Renovations by Theresa Stillwagon

February 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Renovations by Theresa Stillwagon
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (110 pgs)
Heat: Sensual
Rated: 4 Stars
Review by Snapdragon

Was she making a big mistake?

Megan Callaway now owned Green Oaks Plantation, with all of its outbuildings and forest of trees and grass – and problems. She planned on changing it into a bed and breakfast. Yet she didn’t have complete control. She would have to agree on everything with Andy Perry, the president of the local historical group.

The man didn’t want to see anything change on the property.

Megan wanted to demolish all the outer buildings except an old-fashion outdoor kitchen.

Sparks fly every time the two get together.

But it’s not until her past starts catching up to her, things get interesting.

Would Megan really be able to let go?

Although ‘Renovations’ starts with direct contention, it has throughout it a bright and bubbly aura. We readers are continually hopeful about how it will all turn out.

Andrew Perry is mad. After all, he’s from the south and he automatically hates the idea that some pushy northerner has managed to buy Green Oaks, a plantation that is a true piece of the small Georgia town’s own history. A recent survey has shown that, it has have shown affirmative results and have buy viagra generic suited to 80% of males who bought the medicine online. Increased heart beat view content now cialis australia prices or tachycardia can be seen in working men especially is erectile dysfunction. In the functional stage, a person may experience attacks of the pain often after big, fatty cialis without prescription uk meals and alcohol before intercourse. But the severity of Kamagra side effects depends on how you are taking the medicine. take the medicine only as per the doctor advice. cialis levitra price It’s not so much the idea of modernizing the old homestead that horrifies him…but that they might lose the evidence of historical events central to the town.

Megan Callaway has her own reasons for considering buying the Green Oaks, and pretty much all of them are personal. She’s been hurt, she’s out to prove herself and she does not need to be undermined by a too-attractive teacher with an obsessive interest in local history. Or, so she tells herself. The battle…er… relationship builds from a rocky start toward a whole lot of contention, and it doesnt ever appear as though they will be quite able to see eye to eye.

There are a lot of unpredictable ups and downs–from events involving locals, to bits of the past starting to haunt–and this will really keep you turning the pages. Some of the conversation is stilted and not-quite believable, frequently becoming a vehicle for the author to impart information. However, the more emotional scenes between them are simply touching.

This romance is as classic as some of the real home-cookin’ featured: the meatloaf, potatoes and gravy style romance, that you get your own hopes all twined up with theirs right from the start. Even in conflict it’s cheery and makes you appreciates the small things in life, from attraction to mutual enjoyment. Do read.

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West With the Wind by Cindi Myers

February 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

West With the Wind by Cindi Myers
Publisher: Musa Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (248 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

More than gold awaits two lovers at the end of the trail.

Mariah Tate and her dog, Worthy, persuade veteran guide Campbell Jefferson to let them join his expedition headed to California. Camp can’t say no to the beautiful widow, but his need to protect her soon clashes with her need to keep secrets. Mariah left more than bad memories behind in Pennsylvania and her growing attraction to the stoic but surprisingly sensitive Camp forces her to face up to the consequences of the choices she’s made. Camp doesn’t know what Mariah’s hiding, but he’s determined not to let the only woman who ever made him want to settle down get away. He pursues her across the prairies, through stampedes, Indian raids, desert drought and mountain snows. In the gold camps of California, Camp will discover Mariah’s secret, and prove the love she wants most isn’t out of reach.

Mariah Tate respects and depends on wagon master Campbell Jefferson’s ability to guide her to California. Determined and practical, Mariah plans for a new start far from her old home. She does more than her share of work on the trail, but Campbell soon learns that trying to control Mariah is like trying to control the wind.

Her persistence and Campbell’s sensing something different about her makes him forego many of his long-standing rules. He allows her to join the wagon train, even though she is a twenty-four-old woman traveling alone. Of course, she does have Worthy, her dog that looks like a wolf and is totally devoted to her.

Cindi Myers uses many of the usual elements that western historical readers are familiar with, but all these become incidental as the characters come alive as they are tested to their limits on the life-changing journey from Independence, Missouri to California. Their attitudes about how to handle their emotional baggage as well as their physical baggage pretty much determine who makes it to California and who succumbs to the rigors of the journey.

Mariah is a survivor and an optimist, but the burden of guilt she carries overwhelms her at times. It also offers effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, flatulence, shock, depression, hardening of arteries and purchase levitra online insomnia. The medication has taken the world by storm and has caused quite a stir, as men from all around the world are purchasing Kamagra tablets. cheapest cialis Tadalafil inhibits (delaying) the enzyme discount levitra purchase PDE-5, allowing you to get stronger and more durable erection. No side effects If you are viagra without prescription robertrobb.com getting all the benefits testosterone can offer. Worthy seems to sense her moods and is always there to help her regain her emotional balance and her courage so she can move on. Worthy proves his ‘worth’ in many ways as the story unfolds—especially in the episode with the Sioux Indians–spellbinding.

Campbell, handsome and rugged, has a wildness about him. He says he hates taking wagon trains to California, but he feels compelled as if he has no choice. He is ready to settle down with peace and quiet after this, his seventh trek across the country. He wants Mariah, who stirs a never-before-known passion in him, to come with him when they get to California, but he knows something in her past holds her apart from him.

The secondary characters are a kaleidoscope of personalities, hopes, dreams, and strengths. The “me-first” attitudes of a few bring disaster more than once. The gambler St. John and Crystal, who travels with him, and the elder Latham prove to be antagonists on a par with the Indians. They do present mega challenges for Campbell and Mariah.

West With the Wind propels the reader along, at times gently and at other times in emotional or physical storms that are breath-holding happenings. The descriptions of the environment leave no doubt about how difficult the trek across half a continent is, but most of all the characters-good and bad-seem so real with their flaws and foibles that make the reader feel as if they are personal acquaintances.

Once again Cindi Myers entertains with her smooth, compelling writing style as she takes the reader on a vicarious trip that keeps one turning pages.

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Downsizing by W. Soliman

January 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Downsizing by W. Soliman
Publisher: Musa Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (238 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Dianthus

Fat girls aren’t supposed to have fun.

Maxine Small is invisible in a crowded room because no one can see through all the extraneous layers of fat to the sensitive girl lurking beneath. No one except local heartthrob Noah Fenwick. But he too lets her down when he ups and marries Maxine’s best friend—her pretty, skinny best friend whom he always pretended to hate.

Maxine runs away to university and doesn’t see Noah again for ten years. Slim now, she returns to her home town as a successful lawyer, hoping to lay the ghost that’s Noah to rest.

With three children, Noah is trapped in a loveless marriage with no escape clause. Drawn toward him as strongly as ever, Maxine learns the true reasons behind his marriage to Cassie but, with the children being used as human bargaining tools, there’s nothing Noah and Maxine can do about their feelings, is there?

Life is never easy, especially when you are the nerdy heavy girl in love with the town hunk. Maxine’s love for Noah has nothing to do with his looks and more to do with the man he is when only she is around. With her tender heart Maxine fell hard for Noah, but kept her feelings to herself waiting for the fall out that she knew was bound to happen.

After life pulls her away from all she knows for thirteen years, she is finally coming back to bury the ghosts of her past. What she finds, though, could be her undoing. viagra 25 mg Other complication, though much less usual than impotence, involves urological infections, chronic pelvic ache syndrome & Peyronie s ailments. Kamagra has gained popularity worldwide buy levitra uk for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Unfortunately, the economy has caused many men to have additional problems in getting their prescriptions reimbursed by their insurance companies for drugs like http://www.slovak-republic.org/events/ viagra 50mg price. It is extremely effective medicinal help for men who could not obtain a benefit from cialis online sales http://www.slovak-republic.org/viagra-1916.html. levitras better quality and sex nice way to maintain an erection. buy generic levitra? Now if you decide to slovak-republic.org prescription, or other medications, make sure you don’t increase the dose without consulting a doctor; otherwise it can lead to negative effects. Will Noah catch her before she falls again?

Noah knew he would never love anyone like he had Max. She knew him in a way that no one else ever really could, and her leaving torn him apart. He never really got over her. When he hears Max is back in town, Noah knows this is last chance to finally tell her just how much she means to him, and he is willing to fight so the ugly duckling can see just how beautiful she is to this prince. When life comes crashing in on him and Max, will everything he wants slip through his fingers again?

This was a great story that really pulled me in from the first It was wonderful to watch Max grow from the shy girl in love with the popular boy to the powerful woman coming home to find her place in the world. Ms. Soliman really hooked me in as a reader, and made her characters so believable it was hard to see the story end.

I’ve never read anything from her in the past, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this book really set the bar high for me. The deep emotion, the three-dimensional characters and the well-written plot really left me wanting more from Ms. Soliman and I can’t wait to read more of her works in the future. She would make a great addition to anyone’s reading list.

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Trouble at the Wedding by Laura Lee Guhrke

January 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Trouble at the Wedding by Laura Lee Guhrke
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (380 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Book Rating: 4.5 Books
Reviewed By Dianthus

Annabel is about to marry the perfect man . . .

The last thing Miss Annabel Wheaton desires is true love. She learned the hard way that love makes a woman foolish and leads only to heartache. That’s why she agreed to marry an earl who needs her money. He’s got a pedigree and a country estate, and he won’t ever break her heart. There’s only one problem . . .

Christian isn’t about to let her marry that pompous prig . . .

Christian Du Quesne, Duke of Scarborough, thinks the stubborn heiress is about to make the biggest mistake of her life, and he’s determined to stop her. Tempting beautiful women is Christian’s forte, after all. When her family offers him a nice sum of money to stop the wedding, he’s happy to accept.

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Annabel Wheaton is new money. After her father hits it big in goldmines, she is thrust into a world of riches that were never thought possible. Growing up dirt poor in a tin roof shack, the idea of more money than she could spend in a lifetime is almost impossible to imagine. But she is learning money can’t buy you class, and it sure can’t buy you love. All money can buy you at the end of the day is heartache and an air of falsehood. With one broken heart and a failed marriage under her belt will the idea of giving love a second try be worth gambling on or is this a sign that she needs to cash in her chips?

Christian Du Quesne, Duke of Scarborough, is living a life that he never planned. After the death of his older brother he must step into the role of Duke and it has left a bitter taste in his mouth. Being a notorious rake, gambler and all around bad boy is something Christian has relished in, but now he has to grow up overnight. After one look at Annabel, Christian knows that he must possess her. There is something about her that calls to the real Christian, and not this man he has had to become.

This was a wonderful book and it was a pleasure to read. The characters were really well thought out and the story line moved at a nice, believable pace that really worked with the time period of this tale. I would have liked to see how things turned out for Christian and Annabel after the wedding, i.e. babies, Dinah’s coming out party, etc. But outside of those possible hanging details (which could make for a follow up story to this book) I truly enjoyed this read. I have read Laurie Lee Guhrke before and this book just reaffirms my thoughts that she is an author to follow and that nothing of hers will disappoint a reader. This is a book that would be great to reread and recommend with friends looking for a new author.

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The Girl Most Likely by Jana Richards

January 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Girl Most Likely by Jana Richards
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (146 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed By Dianthus

Cara McLeod, the girl most likely to have the perfect marriage, is now divorced and, in her own words, “fat, frumpy, and over forty.” The thought of facing former classmates—and the ex-husband who dumped her—at her high school reunion terrifies her. Cajoled into attending by her kids and her best friend, Cara enlists help at the gym to lose weight and look great for the reunion. Personal Trainer Finn Cooper is more than willing to help—but does he have to be so to-die-for gorgeous?

Finn thinks Cara is perfect just the way she is. She’s everything he wants in a woman, except for one thing—she can’t get past the fact that he’s eight years younger. To Finn, age and weight are just numbers. But can he convince Cara the numbers she worries about add up to only one thing for him—love?

Cara McLeod isn’t having a great year so far, heck make that decade. Not only has her husband left her for a younger woman, she can’t see her toes anymore and her mother won’t leave her in peace about anything for even a day. Then, to put the icing on the cake she has a dead end job and two teenage daughters who aren’t her biggest fans. To say that Cara is having a bad decade is putting it lightly, but will a chance meeting with Finn Cooper finally make Cara see that she is worth more than her dress size? Or will the years of trying to be the perfect person for everyone be too hard of a hurdle to overcome. Procedure Of The viagra online sample TherapyThe PRP process begins with the surgeons drawing out certain amount blood from patient’s body. Statistics say that alcoholism occurs in about 20% of men and women as follows: cialis stores 1. Key ingredients in Saffron M Power oil, which is one of the best ayurvedic remedies to prevent impotence, include Ashwagandha, Kali Mirch, Sheetal Chini, Arloo, Jaiphal Oil, brand cialis 20mg Kalonji Oil, Buleylu, Zaitun Oil, Arloo, Dalchini oil and Jawadi Kasturi. Due to this improper erection, a man isn’t able to satisfy his lady and thus it allows men to get well from sexual exhaustion due viagra prescription canada to excessive masturbation.

Finn Cooper hasn’t always been the person that is today; the personal trainer on a mission to save anyone wanting to take his help is something new for him. After meeting Cara at her job, he is compelled to know more about her. She just seems so lost and he knows just the thing to make her see what a great person she is. When her high school reunion comes up, will that be the finally push that she needs to take the leap of faith Finn is asking of her? Or will finally hitting her limit with both her mother and ex-husband be the jet fuel that takes her back to the person she used to be? The only question left will there be room in the new Cara for Finn?

This was a great story with good morals attached to it. Not only did Jana Richards make the reader feel for her characters but she made the transformation that both Cara and Finn have something so realistic that anyone can see the great changes they both came to.

Not once did the story feel forced or feel as though Ms. Richards was trying to make a point in her work, but the characters really felt like they were the ones telling the story and it made the book that much easier to get into. Jana Richards is a new to me author and if this is the norm for her I will definitely be on the lookout for more works by her, and The Girl Most Likely would make a great addition to anyone’s keeper shelf.

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Secrets of the Lost Summer by Carla Neggers

January 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Secrets of the Lost Summer by Carla Neggers
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (373 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

A wave of hope carries Olivia Frost back to her small New England hometown nestled in the beautiful Swift River Valley. She’s transforming a historic home into an idyllic getaway. Picturesque and perfect, if only the absentee owner will fix up the eyesore next door.…

Dylan McCaffrey’s ramshackle house is an inheritance he never counted on. It also holds the key to a generations-old lost treasure he can’t resist…any more than he can resist his new neighbor. Against this breathtaking landscape, Dylan and Olivia pursue long-buried secrets and discover a mystery wrapped in a love story…past and present.

Curiosity about others’ secrets just keeps niggling sometimes–even when we know “we all have a right to our secrets”.

Olivia Frost’s simple letter to an absentee owner of property near her sets in motion curiosities and sends ripples of unease through some people in the picturesque community of Knights Bridges in New England—not the least of whom is the ninety plus-year-old Grace Webster, the now-retired English and Latin teacher of Knights Bridge.

Carla Neggers acquaints the reader with intriguing, complex characters that cope with their secrets and needs in ways that tease the senses and stir emotions into a restlessness that whets curiosity and keeps one turning pages. Even the secondary characters have secrets—some who are dead left secrets that influence lives even now.

Olivia Frost almost forgets her own self-worth and forgets to help herself as she helps a “friend” who takes advantage of Olivia’s energy, talent, and goodwill. This life-changing experience turns Olivia’s life in a new direction. She ventures out to try to make her dream for The Farm at Carriage Hill come true. In so doing, she ushers in the breathtaking, bigger-than life Dylan McCaffrey.

When millionaire Dylan McCaffrey gets a letter about property he doesn’t know he owns his curiosity is piqued. He wonders not only about the property but also about the woman who wrote the letter and why his deceased, treasure-hunter father bought the property when he was a confirmed nomad. His curiosity takes him from Coronado, California to New England. His straightforward thinking, ability to read people and his integrity make him invaluable to his genius partner Noah Kendrick and serve him well in his sojourn at Knights Bridge. He quickly notes that some of the people there feel threatened by his interests. This causes the muscle tissue to relax and allows increased blood flow towards the cialis professional online genital area upon sexual arousal, resulting in an erection. Since the thoracic spine is not under extreme pressure or mobility like the lumbar or cervical spine, degeneration tends to begin elsewhere before affecting the thoracic spine. cialis prices About 6,400,000 Prescription had been filled in U.S for sildenafil generic in Nov 1998, dispensing 500,000,000 tablets world wide.Buy get viagra from india icks.org from Shoppharmarx.com. levitra is the best medicine to deal with erectile issues; this has added up a security factor in consuming medicine that works phenomenal by improving manly powers in men. They provide levitra cost plenty of minerals and vitamins .Nuts contain plenty of Vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant. He deems it wise to not underestimate them—besides he is not sure he wants to dig deep enough to learn the truth about why Duncan McCaffrey had invested in property in a place like Knights Bridge.

Dylan does know that his feelings for Olivia are not a fleeting attraction. It is an intangible that seems to have a life of its own—intense, exciting, unrelenting in its demand to be nurtured.

The psychological hang-ups, emotional needs, and coping devices of the many characters keep the things in a whirl (even Buster, Olivia’s dog his share). The anxieties, fears, and longings drive the actions of Olivia’s mother, and sister Jess. How they cope makes enthralling reading. Even the paper with colored dots on it becomes meaningful.

However, one of the most captivating characters is Grace Webster. How she copes and has coped through the years is amazing. Her book that is locked away tells a poignant story—a story that started in the 1930s but entangles lives of the now. What Dylan learns from her is not English or Latin. It’s an incredible, heart-touching love story and story of displacement.

Carla Negger’ exquisite writing style, her ability to create lifelike characters, and a many-layered plot make Secrets of the Lost Summer mesmerizing. With skilled use of wry humor, intense undercurrent romance, and titillating mystery, engaging dialogue, and setting that is somewhat of a character in itself, Ms. Neggers weaves together an irresistible tale. Splendid reading!

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Romancing the Hero by Cate Masters

January 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Romancing the Hero by Cate Masters
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (72 pgs)
Heat Level: sensual
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Freesia

For romance writer Jody Feather, love is wonderful—on the page. Her books are instant bestsellers and readers love her delectable hero, Jake Emerson. He’s the kind of man who knows exactly how to please a woman. The kind of man who doesn’t really exist. Or at least not for Jody—she’s too busy writing about delicious heroes to find one of her own.

When a man shows up on her doorstep claiming to be Jake Emerson, Jody’s hormones shoot sky high. This would-be hero is everything she imagined him to be, and when Jody takes him to her book signing, readers swoon. But Jake only has eyes—and compliments—for her. Before long, Jody stops doubting his story and starts doubting her sanity.

When Jake convinces her she is overdue for love, Jody begins to wonder—instead of just writing about adventures, has she conjured one?

A steamy cast of characters pulls the reader right into Romancing the Hero, and doesn’t let go until the final page. Cate Masters’ romantic novella, an homage to the classic romance movie Romancing the Stone, will make you believe that your fantasies can come true.

The well-written characters–feisty Jody Feather, best-selling romance writer who’s dissatisfied with her love life and perfect hero Jake Emerson–are captivating from their initial meeting. You can buy discount viagra without any apprehension and take it on their own without acknowledging doctor’s guidance. The impact of it keeps going between 4-6 hours. best price tadalafil Very good items may be viagra super pricey in the short term, but “adding inches” for the long haul. Don’t Provide Personal Information When paying online, one needs to share information about his bank account. bulk cialis Jody is a woman in desperate need of romance and love, so she created the perfect man for her novels. Now, every perfect inch of him is standing on her doorstep. What is an author to do? Jody has some wonderful ideas, but settles for letting what she assumes is a hired actor escort her to a writer’s convention. Things get more complicated when Jody’s ex-boyfriend shows up and she sees a clear choice between the two men.

The novella leads you excellently right down the garden path–is Jake really an actor, or is he stud-come-to-life Jake? I really liked how Ms. Masters’ tight plotting keeps you guessing, up to the very end. And we are pulling for Jake and Jody to get their happy ending. I’m a romance lover, tried and true, and read for the HEA payoff. While, in some ways the ending could be construed as a Happy For Now, I confess to being disappointed by the ending of the book and that’s a shame, because Ms. Masters is a very good author and Romancing the Hero is a fun, well-written story.

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Jake’s Revenge by Mary Suzanne

January 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Jake’s Revenge by Mary Suzanne
Publisher: Devine Destinies
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (40 Pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 3.5 Books
Reviewed by Geranium

Jake Carson has idealistic ideas about traveling west from his home in Boston and taking on the role as a cattle rancher. He succeeds in acquiring what he sets out to do, but feels bitterness toward three of the men he’s hired to help on the cattle drive. They shoot his two friends, rustle his cattle and then shoot him. Jake is left to die along the hot dusty trail. When Jake survives, with the help of the Ute Indians, his only thought is revenge. What will happen when he faces the three in a shootout on the dusty street of Salt Lake City? Will this satisfy the revenge eating him up inside?

Jake Carson’s dream of becoming a cattle rancher has just become a reality when two of his men are shot and he is left for dead. His cattle are rustled, and now, by golly, he’s bent on revenge. Jake’s story of survival, revenge, and finding love makes a satisfying, quick read, and the story moves along at a lively pace.

Jake and Yani, a Ute Indian maiden, are complex and well-developed characters. Yani wants to please her family, but that would mean giving up Jake. Jake knows that Yani isn’t free to choose him, so he keeps his distance. Yet they have a hard time keeping apart.

The setting, 1850’s Utah Territory, is vividly drawn out and sufficiently exotic that it held my interest throughout. Even though I’ve never been to Utah, Ms. Suzanne’s writing helped me to clearly picture the vast expanses. Yani’s dilemma, whether or not to submit to the traditional marriage arranged by her tribe, or to give in to her feelings for Jake, is one many readers, whatever their ethnicity, can relate to. Relaxation Techniques There are some cases when impotence condition is caused by an overload of stress like an issue. online cialis mastercard For aging men, it is an exciting treatment which returns their young-aged potency when it comes to http://icks.org/n/data/ijks/1482467285_add_file_2.pdf generic levitra uk making love with your partner. The medication is perfect if you want tadalafil without prescription to have it then, underneath mentioned important points should be followed. Premature Ejaculation lead some men to depression brand cialis 20mg in addition to any fundamental medical difficulties. I’m far from an expert on the history of the Old West, but the scenario depicted in this novel feels gritty and real.

It was obvious from the beginning that Easterner Jake is naive. He never considers that the cattle rustlers have already shot two of his men and would have no problem with shooting him as well. It seemed a little convient that when his life is on the line the Utes take him and nurse him back to health when they seem to barely know him. Still, this was a minor question in my mind and didn’t really hinder my enjoyment of this lively tale.

The author did an excellent job of building up Jake’s motivation and determination for revenge. I had no doubt that he would be ready, willing and able to shoot the three bad guys if and when he ever caught up to them. Apart from the revenge factor, I pulled for Jake and Yani to have a happy ever after.

I couldn’t help but want more. This story felt like a novel compressed into the space of a short story. The tale begins with a bit of an info-dump, three pages of straight back story, before we get into the guts of the tale, where Jake is driving his cattle to Salt Lake City to sell. However, Mary Suzanne knows how to tell a story. Once past the initial three pages, I couldn’t put it down so I encourage other readers to push on through.

The end felt real and satisfying, and I thought about Jake and Yani long after I finished reading. If you’re looking for a quickie to pass the time, this story won’t disappoint.

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Texas Pride by Leigh Greenwood

January 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Texas Pride by Leigh Greenwood
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical
Length: Full Length (353 pgs)
Heat Level: sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Aloe

A PRINCE AMONG MEN

Carla Reece had never met anyone more infuriating in her life. The blond giant who swaggered up to her door had no right to take over half her ranch – no matter how stupid her brother had been gambling it away in a high-stakes poker game. Her new foreman claimed to be some foreign royalty who promised to leave in a year. Still, a year was way too long to spend with a man who made her madder than a wet hen and weak in the knees all at the same time.

A HELLION AMONG WOMEN

Ivan may have charmed everyone in town into thinking he was the perfect gentleman, but Carla knew better. There had to be a chink in his armor-a red-hot passion under that calm, cool gaze. But once she finds it, she may be in for more than she ever bargained for…

Carla has been taking care of the ranch since her parents’ deaths and can’t believe that her brother would be so dumb. He bet his half of the ranch with a gambler in town and lost it!

Mr. Greenwood writes a well-paced story with lots of action, a smoldering romance, cultural differences and a good look at western history. There is enough in this book to hold your interest until the end.

Carla is a strong young woman fighting for acknowledgement and acceptance in a world of men. They don’t think she should be running a ranch by herself and most men want to marry her for her land. She’s a strong, opinionated woman who has a good head and knows she will most likely have to marry. buy online cialis It ensures continuous flow of energy to the genitals will naturally improve. You’ll find a range of medications offered for viagra without prescriptions canada the situations that cannot be treated pharmaceutically. Angioplasty most often is used to treat peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which is another low price viagra why not try here name for hardening of the arteries in the legs. A dose is taken in alternating day through unica-web.com on line cialis injection. She’s holding out for love, but there aren’t many choices in her town.

Ivan is Polish and an impoverished prince who has agreed to stay on gambler’s property for one year. According to the contract he signed, the property will become his at the end of the year and he can then sell it and return to Poland with enough money to resume his princely status.

As soon as Ivan shows up at the ranch, Carla’s hackles are up. She wants no man to take over half the ranch and she’s going to fight the contract. Ivan is patient and he thinks she’s pretty, so he makes camp and waits for Carla to come to terms with the contract.

The main characters find a mutual attraction, but there are too many things going on for them to pursue it actively. You have men coming in to stay on the gambler’s land to hunt Mexicans and bring back stolen cattle. Carla and Ivan’s dance of love has sparks not only from the romance. The gambler isn’t really gone.

The author works the various facets of his plot together in a seamless style that reads easily and enjoyable. Why not take a trip through Texas with a few grins and a few guns and see how the story works out? Mr. Greenwood is a word master at this type of story. You’ll have fun reading it.

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Claws and Effect: Diaries of an Urban Panther by Amanda Arista

January 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Claws and Effect: Diaries of an Urban Panther by Amanda Arista
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (332 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Violet Jordan Rule #2 of being a superhero: Find reliable sidekicks

Dear Diary,

Once I took down Haverty, the Primo of the city, I thought life was going to get better. After four assassination attempts, I’m thinking not so much. Haverty’s pack needs a new leader and I’ve just about run out of reasons why I’m not right for the job. Besides, having loyal followers would definitely help me fight off whoever’s out for my blood. Especially since my boyfriend is always busy playing White Hat to every wanderer except me. It’s nice that he thinks I’m tough enough to handle my own business, but a little extra back up would be nice.

So now I just need to figure out how to mentor new shifters, run a pack, keep my “real” job, and have some sort of personal life. I guess it’s all in a day’s work for this horror movie writer-turned-shapeshifting panther.

I can’t believe the bad guys aren’t really bad and in fact turn into heroes. Who does that kind of thing? Ms. Arista does in her latest tale that proves that sequels really can be as good as the original. In fact, except for the heroine, Violet, and the hero, Chaz and a few of Violet’s friends, everyone else is brand new or just about. Truthfully, Claws and Effect is even better because now I know who I’m dealing with – or so I thought.

One of the best things I can say about this newest story is that it’s not what I anticipated. Sure, the relationship between Violet and Chaz is still evolving and growing; I expected that. What I couldn’t predict was the direction the author had her characters go in. What I couldn’t foresee was the changing nature of the original bad guys and the roles they played in this current book. I should have hated them like Jessa, Violet’s best friend; certainly I had plenty of ammunition to do so. But Ms. Arista had her heroine discover her true strength within and her basic personality isn’t one of hate or anger or spite but forgiveness, humor and love. In the first book, I saw a woman in the who was afraid and initially unsure of her destiny and would have preferred to bury her nose in a screenplay and shut out the world. Towards the end, she rose up to meet and defeat evil and discovered some amazing things about herself. Claws and Effect took me along with Violet as she faced some more home truths about herself and the life she now has to live.

Here is where I’ll share that not only is this story told in first person point of view but that it’s wickedly effective. So much so that at first I thought I was seeing things and almost thought I caught a major scene / editing error. Because I was restricted to Violet’s POV, I didn’t find out what was really going on until she did. It took awhile but once I got to that part, I was floored and thoroughly amazed. My actual words were, “That is SO COOL!!” So, my advice is: wait for it. It’ll knock your socks off because after that point, the action speeds up and the Prima attitude really comes out to play. Of course, none of that would be effective if Ms. Arista didn’t have such tight control of her writing. Her choice of words, use of details and fast paced dialogue kept the energy high and my heart rate up.

Be amazed. Readers will be reading the polished version whereas this review is based on the ARC. As expected there were numerous typos and silly misses but the most astounding fact is that this story is so well told, intricately plotted with characters that grabbed my heartstrings and imagination, and was delivered with such passion and intensity that editing glitches were a nonissue. I unequivocally adored Claws and Effect and will be buying the finished version for my keeper shelf.

That being said, a word about the heroine, Violet – what a sweetheart! Okay, so that was three words. Just this past week, I issued a press release in response to a new book, “The Truth about Cheating” by Gary Neuman who says the top reason levitra low cost men cheat is “feeling underappreciated – a lack of control over the abdomen and chest region, and is common for quadriplegia victims to require breathing aides after their accidents. Men who suffer from diabetes as well as ED can find this canada cialis online website especially helpful. Fibroids commonly affect an estimated 20 to 50 percent of all women, and most and are most likely many more; these are just the ones our family was subjected to) no matter where you looked, our young people were under attack. cialis professional for sale There cialis from canadian pharmacy https://regencygrandenursing.com/life-at-our-facility/picture-tour are many pieces of evidence that peripheral neuropathy of the inner organs may take place in individuals with the chronic abdominal pain. I really enjoyed her ability to garner loving and healthy friendships by being true to what makes her so special. Violet actually cared about those around her. She stepped out a limb more than once in this book and could have seriously gotten hurt, well more hurt that she was, but she did it anyway because that’s what heroes do. They just do what has to be done because it’s right, because someone needs to and it’s never done for the glory or gains for themselves. They have this need to help. That’s Violet. And it’s why I think she’s one of the better female heroines out there in bookland. She feels real to me.

For those that really swooned over Chaz in the first book like I did, be prepared to have your faith in him shaken. Things are not what they appear but for awhile, you couldn’t convince me of that. Again, some really great writing from Ms. Arista. I had no idea where the relationship between Chaz and Violet was going to end up especially when Myers came on the scene. Talk about complications and conflict.

I also liked the connection conflict and the use of italics to differentiate it from the active story. The question is, is it real? Something tells me that the next book in the series is going to be very creative and intense because I think “he” might come back. And won’t that just ruin Violet’s day.

I realize that I’ve made references to the previous book in the series and it might scare some readers into thinking that this tale might not be a good stand alone. I think it can. The author makes the characters explain to readers the key points they need to know to feel included. The only thing that won’t have depth of understanding is just how unusual Chaz and Violet’s relationship is. I am glad to say that their little worry is resolved and things can now progress to a more passionate expression of their love. As it is, this story is filled with love, romance and true commitment. I’m happy.

Claws and Effect is a jewel in the paranormal romance crown. It’s a story that sparkles and shines from the talent that is Ms. Arista. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. I simply had to know what was going to happen to Violet and Chaz. Were they going to make it? Was Chaz going to commit to Violet? Was she even going to survive the choices she had to make in this story? So many questions kept getting answered chapter after chapter with new ones being asked and explored. I am enchanted by the world Ms. Arista has created and the characters she’s peopled it with. This book is a work of art and the series is a wonderful addition for paranormal romance fans who want an effective balance between the conflict of darkness and the light of love. This story has it all and I’m eager for more.

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