Raquel's Abel by Leigh Barbour

Raquel's Abel

Leigh Barbour

Red Rose Publishing

Pub Date: 2009

ISBN: 978-1-60435-355-6

Romantic Fiction

Length: 275 Pages

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Review:

Raquel is an overweight woman whose life is becoming consumed by her never-ending appetite. When her career as an author is negatively effected by her size and her doctor warns of health problems she decides to undergo gastric bypass surgery.

While Raquel changes her life for the better, her resident ghost, Abel Rollins makes his dissent known. He doesn't want her to get the surgery because of his fear of surgery and hospitals. Killed in WWI he's been dead over fifty years but his memories and fear lives on. As his unease diminishes, his love for Raquel grows, as does the strength that allows him to stay with her for moments at a time.

Raquel's Abel is a heart-warming story. It is always amazing when the chubby, down on her luck girl makes good and seizes the day. Leigh Barbour's side cast of Raquel's grandmother, nurse and sister adds fun sprinkles of humor and humanity. I give it three smacks because it's not to my personal taste and I wanted to smack Raquel for being so judgmental and whiney at times. People with personal interest in weight troubles and enjoy a sweet, nearly non-sexual story will enjoy it because Raquel's Abel fits.

Rating: 3 smacks

Heat Level: sweet

Other: a little ghost kissing

Reviewer: Steph B.

The Cobra Murders by Jane Greenhill

Title: The Cobra Murders

Author: Jane Greenhill

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Published Date: 8-07-2009

ISBN: 1-60154-527-4

Genre/Theme: Romantic Suspense

Length: 232 pages

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Blurb: Homicide Detective Simon Keirsey spends his spare time working a personal cold case--the unsolved murder of his mother, film star Mary Margaret, thirty years earlier.Recent killings committed by the murderer the press has dubbed The Cobra Killer unexpectedly tie to his mother's death and give Simon a renewed sense of vengeance.Mary Margaret's mansion now houses the town's museum and employee Alice McClure is comforted by the ghost who walks the halls humming 1980's tunes.As Simon and Alice race against time to determine who the killer is, will they be able to solve the mystery before another victim is claimed and the murderer's personal vendetta ante is upped?

Review: Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres to read. When an author has you questioning who the murderer is til almost the end, you know you have a good book. There are several twists and turns and a couple scenes which have you wondering where the author is taking you on this journey. Don't worry because in the end, it all comes to a happy ending.A couple of the characters got under my skin. One in particular, Holly, I just could not stand. Once you start reading, you will understand why. There is an underlying story with two of the other characters, Karen and Greg, I would love to know more about. At first, I was a little confused in the plot and some of the characters. This is why I could not give it five smacks. However the author, Jane Greenhill, made me a believer of her story telling ability by the end. I would like to read more of her work in the future. You will not be disappointed picking up this book.

Rating: 4.5 Smacks

Heat Level: Spicy

Reviewer: Roberta

Perfect Formation by KB Alan

Title: Perfect Formation

Author: KB Alan

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Published date: 2009

ISBN: 9781419922022

Genre/Theme: Menage, BDSM, contemporary

Length: 133 pages

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Friends for much longer than they’ve been lovers, Taryn and Richard enjoy each other’s company while looking for “Mr. Right”. When the darkly handsome Caleb walks into their lives, the sexual attraction is instant and mutual—for all three. Caleb wines and dines them then shows them how good it can be if they trust him to lead the way. One night is all it takes to prove that the three of them are a perfect match, at least in the bedroom.

Taryn has to decide if explosive sex and the feelings quickly overtaking her are worth the risk of losing it all—again. Richard sees Caleb and Taryn as the perfect couple but isn’t so sure there will always be room for him in their ménage a trois. Sexual dominant Caleb has to suppress his urge to tie them to the bed until they understand that they both belong with him—forever. But if they don’t come around soon, he’ll be pulling those ropes out after all.

This was a fantastic story, highly sensual, sexual and romantic, as well. Taryn, Richard and Caleb’s immediate and intense connection is tempered by her insecurities and some suspense and drama that make all three of them take a step back and decide if their love for each other is enough to pull them through and make their arrangement permanent. I especially liked Caleb’s ability to let his love for both partners shine, sometimes enough for all three, until Richard and Taryn can let down their guard enough to love him back the way all three of them want and deserve. The emotions and reactions are well-thought out, written and believable. Definitely a page turner and worth the time – highly recommended reading!!

Rating: 4.5

Heat Level: Erotic

Other: m/f/m, oral sex, anal play, BDSM

Reviewer: Valerie Mann

Mr. Charming by Nancy J. Parra

Title: Mr. Charming

Author: Nancy J. Parra

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Published Date: 7-31-2009

ISBN: 1-60154-524-X

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Length: 218 pages

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Blurb: Sometimes the worst place to hide is in plain sight. Jennifer Sumner is a single mom with a secret past. At the request of her brother, lead investigator on the case, she takes in a wealthy playboy who is pretending to be dead. Jennifer walks a fine line as she struggles with the press, who can expose both the playboy and her troubled past, the playboy who threatens her lonely heart, and the killer who now wants them both dead. Can her brother catch the killer before her hard earned life comes crashing down around her?
Review: When you start a book you can't put down, you know you have a winner on your hands. The author, Nancy J. Parra has woven a tale of intrigue, mystery and love. When you first start to read about Jennifer and Kane, you really don't know how to take them. Jennifer is an independent woman with high standards/morals. She is not to keen on having what she thinks is a playboy, Kane, in her home. Kane, on the other hand, will take you by surprise at some of the things he does for Jennifer and Thomas throughout the book.
What I loved most about this book, and the reason I gave it such a high rating is the way the author deals with Thomas. Thomas is Jennifer's son and an important part of her life. I like the fact the book is just not focused completely on Jennifer and Kane but brings Thomas to the front of the story as well.
I read this book online. However, it is available in print also. I would highly recommend both versions. Personally, I would love to have this book in print. It would make a nice addition to your library.
Rating: 4.5 Smacks
Heat Level: Sensual
Reviewer: Roberta

Dark Host by Kim Knox

Title: Dark Host

Author: Kim Knox

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Published Date: 2009

ISBN: 978-1-59578-571-8

Genre/Theme: Paranormal

Length: 60 Pages

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Review

On a luxury liner, filled with rich people waiting to watch a star go nova, Charis Sur is assigned to covertly protect one of the most important of the VIPs. He is, however, already being guarded by Jason Narak, who Charis never wants to see again. In an atmosphere of political intrigue, and with a strange alien presence onboard, personal interests quickly give way to the urgency of a situation that may affect the entire galaxy. And for Charis and Jason, feline Mosaics, the fact that she’s suddenly in heat isn’t helping matters.

For such a short story, Kim Knox packs a lot of romance and action into her plot. The main characters are likeable and interesting, and the storyline fascinating. Most of the other characters are just what you’d expect from people who would have a huge party while a star dies.

If you read this book, plan to read it in one sitting, because it’s very difficult to pull away. There is no moment of downtime as Charis and Jason navigate the corridors of the INS Padigion while trying to deal with their history together. This was my first Kim Knox book, but I went right to her website to see what other delights await. (Don’t miss the free reads there, too!)

Rating: 4 Smacks

Heat Level: Sensual

Reviewer: Sky

The Price of Submission by Michelle Cary

Title: The Price Of Submission
Author: Michelle Cary
Publisher: Loose Id LLC
Published date: August 2009
ISBN: 978-1-59632-989-8
Genre/Theme: BDSM Erotic Contemporary
Length: 114 pages
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Review:

The Price Of submission is a wonderful read about trust and love. A woman who knows nothing about the lifestyle of BDSM has signed herself over for a year into the care of a millionaire who wants to keep her as a submissive. As the story progresses Misty learns about herself and what she may enjoy in the bedroom. She grows from a young naive girl into a woman who knows just what it is that she wants. Garron a tycoon who has never felt deeply for anyone before, begins to be enthralled with Misty after having her in his life for only a short time. As they come together the adventures begin.


Misty’s waitressing job falls through and not wanting to go back to live with her mother she decides to talk to her former boss Travis about an offer from his best friend Garron. The tycoon is looking for a woman to be his submissive for a year. She tours a sex club with Travis and even tries a night as a submissive for Garron before making her final decision. Misty finds that she is turned on by the things that she sees and is also curious about the lifestyle in all. So she decides to sign a contract to be Garrons submissive for a year. Misty has baggage of her own to deal with as well as that of learning what being a submissive is all about. She must open herself up to Garron and learn to trust him. Misty tries to keep her heart guarded but begins to have feelings for Garron. Garron starts to have feelings of his own for Misty as well but he himself is confused over this turn of events. Never before has he felt this strongly for a submissive.While Misty and Garron are trying to figure out just what their relationship is bad things keep happening to Misty. Can both Misty and Garron let their love grow and trust each other? Can they figure out just who is out to get Misty before it is too late?


This book had me glued to the pages trying to figure out just what was going to happen next. It is a great flowing book full of twists that I never saw coming. I enjoyed the friendship that Misty and Garron developed and the love that grew as the story went on was a beautiful thing. Watching Misty come into her own was a great thing to see and the scene in the playroom where Misty welcomes and begins to enjoy her feelings for both Travis and Garron is a great read.


Michelle Cary did a wonderful job with this book. She has brought a lot of depth into her characters and the mystery she brought to the story only enhanced the enjoyment of the book.I truly enjoyed this story and will defiantly be looking for more reads from this author.

Rating: 4 smacks
Heat Level: Explicit
Other: m/f/m, f/f, anal play, voyeurism, BDSM
Reviewer: Gabrielle

The One That Got Away by Kathryn Gerbert

Title: The One That Got Away
Author: Kathryn Gerbert
Publisher: Wild Horse Press
Published date: April 28, 2009
Genre/Theme: Contemporary Romance
Length: 64 pages
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Review:

Jennifer found herself on a plane, on her wedding day, ALONE! Though her wedding day didn't go as planned, there is a certain someone who felt it necessary to keep her company on her "all alone honeymoon". Enter Jared, an old boyfriend who has never stopped having feelings about Jennifer, but another man is NOT what she had in mind. Will Jennifer give Jared one more chance?

Oh my gosh, I loved how this story started out! I would be shocked to see any old boyfriend of mine next to me, on a plane, bound for a honeymoon I had to take alone! This was such a fun story that I am so glad I spent a few hours of my afternoon reading. I laughed when I read the part about her waiting to see if Ashton Kutcher would be popping out of somewhere! The characters were those I could easily relate to and I loved how persistent Jared was. Kudos to the author for not making the heroine a skinny minny model type!

I have never read anything by Kathryn Gerbert before and I enjoyed reading The One That Got Away. The storied just flowed at the perfect pace with the perfect balance of drama and humor! I wish I could give this story a higher rating than the highest that we have. I highly recommend this book to ANYONE who loves a fun-filled charming read. The One That Got Away is a book that proves that love doesn't always happen when we think it will. I so wish that this story was longer! Hey, maybe we can convince Ms. Gerbert to do a sequel? I am not above begging!

Rating: 5 smacks
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: Elizabeth