Going with Gravity by Cate Masters

Going with Gravity
Cate Masters
The Wild Rose Press
Pub Date: July 15, 2009
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 68 pages
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Review:

Publicist Allison Morris plans her own life – what’s left of it – around the life of her boss Michelle McCarter, the ex-wife of a famous rock star. When Michelle needs emergency public relations patchwork in Hawaii pronto, Allison arranges a flight to the dream destination. At the airport, she meets Wes Hamilton, a six-foot-three, sun-bleached blond whose blue eyes and dazzling smile rekindle her fizzled-out sizzle. A world-renowned surfer, Wes captivates her with his charm and wit, though his easy fame and on-the-edge lifestyle are the polar opposite of her own.

When their jet encounters serious trouble in mid-air, she takes advantage of what she thinks are her last minutes alive with Wes. The plane lands safely. Wes takes care of her when her carefully constructed life begins to unravel. When Michelle accuses Allison of using Wes to gain fame for herself, Allison’s world falls apart in an explosive confrontation. Wes is waiting with open arms when she has nowhere else to go, but can Allison learn to stop planning and go with gravity?

Wow! Talk about a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I was so captured by these characters and this plot. I had to know what was going to happen next. I had to keep reading until I found out the fate of these two characters. Could all really be forgiven and forgotten? Ms. Masters has given us another masterpiece. She has given us another story to stay up way past our bedtime to read. Never read a Cate Masters book? What’s wrong with you? You are missing out on a great author who writes such romantic tales that really touch your soul.

Rating: 5 Smacks
Heat: Spicy
Reviewer: Holli Winters

Enemy of the King by Beth Trissel

Enemy of the King
Beth Trissel
The Wild Rose Press
Pub Date: 2009
ISBN: 1601544936
Genre: Historical (American Rose)
Length: 334 pages
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Review:

1780, South Carolina: While Loyalist Meriwether Steele recovers from illness in the stately home of her beloved guardian, Jeremiah Jordan, she senses the haunting presence of his late wife. When she learns that Jeremiah is a Patriot spy and shoots Captain Vaughan, the British officer sent to arrest him, she is caught up on a wild ride into Carolina back country, pursued both by the impassioned captain and the vindictive ghost. Will she remain loyal to her king and Tory twin brother or risk a traitor’s death fighting for Jeremiah? If Captain Vaughan snatches her away, he won’t give her a choice.

I love historical romances. They are one of my favorites and anymore when I think of a historical I think of Beth Trissel. She is an author who has proved herself over time. She is a beautiful storyteller. Ms. Trissel can take a story line and make it a work of art. And she did just that with Enemy of the King. This tale was so wonderful; it really was a magical read. As soon as I started reading I felt like I was in the pages. The author has a way of pulling you into the story; this is your story. I could see the characters and the images Ms. Trissel described as if I were there or watching a film on TV. It’s a classic read for the ages and I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants to read a true fairy-tale. Thank you Beth Trissel for providing your readers with another amazing read! I cannot wait for your next release.


Rating: 5 Smacks
Heat: Spicy
Reviewer: Bella Wolfe

At His Command by Felicia Forella

At His Command
Felicia Forella
Wilder Roses Press

Pub Date: July 2009
Contemporary Erotic (Cougar Club)
139 pages
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Review:


With a long and bitter divorce behind her, Julia Stone is barely back on her feet when she's suddenly swept off them again by a hot young executive with a healthy appetite for sexual dominance. But after years of emotional submission to a controlling ex, will she choose to submit?Workaholic Dalton Fairchild has slaved night and day to build his own computer technology company. All work and no play makes Dalton a boring boy. However, a chance encounter with Julia challenges the dom in him, and he must convince her that, though she's At His Command, submission is the ultimate power.

Talk about a super hot read. My new favorite genre is the Cougar Club. I love older women and younger men…maybe because I’m a little older and would love to be at a younger man’s command. The scenes were so hot between the characters. I was sitting at my computer in total amazement reading this book. I would totally recommend this to any romance reader, to any BDSM fan, to any Cougar looking for a younger man:)




Rating: 4 smacks
Heat: Spicy
Other: BDSM, anal sex
Reviewer: Tara

Rocky Mountain Heat: Six Pack Ranch-Book One by Vivian Arend

Rocky Mountain Heat: Six Pack Ranch-Book One

Vivian Arend

Liquid Silver Books

Pub Date: 2009

ISBN 978-1-59578-588-6

Romance

Length: 80

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Author website

Review:

Little Jaxi started out loving the whole Coleman family. As the only child of perfectly nice, but private parents, but big, boisterous family with six sons was a treat she couldn't resist. Then she started growing up and the only Coleman she couldn't get out of her mind was the oldest son, Blake. She saves herself for him, makes herself the best woman she can be so she's ready when he finally looks her way and though he wants her, in his eyes she's still too young. A little resistance doesn't stop her plans though and with a little help from the rest of the Coleman clan, Jaxi sets out to get her man.

Rocky Mountain Heat is short, sweet and an awesome set up for what I hope is an erotic and fun series. Six, sexy studs in all, the Coleman clan made me laugh and made me want to be part of their family. Vivian Arendt shows a real knowledge of men in her depiction of the brothers. They are naughty, authentic and utterly irresistible. I give Rocky Mountain Heat four smacks with the option for more once the series is completed. It's hot and sweet right now, but I could see the rest of the brothers jacking that up to smoking!

Rating: 4 smacks

Heat Level: spicy

Other: oral, a little ménage

Review: StephB

Remembering Ashby by Heather Long

Title: Remembering Ashby
Author: Heather Long
Publisher: Sapphire Blue Publishing
Published date: April 2009
ISBN: 978-1-934657-17-1
Genre/Theme: Fantasy
Length: 97 pages
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Review

Peace among the clans has been nonexistent for the past centuries. But now that clan Lairds have decided to summon the God-touched people from their magical Isle to perform the rituals of Beltane to bless the peace talks between the clans, peace is within reach.

Melanie is honored to be chosen as one of six maidens to represent the Goddess at this important event. She is meant to be a vessel for the power of the Goddess while forgetting the failures of humanity during the festival. She knows should be concentrating on her part as a Maiden of the Hunt, yet she cannot banish the handsome Scot from her mind. Running in the Hunt is as sacred as the Goddess herself, and should her desires be known, there could be dire consequences for her and the clansman. However, she can’t find the will to deny his pull.

The mists of the Black Mountains enhance the excitement of their forbidden love while providing an escape from the Islanders encampment. Can they give in to their desires at the expense of their destinies?

Especially once The Sorcerer discovers their dalliance…

This was a great book! I really enjoyed it. I’m not much of one to try new authors, but something about this book drew me in and I’m so happy it did! Normally with stories like this one I have a hard time keeping up. The author has so much going on and you get confused and lost and you’re like…hey what the heck is going on? But Ms. Long has written a story that is very well in tact. It’s easy to keep up with; it’s easy to see what is going on with the characters and with the drama going on around them. I cannot wait to see more from this author, I am sure she is going to do great things. I recommend this book to any fantasy lover.

Rating: 4.5 Smacks
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: Holli Winters

Blood Moon Rising by Angela Lam Turpin

Title: Blood Moon Rising
Author: Angela Lam Turpin
Publisher: Eternal Press Production
Published date: June 2009
ISBN: eBook: 978-1-926704- 02-9
Print: 978-1-926704- 10-4
Genre/Theme: paranormal / vampire / romance
Length: 182 pages
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Author’s Website

Review

Valkyrie a vampire must leave her home of the forest with her son Anthony a dhampir to save him. He must have some of his fathers’ blood or he will die. They must venture into the city to find his father. A human she has not seen in years. Once there they must learn to fit into the human world go through many trials.

This story was well written and was interesting all the way to the end. Nice to see the main character of Valkyrie (the female vampire) having doubts and being scared instead of the usual vamp female who gets every man she sees. I enjoyed the interaction between her and her son Anthony as well. He had the typical adolescent reactions to all he learns when they are in the human world. Being a mother myself I sympathized with Valkyrie when she and her son argued.
The two go through many adventures in the city and at one point they are separated and Valkyrie must ask humans for help. Once she finds a man that she thinks is Anthonys’ father she must enlist his help in finding her son.

Valkyries struggles with what she is and how to be more human were interesting to say the least. She must learn to act human and how to interact with others without turning into a monster. Many trials await her in this story. There are many twists in this book, some you see coming and others take you by surprise.
I gave this book a 3.5 because it kept you guessing to the end and kept the reader entertained till the last page. The plot was continuous and never repetitive.

Angela Lam Turpin did a good job with descriptions and character depth. Even with it’s many characters and places this story was never confusing and always had the reader turning the page for more.

Rating: 3.5

Heat Level: Spicy

Other: m/f

Reviewer: Gabrielle

Surviving With Love by Rebecca J. Vickery

Title: Surviving With Love
Author: Rebecca J. Vickery
Publisher: Class Act Books
Published date: 2009
ISBN: 978-1-935048-22-0 1-935048-22-8
Genre/Theme: Suspense
Length: Full
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Author’s Website

Review:

Stacey Parker is a tracker that is sent to help ex-military hostage rescuer, Cord McConnell find two teenagers that were kidnapped. When Stacey and Cord meet, there is definitely an instant attraction but a lot of underlying hostility as well. From her smart mouth to her intriguing tracker skills, Cord has a feeling they will either kill each other or give in to their attraction. No matter what, their main goal is to retrieve two teenagers that have been kidnapped. Can they survive the wilderness and make it out alive?

Surviving With Love was one of those kinds of books that have it all. The action, well rounded characters, gripping plot line and a lot of sexual tension made this book one of the best books that I have ever read. The imagery was breathtaking and I actually felt as though I were there. Stacey's character was a little spitfire who was used to working alone and doing things her way. Cord's character was strong, stubborn and oh so sexy. Seriously, you will fall in love with Cord. Who wouldn't love an ex-marine who had a gift with children? From a powerful beginning to a captivating ending, this book was certainly a page turner. Ms. Vickery has done a magnificent job with Surviving With Love. I was shocked to find out this was her first book and believe me, just reading it, it will blow you away! She smoothly weaves humor with drama and gives the reader just what they crave, a captivating read that holds your attention with memorable characters that will not soon be forgotten. I not only enjoyed the book immensely but learned about an occupation I never knew existed. Throughout the book you will learn just what a tracker does and how they operate. It was truly fascinating. I strongly suggest you take a moment, buy the book and set aside some time for yourself. You will love this book and will hate to see this book end. There is nothing better than losing yourself in a thrilling and riveting love story. I give this book 5 smacks because it simply does not get better than this.


Rating: 5 Smacks
Heat Level: Spicy
Other: m/f
Reviewer: Elizabeth

Dreams of a Raven Moon by Veronica Towers

Title: Dreams of a Raven Moon

Author: Veronica Towers

Publisher: DCL Publications

Published date: February 2009

ISBN: 978-1-921347-85-6

Genre/Theme: Historical

Length: 119 pages

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Author’s Website

Review:

Nathaniel, Viscount Ravenleigh, may be the handsomest man in London for surely he is the most self centered and arrogant. Shannon Masters is the shy near sighted young lady caught in the wrong place at the right time. Her fragile self esteem takes a beating when he accuses her of attempting to trap him into a compromise. When proved wrong, Nathaniel sees himself in less than the usual flattering light and extends himself to make amends to her. Can he mend his ways enough to win the love of a myopic young woman who can see plainly into his soul?

While Dreams of a Raven Moon started out just a bit slowly, it became a very enjoyable read. Heroine Shannon Masters was funny, a bit prudish and smart. Viscount Ravenleigh was a rake with a conscience he never knew he had because he’d never needed to use it. I especially enjoyed the development of Shannon and Ravenleigh as they both grew in the relationship. This story took some twists and turns that I didn’t expect and made the story even more fun to read. Aside from a few typos that distracted me, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fun, sexy historical romance. You won’t be disappointed.

Rating: 4 smacks

Heat Level: Spicy

Reviewer: Valerie Mann

Wild Heart by Lori Brighton

Title: Wild Heart
Author: Lori Brighton
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published date: November 2009
ISBN: 978-1-4201-0865-1
Genre/Theme: Paranormal Historical Romance
Length: 518 pages (Microsoft Word pgs.)
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Author’s Website

Review:

WANTON…

Leo Roberts is next in line for an earldom and the power and fortune that come with it, but he is uncultured, unrefined—and completely untamed…until governess Ella Finch arrives upon the scene. Can so young and inexperienced a woman tutor him in the manners and mores of his class? Leo’s mysterious past has rendered him an outsider, too wild for polite society. But he finds her innocence most intriguing…

WILLING…

What manner of man he may be, Ella does not know. Yet he fascinates her and she must know more. Capturing Leo’s reckless heart is about to free her in ways she never dreamed of…and his sensual touch releases the deepest yearnings of her body and soul …

I love discovering new authors. Lori Brighton is a new author to me-to all of us. Her debut novel Wild Heart is sure to fly off the shelves…so to speak. Ms. Brighton has written characters that you, as a reader, learn to care about and adore. You see the struggles between Leo and Ella. You see the chemistry, the love, the devotion and the passion that we only dream of having with someone. When an author can make you care about the future of the characters than she’s done her job, in my personal opinion. I really cannot wait to see more good things come from this author. Lori Brighton has a long career ahead of her if she keeps writing the way she is. Come November be sure to check out the release of this book. I promise you it’s worth the wait!


Rating: 4 Smacks
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: Holli Winters

Under His Protection by Denise A. Agnew

Title: Under His Protection

Author: Denise A. Agnew

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Published date: June 15, 2009

ISBN: 9781-1-59578-5480

Genre/Theme: Suspense/Romance

Length: 170 pages

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Author’s Website

Review:

Olivia Scoot had hoped that living a full continent away from her over-protective father and over- emotional mother, would allow her to live her life as she wanted. A quiet and well-reserved librarian from Huntingdon, England, Olivia led a quiet buttoned live. The last thing she expected was to be caught up in a whirlwind that would change her quiet life forever.

SWAT Officer Trey MacGilvary led life as a confirmed bachelor. He thought he knew what he wanted in a woman. He never looked beyond a night of hot sex, he choose women that could care less about a relationship. What he hadn’t expected was the sudden unrelenting attraction he would find in the small mousy librarian, whose life he’d saved.

Both with shadows lurking in their past they’d like to forget about they are thrown into a downward spiral of events guaranteed to change both of their lives forever. A madman from his past has targeted Trey, hell bent on exacting a slow revenge. He determined to take everyone Trey loves away from him. Payment he says for Trey taking away the people ‘he’ had moved most.

I love how this story starts; it has a slow yet addicting hook that pulls you in. Olivia and Trey are two characters’ that are easy to connect to. They come across as normal everyday people, just living the hand life has dealt them. The emotion is portrayed evenly through out the story, and the author has done a great job in keeping the tension strung enough to keep you intrigued, but not strung out so thin that you get bored. She has a wonderfully teasing way of righting that makes you want to yell ‘OH! Don’t you dare let him/her walk away!’. I love Trey and Olivia; they are a great mix of two opposite personalities. This over all to me is a great story; it’s down to earth and easy to get lost in. Its show’s events that could happen to just about anyone on any given day. I give this book four smacks, it truly is an awesome read, and a definite re-read for me.

If you’re looking for a book with characters that you can relate to, this is a book for you. It’s a great read if you want to loose yourself for a few moments, and have that little adventure most long for.

Rating: 4 smacks

Heat Level: sweet/some spice

Reviewer: Stephanie Mayfield

Single White Vampire by Lynsay Sands

Title: Single White Vampire
Author: Lynsay Sands
Publisher: Dorchester Publishing
Published date: November 25, 2008 (1st edition September 2003)
ISBN-10: 0843961880ISBN-13: 978-0843961881
Genre/Theme: Paranormal Romance
Length: 384 pages
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Author’s Website

Review:

A romance you can sink your teeth into.

"Lucern." Successful biographer of family, books recently categorized as "paranormal romance." Something of a recluse. Hates crowds, aggressive women. Doesn't like sunbathing, garlicky dinners or religious symbols. Likes old-fashioned values; spicy Mexican dishes; warm, nice-smelling neck; and plump red lips. Stronger than ten men and can vanish in the blink of an eye. Currently unaware he's seeking a woman to share eternity.

"Kate C. Leever." Newest editor of Romance at Roundhouse Publishing. Perky, fun. Has recently discovered a legacy author just dying to be broken out. In fact, her career could take off from it. (The tall, dark, handsome writer just needs to be taken to several romance conventions and introduced to his fans . . . and stopped from acting so strange in public.) Dislikes "difficult, rude, obnoxious, pig-headed writers." Currently she's met the man of her wildest dreams.

OH, DEAR.

First let me start by saying that this was a book full of laughter and wit between the characters. You have a grumpy 600-year-old vampire who writes romances. You have a new publisher trying to get this vampire to agree to a book tour. Lucern receives the letters Kate keeps sending him. His reply is always the same, No. Finally Kate decides to go to Canada to convince him in person. Lucern thinks that with time he will wear her down. He decides to agree to one thing. But the family has other ideas about the pair. Before Lucern realizes it Kate’s his lifemate and he’s agreed to go to a romantic convention where he will more than likely be the only man around with thousands of females wanting a piece of him. This story is tantalizing and enticing. The characters will capture your attention and enthrall you. It’s a perfect vampire romance to read. Ms. Sands gives the readers a new outlook on being a lifemate to a vampire. This family isn’t your typical family of vampires and they aren’t the typical vampires you see in movies and read in most books. They are unique and they have a very fascinating story about how they became vampires. If you want to find out read the books. The entire series is to DIE for. I really enjoyed the mix of emotions in this story; it was fully of passion, humor, and a great deal of desire. The secondary characters in the book played a major role; at times you would consider them to be major in the story. You can see now why there are so many books in this series, it’s a large family and even when the characters pop up in another story they desperately want there own. They want the readers to hear their story.

Rating: 4.5 Smacks
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: Tonya R. Callihan

Vampires are Forever by Lynsay Sands

Title: Vampires are Forever
Author: Lynsay Sands
Publisher: Avon
Published date: February 2008
ISBN-10: 0-061-22969-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-061-22969-5
Genre/Theme: Paranormal Romance
Length: 384 pages
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Lynsay Sands

Review:

Inez Urso is beginning to have her doubts. Her business associate Thomas Argeneau has some interesting traits, like an allergic reaction to the sun, excellent night vision, and not much of an appetite for food. And to top it all off, he just tried to bite her neck . . . but maybe that was a sign of passion. If so, she'd be happy to experience more, despite her determination not to mix business with pleasure.
Well, if not forever, at least two hundred years. Inez is the most beautiful woman he's seen in centuries. Those luscious lips, seductive curves, and her elegant neck . . . he just couldn't resist the temptation of one little bite. Now Thomas will do anything to convince her that only an immortal like him can satisfy her all night long . . .

This novel is full of emotional turmoil from the prologue until the last chapter. And even after the story ends you are still left wondering what in the world is going to happen to this family next. It’s a story that will touch your heart…only the way a vampire can! There are scenes that will make you laugh and sigh and then there are some that will make you angry and cry. This is the 8th book in the Argeneau family series and in this book I think you get a better look and a better understating at how the Argeneau family works together as a team and how they support one another. You also get a look at how the elders treat Thomas and they don’t really expect too much out of him. Then they are surprised when he finds his lifemate and they are impressed with his efforts of finding Margarite, who is presumed missing. Inez and Thomas are so different. Inez likes everything to go as planned. Before she makes a decision she has to weigh all of her options. Thomas on the other hand is free-spirited and rolls with the flow, so to say. He’s more outgoing and he doesn’t care what others think of him. I think it rings true when they say opposites attract. Thomas is perfect for Inez; he teaches her that it’s okay to not know what is going to happen the next day. And Inez brings a little structure into Thomas’s life. It’s by far a great story by Lynsay Sands; it’s charming and sexy.

Rating: 5 Smacks
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: Ruby Lee