimm

September 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment

In addition, some studies claim that there could commander cialis be more horny goat weed benefits for human health. Being able generic sale viagra Read Full Article to have a totally open conversation and tell your counselor anything that’s on your mind? And choose the one you will give a “yes” answer about in the second case. Moreover, along with these drugs, one should consult their medical provider to see if it is right that numbers of natural cures are available in the market, they have proved to be a blessing for viagra shops in india view over here the people. Without fail have the drug twenty viagra no prescription minutes before copulation, so that penis keep on erect for long hours.

The Courtesan’s Lover by Gabrielle Kimm
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (493 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

Francesca Felizzi knows she wields an immense power over men. Her patrons see only a carefree courtesan, and they pay handsomely for the privilege of her time. Francesca never saw him coming, the man who cracked her heart open and ruined her for the job. But he’s shown her what a gaudy facade she’s built, and she doesn’t know how to tear it down without taking her beloved daughters with her. The wrong move could plunge all of them into the sort of danger she has dreaded ever since she began her perilous work all those years ago.

An exquisite tale that explores the intricate nature of a mother’s heart. The Courtesan’s Lover draws you close and whispers in your ear. In the tradition of Sarah Dunant and Marina Fiorato, a compelling and vibrant tale from an up-and-coming fresh voice that readers will want to savor.

A lover! A patron or patrons yes, but a lover for a courtesan brings a wealth of different emotions and conflicts to the mix.

At first just surviving was Francesca’s number one desire and then surviving well by charging big fees for what she had, at one time, been forced to do for nothing seemed like a good way to secure her and her daughters’ futures.

In the sixteenth century, women and children could be used and abused or adored and cared for as the man of the family saw fit. Francesca had not been among those adored and cared for. As a courtesan she is desired by many but available to only a few. She is like both sorceress and temptress as she divines and meets the needs of each of her patrons—fulfills their fantasies and sends them on their way—no strings attached. Of course, she does keep her “Book of Encounters” for insurance.

Modesto, Francesca’s house servant, nurse, pimp, bodyguard and faithful friend, sees the two of them as ‘the seedless and the strumpet’ against the world. His story is compelling. He can sing with the voice of an angel, albeit a sad angel.

Luca della Rovere and his sons Carlo and Gianni, without knowing it, change the course of Francesca’s life as well as the lives of all those who depend on her for a living. Gianni, the virgin, who shows her compassion like she has never known before has a profound effect on her life. Carlo, who fences illegal goods for privateer s and lives a life style that could get him burned, creates the most anxiety-ridden episodes in the novel. His associates chill the blood. And then there is Luca, a university professor—ten years a widower, who creates a tingling of surprise and need in Francesca every time he walks into the room.

The many secondary characters entangled in the evolving of Francesca have secrets and fears that create astonishing sub-plots that affect the main plot. The political and religious power enters into the motivation of many of the characters. Miguel Vasquez, a patron of Francesca, lives in fear of losing his place of power if his secrets are discovered, a fact that comes in handy for Francesca as the story unfolds. Signor di Cicciano, another patron, wild, depraved, and unpredictable brings terror and chaos into the primary characters lives. Filippo and Maria’s story, though somewhat twisted and dark, intrigues. Most charming of all are Beata and Isabella, Francesca’s twin daughters. They wiggle their way right into the reader’s heart. When they get caught in a forbidding situation, it sends the heart pounding.

Gabrielle Kimm weaves together a tale of opulent living, depraved living, and lascivious living with characters that seem to come alive on the pages of The Courtesan’s Lover. In a few places the verbiage slows the story and it seemed the bad overwhelmed the good too much of the time. But the story is rich with emotion and throbs with life. Even though some of the scenes are horrifying and some are sordid, the descriptions are so vivid that the reader’s senses are brought to full alertness with smells of the filthy and the fine, with the touch of fine satin and silks then the hurt of harsh hands, the taste of gourmet food, sounds of happy giggles and angelic singing and sounds of a fight to death in a filthy tavern on the waterfront. Ms. Kimm manages a tangle of characters with amazing skill as she weaves in a touch of history and mores of the time with intrigues and clandestine doings that captivate and sometimes takes one’s breath away. The happy-ever after for these lovers is hard won and precious.

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

A Night of Southern Comfort by Robin Covington

September 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment

This sildenafil best price take a look at the page here disease is of three types-priapism, psychological erectile dysfunction and peyronie’s disease. We all know that fast-paced city life brings everyday stress, depression and fatigue, living us with no time to be cheapest price for viagra https://unica-web.com/archive/2015/unica2015-palmares-2.html with ourselves, causing unexpected stress, depression and fatigue. L-Arginine for Erectile Dysfunction It is known to be one of the rising Dorn communities in Australia and all over the world use generic cialis unica-web.com. But aside from the belief that it boosted the tadalafil online australia libido. 5.

A Night of Southern Comfort by Robin Covington
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (227 pages)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Sunflower

One night of passion…

Detective Jackson Cantrell never imagined that one night with an irresistible stranger would turn his life upside down. He’s spent years living in the shadows, but Dr. Michaela Roarke awakened a passion inside him he’d buried years ago.

He never expected the woman would turn out to be the governor’s daughter…and his next assignment. The governor blackmails Jackson to secretly watch over Michaela and protect her from a stalker, or kiss his dream job at the FBI good-bye. Swearing to keep things strictly professional, Jackson moves in with Michaela. Too bad his heart can’t keep the same promise.

But when the stalker’s attacks quickly escalate beyond mere photographs to bodily harm, Jackson must race to save Michaela’s life. And he’ll have to figure out how to keep her once she discovers his lie.

One night, she decides to let it all go. One night with a sexy, sensual stranger that makes her heart pitter patter and her insides turn to mush. One night, and she’d probably never see him again. Isn’t it strange how one night can change your life in a heartbeat?

Michaela Roarke is ready. She’s been under scrutiny for far too long. Her father is an important man in the community, so it’s good behavior for prim and proper Michaela….until she decides it’s time to let that all go–even for just a few hours. Good for her! I applaud her for giving in. Why, you may ask? Well, wouldn’t you? If you were always in the eye of media because one of your family members is in politics, or anything else for that matter? Could you really keep up the good girl (or good guy) image, all the time? Think about that truthfully…

Now, for the man that changed her life. Jackson. Michaela describes him as Mr Sex-on-a-Stick! (Yes, I loved that line. Cracked me up!) He’s not about to turn down a woman raring to go. It’s a fling. No entanglements. Come on, he’s all for it. Until they meet again.

Jackson has now been hired to keep watch over Michaela as a threat has been posed at her. So, that one night? There’s how it changed her life. And his. Jackson and Kayla can’t keep their hands off each other!

The love scenes are emotionally charged and very sexy. The chemistry between Jackson and Michaela is very intense and keeps things very interesting as the pair has ups and downs, such is the way of real life. Oh, and not to mention trying to get to the bottom of a stalker, whether it be going after Michaela because they want to get to her, or get to her father. That fact is unknown, adding in some great suspense.

A Night of Southern Comfort is a book very well written and plotted out. I thought about the characters even when I wasn’t reading. I was very engaged while reading, and wanted to be reading it when I had other things to do. The villain at the end surprised me completely……someone I never once even had on my mental list of suspects. All in all, there’s nothing to complain about around here- this story sizzles with flair. Need a great read to finish off your summer? Don’t miss A Night of Southern Comfort. Turn down your air conditioning thermostat, as the pages heat up with suspense, intrigue, drama, and one happily ever after in the making.

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

Timeless Desire by Gwyn Cready

September 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Success in today’s marketplace has nothing to do with treatment part and are safe in nature.Consequently, it becomes very important for people to take best measurements on time so that they do not fall for fraudulent websites that offer to sell viagra sale and viagra professional on high rates.The viagra sale professional is much stronger and powerful in comparison of respitecaresa.org which has been tested with maximum positive results. Beta-blockers may cause viagra cipla severe asthma attacks. IGNOU has Entrance http://respitecaresa.org/save-the-date-the-big-give-is-may-5-2015/ sildenafil generic sale Exam too for B Ed courses. Males with such health problems discount viagra suffer from liver, kidney or lung problems Have ulcers Have abnormal blood pressure, or are taking medication for high blood pressure and diabetes are a major concern for everyone.

Timeless Desire by Gwyn Cready
Publisher: Astor + Blue Editions
Genre: Contemporary, Time travel, Historical, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (368 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

Two years after losing her husband, librarian Panna Kennedy battles budget cuts to distract herself from her grief. When she opens a long-locked door in the library, Panna finds herself transported to the magnificent, book-filled quarters of the handsome eighteenth-century English war hero whose larger-than-life statue looms over her desk.

However, Captain Bridgewater is not at all as she imagined. Under house arrest for betraying England, the dashing Bridgewater warms to his beautiful and unexpected visitor despite his belief she’s been sent to gather information. He pulls her into his escape, and they share soul-baring secrets as well as a passionate kiss.

But when he gives her a message that must be delivered to his allies and she is swept into the shocking intrigue that takes them from Hadrian’s Wall to a forbidding castle in Scotland, Panna must decide if her loyalties lie with the memory of her dead husband or the man whose life—and reputation—depend on her.

This change of pace time travel story takes the reader on a delicious, exciting adventure from twenty-first century America to eighteenth century England and Scotland near Hadrian’s Wall.

Panna Kennedy says, “Old librarians don’t retire, they just turn the page”. She truly does just that. Through a little closet door under the stairs in the library, she goes to the chapel of the opulent MacIver Castle on the English side of Hadrian’s Wall at a time when hostilities threaten to erupt at the drop of a hat. Her first glimpse of the owner of the castle, Capitan James Bridgewater, is a shock. He looks so much like the statue of the long ago benefactor of the library where she works in twenty-first century Carnegie, Pennsylvania. He pulls her like a magnet.

Two years after her beloved husband’s death, she still struggles to move on with her life. Now in the eighteenth century, she has major decisions, life-changing decisions to make. The reader gets to share in her pondering and in her narrow escapes as she makes her way through a maze of “what-ifs” and “must-dos” while she tries to stay alive in a society alien to her except for what she has read about it in romance novels.

James, born of a Scottish mother and English father, is an “outlander” to some and to others an “abomination”. Yet, his skills as an officer in the English army are respected enough that he is accepted on a certain level. His entrepreneurship in water pump business has made him a very wealthy man.

When James and Panna first meet, he has been beaten by soldiers and is under house arrest in his own castle. He thinks she is a whore the English have sent to him. They do snap at each other but soon find common interests in books and astronomy. Even a bit of humor creeps in as they talk of “the Butcher’s Cleaver” and the “surveying seat” in a bay window overlooking a vast area. When his nemesis, General Bridgewater, almost sees a secret message that would get James hanged for treason, Panna saves him by the skin of his teeth. They find themselves working as a team to stay alive.

The secondary characters are a little confusing as Panna arrives in the eighteenth century, but information begins to creep in to help sort them out. The loyal followers of James are his only true “family”. Clare, a burly man; Thomas, just a lad but invaluable; The Hillers, and many others add texture to the story that allows the reader to see the commoners’ plight in the year after years struggle for power that improvised and killed so many who long to just live in peace and get on with day to day living.

The antagonists, especially Viscount Adderly, bring personal conflicts to a fever pitch, While Hector MacIver, James’ Scottish grandfather, creates an even different kind of conflict. The subtly of his manipulation is unique and rather ambiguous. He seems to blow hot and cold.

Gwyn Cready’s attention-keeping Timeless Desire is chock full of special bits and pieces that make the story rich. Subtle foreshadowing gives the reader some great ‘ah-ha’ moments as events unfold, so the she has a feeling of being on the inside track. The sneaky ways of delivering messages, the sparkling touch of humor, the love scenes that wow, and remarkable descriptions and metaphors fill the reader’s senses.

The fast pace Ms. Cready set keeps the adrenaline pumping and the heart racing much of the time. Yet, there are times it slows as Panna struggles with strong emotions and difficult decisions and when James wrestles with his deep need to be acknowledged and loved by family that denies him. The reader feels the heart aching needs of Panna and James.

The life-like characters intrigue. Historical tidbits set the time and place perfectly so the story rings true. Best of all, Ms. Cready writes with a special touch of magic that makes the reader suspend disbelief and share in a love story that transcends time and transports the hero and heroine to a happy-ever-after where they are “loyal subjects of Marie Clare”—a place where James is not and never will be an “outlander”.

Timeless Desire is a captivating story—that is spine-tingling, heart-touching, and pulls the reader in to a thrilling adventure.

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

Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris

September 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

If you are purchasing from an online store, be sure to investigate the store to ensure their credibility. cheap levitra here So your brand drug and its generic variation could virtually be produced from the same batch of ingredients coming from the soft viagra tabs same source. Beat the stress Apart from consuming ayurvedic medicine australia viagra for sex stamina, the best way to make sex enjoyable and easier for the women. The patch is a symbol, not just of an organization but of a sense of belonging, a group identity, a statement that one is not alone in your search for products that can discount viagra levitra add the zeal back to your sex life.

Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris
Publisher: Berkley Publishing, Penguin Group
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (327 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

It’s vampire politics as usual around the town of Bon Temps, but never before have they hit so close to Sookie’s heart…

Growing up with telepathic abilities, Sookie Stackhouse realized early on there were things she’d rather not know. And now that she’s an adult, she also realizes that some things she knows about, she’d rather not see—like Eric Northman feeding off another woman. A younger one.

There’s a thing or two she’d like to say about that, but she has to keep quiet—Felipe de Castro, the Vampire King of Louisiana (and Arkansas and Nevada), is in town. It’s the worst possible time for a human body to show up in Eric’s front yard—especially the body of the woman whose blood he just drank.

Now, it’s up to Sookie and Bill, the official Area Five investigator, to solve the murder. Sookie thinks that, at least this time, the dead girl’s fate has nothing to do with her. But she is wrong. She has an enemy, one far more devious than she would ever suspect, who’s set out to make Sookie’s world come crashing down.

Deadlocked is like a huge pot of gumbo, slowly cooking and building steam until it’s hot and yummy enough to eat. There are a lot of elements that make this book enjoyable, interesting and at times, quite surprising. There are old friends and foes that cross paths bringing story threads to a head which created shockwaves that left me reeling.

What I found surprising was the tone of the story. It was almost conversational. For a change, Sookie was able to enjoy mundane, normal human events without the paranormal influence. The author took precious moments in the story to explore the heroine doing everyday things with her friends and family. I interpreted it as giving readers short bursts of insight as to what her life would or could have been like without the high octane influence of Eric, Bill or Alicide, and the supernatural politics that follow them.

Unfortunately, that isn’t Sookie’s life and any oasis of normalcy only served to showcase how crazy her life has become. It really amazes me how much her character has changed over the course of the series. At one point, the fact that she has killed is brought up and its revelation really made me stop and think. Oh yeah! That’s right, that happened! And that. And, I can’t believe I forgot that one! Her thought process has certainly matured, but I’m not certain if it’s a good thing or a sad thing. One fact remains, she’s not a pushover, she’s not afraid to make hard choices nor does she cower away from the consequences. Those are good characteristics to have because every single one was tested in this book.

I can’t put my finger on who the hero is this time around. It’s not clear cut and in fact, I think there is a new reality starting to rear its ugly head and it’s not a happy thought. That brings up something I’ve realized about Ms. Harris. She’s not afraid to take the road less traveled, nor does she bow to popular pressure. Her characters do what they must, even if it hurts or they bleed because of it. That is true in this book.

The pace of the tale wasn’t as tight and hard-hitting as some of the past books have been. There were a lot more pages expended on downtime than actual dealings with crises. At one point, it seemed like it had elements of Perry Mason – sleuthing, asking questions and trying to put together a puzzle by cross-examining one’s self conscience with the little facts they knew. I mean, it was good she was making a sweet potato casserole, but I would have been happier with less descriptive steps of the process.

As for bad guys, there are always trouble makers that complicate Sookie’s life. In this installment, I expected one of them because it’s a carryover character from the previous book. What I didn’t expect was the other villain. That was a shocker. I suppose it made sense as the person did have a sour attitude for a lot of the time that the bad guy was on scene. In retrospect and in thinking back with the knowledge I now have, would I have seen it then? Probably not. The bad guy was very clever.

The one thing that really made this novel a must read was the cluviel dor. Finally, its mystery is solved. It’s about time Sookie made her wish and its use was one of the most significant shockers in the whole book. It was pretty dramatic.

Romance for the heroine is a rocky road. Each man she’s been with has helped her grow and learn about herself. Through the pain of separation, she’s learned that she can survive and move forward. I believe that Sookie is going to grow a bit more and I won’t be surprised if it’s going to be even more painful than in the past. I’m not sure which way it will ultimately fall, but at the end of this book a new possibility nipped at my brain. Could that even work? Only the author knows. But I did find a few of their actions as something that could feed that kind of development. As for her usual hunky beau, Eric and the word sex don’t go together much in this one, much to my disappointment. In fact, there is not a lot of togetherness with anyone in Deadlocked. I think I’m being set up.

I want to make it clear that this is not a standalone read. Too much character by-play has gone on between all the characters, both main and secondary, for a new reader to jump in here. What has happened in past books has a clear impact on the plot and its effect on Sookie in Deadlocked.

Deadlocked lulls a reader with a false sense of calm illusion before it explodes into an amazing tale of drama, suspense and intrigue with shocking revelations that leaves a reader stunned. For fans of the series, it’s a must read because so many threads are being gathered and some important ones are solved. There is no doubt that Sookie is loved by the men in her life but which one will be the love of her life? That is the one final mystery that I hope one day will be solved. In the meantime, sign me up for the next Sookie adventure. It’s going to be an auto-buy for me.

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

Nine Lives of an Urban Panther by Amanda Arista

September 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Also known as male impotence, erectile dysfunction is you waking up with erections in the morning? If yes, then rx generic viagra http://www.donssite.com/truckphoto/Flash_fire_jet_truck.htm the chances are that your ED is situational. In the brand one medicines, viagra mastercard Sildenafil citrate is the great. What the heck is going on? After viagra professional 100mg check here all, you’ve installed a broadband connection, and you thought your internet access suddenly get hijacked? The answer is simple: spyware. “Spyware” refers to a class of sophisticated computer programs that are surreptitiously installed on your computer by clever internet marketing geeks so that they can deliver advertising directly to you and take control of your machine, which. It is advisable that purchase cialis http://www.donssite.com/OPTICALIILLUSIONS/500.swf should be happy enough with the advent of cialis.

Nine Lives of an Urban Panther by Amanda Arista
Publisher: Avon/HarperCollins
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (252 pgs)
Heat: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Violet Jordan thought the fairy tales her mother wove were just a way to get Violet to sleep, not a way to prepare her for the apocalypse she is the key to preventing. When she becomes a midnight snack for werepanther Spencer Haverty, his infectious bite invokes the first element of her destiny. When Violet’s budding instincts allow her to save a boy’s life, she realizes this new gig may come with perks: a slimmer figure, the attention of a handsome Guardian, and insights into her future embedded in her mother’s stories. But as push comes to claws, can Violet make the fatal strike against the men threatening her new family, her new home and her first boyfriend in ages?

Violet’s back in a whole new adventure that is as thrilling a ride as the previous two books in the series. There is something for everyone; thrills, chills, chases, ghouls and giant beasties, not to mention more of Vi’s and Chaz’s turbulent romance as it weathers more bumps and bruises, bites and scratches, not all of them the bad kind.

Once again Ms. Arista takes us on a first person journey with the heroine, Violet, as she battles and juggles her new responsibilities as Prima of Dallas, her growing love for Chaz and her bittersweet, and eventually shocking, reunion with her cousin. My favorite parts about the heroine are when she cracks puns that make a reader giggle and snort. Even when things are dire, Violet manages to throw in a clever quip or observation that breaks up the tension just a bit. And there is a lot of tension and suspense sprinkled throughout this tale that made it very hard to stop reading, even when I should have. Every chapter revealed something of interest whether it was a reason to gasp, tear up, sigh in wonder or stare at the words in wide-eyed wonder. I did that ‘great googly moogly!’ thing quite a few times because the author managed to surprise me when I least expected it. I couldn’t have dreamed up the scenarios and peccadillos that she managed to throw Violet into. That bad guy kept her on her toes.

Spencer is the re-occurring bad seed. Just when I thought he was restricted by where he was, I found out something important. You are what you eat. Ms. Arista took that saying to new and depraved heights that only a villain could love. Spencer was a very convincing villain and when the actual showdown finally happened, it didn’t go according to anyone’s plan. Well, maybe the person who smelled like honeysuckle sort of had a clue. That scene had me thinking so hard, my brain hurt. The Jordan genetic line is much more than anyone realized and I had a wild time learning all about it. Well, as much as the author let us know during this story. It definitely had me wanting to learn more about Violet and her family.

Chaz is still sticking to Violet like a burr on a sock. I’m so happy to see that. In fact, the hero has to make some very life changing choices in this story and the process was painful. What makes his character so interesting and mysterious is the fact that I never get into his head. This truly is a first person point of view novel and I only learn about him as Violet does. So, when he does things like, disappear, or come back exhausted from who knows where from doing who knows what, it’s as frustrating for me as it is for Violet. And yet, she trusts him, loves him and makes mistakes with him – he’s a great asset to her character and the series. In fact, by the end of Nine Lives of an Urban Panther, Chaz has a whole new level of learning to do and ties into my previous comment about Ms. Arista’s ability to surprise a reader. Color me gleefully astounded.

The gang’s all here as far as Violet’s new pack is concerned. But there are some new ‘kids’ on the block that pose some interesting contributions to this book as well as possible future plots and conflicts. They certainly made an impact and I’m confident I’ll be seeing more of yummy Valiance and fascinating Willowbourne as well as the very interesting Wayne and Lexie. I enjoyed the camaraderie and feeling of family that the author is building. Future books will be less a couple of people after this go-round. I was saddened but I understood. The author’s descriptions of one of the characters lead me to believe that it was coming, but at no time did I expect it to happen as it did. It was all the more effective and was where I sniffled and grabbed a tissue. It was powerful writing.

Nine Lives of an Urban Panther is stunning in its scope, brilliant in delivery, grabs a reader’s emotions with heartfelt writing and doesn’t let go. I enjoyed how the author built up the suspense, orchestrating her characters to best effect, and, even though the hero and heroine fought darkness and evil, Ms. Arista still found time to make her characters laugh, joke and be like real people. This series is turning out to be like a necklace studded with jewels – each book is unique, special and has so many facets to explore, it’s not a wonder this one is going on my keeper shelf. I can’t wait to find out how long the earthquake derailed a certain something. I certainly hope it’s not for long, because I really want Jessa’s hard work and enthusiasm to find fruition. This is one cliffhanger I’m delighted to wait for. The next book in the series can’t come fast enough for me.

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

Banger’s People by Mary O’Dell

September 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Kamagra Soft Tablets It has been another most liked version viagra generico mastercard of the generic sildenafil pills. The same http://deeprootsmag.org/2016/08/09/traveling-upwards-to-that-glorious-place/ commander levitra drug used on a man will help his body to produce more testosterone. What is striking about it is that it is known to give viagra bulk a person freedom from ED, is often chosen to treat the disorder. My husband’s brother died at 43 buy cialis of mestastised bowel cancer.

Banger’s People by Mary O’Dell
Publisher: Turquoise Morning, LLC
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Holiday
Length: Full Length (216 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Iris

Every time Dixie Honaker feels that a ride on the love boat with her elegant, silver-haired neighbor Walter may be about to happen, Banger, her rude but good-hearted mutt, does something to splash cold water all over them.

Despite Banger’s helping to rescue Walter after he is mugged, the man still finds the dog a little too grungy for his taste. He feels the same about Dixie’s lovable, wild-ass son, with his pregnant girlfriend and druggie pal. But never fear, Dixie eventually nails down the truth about who mugged Walter and helps everyone else work out their problems—everyone but Banger, that is, who ends up in court on Halloween Day and needs a special dispensation of justice from the unlikeliest of sources.

It’s pretty uncommon for a secondary character to be the title character in a romance. Even more uncommon what that character is a dog. But Banger is the perfect choice for this novel. On the surface – this is a novel, or a romance novel between Dixie and Walter. Look past the surface to find the complex relationships and what connects them all? You guessed it – Banger – the dog.

This is not a novel for the reader who is looking for a light-hearted read or for the reader who is looking for a “down and dirty romp”. But rather, the reader who will enjoy this story is one who devours stories of relationships and daily life – the good, the bad, and the ugly as it were.

We’d like to find a hero and a heroine in every story we read. It’s pretty hard to do in this particular one. Not that this is a bad thing – each character is written in a “warts and all” style. The loving, caring, supportive sides, as well as the fearful, selfish, and crabby sides.

Dixie and Walter seem to be the “couple” most involved in the story. Yet, we see them together and apart time and time again. Even when angry at each other, we find them doing caring things for each other as well as for the people they care about.

Banger not only brings Walter and Dixie together, but he also brings Dixie back to her son, and to her son’s friends. These friends have a whole new set of issue and bring additional complexity to Dixie and Walter’s lives and relationship. Banger also brings “Officer Blair” into the picture – which not only adds another layer to Dixie’s life, but also tidily wraps up the story.

While this story is well-written and enjoyable, Ms. O’Dell uses several terms that are not familiar to me, (nor to my Kindle’s dictionary). I put this down to region and regional dialect, but it did give me pause while reading, and exercised my “reading in context” skills.

There were also several times when I was confused by the addition of singular lines of poetic text inserted into the story. A re-read revealed Dixie’s habit of quoting poetry during stressful times. An endearing quality to say the least.

In the spirit of disclosure . . . it is listed as a “holiday” book. Perhaps misleading, but in fact, the story “wrap up” is in fact on Halloween, and is alluded to throughout the book.

This is not a novel for a quick read. It took me much putting down and picking up to finish it. However, the character complexity and relationships used within the story are what makes the story as a whole.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »