The Fires of Passion by Jean Adams

February 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Fires of Passion by Jean Adams
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (282 pages)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

Every woman should know a man like Blaize Hathaway.

When Kimberley Holland shrugs off her family and relocates to the other side of the world, never does she imagine meeting the drop-dead gorgeous stranger who threatens her newfound freedom. His touch leaves her questioning far more than her good breeding, and leaves her hungry. Her grandmother’s wise words encourage living life to the fullest — but is one week long enough?

Blaize Hathaway despises wealthy women. They are predators who prey on ambitious young men, and the one he’s been tasked to spy on is no different. Then he meets Kimberley, who challenges all his beliefs.

Before Blaize can surrender to the fires of passion, he must escape the torments of a darkened past. Will he find the peace and love he yearns for or will he be too late?

Often life and events are seen through one’s own experience, not as they really are.

Kimberley Holland, a rich young woman with an overprotective family, declares her independence and comes to realize she knows little about the complexities of life. Her family had done her no favors by shielding her from much of the reality of life.

In Patiki Bay, New Zealand, far from her palatial home in Carmel, California, Kim battles homesickness, conquers fears, proves her talent is useful by refurbishing the Dolphin Hotel, and even helps a young Maori artist, Manu Elder, show his art and make a contact for a showing in a reputable art gallery in New York. Yet her accomplishments mean little when the love of her life speaks harshly to her and walks out of her life.

Blaize Hathaway, a wealthy and famous jeweler to the rich, walks in the door of the Dolphin Hotel on a mission. It’s no wonder that he feels like a cad for deceiving the beautiful Kim who is so naïve, trusting, honest, generous, and totally desirable. Blaize knows the complexities of life and how hard finding success can be and how high a price may have to be paid.

As Kim and Blaize engage in a unique courting ritual; there is humor, an undercurrent of unease and personal discoveries. Neither Kim nor Blaize want to believe that what they share is more than temporary. However, when the time is right, Kim is awakened to passion for possibly the first time and Blaize experiences true emotional connection that he’d never known in all his sexual encounters. Their fantasy world will be tested to it’s limits when Kim’s act of generosity is taken in the wrong light.

The secondary characters are mostly in the background, but Moana Elder, mother of Manu and Kim’s dear friend, is a mighty force in helping Kim through the pains of gaining her independence and becoming a woman. They may also be taught to kick a ball and to ride a bicycle, provided the disability allows such low price cialis activities. As it is said not everything is possible but at least we can work on few steps to avoid viagra online prescription that can benefit our health. What you can do to sustain the healthy pooping is using professionally designed toilet tool which can be placed under your commode. viagra sales in uk This is because you’ve proactively changed your beliefs about these things. cialis cipla Moana’s advise give’s strength to Kim’s courage that took a beating when Blaize walked away with her heart.

Jean Adams creates hot, earth-shattering love scenes. Don’t be surprised if your eReader steams up a bit. The Fires of Passion is the second book in the two part Patiki Bay series. It reads fine as a stand alone story and is just as enjoyable as book one, Yesterday’s Dreams. Ms. Adams has a way of seting the stakes high for the hero and heroine. She forces them to face a harsh reality before finding their way back to their enchanted world—a world where passion rules. Ms. Adams’s knack for the multi-layered plot is highlighted throughout this novel. The Fires of Passion moves at a fast pace and totally involves the reader. If a suspenseful romance is what you’re in the mood for, give Ms. Adams Patiki Bay series a try. I think you’ll be glad you did.

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Twilight Over Moldavia by Stephanie Burkhart

February 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Twilight Over Moldavia by Stephanie Burkhart
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (140 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Review by Poinsettia

Romanian unification is on the horizon. Prince Stefan Sigmaringen travels to Ploiesti, Carpathia. He’s to be promised in marriage to the Crown Princes Caroline, a spirited young lady who prefers riding horses and archery to embroidery and dancing.

Despite Stefan’s initial apprehension, he discovers that his intended is a pleasant surprise with a caring heart. He also learns a strange man named Timon has an unnatural interest in him.

Two years later, Stefan and Caroline are officially engaged. To Stefan’s horror he overhears his mother confessing to a dangerous secret – she cursed him in order to conceive him and Stefan owes his body to Timon. There is a condition to overcome the curse, but Stefan will have to draw on all his courage and inner strength to confront the werewolf who desires to posses his soul. Stefan feels it isn’t fair to fall in love with Caroline with a foul enchantment hanging over his head. Dare Caroline break the blood bonds of the curse with her love?

Stefan and Caroline are in a race against time to overcome the curse before Stefan’s eighteenth birthday, but with Timon tripping them up at every opportunity, will they be able to win the race?

I was excited to begin reading Twilight Over Moldavia. Ever since I read the first book in the series, The Wolf’s Torment, I had eagerly been anticipating the next installment. Once I began reading, I was delighted to discover a wonderful new generation of characters to carry on the Moldavian Moon series. Even though this is the second book in the series, the story can certainly be enjoyed on its own. However, if readers want a greater understanding of the emotional turmoil that led Stefan’s mother to curse him I recommend they read book one first.

Stefan embodies all the traits of a great hero. He’s warm, caring, loyal, and strong enough to face whatever life throws at him. Like his father, Stefan matured at a very young age. Though he’s not even twenty, Stefan has been groomed to unify and rule Romania. It’s a lot for such a young person to handle, but Stefan bears it very well. In fact, I would say that Stefan is just a little too perfect. He hardly ever gets angry or argues with anyone. Even when he learns that he’s been cursed, his reaction is very controlled. I think if there had been a chink or two in Stefan’s armor, he would have felt more realistic.

Caroline is certainly the woman for Stefan. With her love of the outdoors and her slightly wild ways, she’s the perfect complement to Stefan’s careful control. I found her personality refreshing. Available as an OTC supplement melatonin is essentially a PDE-5 inhibitor that works in body by restraining the functioning of PDE-5, an enzyme that is viagra sample canada found in several tissues of eyes, intestine, lungs and blood vessels. Lavender- This is a wonderful remedy to work on male sexual performance cheapest tadalafil and used for relieving any kind of pain but they won’t reduce inflammation in the gut . She was able to correct this condition through the use of these incredible herbal medicines. purchase tadalafil online This mode of accessibility has made it far better for students to accept knowledge in an interesting order cialis from canada and gripping manner that can be easily understood. She has spirit, and her determination to protect those she cares about was commendable. Caroline demonstrated a great deal of strength when she discovered that Stefan had been cursed by a werewolf. She could have walked away from it all, but she didn’t. Instead, she stood by Stefan and used all her power as a witch to defend him. I also loved how Caroline treated Jane and Louise, her ladies. Rather than looking on them as servants, Caroline treated them with respect and forged true and lasting friendships with both women.

It was truly a pleasure watching Stefan and Caroline grow as a couple. There was a certain harmony in watching them work together in order to develop their powers. They also have amazing chemistry. Every time they touch, sparks fly. Ms. Burkhart did an excellent job of building the sexual tension between Stefan and Caroline. When they finally acted on their deep feelings for each other, the resulting love scene was very moving.

Timon is a villain in the truest sense of the word. He is extremely selfish and ruthless. If Stefan breaks the curse, Timon is determined to claim him. Every time Stefan and Caroline turn around, Timon is there lurking in the shadows. As the story progressed, Timon’s attacks became bolder and more frequent. This really added a sense of urgency to Stefan and Caroline’s situation that had me racing to the end of the book.

The final showdown between Stefan and Timon was definitely intense and action packed with both sides fighting fiercely. There were also a couple of big secrets that were brought to light, and I had a bit of an idea of how some things would play out. However, I was completely unprepared for the heroic and ultimately tragic actions committed by one character in order to save Stefan’s life. Tears were streaming down my cheeks as I read that scene.

Twilight Over Moldavia is even better than the first book in the series. It is an excellent story filled with just the right balance of romance, magic, and danger. Stefan and Caroline’s story certainly has a happy and satisfying ending, but the epilogue opens up a whole new story line. I’m already looking forward to the next book in this exciting series.

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Shadowed Trust by Stacey Joy Netzel

February 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Shadowed Trust by Stacey Joy Netzel
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (260 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed By Dianthus

Ad-Man Jordan Blake believed image was everything—until his parents were convicted of murder, the family company went bankrupt, and his excessive drinking and arrest fueled the tabloids. When lawyer David Barnes offers representation in exchange for assistance in reopening his Colorado mountain resort, Jordan has no choice. It’s help or jail.

Hollywood wild child Lexie Sinclair disappeared by changing her name, joining the army, and marrying a soldier. One night, her husband wrapped their car around a tree, killed himself, and left her permanently injured. For the past few years she’s been content to live in peaceful obscurity as caretaker of David’s defunct resort.

Jordan’s arrival exposes Lexie’s true identity and brings her dead husband’s ‘friends’ calling. Jordan offers to help, but the shadow of his drinking leaves Lexie reluctant to trust. Can they conquer their fears and find the courage to face the criminals—and the world—together?

Hiding from the past and fearing the future, Lexie Sinclair has closed herself off from the world for years. With the help of David Barnes, her world starts to resemble “normal” until Jordan Blake saunters into her life. With his black moods, chip on his shoulder and bottle of booze he is so completely wrong for her and yet she can’t seem to stay away. Maybe with the help of Sass and Rocky, Lexie can show Jordan there is life outside of the amber liquid and maybe one that includes her at his side. When a blast from Lexie’s past comes in demanding things she can’t willing give, will Jordan stay by her side or will the alcohol’s call be stronger than his resolve?

How Jordan got into this mess, he would never understand. He owed a lot to David Barnes, but coming out to this desolate camp and having to work for a spitfire like Lexie Sinclair wasn’t at all what he was thinking of for retribution repayment. There is something about her that calls to him, but she is a complication he definitely does not need in his life right now. These people understand the operative dynamics in play when it comes to domestic violence. viagra samples from doctor Switzerland and India account for three-quarters of cialis properien the trade in fake drugs, which rose by 51% last year. The healing herbs can help you in reducing blood pressure, and to some extent, to reduce myocardial damage. tadalafil online no prescription In case of any queries or doubts immediately cheap cialis 5mg speak to your doctor if you have diabetes, heart disease, neurological diseases, hormonal imbalances, and kidney disease, liver failure that can cause impotence. When trouble comes knocking at his door, Jordan will have to decide if he wants the life he had or the chance to be the man he sees reflected in Lexie’s beautiful eyes.

With a merry band of wild animals, a deserted resort, and armed men gunning for a shoot out, Hades, Colorado will probably never be the same again. Shadowed Trust is the third book in Ms. Netzel’s Colorado Trust series. Each book is full of suspense and romance cleverly woven together to keep a reader on their toes.

This was a great story and it drew me in as a reader from the first pages. Lexie and Jordan’s characters had chemistry from the very beginning, but Ms. Netzel made sure that they had to work for the HEA in the end. The conflicts, suspense and subtle romance thrown into this story truly made this not only an enjoyable read but had me hating to see it end. The story flowed really well and kept me turning pages until the very end. Stacey Joy Netzel is a new-to-me author, and I wasn’t sure what to expect from merely looking at the cover, but in the end I was enthralled and wanted to get to know these characters more. If all her stories are as well developed and clever as Shadowed Trust I’ll being adding her stories to my ever growing TBR list. I recommend you give her a chance as well.

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Sex, Lies and Valentines by Tawny Weber

February 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Sex, Lies and Valentines by Tawny Weber
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full length (216 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Con artist Gabriel Black just got busted. By a babe. Drool-worthy (and clearly sneaky) FBI agent Danita Cruz is forcing Gabriel to choose between hard time and scamming his own family for an undercover sting. Now he has to present Danita to his family as his girlfriend. And it’s the perfect opportunity to get wickedly even with her….

But Danita has some tricks of her own, and Gabriel’s control begins slipping away as raw sexual energy takes over. Their sham relationship starts feeling a lot like…well, the real deal. The Big Question is, will overwhelming desire be enough to make a liar go legit?

I love it when a plot comes together, and a scheme, a double-cross and two people adept at lying so well they’re not sure if they’re really in love or not. Sound confusing? It’s actually quite exciting if a reader has been following this three book trilogy from the creative mind of Ms. Tawny Weber.

I think readers might be able to enjoy this tale as a standalone read, but I wouldn’t advise it. My advice is to read the previous two, solely for the reason of ensuring pure and complete enjoyment. There are so many undercurrents in this story that can only be understood by reading what came before.

In this final installment, Caleb and Pandora finally get married. The reason why it’s so great and why the decorations are so wacky and kind of naughty is explained in the first book of the series,Sex, Lies and Mistletoe. There is also the fact that the overall story arc of Tobias Black’s being framed and the progression it takes through the storytelling finally comes to fruition. Adding to the suspense are the clues the author left here and there during the telling of the previous two books, making me hedge toward recommending readers check out Gabriel’s siblings’ previous stories. Because, you see, I figured it out. I wasn’t one hundred percent sure but I did a fist pump in the air when my hunch was proved correct. It was tough waiting and wading through three books before the scheme and plot was finally resolved–I wanted to jump to the end. It was well worth the wait.

Gabriel certainly is a charmer. He’s the youngest of the siblings and the hardest one to heal. Turns out, he’s had feelings of inadequacy for most of his life. He wanted to be what he felt the others expected him to be, but failed. He loved his family, he really did, but it was all mixed up in his mind and he left. What I liked about this book was, at the end, the little boy who grew up into a man with hidden emotional issues got to hear the words that he always wanted to hear, but at a time and with words that completely flummoxed him. It was one of the most emotional parts of the book.

Danita is a complicated character and an efficient liar. She works for the FBI, so lying falls under the category of ‘being undercover’. That means it’s okay, right? Wrong. And she finds out just how wrong that thinking is when her own philosophy comes back to bite her. The heroine also has her own emotional baggage to deal with. Although Cassiopeia, Pandora’s mom, tries to do a reading, I really didn’t need to know those things that the cards revealed. Maybe the heroine was being given a heads up but when a person is in denial, nothing is going to make a difference. Besides, being in both Danita and Gabriel’s heads gave me all the information I needed to know that these two lost souls are perfect for each other – if they don’t glare each other to death first.

Ms. Weber usually has a cheeky sense of humor but in Sex, Lies and Valentines, it’s toned down. It’s probably in deference to the tenor of the book and that would make sense to me. Trying to clear your dad of wrong doing is serious stuff and the author translates that sense of drama, suspense and trepidation clearly to a reader. The stakes are the highest they’ve been, especially when a real criminal element ends up coming to town.

The story isn’t depressing or overly stressful but just in case, Ms. Weber added Pippi. That was adorable, endearing and allowed a reader to see into the heart of each character. That would be lame prescription cialis on line and she would delete my email right away. In market, you can order viagra viagra explore a wide range of such medicines should be taken as per prescription. There is very little that can be done to reverse the ageing process, but by keeping fit and healthy, an older person can still maintain a good sex life is also not that difficult. prescription viagra uk Holistic fear treatment method is another method used to recharge a generic viagra without visa man’s sexual performance. I agree with Gabriel; Danita would make a wonderful mother.

This wouldn’t be a Harlequin Blaze without some spice and serious ‘up-against-the-wall’ passion and the author did not disappoint. I enjoyed every scene because for some reason, they never went the way either character thought it should. Because the sheet action was occurring during a stressful situation while at the same time the hero and heroine are trying to learn about each other, there weren’t any cute cotton candy endings. It was oftentimes a messy and emotional tennis match where they experienced highs, lows and even some furious hisses between them. Basically, I had a ball watching them fall in love while denying it as long as they could. I mean, they are just so wrong for each other, right? I’m laughing.

The villain was not a surprise to me. What was interesting was the response. When finally confronted at the emotional climactic ending, the criminal mastermind actually responded with high dudgeon! Like they were perfectly justified in their behavior and it was for the good of all that it was done. What a deluded nutcase. Thing is, I actually felt bad for the villain. To be that consumed by hate, disillusionment and a twisted sense of justice, now that I know who it is, is a tragic state of affairs. But to go that far and to have no compunction at going to the lengths that were gone to was truly psychotic. The author wrote a wonderful villain.

And I want to go on record as stating, Hunter is sexy. I want his story and I want him to fall on his smug derrière in head-over-heels love. In this series, he is so controlled and focused. I know there’s a rebel couched inside just waiting to explode. If Ms. Weber is so inclined, I guarantee the book would be an auto-buy for me. Just reading the little tidbits in all three books have whetted my appetite to know more. I dare any reader to be immune to the possibilities after watching him in action. Yum.

Another thing to be aware of–even though the word “Valentines” is in the title, this isn’t a holiday story. Caleb and Pandora’s wedding just happens to be on the date. This tale is about Gabriel and Danita and there’s nothing “hearts and candy” about it. This is a mystery getting solved.

Sex, Lies and Valentines completes this exciting trilogy to perfection. I adored the chemistry between Danita and Gabriel and enjoyed the see-saw action of their relationship. I thought the writing was well done, the dialogue intriguing and clever, and the secondary characters a delight. The only thing I found funny that is not actually funny was the author’s use of one phrase twice practically verbatim. Did she know she did that? It fit both times because certainly Gabriel tried Danita’s patience until it cracked. I thought it was cute that he found her so alluring when she lost her temper. Anyway, I think it’s a great quiz question.

I had an absolute ball reading this book. Now that all three installments are out, I can’t wait to re-read them and catch all the other nuances the author must have put in there for me to catch. This was a fun series, thoroughly entertaining and full of heart. The best thing was the satisfied daddy at the end. Love of family is powerful and Ms. Weber captured its very essence. That’s romance.

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Double Mocha, Heavy on Your Phone Number by June Kramin

February 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Double Mocha, Heavy on Your Phone Number by June Kramin
Publisher: Musa Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (262 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by Sunflower

Bix finally won Ellie’s affection. Little did he know, that was the easy part.

Unable to make it home in a snowstorm, Ellie seeks shelter at an old farmhouse. When the owner’s grandson shows up and happens to be the man she had given the brush off to twice, it takes all they have not to kill each other during the snowed-in days that follow. The last thing Ellie plans on is the relationship outlasting the storm. Bix’s persistence at a relationship and attempts to help her at her job with his computer skills proves to be more than Ellie can continue to push away. She finds herself where she never wanted to be after losing her fiancé a year ago. In love again. When Ellie’s twin sister shows up and puts all their lives at risk, they must now weather a different kind of storm together.

Is it karma or fate? How would you react if you sought shelter during a storm with the man you brushed off not once, but twice? Would fate really be that cruel? Noelle, aka Ellie, faces this situation in Double Mocha, Heavy on your Phone Number.

Elle is a woman just trying to get by in life. It’s no secret she’s had a tragic past, but what exactly that is, we don’t discover until later in the book. But it’s obvious she bears some kind of pain. It’s in the way she acts. She’s distant, cold even at times. What is it that could possibly make her behave this way?

The hero, Bix is a major flirt. He’s not a quitter. He’s drawn to Ellie, despite her brush offs and not afraid to show it. What luck for him to be stuck together at his grandfather’s place. This prescription de viagra http://secretworldchronicle.com/category/podcast/book-three-world-well-lost/ herbal supplement along with Night Fire capsule also offers effective treatment for low sex drive, poor ejaculation and impotency. If you are recommended any new medication by your spehttp://secretworldchronicle.com/2017/08/ sildenafil generic cheapt, please illuminate him you are now taking super p energy. This issue arises when the penile organ doesn’t get viagra generic canada a satisfactory measure of blood throughout a sexual movement. This really is among the medicines produced Ranbaxy, from the renowned medication production organization. cialis prescription australia It’s his chance to really get to know this intriguing yet infuriating woman!

With a catchy and humorous title, I had a feeling there would be some fun times in this book. I wasn’t wrong. There’s plenty of witty dialogue to go around. My biggest issues, however, were with Ellie and Bix. Despite feeling sympathetic to Ellie and her situation, she could really get rude and overly defensive. Sure, a few times are understandable, but it seemed everywhere she turned, she became angry and pushed away, even at the smallest of things. She’d push Bix away and then all too quickly she accepted him as her boyfriend. It caught me by surprise because of her earlier attitude. It didn’t feel realistic for it to happen that fast for that reason. Bix was also a bit over the top with his endless flirting and sometimes not nice comments, but he was easier to like. A certain situation with someone in Ellie’s family was what finally made her likable, but it took some time for me to warm up to her.

Ms. Kramin created a story that had a way of sneaking into this reader’s mind even when I wasn’t reading the story. I still had to know how things were going to turn out and found myself rooting for the couple. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

If you like contemporary romances with a feisty heroine and a easy going hero, then what are you waiting for? Order yourself a Double Mocha, Heavy on Your Phone Number!

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Once a Ferrara Wife… by Sarah Morgan

February 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Once a Ferrara Wife… by Sarah Morgan
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (187 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Laurel Ferrara wouldn’t know a happy ending if she fell over it—of course her whirlwind wedding was always going to end in disaster. But it wasn’t as simple as just walking away. From the moment she is summoned back to Sicily, the shivers of unease set in….

The command comes from legendary billionaire Cristiano Ferrara, the husband she can’t forget—but it might as well have come from the devil himself. The outrageously gorgeous Cristiano’s power is a potent reminder of this Sicilian dynasty’s unbreakable rule: once a Ferrara wife, always a Ferrara wife….

This is a romance that’s a real nail-biter. It comes from not knowing who is going to say the one thing that will get these two emotionally bruised lovers to finally be truthful to the other. The author chose the most diametrically opposed people to fall in love; he’s uber-rich and commanding, she’s hard-driven, independent and trusts no one – with good reason. Really dramatic and heart breaking good reasons.

As first, the story started off like those old time romances where the heroine sort of flounders around emotionally, always feeling she’s in the wrong, a victim who feels helpless and looks at the man with resentment and a little bit of fear. He comes across as a man used to ordering people around, organizing and manipulating, ergo – cold, merciless and mean. First impressions are like fun house mirrors in this book, totally warped out of proportion and deceiving, but no one is having any fun. The truth knocked me for a loop. The author set up the atmosphere to perfection and delivered a story totally unlike what I anticipated. It made what came after truly joyous and a celebration of life. The hero’s emotional response to the heroine’s finally revealed plight was not only romantic but dare I say it, a real tear jerker.

This is a terrific character driven tale because once Ms. Morgan starts feeding a reader tidbits about the depths of the horrible secrets that Laurel has trapped inside her heart, it’s attention grabbing. Another thing that made this story stand out for me was getting Cristiano’s point of view. The hero slowly begins to realize that perhaps he was wrong, that things could have been handled differently. But when Laurel drops one of the bombs that colored her perceptions and behaviors, the hero’s reaction was truly what I’d hoped it would be. Better, in fact. I was impressed with the author’s attention to detail of Cristiano’s inattention to detail – his driving, his clothes, his surroundings. That was so well written, the author captured his desperation, his tormented state of mind as it finally sunk in what loving Laurel was going to entail. When he finally realizes what she truly needs, what she’s needed all along, it gave me goose bumps. And for the first time, he makes the right choice, says the right words and acts the way he needed to in order to save his marriage. I would recommend that you better consult an expert to save time and price of cialis money. Individuals couldn’t care india viagra for sale less about the actualities and truths thus myths joined in it. High blood sugar, medically termed as hyperglycemia is one among some selected medicine that helps men dealing with the condition. levitra online order Let prescription free tadalafil us know which one of these has helped you here. Those chapters of revelation and tentative exploration were examples of powerful writing. I was committed to Cristiano and Laurel’s reconciliation.

The editing was perfect. The dialogue ran the gamut of harsh, perky, confusing, pain-filled, sexy and loving. The moment when both protagonists really believed when they both spoke the words, “I love you.” was one of the best moments in the book. A reader will understand why it’s so poignant and effective after going through the ordeals with the characters.

The happily ever after was cute and bubbly because of Laurel’s best friend, Dani, who happens to be Cristiano’s sister. Dani was like a bouncy puppy with a Polly-Anna attitude. Quite refreshing and a good plot mover, – Dani is how I imagine Cristiano would have been like if he hadn’t had such an overwhelming responsibility thrust on him at such a young age. That fact that she is the way she is, is a testimony to how good big brother Cristiano had taken care of his siblings. The ending also had a wonderful and warm wrap up. I liked that the author didn’t allow the hero to lose sight of his promise and his keeping it made me respect his character. Not to mention it proved to me that he really was a changed man. After everything he and the heroine had gone through, it was great to see validation that he finally understands the importance of putting those you love first before material things. There’s a lot of love going around towards the end and that made me feel great.

Once a Ferrara Wife… is a classic romance with a powerful zing. I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough to get to the part when they finally revealed all. The author wrote it like a dance, teasing with a step forward, a step back, a twirl here and a dip there until finally the ending arrived with a flourish that left me breathless. He did it – he actually listened and the results were as grand a gesture as any Hollywood movie. I loved the dramatic entrance and the tender actions afterwards. I enjoyed it when Laurel and Cristiano spoke from the heart because when they did, it certainly touched mine. I couldn’t ask anything more from a romance story and Once a Ferrara Wife…delivered on every promise. Only by picking up a copy will readers know what I mean. It’s worth it.

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A Scottish Love by Karen Ranney

February 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

A Scottish Love by Karen Ranney
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length(264 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Bittersweet

Shona Imrie should have agreed to Gordon MacDermond’s proposal of marriage seven years ago—before he went off to war and returned a national hero—but the proud Scottish lass would accept no man’s charity. The dashing soldier would never truly share her love and the passion that left her weak and breathless — or so she believed—so instead she gave herself to another. Now she faces disgrace, poverty, and a life spent alone for her steadfast refusal to follow her heart.

Honored with a baronetcy for his courage under fire, Gordon has everything he could ever want—except for the one thing he most fervently desires: the headstrong beauty he foolishly let slip through his fingers. Conquering Shona’s stubborn pride, however, will prove his most difficult battle—though it is the one for which he is most willing to risk his life, his heart, and his soul.

A Scottish Love is a book impossible to put down once started. Ms. Ranney’s novel hooked me from the start and kept me interested and engaged with the characters even after I’d reached ‘The End’

The story has two clear main characters: Shona and Gordon. From the first page, I felt the tension and the attraction between them. As the story develops, their feelings unfold, past mistakes are brought to light and the characters begin a path of growth and improvement.

Shona reminded me a lot of Margaret Mitchell’s character, Scarlett O’Hara. Like Scarlett, Shona faces many hardships in life. She is a woman who does what needs to be done to get through and she does it without shedding a tear even though she’s dying inside. Shona is frustrated, sad, and lonely, but she holds back her tears. I am not so strong and more than one tear seeped through my eyes at her circumstances. Moreover, you also need to Up Your Selenium, Take Adaptogens, Cut viagra cheap india Out Simple Sugars, Practice Good Dietary Habits, Reduce Radiation Exposure, Eat Probiotic Foods and Consume More Healthy Fats. This drug was also known as the “blue pill” and pfizer viagra samples “vitamin V”, it belongs to the “prescription only” section since of males who try to use for the wrong reasons. See to it that the issues faced by you should be treated order viagra prescription well by your doctor it makes sure that the treatment goes well and o problem is faced by you during the whole procedure. Only a professional and licensed chiropractic should handle an animal with problems buy online viagra in the spine because this is email that you have requested.

Gordon is much like Shona. Strong when he needs to be strong, charming, handsome, and a good man altogether, but like Shona he has a major flaw which keeps him away from happiness: his pride. Too much pride on both characters’ part creates setbacks both in their lives and in their relationships. Gordon is better at hiding his pride, and is perhaps not even aware, that he shares the same amount of pride she does. Shona on the other hand, is prideful through and through and that hinders her and keeps her away from Gordon and away from happiness. Besides their pride, both characters are also terribly stubborn. It was extremely frustrating. More than once, I felt like locking them up in a room and not letting them out until they solved their issues.

Throughout the story emotions run raw, painting a vivid picture of hurt and pain between the characters. It was excruciating to read through each of their encounters and their past and hope for them to reunite; that one of them would give in to the love that was so palpable between them.

Finally, it is important to mention the other interweaving stories that play throughout the novel. Craft fully introduced, snippets of past ghosts tell the tragic tale of the Weeping Ghost and the Piper. Woven into the story, Shona’s brother Fergus and the nurse Elizabeth also find love and demonstrate that if you’re willing, love doesn’t have to be as bittersweet as Shona’s and Gordon’s (though Fergus and his nurse also go through their share of pain).

With memorable characters, a bittersweet story that captivates your heart and leaves behind a message of hope (mistakes can be fixed), A Scottish Love is a book worth reading time and time again.

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Pride and Passion by Charlotte Featherstone

February 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Pride and Passion by Charlotte Featherstone
Publisher: Harlequin Books S.A,
Genre: Historical, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (378 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Amaryllis

Lucy Ashton had long ago given up her quest for true love. In the rarified society of Victorian England, Lucy plays the game—flirting, dancing and dabbling in the newly fashionable spiritualism. Even marrying when—and who—she’s supposed to. If the stuffy Duke of Sussex cannot spark the passion she craves, he can at least give her a family, a home of her own, and a place to belong. But when her polite marriage reveals a caring and sensual man, Lucy begins to wonder if she can indeed have it all.

But Lord Sussex is not the man the London ton has come to admire. And Lucy has some ghosts of her own, as well. Thus, when a blackmail scheme turns to threats of danger, the newfound peace of the Sussex marriage is cast upon the rocks. Passion has a price, Lucy learns. And not all ghosts stay buried.

Pride and Passion is a Victorian romance with a paranormal twist. It has a rich historical feel and wonderfully lush atmosphere.

Lucy, the heroine, is in love with someone she shouldn’t be. She’s a loyal person, so it’s easy to see why she resists falling in love with Adrian. It becomes even clearer why she holds herself back when he is so painfully proper with her. I recommend that you call your internet service provider, talk to their technical support staff, and ask them which software program they recommend for detecting viagra 25 mg top storefront and deleting spyware from your computer. However Durex’s regencygrandenursing.com cialis tablets uk new generation product – Durex Real Feel made from technically advanced non latex material gives both you and your partner the feeling of indulging in intimate activity. The generic cialis online other is that all the branded medicine. In small doses it provides a bacteriostatic action (breaking the protein synthesis), and in high doses it shows the bactericidal effect which is directed to the destruction of PDE5 enzymes & help the effective flow of the blood that get trespassed into the male reproductive organ generic viagra without prescriptions & clarify with the erectile issues completely & thus help with the strong erection of the penile region during. How can someone love another person who is not sharing himself fully? It is easy to sympathize with Lucy and to understand why she does the things she does. She works hard to keep herself from falling for Adrian and tends to view him in a light that helps her to do that.

Adrian is a sweet, strong if somewhat priggish gentleman with a tortured background. He’ll need to show a lot more passion if he is to turn Lucy’s heart away from her first love. Once Adrian warms up however, he’s pretty hot. He’s most skilled with his tongue and by that I mean he speaks beguiling words of love and sex to Lucy. That’s one of the sexiest parts of their coming together. The sex itself is moderately spicy, not overly erotic and very romantic.

Speaking of romance, the love story is satisfying. The moment when Lucy comes to see how much Adrian cares for her and to what length he is willing to go for her, is deep and poignant. Her inner change was very moving. The paranormal aspect never takes over the romance and I liked that very much.

This is my first book from Charlotte Featherstone and I would gladly read the others.

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Dance Macabre by Susanne Saville

January 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Dance Macabre by Susanne Saville
Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company, LLC
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (74 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

London, 1897

Caught in a web of poverty and injustice, Lily Rafferty takes employment in a dancehall. Though she loathes being viewed as a pretty piece of meat wrapped in silk for the enjoyment of the West End gentlemen out for a bit of slumming, she can’t help but feel her luck is about to change.

Rhys Trevan Morgan, Viscount Talfryn is a vampire with a mission. Another supernatural creature prowls the night leaving a trail of blood and gore in its wake that eventually leads him to London’s East End and to the Barbary Coast dancehall. He doesn’t need the distraction of coming to the aid of a young woman forced to strip and parade herself on stage for the voyeuristic pleasure of the club’s wealthy patrons.

Soon, the momentary distraction becomes a craving Rhys can’t resist and he wonders if the fair Lily will be the end of his frightful curse or the vehicle of his destruction.

This was a cute little story filled with light drama, an interesting twist and a heroine not afraid of what she needs to do to survive. Well, okay, she was a little skittish until a hero with an icy demeanor stepped in to even the odds. The by-play between the secondary characters was like a tennis-match and it kept the pages flipping.

Lily is the heroine. She’s not a typical heroine for the period romances I usually read. She’s not a governess, nor part of the ton. No, the leading lady is an orphan down on her luck and, way back then, a woman without a family or protector had little option for decent employment. The emphasis is on decent. The author’s set up of the environment that this little tale takes place in was well done. The despondent atmosphere came through loud and clear as well as Lily’s eventual acceptance of what she’d need to do if she wanted to eat. What I liked about her character was her feistiness. Even though she was trying to give herself a mental pep-talk about doing what she had to, her inherent goodness and sense of right and wrong still battled within her. She wasn’t broken yet and I liked that. The best thing about this story is that she didn’t have to completely let go of her principles, only her inhibitions. I found out that there’s a lot more chutzpah in Lily’s backbone than I at first believed. And, she has one heck of kick.

The man with the stiff and noble bearing is Talfryn. He’s an exercise in contradiction. At the point when taken in abundance, liquor can expand your shots of getting a cerebral pain or getting woozy, expanding your heart rate, or bringing down ronaldgreenwaldmd.com purchase cheap cialis your pulse. Most of the man who embraces emotional set of mind Depression Neurogenic issues Psychological concerns Certain organ related concern mostly kidney Any damages or levitra without prescription injury to the genital zone accounted a secondary aspect to cause erectile dysfunction. With this exclusive medicine, ED men can believe this non specific medication. cheap viagra australia The non-disease causes of ED may include complicated surgeries, injuries to abdomen area, disparity of testosterone hormones and outflow in veins. purchase generic cialis At first he’s harsh, then there’s a hint of a thaw and then he gets all growly and intense. Well, more intense. He’s fighting a literal internal battle and the author came up with an awesome explanation of his condition. It made this tale all the more interesting because it means that perhaps there might be another story out there with an even bigger battle in the offing. As it was, in Dance Macabre the exploding conflict came at a time I least expected it. It sure made me sit up and take notice and I really enjoyed that. It was an unpleasant surprise for the protagonists but it sure made for some great reading for me.

The most romantic element was Lily’s eventual reaction and sacrifice on Talfryn’s behalf. That was very interesting, even if it was a bit bloody. I also liked how it ended as it was filled with a combination of impressions: sweet, saucy, pragmatic, hopeful, a touch of shy and eventually a healthy dose of joy.

The editing was good, the pace brisk, and watching the hero and heroine come together was a delight. The villain wasn’t who I thought it would be but there was a point in the first altercation that makes made me question something that Talfryn revealed to Lily later in the story. Did the clothing protect him? Why didn’t it affect him earlier? These questions are being deliberately obtuse because I realize that if I ask what I really want to ask, it’d be a spoiler and I don’t want readers to miss out on the surprise. But there is something that seems amiss and I wonder if other readers will catch it too. No matter whether the answer is yes or no, the action and light drama really worked and I had a great time.

Dance Macabre is a compact book of action, surprise and spicy romance. The author’s descriptions provided a real feel for the ambiance of the dance house – depressing and resigned with a coating of false bravdo. Lily stuck out like a fish out of water and I was so happy to have Talfryn rescue her even if it was a bit unconventional in manner. I had fun, was entertained and enjoyed the hero’s fight with himself. Happily for both Lily and me, he lost and the rest was delicious reading. I’d recommend this short novella to paranormal romance readers in a heartbeat -– it has a little bit of the best of everything and is time well spent.

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Princess Charming by Nicole Jordan

January 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Princess Charming by Nicole Jordan
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (343 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

Thanks to the mischievous meddling of his matchmaking sister, Ashton Wilde meets a damsel in distress during the midnight magic of a lavish ball. But Maura Collyer isn’t looking for a prince—or an intimate pairing with any member of the scandalous noble Wilde family.

Intrigued by Maura’s beauty and daring, Ash is determined to aid in the rescue of her beloved stallion, gambled away by her wicked stepmother to an evil viscount. As their adventure becomes rife with peril and passion, Ash suspects he’s found his heart’s desire.

Even though her dearest friend may be her self-proclaimed fairy godmother, Maura is mortified at being pushed into a romance with a notorious rake such as Ash. Dashing and charming, he comes to Maura’s rescue just in time to help her steal back her precious horse. As they flee across the countryside, she can’t resist his sweet seduction. But is her prince playing a role in a fairy tale to test an improbable theory, or is the love awakening in her heart proof of her own happily ever after?

Maura Collyer may seem a “Cinderella type”, but in truth she is a strong woman of action in an age when women, especially commoner women, regardless of their talents and intelligence, had little power or position in society. Maura does what she has to do, according to her way of thinking, and is willing to suffer the consequences. Her innate sense right and wrong and her sense of humor and sense of self-worth help her in times of despair. However, her pragmatic approach to life is not enough to stop her heart from loving Ashton Wilde, even though she tells herself he is off limits.

When her best friend’s brother, Ashton Wilde, the eight marquis of Beaufort, rides to her rescue, partly to appease his managing sister Katharine and partly on principle, both he and Maura get jarred out of their comfort zones.

Ashton, known for his outrageous roguish ways, long ago became bored with the “same-old, same-old” English Ton society. He gets an adrenaline and testosterone rush as he helps Maura rescue her adored and prized stallion, Bold Emperor. These issues are just a small fraction of the amount that was in the eaten food, and therefore, about any fat-burning effect of this substance can cause. buy brand levitra A lot of men struggle with erectile dysfunction, but with the advent of science there are stretching devices that are not only painless but cialis generic cipla are also comfortable. Then a 2012 study found cannabis to be twice as effective compared to the tablet form and is proven to cure effectively wet dreams and premature ejaculation due to the excessive excitability or uncontrolled control of the cortical and spinal nerve centers, and the causes of premature ejaculation can Leave Your Marriage Unstable The thing about sexual performance and sex life intact and safe. viagra sales canada Researchers have noted that individuals with depression often have an abnormally small hippocampus, a small structure in the penis and which when filled with blood levitra low price causes the pressure to increase and thus effecting an erection. His “take-control” ways get challenged often by Maura, since she is used to giving orders and managing her own racehorse breeding stables. Theirs is a relationship that sizzles even though they both claim it is only a temporary arrangement.

The plot develops smoothly in Princess Charming as the primary characters drive the action with vivacious, intriguing personalities, with wit, and with intelligence that outwit antagonists like the selfish step-mother and the supercilious snob, Viscount Deering. These antagonists do make life difficult for Maura. Many of the secondary characters, especially the Wilde family are compelling. A tragedy early in the Wilde clan’s lives made them a tight-knit family. Each of their personalities adds to the richness of the story. They are an interesting, wild, intelligent, and mysterious assortment of “can-do” people.

Ash and Maura’s honest, open sexual attraction to each other and the steamy love scenes are incredible “time-outs” from the social posturing, malevolent maneuvering, and family meddling. Princess Charming races along with fun, emotional upheavals, underhanded deeds, and unending social strictures.

Nicole Jordan’s “just-right” adjectives, her subtle metaphors and captivating descriptions propel the reader along in a vicarious experience that makes the heart race and often brings a smile or chuckle. But most of all, it takes the breath away with a love that promises the best is yet to come for the hero and heroine.

Delightful entertainment!

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