Review - Take My Place by Beate Boeker

Title: Take My Place
Author: Beate Boeker
Publisher: Avalon Romance
Buy Link: Take My Place

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Tami

Blurb: Maren has one big goal in life. She wants to keep her independence. Her life is full to the brim with her two roles—being a single Mom and the owner of the recently founded Start-Up-Company. Men, she figures, are too exhausting to add to the mix; after all, it took her long enough to recover from her divorce.

However, one evening a business acquaintance plants his twin brother Tony in his place and Maren falls for him . . . until she sees through the masquerade. Brimming with wrath, she decides to take her revenge, but she hasn’t counted on her daughter who has quite different plans . . .

Review: Lies, deception, realization, attraction, frustration, aggravation, and love! This book has it all!
Beate has woven such a wonderful tale. I have had the pleasure of reviewing both of her books and they are so REAL! You can see the life in the books. You are given the ability to run the movie of the book in your mind. I think the thing I like about Ms. Boeker's books is the fact that they are not pretentious. They are real people leading real lives with real problems. There is never a detail forgotten in her books. I shall not give away anything about this book, but there was something at the beginning of the book that I had forgotten about, but Ms. Boeker had not, and it just made me giggle out loud. Thank you Beate, I can't wait to read more! Go NOW, and purchase this book, you will not be disappointed!

Blog sisterhood award

Blog Award: Sisterhood Award

J. Kaye's Book Blog was kind enough to award You Gotta Read Reviews with this super cool award!

Here are the guidelines:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate up to 10 blogs which show great attitude and/or gratitude!

3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Remember to link to the person from whom you received your award.

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Ravenous Romance Authors

Review - Jericho Road by Icy Snow Blackstone

Title: Jericho Road
Author: Icy Snow Blackstone
Publisher: Lyrical Press, Inc.
Buy Link: Jericho Road


Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed by: Laura

Color-blind love exposes the sins of flesh and violence.

Past and present embattle Vietnam veteran Wade Conyers life. The scars of war and his past relationship with an African-American soldier threaten his marriage to a Southern socialite.

Wade's views of racial equality have already caused a rift with his father. What will happen when his sisters relationship with a half-Native American unravels the camouflage disguising secret lives, adultery and ultimately murder?

Never having read Ms. Blackstone's work, I eagerly began Jericho Road. I quickly became engrossed in the 70's and all that family relationships were and were not in those days. Having lived in that era, I can truthfully say that she nailed it. As the reader meanders through the various lines that are drawn between the characters, one cannot help but feel forced to turn page after page in order to find out if and when the webs of lies are going to unravel. The plots are delicious in that there are more than one but following them is effortless. The myriad misunderstandings and mischaracterizations run rife throughout the book and only add to the stunning ending that no one expects. I recommend this book to anyone who understands family discord and blind love.

Review - Winning Virgin Promises by Destiny Blaine

Title: Winning Virgin Promises
Author: Destiny Blaine
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Buy Link: Winning Virgin Promises

Rating: YOU GOTTA READ

Reviewer: Val

On a quest to find her father and with life mate Sebastian out of town, Constance turns to her secondary, Gabriel. The relationship between Gabriel and Constance has never died, in fact, it has more than caught fire. Constance and Gabrial have an undeniable bond that will never be broken. Constance's feelings for Gabriel were so strong that she could sense when he was around and her body and soul ached to be near him. And then there was Darian. He had held Constance in his arms when she was a little girl and there had always been a special bond between the two whether or not it was realized. Sebastian was away trying to find Constance's father and told her to distrust Gabriel and especially Darion, but can Constance really do that when she feels more than attraction for them? When the calls from Sebastian dwindle to every other day, Constance starts to doubt his love for her. She is shocked by the fact that Gabriel was one of the people who had held her father and nearly killed him. She needed to feed from Gabriel but resented him at the same time. The twist in the story with Gabriel absolutely floored me!

I immediately fell in love with Sebastian. He had saved her once before and was incredibly loyal to Constance and was out trying to find her father. He would do anything in the world for her and worshipped the ground she walked on.

Gabriel's character was very different than Sebastian in that he had loved from the moment they met. There was a bond between the two that could never be broken. He was fiercely protective of Constance but wanted her on his terms. She would have to acknowledge that it was him that she loved and no other.

Darian was the character I most wanted to hate but no matter how much I tried to hate him, I just couldn't. He had a twisted mind but when it came to Constance, he loved her and if another man touched her, there would be hell to pay. He was a very complex character and walked the fine line of a character you would love to hate.

Constance .... what can I say about her? She was a striking and sensual woman who knew exactly what she was capable of. She had been described as "spoiled" but in my eyes, she was a conflicted female who, once she knew what she wanted, got what she wanted. She was stubborn to a fault and wouldn't listen to anybody. I so wanted to be Constance throughout the book.

Destiny Blaine's Winning Virgin Promises was simply phenomenal. I haven't read books on Vampire's and usually shy away from them, but the love I have had for Ms. Blaine's other books made me consider this book for review. Some words to describe this book could be spectacular, mind-blowing, incredible, seductive, and alluring. Even these descriptions do not bring justice to Winning Virgin Promises. This book will astound and have your riding a rollercoaster of emotions that you didn't even know you had. If you think one thing will happen, don't worry, it won't. I had so many mind boggling OMG moments that I did not see coming. You will never believe what is around the next corner and I highly urge you to buy this book so you too can be enthralled by the legacy that is the Sabbats. I strongly recommend you read the other books in the series as well. I am listing them in order for you.

Winning Virgin Blood
Winning Virgin Love
Winning Virgin Lust
Winning Virgin Promises

It honestly cannot get any better than this. I have honestly become a life long fan of anything that Destiny Blaine writes.

Review - Lasting Love by Sharon Donovan

Title: Lasting Love
Author: Sharon Donovan
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Buy Link: Lasting Love

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Val

When Vermont florist Abbey Jordan’s nursery manager quits a few days before Easter, she is left up the proverbial creek without a paddle. However, when she places it in God’s hands, she finds lasting love in a garden of roses. Brady Jones has a daughter to raise, is out of work, and knows a lot about cultivating roses. When Abbey meets him and hires him as the Horticultural Manager of her nursery, it seems like the answer to both of their prayers. Just on the brink of a budding romance, a fire destroys the nursery and buries all hope of love. Will their passion spark and resurrect or stay unlit beneath the burning bed of ashes?

I loved the character of Abbey Jordan. She was a caring woman who had to endure a lot and was so taken when she met Kayla, Brady's daughter. She was caring and warm hearted and found that she needed to rely on God more often. Brady's character had me at hello! He was a gorgeous man inside and out. He loved his daughter fiercely and tried to do everything in his power to take care of her. Abbey and Brady's characters brought such a sweetness to the story that I just couldn't help but fall in love with them as a couple. They way they dealt with adversity in their lives touched my heart and reminded me that forgiveness is everything.

I enjoy reading Sharon Donavan's work and Lasting Love was no exception. It was very well written with vivid descriptions that made me feel like I was actually there with the characters smelling the flowers right beside them. Ms. Donavan paints a beautiful portrait with words. I feel like this book is entertaining but it brings with it a lesson of forgiveness and love that I really needed to hear at this moment in my life. God is everywhere if we just take a moment to look. I give Lasting Love a You Need to Read rating because I really do feel that you would be missing out of something very special if you pass this book up.

Review - Firefly Beach by Meira Pentermann

Title: Firefly Beach
Author: Meira Pentermann
Publisher: Lyrical Press, Inc.
Buy Link: Firefly Beach


Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed by: Laura

An unexplained light in the woods beckons Beth toward mystery and murder. Paint, canvas and a peaceful cottage on the Maine coast provide a welcome refuge for Beth LaMonte. A mysterious light intrudes on her peace and leads her to a secret beach where she finds the diary of a girl who disappeared in 1975. Now Beth is on another mission to not only bury her own past, but to put to rest the spirit of Firefly Beach.

I started this book with the expectation that it would be a run-of-the-mill murder mystery. Boy, was I wrong. Ms. Pentermann leads the reader along a very winding road filled with interesting segues and delightful characters. From the starting point of Virginia Point to Bangor and all the small towns in between, the reader will undoubtedly develop a fondness for the New England territory. I found the plot to be compelling and interesting in its entirety. The various minor storylines infuse the main plot with a great flavor. The end of the book neatly ties all the loose ends up and makes for an extremely satisfying read.

Review - Retribution by M. Flagg

Title: Retribution
Author: M. Flagg
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Buy Link: Retribution
Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

Dreams often reflect hidden desires . . . even if they are terrifying. Michael Malone, a unique creature of the night, has taken down three evil sorcerers. He’s not entirely successful. Faced with eternal suffering, a compassionate soul helps this Champion create an intricate fantasy until he can be rescued by the Georgian Circle. His tale of passion and suspense is tinged with many truths. Eternal devotion to a Guardian of Souls and a troubled teenager forces this mystically enhanced vampire to dream of survival. He yearns to be in Alana’s arms. He vows to protect Lukas, his mortal son. As he confronts his guilty, undead life his imagination runs wild. But Michael begins to lose hope, believing that there is no such thing as redemption. Why did the commanding Champion jeopardize his own immortality? Michael Malone has two very good reasons. One is revenge and the other is love.

This is a great story! The only thing that keeps it from being excellent, is a lack of focus. In the first 50 pages we are introduced to over a dozen characters and given the run down of their past and how they are connected; all before we even meet the main character. The scenes constantly shift between past and present without any flow. And the narration jumps from third to second to first person, as well as from character to character sometimes with no warning.

That said, I am amply impressed. I spent a great deal of time trying to figure out which parts of this story were the reality and which were the dreams. The world he creates for himself in his dreams is vivid, detailed, and as real to the reader as it is to him. They also give him a chance to learn and grow into more than just a weapon.

I recommend this book to those who are looking for something a bit deeper in their romance.

Review - Crossing The Railroad by Marie Rochelle

Title: Crossing The Railroad
Author: Marie Rochelle
Publisher: Phaze Books
Buy Link: Crossing The Railroad

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed by: Val

A Chance Meeting…
Big sister, provider and…for as long as she could remember Joy Simmons had only used those two words to describe herself and her less than exciting existence. She wanted more out her life. What she wouldn’t give for a man to make her heart race, but she didn’t have time for any of that until he came along.

...Changes two lives!

Logan Scott never imaged when he went to the hospital for a gunshot wound he would meet her. A woman with dark soulful eyes who possessed a killer body that made him forget every other thought in his mind. He was going to do everything to stroke the intense attraction he felt between them.
Yet, it isn’t going to be as easy as he thought. Something big is standing in his way. However, he isn’t about to give up or let Joy go.


Joy is determined to fulfill the promise she made to her mother to take care of her sister and make sure that she gets a good education so that Dymond will never have to clean someone else’s house. Joy works as a nurse to put Dymond through college. Her nursing job leads to the perfect set up for her to meet Logan, a cop recently shot by the criminal he has been chasing for some time.

Logan has an instant attraction to Joy upon waking up in the hospital. He convinces Joy to break her rule of never dating her patients. There is sexual tension aplenty between these two, but something is always is interrupting their time together.

I thought this story started out showing a lot of promise, but it just fell flat for me. It feels like a young teenager is doing the writing. The conversations sounded fake and there wasn’t much depth between the characters. There were a few inconsistencies that distracted me… for example; Dymond interrupted Joy and Logan sending Logan to the station. He calls Joy from the station and there conversation about the interruption made it sound like it took place the day before instead of just hours prior. After reading Crossing the Railroad I felt like I had just left another B rated movie.

Review - Sweetbrier Academy Book 2 Holding On To Hope by Nancy O'Berry

Title: Sweetbrier Academy Book Two: Holding On To Hope
Author: Nancy O'Berry
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Buy Link: Holding On To Hope

Rating: You Want To Read

Reviewed by: Laura

Sweetbrier Academy is not only a brothel, but it is also a place where the women are required to learn social graces. They are taught proper etiquette, the intricacies of running a household as well as how to please a man. When one of the girls, Hope, goes into town to pick up a few things from the general store, she encounters the town's doctor, Dr. Jonathan Norris. Their reaction to each other is surprising. Each feels a certain spark and fire but are reluctant to start a relationship for fear of the town's reaction. But when a fire goes unquenched, it just continues to grow.

The author writes an engaging story about a different kind of lady of the evening. It is interesting that anyone would deem it important to teach the ladies anything other than how to bed a man. Opal Benedict runs the academy and has collected several of her ladies from the streets where they were homeless and forced to beg on the street for food and shelter. She took them in, taught them things and most importantly, she befriended them. Their friendship is unique and heartwarming. Most people never encounter the love and selflessness that is rampant among the Sweetbrier Academy women. I was completely captivated by the characters and the storyline. I fully intend to read the next installment the minute it is released.

Review - Aries Rising by Syrell Starr

Title: Aries Rising
Author: Syrell Starr
Publisher: Carnal Passions Press
Buy Link: Aries Rising

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

One man has the unique gift of being able to read photographs, and he uses his skill to provide mates for men who pay well for the privilege. Gondar Lem is such a man. For nine years, he’s lived alone but hopes for the day the matchmaker will find him a special woman. Sierra Madison poses nude to help raise funds that will pay for her brother’s surgery. Little does she realize what that photograph will cost her. Kidnaped by an alien who claims she was chosen for his mate, she’s whisked away to exotic planets on an adventure that brings her more pleasure than she ever dreamed possible.
If you’ve read my reviews in the past, you know that a spicy sex scene just doesn’t get me there. I want a story that is worth reading for its own merit. Sex should be the added bonus, not the major plot point.

That is basically where this story falls apart. The author is in such a hurry to throw the characters into bed, the logical course of events is often thrown out the window. When Sierra is abducted, handcuffed, declared married, hauled off into space, and molested in her sleep – she just kind of goes with it. There is no screaming or crying or fighting back or any other expected response; just thoughts of how sexy the man is.

Perhaps the most telling event in this tale, is the one that is never told. Between one chapter and the next the reader is informed that two weeks have passed. And apparently in this time frame nothing of note happened between three people trapped on a spaceship that only has two rooms. Then fall into bed as soon as the ship lands.

If you are not too worried about a plot getting in the way, the sex isn’t bad. But if I cannot feel connected to the characters, it misses it’s mark.

Review - Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Title: Vampire Academy
Author: Richelle Mead
Publisher: Razor Bill
Buy Link: Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, Book 1)


Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed by: Tami

Blurb: Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with an unbreakable bond to the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest and most dangerous vampires--the ones who never die.

The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir; she is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making her one of them.

After two years of illicit freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. Rose will continue her Dhampir education. Lissa will go back to being Queen of the elite Moroi social scene. And both girls will resume breaking hearts.

Fear made Lissa and Rose run away from St. Vladimir's--but their world is fraught with danger both inside and out of the Academy's iron gates. Here, the cutthroat ranks of the Moroi perform unspeakable rituals and their secretive nature and love of the night creates an enigmatic world full of social complexities. Rose and Lissa must navigate through this dangerous world, confront the temptation of forbidden romance, and never once let their guard down, lest the Strigoi make Lissa one of them forever...

Review: Reviewers sometimes get (well at least I do) tired of reading things because they HAVE to read them, so I went out to Wal-Mart and bought a book. Now I have a love of all things vamp, were, and paranormal, so I started looking. Nothing good over here, nothing good over there, nothing.....hold on, there's something that looks promising. OK, I know, don't judge a book by its cover, but I did, I liked it. It drew me in and said "READ ME!" So, I did. And though it was in the YA section of the book department, I bought it. I opened the cover and couldn't stop reading.

I fell in love with the characters and how well written the book was. There is so much action, adventure, love, danger, loyalty, honesty, and real life in this book and in the characters that I fell in love immediately. For a wonderful vamp book (more vamp types than I was aware of) go to the store, click on the link and BUY this book. I've started on book two. Another review coming for that one! Way to go Richelle! You have a new fan, a very big fan!

Review - The Feel of Lace by Skyler Grey

Title: The Feel of Lace
Author: Skyler Grey
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Buy Link: The Feel of Lace

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed by: Tami

Blurb: Lacey Kimbel seemed to have the worst luck when coming to men. Living a fast paced life in N.Y., Lacey just can't seem to find a decent man and her latest guy, Ritchie, is no exception.

Ritchie Holt, a NYPD cop thinks Lacey is his perfect match. Considered a modern day, Marquee de Sade, Ritchie was just about to kick things up a notch when she dumped him. But Ritchie's not one to be put off easily.

Aaron Holster, is Lacey's best friend and roommate and damn sick of her choices in men. Her whining and complaining has sent him over the edge and he decides to take matters into his own hands by calling his cousin, Brock Hamilton in on a bet. A man like Brock was sure to tame the fiery Lacey, and set her on the right path.

Brock Hamilton had to admit he was intrigued when his cousin called him out on a bet. Upon meeting the feisty bombshell as she slid around the corner in only a lace bra and panties, he grinned.

As she stormed away embarrassed, he turned to his cousin and winked. "Game on!"


Review: Ms. Grey writes a VERY hot book. The hot scenes are even hotter than the cover of the book. I started reading and was really enjoy it. The characters were very real and most of them were likable. ( I hate giving spoilers so unfortunately this review will be rather vague.) But there was something that happened in the book and I was rather appalled by it. Then unfortunately I don't feel that Ms. Grey dealt with the situation in a way that satisfied me. I would have liked to have seen that situation brought to light more and consequences suffered. The writing was great, the plot was well thought out, but I feel let down with this book in so many ways. If touchy subjects bother you, please be forewarned. If not, then You Could Read this book.

I Heart That City: Double Trouble Review

Title : I Heart That City: Double Trouble
Author : Sierra Cartwright
Publisher : Loose ID
Buy Link : I Heart That City: Double Trouble
Rating : You Need To Read

Reviewed By : Tir

Revenge can be sexy and sweet. Dom Daniel Armstrong has waited twenty years for the chance to possess the beautiful and fiery I Heart TC waitress Bridget Kelley. She broke his heart and crushed his ego, twice, and he’s never gotten over her. This time, he won’t take no for an answer. Seeing her in an oh-so short skirt at a BDSM club has reignited his determination, and a charity auction provides a means for him to possess her and do good at the same time. Who could resist?

When she realizes the always-persistent Daniel has won her, Bridget is frantic. She desperately tries to back out of the deal to spend an entire weekend at his family’s secluded James River plantation. This is a man she’s scorned, and worse, a Dom who knows her naughty desires. She’s seen him control a woman before, and the idea of submitting to him both thrills and frightens her. And just when she thinks things can’t get worse, he introduces her to his twin, David. Suddenly, she’s faced with not one, but two, determined Doms…

Ms. Cartwright lays upon her pages a wonderful tale of a woman's exploration into the world of BDSM with sparkling clarity and sincerity. I really enjoyed the way she portrayed this interesting sexual lifestyle. I think she presented it in a very kind light, showing the reader the truth of the lifestyle rather than the perceptions. Her characters jump off the page and captivate you, sucking you into Bridget's skin and making you wish you were her. I love her hesitation to explore but her honesty with herself that being a sub is something she truly wants to try. Daniel and David, similar as they are yet different, are every woman's dream, be she sub or not. This is a very well written, steamy, sexy tale, that I highly recommend to everyone.

Sunday's Child - The Wise Guy Review

Title : Sunday's Child - The Wise Guy
Author : Lex Valentine
Publisher : Noble Romance Publishing
Buy Link: Sunday's Child - The Wise Guy
Rating : You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Tir


Randall Wise is the quintessential good guy. However, all of his friends are married and he's still single. Rand is positive that good guys finish last at love and decides he needs to change if he's ever going to find a woman of his own.

Brenna Thorne is a clutzy but cute would-be witch who moves in next door to Rand. Men always think of Brenna like a sister. They never see her as girlfriend or mate material. Brenna longs for a man of her own who sees her sexy side and all the love she has to give.

A little magic from Rand's godparents, a familiar who isn't a familiar, and a host of well-meaning but surprising friends help Rand and Brenna see that all you need to find your mate is a heart that is open to love.


When I picked this up to review I was thinking it would be just a light sweet read but these pages sizzled. The love scenes are well detailed and steamy and the characters are very interesting. There are so many here I would love to know more about. Rand's Guardian Ian to name only one caught my attention in particular and I hope that Ms. Valentine has plans to detail this vampire's story. I was very disappointed when I reached the end because there is clearly more to Brenna and Rand's story that I would love to see. In The Wise Guy you are given a glimpse of this world of witches and mages and I certainly wish to see more. So go ahead and pick this one up, you won't regret it.

Wednesday's Child - Marked by Tears Review

Title : Wednesday's Child - Marked by Tears
Author : L. Shannon
Publisher : Noble Romance Publishing
Buy Link : Wednesday's Child
Rating : You Want To Read

Reviewed By : Tir

As a rogue blood demon on the run for his life, Kry'n knows he's beyond redemption. But in Jane's eyes, he finds hope for a better life. What began as lurking in the shadows of her homeless shelter for easy prey ends up changing him. In Jane, he finds purpose and being near her could be his only salvation. He watches her dedicate her life to saving others, but when he discovers her life is on the line, he knows only he can save her.


I'll be honest, I was really disappointed when I reached the end of this book...because it was over. I wanted to hear more about the rogue demon Kry'n and his people. Ms. Shannon creates an interesting world of creatures pulling different types of demons from mythos into one place but giving them her own personal twist. I was very, very interested in the main character and what he went through to bring him to the point he is at in this story. His back story is hinted at but I would love to see a story of just him and how he came to be on the run. Jane is a little bit flat in comparison to Kry'n magnificence but it does not distract from the story at all. I look forward to more from this author and will be certainly keeping an eye out for it.

Review - Saturday's Child - Storm Saturday Night by Summer Alan

Title: Saturday's Child - Storm Saturday Night
Author: Summer Alan
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Buy Link: Saturday's Child - Storm Saturday Night


Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed by: Laura

Storm Wren is an out-of-work actress with a stack of bills piling up. She needs to find a job and quick. After reading an advertisement for a commercial that requires a man for the job, she decides to enlist the help of her gay neighbors to transform her into "Shane" and apply for it. Storm does such a great job that the two men in charge, Logan Mackenzie and Judd Taylor, are immensely pleased with the result. However, they are also a little too pleased with Shane's appearance. Logan and Judd both begin to get intrigued at their feelings for Shane and also a little worried.

This book is a fantastic story. Two best friends who have known each other forever now find themselves attracted to another guy of all things. The concept is wonderful and fresh. The unveiling could have been written so many ways but Ms. Alan makes it fun and fulfilling. I loved the byplay between the friends as well as how Storm handles the situation. The writing is superb and the hot love scenes are spot on. When you read this story, be forewarned that you will be seeking a cold shower to counteract the hotness factor that runs throughout the book. Well done, Ms. Alan. Consider me sold as a future faithful reader of your books.

Review - Friday's Child - Sexual Healing by Moira Rogers

Title: Friday's Child - Sexual Healing
Author: Moira Rogers
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Buy Link: Friday's Child - Sexual Healing


Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by: Laura

Noelle is one of the more gifted healers in the Garden on Elysium. She is charged with the duty of helping emotionally wounded warriors. She uses sex to ease the pain and fill the void with pure and simple pleasure. Captain Damon Antema is one such warrior. He lost practically his entire unit recently and is wracked with guilt, anger and intense frustration. Noelle is assigned to help him deal with these emotional issues. She is accustomed to doing her job without letting her own emotions get in the way. There is something about Damon that makes her think this time will be very different.

This book tells a story that every reader can relate to. There has been a point in everyone's life where there is so much pain and anguish that the concept of having someone relieve you of that pain is too delicious to let go. In the story, Noelle and Damon take you on a path of dark, damaging emotion to immeasurable pleasure, happiness and mind-boggling sex. You are detoured through a maelstrom of denial of the characters' own feelings for each other to the ultimate climax of acceptance of their own true nature. This short story should be read by many people as the lesson here is unique to each person but one that should be experienced by all.

Review - Point of Distraction The Third Collection by Cindy Jacks

Title: Point of Distraction: The Third Collection
Author: Cindy Jacks
Publisher: Lyrical Press, Inc.
Buy Link: Point of Distraction: The Third Collection


Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by: Laura

Ana Welsh believes in the concept of love but not when it applies to her. In the first of the latest trilogy, "The Ghosts of Ana's Past," Ana rekindles an old flame with a high school sweetheart named Eli. After an initial period of awkwardness, Eli and Ana more than make up for lost time.

In the second story, "Boy Toy," Ana opens herself up to a relationship with a 20-year-old man with all the immaturity that comes with it. She revels in his enthusiasm and carefree lifestyle. It definitely hits a spot that Ana never knew existed.

In the final peek into Ana's life in this collection, "Friends With Benefits," Nikhil makes an appearance into Ana's family life as her mother recovers from a heart attack. Nikhil impresses upon the need to not only care for others but to care for herself in the process.

I enjoyed the first two books written by Ms. Jacks about her character, Ana Welsh. I was blown away by this one. The insight into Ana's emotions and personality mirror more women than you would think. One of the minor characters, Todd, is someone that I think every woman wishes she had at her disposal. Not only for his comic relief, but for the unmitigated gall to tell her what is on his mind without apology. Not many of us have the opportunity to sample life as Ana does, but it is a treasure to cherish while reading about her adventures. The author writes in vivid detail and such heart-wrenching feeling about everyone involved in the story. The reader is given an enticing glimpse into how complicated relationships can be when there are no set boundaries and yet, how simple they can be when the walls come tumbling down. Ana's trepidation about taking steps to further involve her heart when she is so frozen by fear of the unknown cause the reader to turn pages to its completion and wait eagerly for the next book to be released. Okay, Ms. Jacks, I'm waiting.

Review - The Pleasure Cruise by Raven Starr

Title: The Pleasure Cruise
Author: Raven Starr
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Buy Link: The Pleasure Cruise

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

After returning home, Raine Matthews’ fantasy writer extraordinaire decides to take a short vacation from her woes and flies off to Miami for her cruise. What she thought was going to be a quiet, relaxing trip ended up transforming the wall flower in to a sex craving machine. Will all it be is sex or is there more to it than that?

Nope, that’s pretty much it. The reader never even learns the guy’s last name.

Okay, so the book isn’t plot heavy, but not all stories are required to be so either. We all like a little literary pron now and then. For what it is, it is good. The sex is frequent, but at times exchanges quantity for quality.

I am a fairly plot-centric reader, I want to feel connected to the characters I’m reading about. So in truth it didn’t do much for me. But if you are up for something hot without being heavy, this may be the story for you.

Review - A Band of Roses by Pat McDermott

Title: A Band of Roses
Author: Pat McDermott
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Buy Link: A Band of Roses

Rating: You Want To Read

Reviewed by: Laura

The Boru family and the Wessex family have agreed to a marriage contract between Taillte “Talty” Boru and Thomas Wessex. The marriage is to benefit both families in terms of wealth. After the wedding, members of the Wessex family decide to kill Talty in order to receive the Boru wealth without having to keep her in their family. As it turns out, the planned attack is botched and Talty’s grandmother is killed while Talty survives just barely. The Borus see the opportunity to spirit Talty far away to convalesce while the rest of the world believes she has passed on. While they wait for the smoke to clear, they plan on how best to exact their own brand of revenge for the cruel deed done to them.

As I began the over 600-page story, I knew it would be quite detailed. I was not disappointed. The author takes the reader from Ireland to Asia to California. The events that encompass Talty’s recovery are many and varied. She trains in the martial arts while in Asia and is employed as a time-travel adventurer in California. The scenes described allow the reader to vividly envision the dojos, residences and landscape that frame each chapter in her life. Her many encounters with other people serve to encourage her to believe in herself and also to keep her guard up for what one least suspects. Neil Boru and Aidan Dacey play significant roles in the vengeance sought by the Boru family. They are both well trained in combat and make it their duty to protect their loved ones. Neil’s affection for Talty is a slow and uneventful one until the latter part of the book. However, the battle for revenge ultimately leads to what could be the love of a lifetime. The reader will delight in the detours that Talty takes in her quest to go back to Ireland permanently as well as the adventures that keep her occupied while she waits. I would genuinely like to read more from Ms. McDermott.

Review - Rockstar by Mina Carter

Title: Rockstar
Author: Mina Carter
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Buy Link: Rockstar

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewer: Val

Zette Matthews was not your typical rockstar. All she wanted to do was sing, the fast life was something that held no intrigue for her. She wanted to make a difference with her life so when she gets the opportunity to host a charity concert and finds out that the concert location may be unavailable, she is ready to do whatever it takes to secure the location. Enter our hero JJ, the CEO of JI. He goes by the name Mr. Anders so Zette doesn't put two and two together. When JJ, introduces himself, Zette is stunned. Before her stands the man who broke her heart and spirit when she was only 18. This was the one man she compared all other men in her life to. JJ has only one plan in mind, the question is, can he pull it off?

I found the characters of Zette and JJ to be solid, believable, and dynamic. When they were together, they were electric, when they were apart, their worlds were fragmented. Zette was a beautiful woman who had built walls around her heart and that part of her I could relate to very well. JJ was a man very headstrong man who wanted one thing and would not rest until he attained it. The depths they fell for love were amazing and the Zette and JJ kept me wanting more. Without a doubt they were very well written.

Rockstar was simply an phenomenal read. I lost myself in the characters and the plot line. Mina Carter has found a loyal reader from this moment on. I encourage all those looking for a fun, exciting short read to pick up this book. YOU NEED TO READ Rockstar, it is written with the reader in mind and you will not be disappointed in your purchase of this book.

Review - Wired for Love by Amber Polo

Title: Wired for Love
Author: Amber Polo
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Buy Link: Wired for Love

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewer: Val

Penny was a woman who had achieved a great deal but her personal life suffered the most. When her Godiva chocolate order doesn't end up being the Fed Ex man, Penny is shocked to learn what she does find.

Wired for Love was a quick fun read with quirky characters. You can call the characters geeky if you want to but I found them both downright sexy. The chemistry between Penny and Gordon was lighthearted and funny. The little slip ups with Gordon's character made this a laugh out loud read because it was so believable. A situation that could have been extremely serious turns into a hilarious relationship between two zany characters. Wired for Love was an engaging story that I hated to see end. I would like to beg Amber Polo, make it longer, PLEASE, I have to read more about the couple and what happens next.

Review - Bane of His Existence by Melody Knight

Title: Bane of His Existence
Author: Melody Knight
Publisher: Carnal Passions
Buy Link: Bane of His Existence
Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Tami

Blurb: Charlie Ascott is a werewolf. He's been cursed with the condition for the last four years, doesn't recall the one who infected him, and has learned to live with it. The only thing he can't quite handle is the lust he feels for a certain she-wolf. He catches her scent every month at full moon, but when it's absent for a few days, he's beside himself. Some day he intends to track her down, but he's not ready for that "wolves mate for life" connection. When he catches a familiar scent in the elevator, he realizes it's her—his she-wolf. Suddenly, he's more ready for a connection than he realized.

Verity Connors is a manager in the company where Charlie works. She has been afraid of intimacy, of friendships, ever since she was bitten. She's a werewolf, and she keeps to herself, focusing on her work to avoid letting instinct run away with her. When she meets Charlie, though, she decides she's been playing solitaire far too long. It's time to take a chance, and Charlie's the one she wants to risk all with. The only way to do that, is to let instinct run its course.

Review: There's no secret in the fact that I love a hot Were, and Charlie is certainly one of those! I won't give away anything but there is a seriously HIGH "O" rating on the sex scene in this book! The writing for this book is top notch. I can't believe how much story lie between the pages of this book. Every feeling that the characters had were right there on their sleeve for you to take and feel it yourself. It was nice to have characters to love and hate and be able to get it in a very well written package. Ms. Knight is right on with this book and I can't wait to read more. Thank you Ms. Knight! And what are you still doing here? Click the buy link above and buy the book already!

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Review - Twelfth Night by Augusta Li

Title: Twelfth Night
Author: Augusta Li
Publisher: Phaze Books
Buy Link: Twelfth Night

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed by: Tami

Blurb: Nick had never been interested in the BDSM lifestyle until Darren hired him to cater a fetish party and and gave Nick a scorching introduction to the scene upon its conclusion. Now the young chef finds himself craving more than a hot one night stand, but to his frustration Darren is dedicated to his swinging ways. After being spurned at a Mardi Gras party, Nick conceives of a plan to finally claim Darren as his exclusive lover and master.

Review: This book kinda threw me for a loop actually. I've read plenty of m/m BDSM M/s books and enjoyed them immensely. But for some reason this book struck me as one that was a little too poetic and flowery. The beginning of the book was extremely hard for me to get past, but once you got to the heart of the characters, the book began to take shape and gain substance. The problem with that was the fact that it was just about over when it happened. The spice level on this was very good and the sex EXTRAORDINARY, I just felt that I wanted a little more.

Review - Angel of ballyferriter by Jennifer Mueller

Title: Angel of Ballyferriter
Author: Jennifer Mueller
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Buy Link: Angel of Ballyferriter

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewed by: Tami

Blurb: As a teacher Robert Ahearne has summers off and this time he’s staying in a little village in Ireland learning Gaelic. When another student starts harassing a local barmaid, there’s only one thing to do, team up and avoid the man together. Suddenly learning Gaelic just got a whole lot more interesting.

Review: Not that I have anything at all against young love, but I am so happy to see that Ms. Mueller has chosen a "more mature" couple for this book. This choice shows the readers the minds of intelligent individuals that are able to fall in love even after having heartache, and heartbreak. The story came to life for me with the superb character detail and great setting. I am looking forward to more books by this author so I can take a break from life and enter the world she creates for me.

Review - The Pleasure of Pain by Michael Boatman

Title: Book Two of the Ravenous: The Pleasure of Pain
Author: Michael Boatman
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Buy Link: The Pleasure of Pain

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed By: Janelle


Neema Umayma, a fledgling member of The Sisterhood of Shadows, must confront an ancient enemy believed long dead. When her best friend is murdered at the hands of a vampire, Neema is forced to use her powers in ways she never imagined. Wounded and desperate to understand the truth of her strange heritage, Neema must kill in order to save herself from a fate worse than death. But even with her astonishing abilities, Neema must survive long enough to answer two questions; One: How do you kill what's already dead? And two; If blood drinking vampires are real, how are they related to the Sisterhood?

This bite sized story was a thrill suspense and action. But with heavy violence, it isn’t a story for everyone. Neema fairly classic young vampire on the cusp of coming into her powers – questioning the morality of her survival while still doing what needs to be done to get by – but the author plays her well. After seeing the results of her mother’s choice and discovering the results of the woman’s dying warning, she is still struggling with what she is and the choices that leaves her.

The main draw back to this book is that is does not feel like a book at all; but instead an prologue to a longer tale. It’s just long enough to get the reader invested in the character and her journey, before it comes to screeching halt. I think this series would be better served as a single book rather then a handful of individual stories.

Review - Unseen World by Sean Cummings

Title: Unseen World
Author: Sean Cummings
Publisher: Lyrical Press, Inc.
Buy Link: Unseen World

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed by: Laura

Marshall Conrad makes his life by selling things on Ebay and designing websites for people. He is 40 years old and likes the way things are. Marnie Brindle lives upstairs from Marshall and is being stalked by someone. She befriends Marshall. The two of them embark on a magical journey that is nothing either of them could have imagined.

The paranormal world created by the author has many creatures with various and sundry abilities and gifts. The more prominent characters of Stella and Ruby are whimsical and aid in Marshall’s transformation. There are a few minor characters that are important to the storyline but are able to insert their purpose in just a couple of scenes or so. There are layers to this story that are carefully put in place and then also carefully revealed to the reader. The plot makes for a great read in that the main character could be the guy next door, and the reader is allowed to peek inside the making of a superhero. Mr. Cummings has written this book so cleverly that I can only hope there are more stories to come along the same lines.

Review - Lucky Charms by Marie Rochelle

Title: Lucky Charms
Author: Marie Rochelle
Publisher: Phaze Books
Buy Link: Lucky Charms

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewer: Heather

Blurb: What happens when a man finally decides he wants to go from best
friend to lover? Is it possible to take that big step with your female
buddy without ruining the friendship? Patrick Kaye hopes so.
Computer programmer and designer Jada Michaels has given up on finding the
perfect match. Her last three relationships ended badly because her
ex-boyfriends spent more time at the spa than she did.
Besides, it wasn’t like she didn’t have a man in her life. Patrick Kaye
was her best friend and sounding board. Who needed a boyfriend when she
had Patrick?



Review: This was a cute little story about two friends trying to find love in today’s world. Tired of being in the “friend” category, Patrick is willing to do anything to get Jada to think of him as so much more. He develops a plan to romance her by becoming a secret admirer. His plan almost backfires when Jada starts to thinking about this “new guy” on the scene.

Lucky Charms was sweet and romantic. I got a little laugh out of Jada’s use of “kitty kat” a couple of times; this was a first for me. If you are in the mood for a quick and light read with a little romance between friends this is right up your alley.

Review - The Lure of the Witch by Betty Sullivan La Pierre

Title: The Lure of the Witch
Author: Betty Sullivan La Pierre
Publisher: SynergEbooks
Buy Link: The Lure of the Witch

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

Sarah Willis, a teenager, was reported missing to the Medford police by her father. When Greg Willis decided the authorities were dragging their feet, he hired private investigator Tom Casey, better known as Hawkman, to find his daughter. When evidence of witchcraft is discovered, it becomes a race against time to find the missing girls.

Let’s be clear, I like paranormal mystery. I’m a huge Dresden Files fan. And this story is no Dresden file.

This story is readable, but it won’t rock your world. As far as I can tell there is not a single original thought on these pages. It is so full of stereotypes and cliches. The rich popular girl is a bitch, the ugly nerd has depression and no friends, the police couldn’t find their butts with their hands glued to the seat of their pants, and everyone lives happily ever after.

More importantly, the author clearly did not bother with even the most basic of research. Private Investigators, for example, are contract labor, they work by billable hours, not flat rates. They aren’t going to go have a nice chat with the police chief before they are actually hired to work a case. Furthermore, the “witchcraft” in this story couldn’t have been more cookie cutter. But since no act of magic is ever shown, it might all be a delusion.

This book has nothing of note to offer the genre, it’s poorly researched and remarkably bland. It will get you through a rainy day if your bored, but I cannot say I would recommend it.

Review - Parole by Barton Paul Levenson

Title: Parole
Author: Barton Paul Levenson
Publisher: Lyrical Press, Inc.
Buy Link: Parole


Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed by: Laura

Mel Broward has resigned himself to being a prisoner for the rest of his natural life. In a stroke of luck, he is given an opportunity to be paroled to assist an alien planet as a safehacker. He begins a relationship with his aien partner, Neertreffa, as one of friend, educator and bed partner. They are quickly thrust into a war neither expected but both learn to adapt in all ways necessary to escape their enemy, Murtka.

The way the two main characters come to depend on one another after knowing next to nothing about each other is genius. Mel is set in his ways but learns to depend on Neertreffa in ways he has never depended on anyone. By the same token, Neertreffa is used to coping with situations based on mathmatics and planning. Being on the run in an attempt to reach safe ground forces them to look not only inside themselves but to each other for their survival. The revelations and changes the characters go through is fascinating. Anyone reading this short story will find it thought-provoking and eye-opening in many ways.

Review - Brought To Life by Dara England

Title: Brought to Life
Author: Dara England
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Buy Link: Brought to Life


Rating: You Could Read

Reviewer: Laura

Megan Hurst is a struggling artist without a real job. She was recently laid off and is dependent on her roommate, Carlita, to pay all the bills. At the insistence of Carlita, Megan begins to read a book title “Noble Hearts.” Shortly after she begins to read the book, a stranger becomes entangled in her life in the most unusual of circumstances. As she befriends him, she realizes his demeanor is curiously like that of the lead male character in her book. Could he be her own version of him?

This short novel is neatly written but hard to get your teeth into. While the characters are easy enough to like, the situations are a little unbelievable. Megan meets a stranger and spends money on breakfast, cabs, entertainment, clothing, etc. yet she is unemployed with no prospects on the horizon. That coupled with the strange man’s willingness to depend on Megan with no questions asked is also a little farfetched. However, it is a nice fairy tale type of fantasy which undoubtedly any woman would like to have happen to her. It would be a nice dream to have come true. It was a pleasant read.

Review - Wings to Fly by Beate Boeker

Title: Wings to Fly
Author: Beate Boeker
Publisher: Avalon Books
Buy Link:Wings to Fly (Avalon Romance)


Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Tami

Blurb: Wings to Fly came out in August 2008. It is a romantic comedy, placed in Seattle. Twenty-six year old Cathy is on the way to a job interview that she hopes will result in the start of a new life and independence from a controlling brother. But being late and new to Seattle, she crashes her car into a van driven by Mick. When she blows the interview she is devastated and believes her chance is lost. Cathy couldn’t be further from the truth. Mick might just turn out to be more than she ever imagined.

Review: Having had lived through much of what this book talks about made it so dear to my heart. Being able to see that finding your wings is something that many women (and men) do gave me comfort. The characters were so very loving and endearing that you couldn't help but get caught up in them. The characters in this book were so remarkably real and well written. The interaction between Cathy and her co-worker was so masterfully written. Ms. Boeker catches her characters nuances very well. When Cathy and Mick attend Frances' birthday party, I was frustrated for them. Each disruption scene flowed seamlessly from one to the other in perfect segues.
My only problem with the book is that some of the words didn't translate as well as I would have liked. There were only three so I read over them and enjoyed the rest of the book. If you don't rush out and purchase this book now, you will be missing out on a cleverly endearing book. Ms. Boeker's ability to evoke such emotion with each and every page is REMARKABLE!

Review - Desires of the Heart by Linda LaRoque

Title: Desires of the Heart
Author: Linda LaRoque
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Buy Link: Desires of the Heart

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed by: Tami

Blurb: When life today is filled with pain, look to the future – or the past.

In 1945 Miles Chapeau returns from WWII to find his wife, the mother of his two children, has been hurt in an air raid and now has the mind of a child. He loves her and would never forsake his duty, but he misses the wife he knew before the war. One day she disappears and his existence is turned upside down.

Modern-day Loren Fairchild longs for children, but is barren. At a cottage in Carlisle, UK, she puts her divorce behind her and begins a new life. She learns that in 1947 the former owner’s wife disappeared. The same week, according to local gossip, her husband took up with a dark-headed harlot. One morning, a simple-minded woman appears in Loren's cottage and triggers events that change Loren’s life forever.

Review: Wow, what a page turner. I was shocked how much I truly enjoyed this book. Not that I thought Ms. LaRoque's book was going to be bad, but I just didn't think that a book with this page length (kinda short) could be this detailed. Linda was able to put the entire story into a perfect little package. There were no frivolous words, or scenes. Only perfect symmetry and lovable characters. I will tell you the first page made me want to reach through my computer screen and throttle someone, but hey, she caught me with the first sentence.

Review - Lights Out by Ann Campbell

Title: Lights Out
Author: Ann Campbell
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Buy Link: Lights Out

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Tami

Blurb: Spending time with your best friend makes life on the mountain perfect. But when your best friend is the man who stars every night in her most erotic fantasy--and has a girlfriend--what’s a girl to do? Forced to spend the night alone with Caleb and trapped by a snow storm, Payton finds herself yearning to do much more than talk to pass the long hours.

Caleb has spent the past four years harboring secret fantasies about Payton. When the lights suddenly go out and they find themselves surrounded by candles, will they realize they could be more than just friends?

Review: OK, what can I say about this book? "Holy hotness Batman!" I love a novella that can catch me, give me all I need, and not leave me hanging and Ms. Campbell has succeeded in doing this for me. The book was well written with a steam level that almost had me going to the ER! I can't wait to read more books from this author to keep my engine running smoothly! Thank you!

Review - Kisses of Fire by Phyllis Campbell

Title: Kisses of Fire
Author: Phyllis Campbell
Publisher: Champagne Books
Buy Link: Kisses of Fire

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Tami

Blurb: Cassidy Hilarion needs money to save her bar…hoping auctioning off her waitresses and herself for a night of pleasure might do the trick. How can she protect her heart when a gorgeous hottie bids on her and all she wants to do is kiss him…endlessly.

Mark Carrington is on a mission—to find some incriminating evidence to help his father close down the bar. For years, the Carrington’s have tried to get this land from the Hilarion’s, and Mark is determined to win. But when he gets to know the sexy co-owner he wants more than the bar. He wants her body and soul.

Review: I was very impressed with Ms. Campbell's ability to draw me into her world and the world of Cassidy and Mark. The tenseness she felt at possible loosing her family bar, and wondering what he was up to all night had me on pins and needles the entire book. The characters were endearing and deserve to be applauded for their extremely "O" rated scenes. Good thing my man was sleeping when I read this one. So for a hot book, with proof that good guys do exist even if they have the wrong name, read Kisses of Fire by Phyllis Campbell.

Review - Infidelity by Debbie Gould

Title: Infidelity
Author: Debbie Gould
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Buy Link: Infidelity

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed by: Laura
Melanie Giordano has suffered for the last five years at the hands of her husband, Tony. After discovering his infidelity, she puts her foot down and decides to leave him. After he leaves Maggie broken and beaten, she calls her brother, Danny Hunter, to come to her aid. Danny enlists the help of his best friend, Luke McLean, who also happens to be Melanie's ex-boyfriend. Melanie is forced to encounter her cheating husband again before Danny and Luke arrive and kills Tony in self-defense. Maggie ends up losing her baby due to the beating and the fall that killed her husband. Danny assures Maggie that she will recover both physically and emotionally from this horror. However, someone begins to threaten Maggie and lets her know that the worst is yet to come.

Luke McLean has never gotten over hurting Maggie the way he did when he broke up with her all those years ago. Now he sees her hurting and needing comfort, and all he can do is feel helpless. Luke served in Iraq and suffered at the hands of the enemy by being tortured mercilessly. He has nothing left to give anyone or so he thinks. Can he possibly find a way to help Maggie heal that might help him heal as well?

The book is a pull-no-punches look at the life of an abused woman. The fight scenes are so exquisitely written that the reader can almost feel each blow. The dialogue between the characters is poignant and insightful without being melodramatic. The loss of a child is also carefully written without being condescending or sappy. I especially appreciated the escalation of strength in Maggie. It was gradual and believable not rushed. The two plots that run throughout the story run parallel to each other but are tied together in a most shocking way. I truly enjoyed reading this story and will recommend this author whole-heartedly.

Review - Techno Thrall by Storm Grant

Title: Techno Thrall
Author: Storm Grant
Publisher: Lyrical Press, Inc.
Buy Link: Techno Thrall


Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed by: Laura

Deyla Reckard is a detective in a world where robots are commonplace. More and more work positions are being held by very high-tech, very human-like robots. Secretaries with tan lines, receptionists who are actually built into a desk and e-human models that are exclusively used to be someone's companion are all available now. Deyla has a personal aversion to all things robotic and tries to keep things as simple as possible in her own life. She is dealing with post-traumatic stress syndrome and is trying to overcome it. This leads to her strained relationship with her co-workers and people she encounters in life.

The book is a short read and contains technological terms and futuristic possibilities. It presents what life could be like without the necessity for humans to perform the number of jobs that robots could do. The simplicity of programming one to do the job and not worry about worker's compensation, retirement funds, etc. make this a very real possibility. Deyla engages in various and sundry one-night stands with men and is capable of moving on immediately after. This was a little hard to fathom considering how paranoid she appears to be in general when it comes to strangers. Additionally, the story ends on a very odd note. I still am not sure I competely understood the author's objective. Overall, it did not capture and hold my attention. I found myself turning the pages just to get on with the plot not because I was unable to stop myself. I believe if the reader is interested in science fiction and all that the future could hold, the reader will appreciate the story. If the reader is looking for romance, it will not be their cup of tea.

Review - Love, Lilies, and the Unbroken Straw by Teri Wilson

Title: Love, Lilies, and the Unbroken Straw
Author: Teri Wilson
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Buy Link: Love, Lilies and the Unbroken Straw

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

Christabel Wilde's life has just turned upside down. With little more than the clothes on her back and her newly rescued Chihuahua tucked under her arm, she makes a pledge to start over and applies for a job as a groom at a horse rescue farm. Nevermind that she's never been up close to a horse before, she has a bigger secret to hide. A mysterious gift her new neighbor, Dr. Declan Armstrong, is determined to uncover. When the irresistible veterinarian volunteers to give her riding lessons, Christabel knows it could be the end of her secret. With the Easter holiday approaching, she tries to remember that sometimes what looks like the end is really a new beginning.

In one word: sweet! This chaste romance was a breath of fresh air, with characters more interested in getting to know each other than jumping into bed. Their romance is a shy and innocent affair based around daily encounters rather then carefully arranged dates.

Another thing I like about this story is that the characters have passions having nothing to do with each other. Christabel often takes time to talk about flowers and their meaning, and Declan is quick to teach her – and vicariously the readers – all he knows about horses. And the better part of their information is right – though not all, Percherons only come in black or grey, never roan – for which I have to give kudos to Wilson.

However, this story leaves a lot of loose ends. The greatest of these is Christabel’s healing ability. It appears for no apparent reason, works without her consent or understanding, is accepted without question by those around her, and no one seems overly interested in it beyond when it is convenient to the plot. Really, just because it is magic, doesn’t mean it’s exempt from some sort of explanation.

Overall, I’d recommend this story for those looking for something closer to a true romance. And, in fact, I already have.

Review - Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione

Title: Desire Unchained
Author: Larissa Ione
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Buy Link: Desire Unchained: A Demonica Novel (The Demonica Series)


Rating: You Gotta to Read

Reviewed by: Mickey

While Desire Unchained is the second book in Larissa Ione’s Demonica series it can and does stand alone without having to read Pleasure Unbound first. In the current book, Shade’s story unfolds, and it is a wild nonstop ride full of humans and demons, both good and evil trying to co-exist in their little piece of the world without being killed by each other in the process. Like his brothers, Shade is also a Seminus demon however; unlike his brothers he has a little love curse threatening him as he approaches his transition. To his surprise (and dismay) who walks back into his life but Runa Wagner, the human he “dated” months before who now has her own issues to contend with – did I mention that she is now a werewolf? Did I also forget to mention that Runa and Shade have a common enemy intent on eliminating them both, along with Shade’s brothers? Added to these small problems, the “former” lovers are having an awfully hard time keeping their hands off each other – trials and tribulations abound.

Desire Unchained is full of surprises and so is Ms. Ione. I completely enjoyed the first Demonica book, and foolishly believing the series could not get any better I was pleasantly surprised to find myself wrong when I finished Desire Unchained. The dialogue just flowed, managing to be hip and poetic at the same time, yet easy to read and understand. There are more than enough love scenes to satisfy even the most diehard erotica fan, yet they are not excessively graphic or over the top, somehow managing to stay by turns romantic and others sensuous. I just love a book that is hard to put down, forcing the reader to frantically turn page after page just to reach the end. How much action, excitement, thrills and chills can a reader take? As much as Ms. Ione wants to deliver apparently….

Review - A Taste of Summer Magic

Title: A Taste of Summer Magic
Author: Christine McKay
Publisher: Carnal Passions
Buy Link: A Taste Of Summer Magic

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewed by: Mickey


Poor Morgan T’Naile, at the beginning of Christine McKay’s A Taste of Summer Magic we find her living in a national park, recently divorced by her loser husband; life is just not going the way she envisioned when she was back in high school. Of course, who does she met again but her teenage best friend’s little brother Jason Scholl, as a reminder of those old times and past dreams. Jason, it seems, has harbored a few dreams of his own concerning Morgan and the past, dreams that his life partner Perry is not averse to letting him act out, as long as they all participate. What a question for Morgan to ponder – two handsome men, possible sexcapades, what more could a girl want?

Morgan might be divorced, but she’s not dead and it doesn’t take much for her to agree to Jason and Perry’s proposal. Initially, the three manage to share a home, a relationship, and even their restaurant with few mishaps considering their personality differences. I liked Ms. McKay’s writing style, she has a wry sense of humor that lends itself well to her subject matter and genre, and translates into very hot love scenes between her characters.

Watching Morgan, Jason and Perry live and learn about each other is certainly entertaining however; it all changes when her past rears its ugly head once again. While magic is part of the title, it only plays a minor role in a story that still manages to be very amusing. It will be interesting to see what direction this author goes in next, I look forward to reading her future books.

Review - Taken by Anya Bast

Title: Taken
Author: Anya Bast
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Buy Link: Taken

Rating: You Gotta to Read

Reviewed by: Mickey

Never did Anne Michaels imagine while walking down the street, enjoying her morning latte that she would end up being chased by an alien being, intent on doing her harm. It seemed like a nightmare, which somehow turned into an even stranger dream where she winds up being rescued by two strange men. Anya Bast’s newest book is called Taken, not “Rescued” and that is just what Anne turns out to be as she discovers that while Caleb Verona and Van Childress may have saved her from that alien, they have ulterior motives for their actions. It seems the pair believes Anne is fated to be their mate, and they were on Earth to retrieve her and bring her back to their home on Verona to fulfill that destiny.

While Taken might be a short story, reading it has a huge impact on the fortunate audience. Ms. Bast is at her best writing erotic fiction, combining her gift for penning steamy love scenes with crisp and snappy dialogue. The book is interesting and engaging, only Anya Bast could and would envision an alien kidnapping and somehow make it thrilling, exciting and sensuous all at the same time. I am not sure who is more seduced by the end of Taken; Anne, Caleb, Van or the reader. All I can say is that by the end of the book we are all well satisfied – pun intended!

Review - Touch of the Demon by Christina Phillips

Title : Touch of the Demon
Author : Christina Phillips
Publisher : The Wild Rose Press
Buy Link: Touch of the Demon

Rating : You Could Read

Reviewed by: Tir

Dark angel Rafe travels back in time to destroy the woman who is fated to bring untold chaos to the cosmos. Instead, he finds Celeste, a child of the Earth Goddess, who is sworn to protect the one Rafe seeks. He mistakes her for his quarry, but an irresistible attraction prevents him from taking her soul. And although Celeste holds the one weapon capable of banishing Rafe from Earth forever, she's unable to deny the overwhelming desire to possess this creature from hell. They come together in a frenzy of passion, each believing they are changing destiny by their actions. But when the Earth Goddess appears, they discover her plans are more far reaching than either had imagined.

Rafe and Celeste are two very interesting characters with two very different agendas who come together to realize they are meant for one another. I very much enjoyed these characters and was very disappointed that the story wasn't longer. I think there is much more of their tale to tell and would certainly love to hear it, Rafe's in particular. I think the premise of this story is a little too complex for its short medium and think that if it were expanded it could turn into a novel of You Gotta Read proportions.

Review - Erotikos by Shannon Leigh

Title : Erotikos
Author : Shannon Leigh
Publisher : Amber Quill Press
Buy Link: Erotikos


Rating : You Want To Read

Reviewed By : Tir

It's been a long time since Renee and her two friends have gotten together for a girl's night in. What could possibly be more fun than drinking margaritas, gossiping about their recent bed-partners, and playing drunken rounds of Twister until they all pass out? But when Mina shows up toting a bottle of José Cuervo Gold in one arm, and a strange game named Erotikos in the other, the girls' evening is about to get a lot more interesting.

Even before they'd removed the contents, Renee sensed there was something amiss. This was no ordinary game. It promised pleasures galore and adventures filled with sexual delight. But how could a cardboard pastime with its small stack of cards, two oddly marked die, and eight pewter men accomplish all this?

They read the instructions and selected their character pieces. An Indian, a selkie, a vampire, three men of varying backgrounds, but all tantillizing to the eye. With a roll of the dice, their game begins, and the three women soon find themselves pulled into a place where their wildest fantasies come to life.


When you first start reading Erotikos you are instantly remind of Jumanji. The set up is very similar, a few friends playing a mysterious board game but with a much more erotic twist. Renee and her three friends are drawn into their adventures which are beyond their wildest imaginings. The writing is fantastic and the scenes are steamy. Then end of each adventure leaves you wondering what has become of the woman involved, leading you to think they suffer one fate while ending with a twist. I very much enjoyed this story and look forward to more from this author.

Review - Beyond This World by Celia Jade

Title: Beyond this World
Author: Celia Jade
Publisher: Eternal Press
Buy Link: Beyond This World

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewer: Lupa

The damp mist caressed her skin as she edged deeper into the darkness, her heels tapping along the cobbled ground. The door behind her closed quietly. She felt around with her hands, barely able to see the walls. “Jens? Enough with games—where are you?” A pair of large hands grabbed her arms and pulled her against a solid frame, making her shriek.

“Shh…it’s me,” Jens murmured against her hair while his hand lifted to cup the side of her face.

Erin’s heartbeat accelerated instantly, forcing air out in tiny gasps. Her fingers unclenched to splay against the soft wool of his jacket, just below his shoulders. Her senses stirred, fully aware of him. His manliness. His scent… His thumb caressed her cheek. Releasing her arm, he slid his free hand to the small of her back, pressing her closer.

“Erin, I want you to come with me,” he said in a deep voice. “Where?” she asked, barely above a whisper. “My home.” Her muscles instantly tensed. “Your home? What—through this tunnel?” His thumb brushed the corner of her mouth. “It’s just a kiss away,” he replied.

What starts out as a typical, annoying, company party turns into a life changing event for the heroine in this short story. Within these short 40 pages there is a huge story. Well written and enjoyable to read Beyond this world strikes a cord in th romantic heart that leaves you sighing with a smile on your face. I have to admit that I was unsure what to think going into this story. But I have been very pleasantly surprised, and will definitely be looking for more work from Celia Jade.