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Review - Hold On by LaVerne Thompson

Title: Hold On
Author: LaVerne Thompson
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Buy Link: Hold On

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewer: Sashet

One phone call changed both their lives.

A real life knight in shining armor, except he isn't in armor he's in a suit. But the first time Lena Douglas lays eyes on Stephan Grayson that's what he seems to her. He saves her from a violence that still haunts her nights, but at least he's there to hold her should she wake. But the nightmare's not over, it stalks them both now. Something from her past that will not let go.

But then neither will Stephan. He saved her once and he's not about to let anyone, especially Lena, stand in the way of what is happening between them.

But will Stephan always be there to shield her from her past?

When Stephan Grayson sees someone attacking a woman from his car, he calls 911 – when they don’t respond soon enough the computer programming executive exchanges his suit for a metaphorical suit of armor. What follows is a sweet love story that builds around danger. Stephan’s gentle care of Lena after the attack and tender rebuilding of her confidence is worth the time spent reading.

Ms. Thompson doesn’t candy coat the attack – instead she allows Lena to experience all the horror of it and nightmares and fears that follow. Stephan’s restraint in not pushing is touching and a beautiful thing to read. She treats her readers to touching sex scenes that warm the heart. A book you definitely Need to Read.

Review - Promises by LaVerne Thompson

Title: Promises
Author: LaVerne Thompson
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Buy Link: Promises

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewed by: Tami

Blurb: Can the promise of love withstand the test of time?

Childhood friends, David and Mia know there is something special, something different about their friendship. But then David moves away and whatever that something is they never have the chance to explore.

Mia waits twelve years for David to come back to her, knowing deep in her heart that one day he would. She made him a promise the day he left, she would wait for him, and she kept it.

Unbeknownst to her, he has also. He never forgets her. Not where it counts, in his heart. Now he has to prove it to her.

Unforgettable or is it a game he is playing?


Review: This was a very sweet short read. I felt a connection to the male lead in this story but really wanted a little more from the female lead. I could feel his tenseness from page one of this book and wanted to know a little more about how she was feeling. The writing was very descriptive and brought about the emotions portrayed in the book.

If you enjoy a book with the promise of a love that that should have been, then you should check out Promises today! I can't wait to read more from Ms. Thompson. Oh, and did I say, "Yummy cover! Whoo!"

Review - Ella the Vampire by Barton Paul Levenson

Title: Ella the Vampire
Author: Barton Paul Levenson
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Buy Link: Ella the Vampire

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by: Tami

Blurb: Ella went from victim to vampire…The price? Watching friends and civilizations grow old and die.

Ella spent her youth in a nightmare of abuse. Ever the victim, she ultimately turns to prostitution. Life changes quickly when the undead give her immortality.

Now, she walks the earth with wealth, power and time at her fingertips. Watching loved ones and civilizations age and die, she must grapple with the question: Why was she chosen?

Review: Initially, I was turned off by the length of this novel. I am into quick reads with the schedule that I hold. I never imagined that a 314 page novel would go by so quickly.

The start of the book seemed to go a little slow, but once I got into it, I was hooked and even managed to dream about the characters and what would happen in the book. The characters are very endearing and real to me despite the fact that they were mostly vampires.

The settings in this book played out in my mind as if it were a movie playing. Every detail made me feel as if I were there, not sitting on my couch with my laptop screen blaring white light at me. I could sense the change from vampire to bat, I could sense the atmosphere at the bar, I could feel the dreams.

And last but not least, I was shocked beyond belief to see mention of Jesus in the book. I can't tell you why he was there, but I can tell you that he works wonderfully into the story and helps the book complete the story in my mind. There were no wishing things had been said, there was no wishing that the author would shut up, there was only KUDOS to you Barton Paul Levenson KUDOS!

Review - Feels Like Old Times by Brady S. Sutton

Title: Feels Like Old Times
Author: Brady S. Sutton
Publisher: Eternal Press
Buy Link: Feels Like Old Times

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewer: Val

Feeling old. Lamenting your missing libido. But oh-so-much-more: missing the only woman you ever loved. 
This is Christmas for Harry Bates. Until he meets Carla Long, a widow who refuses to hide her lust for life and love—and Harry Bates. 
When Carla declares her desires, Harry realizes he wants this woman…in every way. But one question makes him hesitate: What would his late wife, Maria, say?

Harry Bates had lost the woman of his dreams. He never though he could ever find someone to relplace his dear Maria, and he didn't want to. He was just tired of being alone. Some friends of his introduced him to Carla, a widow, who makes no apologies for how she lives or how much she desires a relationship with Larry. Come join me on this journey of passion ignited.

Harry's character melted my heart. He was tired of feeling so old and lonely. Harry had a lot of issues to deal with including feeling like he was betraying his dead wife by being attracted to another woman. His reaction to his lacking libido was humorous and serious at the same time. Carla's character made me laugh out loud. She was brassy, sassy and made no apologies for how she dealt with the roller coaster of life. I enjoyed experiencing the characters grow closer and overcome what could have been some very awkward moments. My favorite moment had to be when she presented him with the Christmas present.

Feels Like Old Times was a well written, refreshing and magnificent. It proves you are never too old to find passion and romance no matter how old you feel. I would recommend it to anybody who loves romance with a little bit of eroticism and a lot of humor thrown in. Feels Like Old Times was written in a very mature and understanding way that I found very appealing and is certainly a book that I loved curling up with.

Review - A Kiss of Ashen Twilight

Title: A Kiss of Ashen Twilight
Author: Rae Lori
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Buy Link: A Kiss of Ashen Twilight

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

An attack on her family drives Ariya to seek protection at the Ashen Twilight House. Once there, she encounters only more danger, along with the dark rescuer who haunts her dreams. Jace Archane is a vampire on the hunt, and distractions like Ariya are the last thing he wants or needs. But their survival might just hinge on one another when a vicious elemental creature threatens the underground world of Nightwalkers, Lycans and Shifter Elves. Caught between a shared enemy and otherworldly love, Jace and Ariya must unite before fear can tear them apart.

I’m not going to say I liked this book. But I do not believe the fault lies with the story or even the author, but is my own. I am not a fan of the “Destined to be Together” plot device. I find it over used and cliche. But more over, it feels as if the characters have lost their ability to choose their path in life, and leaves the romance feeling like an arranged marriage.

Another element I find to be not to my taste, is Jace’s habit of losing track of his testicles on a fairly regular basis. If I’m reading a story about a vampire bad-boy whose lived through centuries of mortal and immortal wars, I don’t want him to spontaneously turn into a Shakespeare knock off every times he sees a pair of pouty lips.

Overall, the story is reasonably well written and nicely paced, with some decent plot twists. While this story was not for me, I would recommend it to those who fancy this sort of plot line.

Review - Valentine Magic by MA Gonzales

Title: Valentine Magic
Author: MA Gonzales
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Buy Link: Valentine Magic

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewer: Val

Gwen was asked by her boss to retrieve a manuscript written by one of the best selling authors at the time. Deciding to take her vacation to Hawaii right after getting the manuscript, she heads up to the Colorado Rockies to find herself in a small snowstorm. Reaching the house of David Masters, the author, she realizes, this is not just a simple small snow storm but an all out blizzard. When Gwen meets David, she realizes that her heart is in danger. Can they make it through the snowstorm with their hearts in tact?

Valentine Magic was an breathtaking book. I relationship between Gwen and David was extraordinary, I actually felt like I was living the relationship with them. Gwen was a woman who had been through tremendous heartbreak and was not ready to give her heart to anyone. David was a man who thrived on solitude in order to keep himself from being hurt. The chemistry between Gwen and David was electrifying and I was hooked in the first chapter. The plot and characters were remarkably believable and that being said, please, please, please do a sequel to this book!



M.A. Gonzales is an incredible writer who has a talent of drawing the reader into the story rapidly while engaging them with humor and sexual tension. I have never read any of this writer's work, but based on this book alone, I would automatically add any work from M.A. Gonzales to my to be read list. I was very intrigued by the writing style and I highly recommend this book to any lover of romance.

Review - Going Down 2 by Karma Jones, Tambra Kendall, Blythe Phillips and Jane Leopold Quinn

Title: Going Down 2
Author: Karma Jones; Tambra Kendall; Blythe Phillips, Jane Leopold Quinn
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Buy Link: Going Down 2

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewer: Val

Going Down 2 is a anthology of four stories that are sure to knock your socks off and leave you more than a little hot. Come take a little walk with me as we discuss these four stories. All four take place in an elevator. Did you ever think they could be so much fun?

"The Erotic Touch" by Tambra Kendall

Kimber has been attracted to her friend Chris for what seems like forever. When he finally shows an interest, she's game! Chris has a plan for Kimber and she is more than happy to oblige.

I always love it when there is a happy couple but to make that couple be two close friends who realize that they are falling for each other makes it even sweeter! I was fascinated by the plot of the book and I found myself actually getting into the characters and the plot. This was a very, very erotic read. I enjoyed reading The Erotic Touch which was written in a brilliant way. Tambra Kendall is a very gifted writer and I look forward to seeing more great works from her.

"At Your Service" by Blythe Phillips

Amber Gray is always the one person that everyone figures does not have a social life so she puts in hours on Saturdays because there is no one else to do the job. Brian King is a security guard that has been enchanted by Amber for over a year. The bank is being robbed and both Amber and Brian find themselves locked in a small utility closet. It's in this closet that their feelings for each other are revealed. It then becomes necessary for them to move to the service elevator where things get more than a little steamy.

I thought the beginning moved a little too fast. I couldn't picture a couple going at it during a robbery, until I got into the book. I think if there had been more leading up to the the moment, this would have worked quite well. I do see how the story needed to start out like it did because it made the end so much better than if the story had gone differently. This was a faced paced, action packed story that, at times, had me holding my breath! All of that being said, this book was my favorite. I was still thinking about this story long after I read it.

At your service was a wonderfully written book and the action scenes were AMAZING! I have never read a book by Blythe Phillips but she just found herself another fan.


Elevator Encounters: Double Trouble by Karma Jones

John Savage was a salesman who had a quota to meet. In his quest to make top salesman in the company, he makes a trip to Gina Pharmaceuticals to make a sale and is surprised at what he finds. He is asked to make a "live" demonstration and things only get hotter from there.

Elevator Encounters: Double Trouble was a well written, twist taking read that made me wonder what was coming next. No pun intended. Karma Jones is a new writer to me but definitely had me wanting to read more of her work. I would love to see a sequel to this story that includes a more in depth look into the characters lives and wouldn't it be awesome if this time Lew was the main character? He sounded like a very hunky character! This story was very erotic and most certainly did not disappoint.

"His, Hers, and His by Jane Leopold Quinn

Gwen Bailey had just broken up with her no good boyfriend of six months. Still stunned at the outcome of her broken relationship, in walk two very hunky men named Brede Harker and Rory O'Brien. They both had a date with Gwens boss Ada, who conveniently was on her honeymoon. Gwen finds out that the gorgeous men are from sugardaddiesinc.com. Accepting their invite for dinner, Gwen soon learns that she is in for one hot date.

I enjoyed reading His, Hers and His. The story was very relatable and had me wishing, why do these things not happen to me? I loved the story-line and the characters were hot, hot, hot. I haven't read anything from Jane Leopold Quinn, but based on this book alone, I am missing out on one talented author. This story was very erotic and I think the reader will be pleasantly surprised when they read this book.

In conclusion, this anthology is an amazingly erotic read that you will not want to miss. The authors had very different writing styles but each book in it's own was outstanding. In my opinion, this is a must read for anyone who enjoys erotic romance.

Review - Facing Facts by Helen Ravell

Title: Facing Facts
Author: Helen Ravell
Publisher: Champagne Books
Buy Link: Facing Facts

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Mickey

Gemma Brown has always been a little outspoken, nothing wrong with that of course. So when she just happens to voice her opinion of the new CEO, Nick Matheson, in his hearing, it’s not all bad, is it? Well, not exactly. Facing Facts by Helen Ravell starts out from the first paragraph with laughter and continues along the same vein to the reader’s profound enjoyment. Gemma has good intentions, but as we discover more than a few issues with her follow through. Luckily for Gemma Nick by opposite, is very professional and decides to take her comments under advisement and to use her talents – business-wise, to help with his current project. At least that is the initial plan as both Gemma and Nick fight both tooth and nail to keep their relationship strictly business. Both main characters struggle along trying to ignore those “other” feelings, managing to fool only each other and entertaining their friends and co-workers the entire time. As we know, life seldom follows our needs or desires, which in this instance leads to a truly wonderful romance.

Ms. Ravell is a fantastic storyteller: I giggled, I laughed, and I chuckled my way through the entire book. I loved Gemma’s adventurous spirit and her most endearing trait that pseudo-paranoid need to over analyze every situation. Luckily, she has her best friend Suze there as a calming influence, and occasional catalyst. Not that Gemma and Nick need a “catalyst” to incite the physical part of their relationship – can you say steamy? While not giving away too much of the story, things are not completely smooth sailing between the pair even though they are expert sailors. How could it be with two such strong-willed individuals? I thoroughly enjoyed Facing Facts and hope to read more from this author in the future; she has a unique style and a rare comedic timing that would lend itself well to almost any genre. I recommend this book to anyone looking to for a light-hearted break, you will not be disappointed.

Review - My Best Friend's Sister by Tiffany Parker

Title: My Best Friend’s Sister
Author: Tiffany Parker
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Buy Link: My Best Friend's Sister

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Mickey

Sometimes as readers we become so jaded by the number of books available that it is easy to overlook the true gems; My Best Friend’s Sister is definitely one of those gems that should not be missed. In this novel, Tiffany Parker tells the story of two families, the Browns and the Carters, connected for years by the friendships between their children, about to test the limits of how deep those bonds really are. When we meet the main characters, Kimble Brown and Alexandra Carter, they are young adults, Kimble just twenty-three and Alex eighteen and just graduating from high school. While it is obvious that they are attracted to each other, it is also just as obvious that Kim is fighting that attraction and Alex is fighting equally as hard to change his mind. The one thing the both agree is a major impediment to any relationship are Alex’s five brothers, all Kimble’s friends and in some instances confidantes. Elray, Dillon, Trent, Rayden and Rayvon know a little too much about Kimble wild past to approve of “someone like him” for their little sister. Overcoming that obstacle dominates the majority of the book in some fashion as Kimble and Alex struggle to define and solidify their relationship as time progresses.

As readers, we are able to watch, suffer, laugh and rejoice with Alex and Kimble as they take the steps that move them into their future, and sometimes those choices are just as painful as they are rewarding. Ms. Parker does not shy away from emotional scenes, perhaps because she is so talented at writing them. While reading My Best Friend’s Sister the reader is offered many opportunities to giggle, laugh out loud and of course cry with her favorite characters as they find their way. Interestingly, one of the charms of this book is its normalcy – the issues these families face are universal, the love they share does actually exist and Ms. Parker’s ability to illustrate it is exceptional. It is also interesting to watch the characters as they grow older, slowly maturing as we are allowed to witness some of their mishaps first hand in all their glory. While this is mainly Kimble and Alexandra’s story, we do find several other characters to identify and bond with, people that touch our hearts as the years progress in the pages of the book. This is a wonderful story, one I highly recommend!

Thirst For Revenge Review

Title : Thirst For Revenge
Author : Megan Rose
Publisher : Red Rose Publishing
Buy Link : Thirst for Revenge

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Tir

Is revenge stronger than the thirst, the first taste of passion?
Vampire assassin Marcus has waited hundreds of years to avenge the death of his Prince. Princess Kayla is determined to bring her brother's killer to Vampire justice.
But what will happen when both Kayla and Marcus find themselves caught in the human world with a Vampire enemy who must be destroyed?
Two Vampires, one passionate attraction and a dangerous thirst for revenge. What more could you want?

This hot vampire novel is the first in Ms. Rose's Fellorian Vampire series and starts off the collection with a bang. Marcus and Kayla are brought to life in the first few pages of Thirst For Revenge with sparkling clarity. Her writing is smooth and very descriptive, immersing you completely in the world of sexy vampire assassin Marcus. Kayla's strength in serving the vampire who killed her brother is outstanding and her hidden vulnerability is painfully clear to the reader. I am definitely looking forward to more from this series and this author in general. I definitely recommend picking this up if you are looking for a steamy read.

Review - Carribean Dreams of Love by Bess McBride

Title: Carribean Dreams of Love
Author: Bess McBride
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Buy Link: Carribean Dreams Of Love

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by: Laura

Daisy Brown and her daughter, Lily, delight in taking Carribean cruises. They like meeting people, visiting the different islands and generally enjoying a relaxing getaway. As they begin their latest cruise, Daisy catches a glimpse of a man dressed in black onboard their ship. He is handsome, intriguing and stirs something inside Daisy that has long been dormant. She begins to actively seek him out. She is not willing to begin a shipboard romance but cannot help the attraction she feels for the kind stranger.

Peter Carswell has been alone and lonely for so long it seems that is all he knows. He sees the most beautiful woman in the world boarding the cruise ship. One look and he knows she is the one that is meant to end his loneliness. All he has to do is convince her to give him a chance.

Ms. McBride has done it again. She has once more penned a beautiful, tender love story that reaches readers of all ages. The story begins with the love of a mother for her daughter, journeys to her awakening femininity and culminates in the realization of a dream. The book cleverly weaves a tale of pirates, the beauty of the Carribean and the cultivating of friendships that begin in the most unlikely of places. I found myself firmly perched on my chair reading nonstop from first page to last. I turned pages eagerly because I could not wait to find out the ending. As is typical of Ms. McBride's books, you get hooked in the beginningr, hang on for the middle amidst tears, anxiety and suspense, and finally find yourself sighing romantically. It is rare to find a writer who so consistently pleases her readers book after book. This author makes it a foregone conclusion.

Review - By The Moonlight by Jaxx Steele

Title: By The Moonlight
Author: Jaxx Steele
Publisher: Dream Spinner Press
Buy Link: By The Moonlight - Nap Sized Dreams

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed by: Laura Moreno

Jared Sinclair is a woman-loving vampire. She routinely takes women to his home, beds them, feeds from them and returns them from wherever they came from. His best friend, Byron, prefers men. One night after Byron made a strange comment to him, it occurs to Jared to explore Byron’s world a little more. Jared knew Byron’s life was very different from his. Jared was unprepared for how similar they could be too.

Reading this book reminded me of stories where next door neighbors don’t even realize the attraction until years, sometimes decades later. The interaction between best friends Jared and Byron is so emotional and tender that you cannot help but want to encourage their closeness. Byron slowly and carefully pulls Jared in to his world by first feeding him samples of his lifestyle as an appetizer. Once Jared is hungry for more, he feeds him a different dish, if you will. The story is wonderfully crafted and refreshingly plotted out so that the reader is never quite sure who will succeed. Bravo.

Review - The Gift That Keeps On Giving by Jaxx Steele

Title: The Gift That Keeps On Giving
Author: Jaxx Steele
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Buy Link: The Gift That Keeps On Giving
Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed by: Laura

Lovell Johnston was teased mercilessly when he was a child because he was color-blind. As an adult, his uneasiness around people has led him to only have one relationship, and it was extremely casual. His job as the owner of a dating website keeps him away from interacting with people except for the written word. He is home for the holidays with his mother and sister and is unaware of the gift waiting for him.

Avery Lockhart is doing his duty by helping his family run the store. He is a lawyer by trade but doesn’t mind pitching in especially when he runs into Lovell. Well, well, well, where is the mistletoe?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The byplay between the two characters and the diversity of their lifestyles had me laughing, anxious and eager to read more. Avery and Lovell do the dance all lovers do in the beginning but this book spices it up with the added insecurities that Lovell has harbored all his life. I cheered for the pair throughout the pages and read the last sentence with a sigh of pleasure. Well done, Mr. Steele.

Review - After The Storm by Jaxx Steele

Title: After the Storm
Author: Jaxx Steele
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Buy Link: After The Storm

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed by: Laura

Ethan Conrad’s latest relationship caused his father to banish him to Indiana to manage his father’s business there. He knows his father is not willing to accept Ethan’s lifestyle so Ethan obeys.

Marcus Devereaux lost everyone he cared about due to Hurricane Katrina. His father, mother, lover and friends were all taken from his life in one fell swoop. He is bound and determined not to get close to anyone ever again because losing them is just too hard.

I began this story with great hope for an interracial love story that packed a punch. While the background laid a great premise, Marcus’ unwillingness to allow others into his life was a little unbelievable. When you lose someone, you tend to cling more to what you have or try to regain what you lost in a desperate attempt to still feel alive. That someone would go to such lengths to distance himself just was not credible to me. Ethan is persistent when initially rebuffed by Marcus, and that ultimately leads to the rest of the relationship. I think it also was a little far-fetched that Marcus would promise Ethan a forever romance after only knowing each other such a short time. That being said, the dialogue between the characters and love scenes were nicely written and steered the balance of the story to a fitting end. This book is a good endeavor by Mr. Steele but I would have preferred more depth to the characters.

Review - The Devil Made Me Do It by Jaxx Steele

Title: The Devil Made Me Do It
Author: Jaxx Steele
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Buy Link: The Devil Made Me Do It
Rating: You Want To Read

Reviewed by: Laura

Rick Michelson is content with being a teacher by day and a plain-vanilla type man at night with his lover, Terry. Rick allows Terry to be wild enough for both of them so he doesn’t feel compelled to step it up so to speak.

There is something to be said for stepping outside the box. The Devil pays a visit to Rick one night and presents him with an interesting proposition; either go along with The Devil’s plan or risk Terry being hurt or Rick’s school going up in flames. Rick, not one to be confrontational, agrees to go along with the plan. He takes a trip through the Male Room where he is subjected to some of the most delicious scenarios imaginable.

Rick’s transformation should be a lesson to everyone. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. It is not always the best thing to be happy with what is. One should be willing to explore new things in order to broaden and deepen our current lives. Being straight by nature did nothing to keep me from being extremely drawn into the sex scenes in this book. The detail of the acts and the description of the scenes were spot on. I could see how each aspect of the various trials was played out. This book is raw and dirty and so compelling that I could not put it down. My only disappointment is that the book wasn’t longer.

Review - Point of Distraction The Second Collection by Cindy Jacks

Title: Point of Distraction - The Second Collection
Author: Cindy Jacks
Publisher: Lyrical Press, Incorporated
Buy Link: Point of Distraction - The Second Collection

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed by: Laura


This follow-up to Ms. Jacks’ prior publication continues her theme of a series of three short stories that follows the life of one woman, Ana Welsh. She is complicated but sensitive; emotional but controlled and impulsive yet introspective.

In the initial story, Dirty Pool, Ana loses her housekeeper and hires Todd Velvetine who soon becomes her best friend. He is a gay man with her best interests at heart. He is able to whip up a fantastic dinner for her and sit and dish about her sexual conquests just like one of her girlfriends. She also meets Jordan Christiansen who is a doctor in town. She does the usual, “Will he call me or should I call him” dance that we all go through at one point in our life. He makes a tremendous impact on her life; one she is not used to one man making.

Story number two, The Road Less Taken, revolves around Ana trying to have merely a platonic relationship with her new acquaintance, Nikhil. She met him at a party thrown by her new masseuse, Kai, who has done wonderful things to help her relax and relieve her stress. Meeting Nikhil makes her want to have a relationship with a man that doesn’t revolve around having sex. They go on outings and really enjoy just being together. Ana discovers what a delightful and enjoyable thing this could be.

The final story, Alone In a Crowd, sums up Ana’s life as she enjoys three men all in one day. Darcy – from Book 1 – makes an appearance for breakfast, Jonathan for dinner and Miguel - also from Book 1 – for drinks. Ana sits back and looks at her life and how frivolous her love life tends to be. The final story could be her epiphany.

I loved this book! As you enter Ana’s world, you cannot help but want to live your life vicariously through her. She is fun, sexy and intelligent but not pretentious. She has the same character flaws most of us do in that we are concerned with our appearance and being too emotional when it comes to relationships. Ana has the ability to flip her desperation switch off when she feels she is getting too attached to one man. Unfortunately, most of us do not have that switch. Nor do we have a great housekeeper that can let us vent, cry and fall apart all while preparing a sumptuous meal to go with it. I laughed at Todd’s fantastic antics and Ana’s man-juggling act. The energy that drives the story is amazing and thoroughly delightful. I could keep coming back for the stories this author dishes up again and again.

Review - Life's Breath by Nancy Wald

Title: Life’s Breath
Author: Nancy Wald
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Buy Link: Life's Breath
Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

Fifteen years ago, sorceress Arlana created something evil. It now threatens to destroy the kingdom she calls home. To defeat it, she must fulfill her destiny. Not only does the future of the realm hang in the balance, so does the life of her beloved Prince Garrett. Magic, treachery and loyalty gives Prince Garrett reason to doubt, to resist...and love Arlana. When she asks him to set honor aside and tie his blood with hers, can he sort through the scars left on his heart and accept the obstinate sorceress? Is love enough to save a kingdom in crisis?

While not as gripping as the blurb suggests, I truly enjoyed this story. The characters are believable, the plot was smooth, and it was liberally sprinkled with humor. And while the sex was nothing earth shattering, it warmed nicely.

Perhaps my favorite element of this book is the dynamic between Garrett and Arlana. As so often happens between men and women, they often argue while saying the exact same thing. A great many of their issues stem from the well defined and confining roles they play based on their gender and social standing. This leaves them to fight not only for the kingdom they both love, but with themselves, as they decide the best course when their own needs and wants must be put on the back burner.

Review - Danger, Word Games by Eve Summers

Title: Danger, Word Games
Author: Eve Summers
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Buy Link: Danger, Word GamesRating: You Want to Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

She is disillusioned with love, romance and men who are Mr Almost Right. She loves words, true words that shine. All she gets from men are clichés straight from Mills and Boon, cheap words meant to loosen her morals or her purse strings. She is disillusioned with love, until a younger man says to her: "My favourite opening line is Suck my "

In these scant few days before Valentine’s Day we are all looking for those special words that make us feel special. Words, as any writer knows, have power. They can brings us great joy or crush us, all in the briefest of utterances. Some of use enjoy the wine and the roses and the sweet nothings; some of us seek something a bit more primal.

Review - Museums are Murder: A short Tali Cates Mystery

Title: Museums are Murder: A short Tali Cates Mystery
Author: Carol Shenold
Publisher: Eternal Press
Buy Link: Museums are Murder

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

When Tali agrees to help her friends with the Love County Museum opening, she is expecting a pleasant time with familiar faces—just maybe not as familiar as her former lover, Aiden Courtland. To add to her worries, there has also been a murder. Things start to really heat up when Aiden reveals that a demon wants to cart Tali away to another world—permanently. Now she must face her own powers as well as a were wolf and a demon in order to keep her family safe.

I admit, this book caught me at a disadvantage, being part of a series I’ve yet to read. That said, I still found it very enjoyable. More importantly, it is well written enough that I did not need to have read the others in the series to understand what is going on.

The title says it is a short story, and that is no lie. At only about 40 pages, this is a quick evening read. But it uses those pages wisely, taking the reader on a quick adventure that brushes against romance and danger. The length does however hinder the development of any real mystery in the story, as the answers are raveled almost as soon as the questions are asked.

This one is a fun, bite-sized, read; good to help you unwind before bed, but won’t keep you up at night either.

Review - MacGowan's Ghost by Cindy Miles

Title: MacGowan’s Ghost
Author: Cindy Miles
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Buy Link: MacGowan's Ghost (Signet Eclipse)

Rating: You Need Read

Reviewer: Sashet


Gabe MacGowan—a sexy, brooding, guilt-ridden widower and father to mischievous seven-yearold Jake—is the proprietor of Odin’s Thumb Inn and Pub in a misty Scottish seaside village. He decides to sell the inn and move, not only to give his son a more stable environment, but to escape the ghosts who haunt him—in particular his dead wife.

Gabe hires Allie Morgan, an easy-going and fun-loving American, to oust the spirits who are chasing away potential buyers. Odin’s Thumb is bustling with frightened tourists, quirky residents of the village, and dodgy yet lovable apparitions—including the ghost of a sea captain who fancies Allie. Allie knows she can help Gabe chase away his own ghosts, but can she help him rediscover life—and love?

MacGowan’s Ghost was a first for Ms. Miles fans – neither the hero nor the heroine was a ghost. That isn’t to say there weren’t a full cast of the living impaired or her trademark humor. As with all of her book, sexual tension is the name of the game. If you prefer reading tension instead of a lot of love scenes, you’ll love this book. I completely enjoyed spending time in the village of Sealladh na Mara with Gabe, Allie, Jake and all the ghost.

Review - Coyote's Mate by Lora Leigh

Title: Coyote’s Mate
Author: Lora Leigh
Publisher: Berkley Sensations
Buy Link: Coyote's Mate (Coyote Breeds, Book 2)


Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewer: Sashet

For six years Anya Korbin worked with Del-Rey Delgato—the genetically altered rebel known as the Coyote Ghost—to free a group of coyote women kept in her father’s lab. As Anya matured into a woman, she and Del-Rey grew close…but then he broke his promise and killed her father. Now she must deal with her animalistic desire for the one who betrayed her.

The latest in Ms. Leigh’s Breed series is out and for only the second time in the series the Coyote’s take center stage. Of all the Council created breeds, Coyotes are the least understood. In Coyote’s Mate, Ms. Leigh pulls back that layer of mystery and shows her readers who and what the Coyotes are about. Anya and Del-Rey’s story is destined to become my favorite of the series. Having read all the Breed books, I knew what to expect: strong alpha male, equally strong woman, and some really steamy sex scenes. What I didn’t expect was the lump that rose in my throat or the tears that threatened. This book is the most emotionally involving of the series.

As always Ms. Leigh delivers wonderfully complex characters in a world that could be, but this time she took it a step further and definitely created a book you gotta read.

Lizzie's Listening Review

Title: Lizzie’s Listening
Author: Mackenzie Drew
Publisher: Eternal Press
Buy Link: Lizzie's Listening

Rating : You Could Read

Reviewed By: Tir

Eleven year old, Lizzie Harper is a family's worst nightmare. She is a compulsive killer and nothing short of a demon child.
When Rachael Barter applies for a housekeeping job and is hired, little does she realize she will eventually assume the role of surrogate mother to an evil child that has the same traits as Satan, himself…

As I read Lizzie’s Listening I found that I really wanted more. I think the story would have been better presented in a longer format, to really bring out the evil in Lizzie that is only hinted at in this short story. The ending was slightly rushed and again, I think an expanded version of this story would be really great. As is, it does give you a little bit of the heebie-jeebies. Lizzie is quite an evil little child and the way she speaks, moves, and threatens is well established. Over all Ms. Drew presents a very creepy horror story and I would like to see more from her.

Review - Wicked Redemption by Nancy Henderson

Title: Wicked Redemption
Author: Nancy Henderson
Publisher: Champagne Books
Buy Link: Wicked Redemption

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by: Tami

Blurb: Maggie Webb never considered her ability a gift. In fact, seeing dead people
has put quite a damper on her life. When a demon shows up seeking revenge, all hell breaks loose. An even bigger problem: he passes out in her home then wakes up with no memory whatsoever.

Cole Turner is back from Hell, and he’s going to make Maggie pay. Maggie’s “gift” is blocking his mission of stealing souls. However, coming to Earth without permission from The Dark One has cut his ties to Hell and caused him to lose his memory. He no longer knows Maggie Webb as his enemy but sees her as the only person who can help him discover who, or what, he really is.

The attraction Maggie feels toward him is undeniable, but if Cole regains his memory he may try to destroy her once again. And if the Dark One finds him…Can Maggie break the bonds of Hell?


Review: OK, so I don't normally give out You Gotta Read ratings. It has to be something that just sparks my interest so much that I just can't seem to contain myself. My boyfriend has suffered through me trying to tell him what was going on in this book over and over again. I've been a firm believer that if you don't capture my attention in the first chapter, then you pretty much are toast. Nancy Henderson did better than that! She captured my attention from the first page. I was hooked from page one and even went as far as to contact the publishing house to find out when this book goes in print. I need to have this in my collection with an autograph on it.

Ms. Henderson is a master with words and a wizard in making the paranormal seem normal and real. I enjoyed the characters range of emotions and depth of feeling. Though none of this could have ever happened in real life, I could see it happening, feel my heart rate go up while in the tense moments in the book. Thank you Ms. Henderson for giving me a read that will not be forgotten! Kudos to you and hope to see more from you in the near future.

Review - Carina and the Nobleman by Jannine Corti Petska

Title: Carina and the Nobleman
Author: Jannine Corti Petska
Publisher: Eternal Press
Buy Link: Carina and The Nobleman

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

Forced to the streets after her mother dies, Carina Gallo is desperate to survive and find her long lost sisters. Consumed with locating his missing brother, Count Luciano has forsaken his needs. When he catches beautiful and vulnerable Carina stealing from him, he takes pity and cares for her until she's strong enough to work off her crime. Carina is forever grateful to Luciano, yet fears he will learn of her wicked secret and condemn her to burn. Will Luciano and Carina find a way to feed the mutual passions they share, or will heresy and obsession with lost family destroy them both?

When it comes to romance, I want a story I can believe. If I don’t believe it could really happen, it loses it’s appeal. This is one of the things that makes this book so wonderful in my mind. The problems they face are real concerns for the period and the characters keep to their roles both in society. That said, I was also pleased to see that the Heroine was not a doormat.

This book is a real tease. Just when you think the pair will have their moment something always seems to interrupt, dragging out the nice slow burn through the entire story. Even better, the smut fit nicely within the plot.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a good read.

Review - Paging Miss Galloway

Title: Paging Miss Galloway
Author: Susanne Marie Knight
Publisher: Awe-Struck E-Books
Buy Link: Paging Miss Galloway

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Mickey

Paging Miss Galloway by Susanne Marie Knight is an irrepressibly fun comedy of hidden agendas and mistaken identities all done in the tradition of the late, great Georgette Heyer. Masquerading as a boy, Danielle Galloway runs away to Bath to “rescue” her brother Benjamin, however before she is able to leave town she encounters her first mishap and ends up being rescued herself by Edward Sterling, the Earl of Tremaine and his best friend. As a solution, Tremaine hires “Danny” to serve as his page on his own trip to Bath. This suits them both nicely, that is until Edward starts to notice a few inconsistencies about his young page. Unfortunately for Danny, but to the readers’ great enjoyment, Danny’s identity goes undetected on their journey to Bath while she/he is placed in several compromising and awkward situations where discovery seems imminent yet never quite realized.

Ms. Knight does an exceptional job of keeping the tension uppermost in her readers‘ minds as she keeps Danny from revealing her true identity to Edward while we watch her feelings for him grow deeper. The multiple subplots embedded within the story are a great literary technique. Rather than detracting from the main theme of love recognizing its match in spite of life’s obstacles, the subplots only add to and bolster the story even more. I found Paging Miss Galloway to be a very entertaining and enjoyable romance, just the right book to read when you want to relax for a few hours, and escape in the past.

Review - Kisses Like A Devil By Diane Whiteside

Title: Kisses Like A Devil
Author: Diane Whiteside
Publisher: Brava
Buy Link: Kisses Like A Devil


Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewer: Sashet

Strikingly handsome, wealthy, and accomplished, Brian Donovan has succeeded in everything he puts his mind to - except marriage. Now, as a favour to his former military commander Teddy Roosevelt, Brian is investigating a powerful new weapon invented in the small European country of Eisengau. The task carries prestige, danger, and an enticing complication in the lithe form of Meredith Duncan. With her deliciously candid approach to all things sensual, Meredith is unlike any woman Brian has known. In fact, she wants him to ruin her reputation - and Brian eagerly obliges, initiating a passionate, playful, and wildly erotic affair...A feminist who believes in free love, Meredith has always battled convention. When her parents urge her toward an odious marriage, Meredith turns to the dashing, thoroughly masculine American who could be her only hope of escape. But nothing is as simple as it seems, and as competition to acquire the new weapon turns deadly, two lovers are drawn into a treacherous game where the stakes run as high as their raw, mutual desire, and the greatest risk of all may lie within an untested and all-consuming love...


As with any series, which the Devil books is, the joy is seeing previous heroes and heroines and catching up with old friends. William and Viola make their appearances and it is wonderful to see them as much in love as they were at the end of Irish Devil. Diane Whiteside proves that history does repeat itself in Kisses Like A Devil. When Meredith needs to escape a horrible engagement she offers to become Brian Donovan’s mistress. Just like his mother did with his father. Of course that’s where the similarities end. Too often books about the children are merely repeats of the parents romance, Ms. Whiteside instead takes into account that Brian and Meredith are not William and Viola and gives them a romance filled with passion and intrigue.

That this is book four in a series doesn’t mean that a new reader can’t pick it up and enjoy it – they will – however those who have read the series will love seeing familiar faces, hearing about old friends and meeting new people. Definitely a book You Need to Read!
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Review - A Highlander of Her Own by Melissa Mayhue

Title: A Higlander of Her Own
Author: Melissa Mayhue
Publisher: Pocket Books
Buy Link: A Highlander of Her Own (Daughters of the Glen, Book 4)


Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewer: Sashet

TEXAS, PRESENT DAY. Ellie Denton’s world has spiraled out of control. A strange new birthmark, animals talking to her, and her mother’s ex-husband laying claim to the family ranch have her thinking life can’t get more complicated. But Ellie doesn’t know the birthmark’s connection to her Faerie ancestors. Complicated takes on a whole new meaning with her innocent wish to find her true love.

SCOTLAND, 1304. Caden MacAlister has more trouble than he can handle. With his brother held for ransom and the laird missing, the last thing he needs is another problem. But the Fae have other plans.
A mysterious woman shows up in his stables, sent by Faerie Magic to find her true love. Fighting his attraction, Caden insists she’s meant for one of his brothers. With his history, he has no desire for a woman in his life—especially a woman sent by the Fae.

Only the magic of the Fae can determine whether Ellie will find a Highlander of her own...

I found Melissa Mayhue’s Daughers of the Glen series quite by accident last year and instantly fell in love with the magic and time traveling of them. Like any series every time a new book comes out I worry that the series will falter. I’m very glad that not only did A Highlander of Her Own not let down its predecessors it joined them in my favorite reads category. Caden and Ellie are at war with each other almost from the moment they meet. How can a man from the fourteenth century deal with a woman from the twenty first century? She’s the opposite of everything he has been taught a lady should be. How can an opinionated twenty-first century woman deal with a lost love that is the perfect lady of the fourteenth century and win her man? The twist and turns, deceptions, betrayals and magic play out perfectly in A Highlander of Her Own. It helps if you’ve read the previous three books – but not required… the best kind of addition to a series.

Review: Out Of The Darkness

Title: Out Of The Darkness
Author: Lesli Richardson
Publisher: Lyrical Press, Inc.
Buy Link: Out Of The Darkness

Rating: You Want To Read

Reviewed By: Tir


Ancient evil forces a woman to fight for her life - and true love.
Man may forget horrors, but the land remembers. Built on a cursed patch of ground, George Simpson's house of evil has ruined many lives over its hundred-year existence.
Author Steve Corey rents the place as an early anniversary surprise for his wife, hoping it might repair the deep rift his alcoholism has created in their marriage.
Before they moved to the Simpson house, Samantha Corey thought getting Steve sober was the hard part. But the house's dark nature has turned her thoughts to Matt Barry, Steve's best friend and agent...and her old love. Can they overcome the ancient evil threatening them all from OUT OF THE DARKNESS?

Ms. Richardson’s Out Of The Darkness continues the tradition of works such at Amityville Horror and Pet Cemetery, stories of places where horrible events leave their mark and that horror is perpetrated to all who attempt to live there. She does an excellent job building the history of the Simpson House, revealing all the atrocities that have occurred on the site to give the reader the information our hero and heroine don’t have to start.

It was a little difficult for me to get behind Sami and her unhappiness with her marriage but as the story progressed I became more attached to her, though Ms. Richardson manages to keep you still liking her husband Steve, despite his actions that spark Sami’s issues. I was a little thrown again later when, even after admitting that many of Steve’s new actions were due to his being possessed by an evil spirit, Sami and Matt would attribute some of the spirit induced behaviors to Steve. This didn’t detract from the story itself and the writing is smooth. I thought her descriptions were fantastic, showing me the house and the surrounding areas in vivid detail. Her secondary character, Julie is just as lively as her main characters and I found myself liking her the most.

I’d definitely recommend this for a stormy night while cuddled under the blankets. Just remember to leave the light on.

Review - The Quickening by Antonia Tiranth

Title: The Quickening
Author: Antonia Tiranth
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Buy Link: The Quickening

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by: Mickey


The Quickening by Antonia Tiranth is an exciting, fast-paced novel about a mythical group of beings fighting for the right to exist against an unknown enemy. The Rikashi are dragon shifters whose laws require keeping their existence hidden from humans, while finding themselves facing imminent discovery due to unforeseen treachery. One Rikashi, Aerandir Gwindor, rather than fearing or shunning humans, decides to seek aid from a teenage friend, Josephine Moreau, when his brother Shirak disappears. What Aer and Phi find as they try to rescue Shirak, is that there is more to his disappearance than a simple kidnapping, and more to their relationship than mere friendship. There are questions to be answered about the Rikaski’s sacred history, questions about Phi’s family history, and for Phi answers to her dreams, both literally and figuratively. This is not a simple book by any means, and that is what makes it such a great story.

Ms. Tiranth offers a fresh and unique outlook, alternating the perspective between Aer and Phi’s points-of-view to give the reader different vantage points in the same chapter. This technique is underscored with strong characterizations and quick-witted dialogue: the words seem to leap off the page; the writing is so vivid and imaginative, with a nice comedic touch to add balance. The love scenes between Aer and Phi are almost perfect in timing, intensity and sensuality – like the characters themselves. The secondary characters are just as magnetic and endearing as the primary ones, with a number of quirks that will grab hold of the readers’ heartstrings and not let go. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and was truly sorry to find myself on the last page when it ended

Welcome to You Gotta Read Reviews

Though we've been posting reviews for a few weeks now, welcome to our grand opening!

What do reviewers do when the site they reviewed for closes? They band together and mourn the loss and then decide to continue doing what they love reviewing books. Sometimes it means finding another review site looking for reviewers and sometimes it takes the form of a new review site. The latter is the route taken by the reviewers from Simply Romance Reviews.

We owe a lot to Julie and Lynda who owned Simply Romance Reviews. They brought us together and provided quality books for us to read, enjoy and review.

Why did we choose a blog instead of a site? The simple reason is none of us is great shakes with designing websites. The other reason, is unlike a website a blog allows all reviewers to put up their own reviews if they wish and it allows readers to add their comments about the reviews. If you disagree with the reviewer - you are welcomed to add your thoughts on the book in the comments.

In addition to the review blogs - You Gotta Read has two sister blogs. You Gotta Read Guest where authors will drop in and guest blogs or will be interviewed by our co-founder Tami. You Gotta Read Videos which will feature one book trailer a day as selected by our other co-founder Stephanie. You may request a guest blog date, interview, book trailer feature or review by emailing us at yougottaread@gmail.com

If you are interested in becoming a reviewer please contact at us at the above email along with a sample review. Authors requesting a review please submit the following: Title, Author, Publisher, Page Count, Genre and a short blurb.

Our reviewers are limited to 10 books out at any one time and a 30 day time limit from receiving the book until the review is posted.

Again welcome to our new review site - we look forward to reviewing books for years to come. To kick off our new review site - Kita Diablo has kindly donated a book which will go to one lucky person who comments on this post. And head over to You Gotta Read Guest where Alexis Morgan is blogging and has 2 books to give away... AND Kissa Starling has offered us a copy of her Robert's Story AND.... Noble Publishing has generously donated 5 books that will be given away randomly through the week! So tell your friends to come visit us!