Review - The Abraxas Series - Cinsearae Santiago

Title: The Abraxas Series: books 1-3

Author: Cinsearae Santiago

Publisher: Cinsearae Santiago

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Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewer: Nerine





Christine Vargas is an independent, young working class-girl violently swept into another world--a world deemed unrealistic and impossible by many, a world under the mundane one she is so used to. During her physical transition, she has to come to grips with new powers she has been bestowed, and join up with her new 'Lord', Ryan Price, a gentleman of high social status, and twice her age. Her “new family” is a motley crew of young vampires, and among the family are two rebellious twins trying to dethrone Ryan and take over the clan with their own legion of bloodthirsty (and drug-hungry), zombie-like vamps. Only Christine can determine the outcome of the oncoming battle and must chose quickly before the unthinkable happens.

Usually, when I see that an author has self-published, I have some concern with regard to the quality of the writing, but Santiago’s offering was a pleasant surprise. It is clear that she invests much time and energy to produce a product she can be proud of.

Overall, Santiago’s storytelling is clear and flows well, providing a seamless transition between dialogue and narrative, which kept me engaged. She notices small details and the dialogue between some of the characters was fully of snappy comebacks, which often had me smiling to myself.

The story moves quickly, from Christine’s change and transition into the murky world of supernatural beings, to her burgeoning relationship with Ryan as they face a number of challenges standing in the way of their love. The novel is divided into three books containing definite story arcs that are concluded, with enough follow-through to the next section to keep the pages turning. However, although entertaining, I felt each story arc concluded with too little effort or development on the characters’ parts, but still provided enough entertainment to continue reading.

Often-willful Christine Vargas embarks upon her Cinderella-like rise to good fortune with many misgivings, and I enjoyed her conflict at being thrust into a completely different, if rather opulent, world. What I appreciated about her as the viewpoint character was her working-girl humor. She never loses her naïveté, which is a definite endearing quality. Christine’s story is supported by a host of varied, quirky characters, whose interactions often result in often amusing interchanges and somewhat unpredictable situations.

My inner editor, on the other hand, kept wanting to reach out for a red pen. The only major criticism I can level at this work is that it could have used a tighter edit to push an already promising story past the small grammatical gremlins that occasionally leapt out at me.

If vampires and involved emotional interchanges are your thing, you’ll enjoy Santiago’s writing. Highly inventive, she’s successfully taken the vampire mythos away from the usual direction I see all too often in the urban fantasy genre. This one’s a Gothic Cinderella, with some bite.

Review - What the Dog Saw: And Other Adventures by Malcolm Gladwell - AUDIO

Title: What the Dog Saw: And Other Adventures Audio CD

Author: Malcolm Gladwell

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Audio

Buy What the Dog Saw Here: And Other Adventures!

Rating: NEED to Read


Reviewed by: MarthaE


Over the past decade, Malcolm Gladwell has become the most gifted and influential journalist in America. In The New Yorker, his writings are such must-reads that the magazine charges advertisers significantly more money for ads that run within his articles. With his #1 bestsellers, The Tipping Point, Blink and Outliers, he has reached millions of readers. And now the very best and most famous of his New Yorker pieces are collected in a brilliant and provocative anthology. Among the pieces: his investigation into why there are so many different kinds of mustard but only one kind of ketchup; a surprising assessment of what makes for a safer automobile; a look at how we hire when we can't tell who's right for the job; an examination of machine built to predict hit movies; the reasons why homelessness might be easier to solve than manage; his famous profile of inventor and entrepreneur Ron Popeil; a look at why employers love personality tests; a dissection of Ivy League admissions and who gets in; the saga of the quest to invent the perfect cookie; and a look at hair dye and the hidden history of postwar America.

For the millions of Malcolm Gladwell fans, this anthology is like a greatest hits compilation-a mix tape from America's alpha mind.

The product description caught my attention but it really failed to make me realize how interesting this was going to be! As I worked on this review I realized I would have a hard time, too, trying to convey how very interesting the book is!

As the author states in the Audio introduction, this book is: “to engage you; to make you think; to give you a glimpse into someone else’s head….” It accomplished that goal for me!

The book is a series of clustered stories – adventures as Gladwell calls them. Although each story stands on its own there is a thread idea that ties them together and sometimes, as I was listening, I would think, “Where is he going with this?” Then suddenly it would tie back - in an “ah ha!” moment!

I think the audio book may have made this easier to “read” by listening on a long drive in the car. However, having the book would allow you to go back and really mull over the details and examples presented.

To help you understand the book I will try to explain a bit about the title “What the Dog Saw”. In that section Gladwell tells of a man, Cesar Millan, who trains dogs --- along the lines of The Horse Whisperer. Even as a young man Cesar apparently had an affinity for dealing with dogs. He studied their behaviors and reactions. So when he goes into a home to access a troubled, nasty tempered dog, he approaches the situation from the dog’s perspective instead of the owners. He explains to the owners what the dog is seeing in their movements and body language and how the dog is reacting to that! The idea being that you may have to look at a situation from another “person’s” (or being’s) perspective to understand that person or to find a solution!

Gladwell applies this same technique to the problems of helping the homeless. He describes how so much money is wasted because governmental agencies (with support of society) tend to treat the symptoms and not the cause.

The book covers many other topics as well… all looking from a perspective that makes you think! In each story Gladwell shows the person or object from different perspectives that make you understand the person or issue better. I think this is really a NEED to read as it gets you to think outside yourself and to hopefully use the “different perspective technique” in future circumstances! And it turned out to be a fun listen!

Review - Yes, My Mistress by Jennifer Cole

Title: Yes, My Mistress Le Club d’Esclavage: Book Three

Author: Jennifer Cole

Publisher: Lyrical Press, Incorporated

Buy Yes, My Mistress Here!

 
Rating: You Need to Read

 
Reviewed by: Gabrielle



Fantasies become reality at the threshold of Le Club d'Esclavage.

Dani Miller is the kind of girl who does her best to make everyone happy. She helps her parents out at their diner, she helps remind her friends to laugh, and she's always ready to take orders from her customers.

When it’s her turn to give the orders, the hunky bouncer at Le Club E'sclavage is just the man to follow her.

From a distance, Mike Ranger watches the pint-sized mistress build confidence in her power to give commands, while the Dominant in him waits for the perfect opportunity to reveal himself.

When the two discover passion that creates the perfect bonds, the orders given by the right man can be the sweetest treat to savour.

After reading about the BDSM club d’Esclavage, Dani Miller has decided that she would like to try the lifestyle for herself. She goes to the club to speak with the best, Troy Simon. Upon entering the club Dani is entranced by one of the men sitting at the bar. Mike notices Dani from the moment the front door opens. She is beautiful and she will be his. Troy agrees to take on Dani and teach her how to be a good Domme. At each training session Dani gains confidence and knowledge yet she still feels that something is missing. When Troy brings Dani to her new sub she is amazed to find the man she is so attracted to kneeling on the floor. Seeing Mike waiting for her to be his Mistress brings Dani’s body into full awareness. She wonders if this could be what is missing. Can they have more than just hot sex? Will Dani and Mike find love?

This story had me from the very beginning. The instant attraction between Mike and Dani burns up the pages. I enjoyed watching Dani gain her confidence and delve into her sexual awareness without reservations or guilt. She has learned just what she likes and has no qualms about it. Mike is a great Alpha male who is secure in himself. Letting Dani take the control she needs and taking the lead when it is needed as well. The bond that grows between the two is a wonderful read. Jennifer Cole creates a wonderful world that grabs the reader and doesn’t let go until the very end. All the characters in her world come to life and ender themselves to the reader. The interaction between them all is great from the sexual tension to the brotherly comradeship. Well written and faced paced this book should not be missed. I know that I cannot wait to return to the club d’Esclavage to see who is going to play next.

Review - Wicked Proposal by Tierney O'Malley

Title: Wicked Proposal

Author: Tierney O'Malley

Publisher: eXtasy Books

Buy Link

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by: Shira





Blurb:
Madeline cannot believe she begged a man to make love with her, then agreed to his proposal to save her pride and get even with her ex. And worse, even with her newly broken heart, she falls in love with him. Just as Madeline begins to believe Wolf has feelings for her, her ex shows up and reveals the truth behind Wolf's intention.
All Wolf wants is to convince Madeline that her ex-fiancé is a fool for letting her go and that she is indeed beautiful. But when he feels her body move against his, he realizes he wants more than to help soothe her hurt pride. Now that her fiancé is out of the picture, Wolf's not going to let anybody in Madeline's her life other than him.

Review:
To save her flower shop from financial ruin, Madeline agrees to decorate and attend the yacht party given by her best friend's brother, Captain Wolf O'Connor. Not only was the party on a yacht sailing around Puget Sound - water terrified her but her ex-fiance' broke off their engagement with a letter and left town just hours before. There is no way she is going to believe Wolf calling her Love, and telling her she is beautiful after the things her ex said in the letter. She needs proof... She begs Wolf to make love to her. Did she just ask Wolf what she thought she did? Did Wolf just hear what he thought he heard? Was the woman that he had secretly wanted given him the keys to Heaven's Gate? Could he find a way to make it more than a one time affair?

I enjoyed reading Wicked Proposal. I could imagine being a part of the community and being out among the residents wanting to protect one of our own. I loved Madeline. I felt she represented any woman who doubted her sexiness based on a break-up letter from an ex. Wolf was sexiness walking with a brownie! He was supportive, attentive, and did I say sexy? Ms. O'Malley tale of life and love in a close-knit Pacific Northwest city was comforting as well as a little taste of naughty. YAY!

Review - Veil of Deception by Michael Davis and Candace Morehouse

Title: Veil of Deception

Author: Michael Davis and Candace Morehouse

Publisher: Champagne Books

Buy Me Here

Rating: Gotta Read

Reviewer: Shira





Blurb:
Sometimes the truth cuts deeper than a lie.

Review:
The tranquility, beauty, and sense of community of living on Spenser Lake drew people in. The surface calm kept kept the residents there. But there was something brewing underneath the calm of the placid town. Danielle Gillette, chef turned mystery writer, chose to become a hermit in the community after the death of her husband ten years previous. Everyone knew of her by way of the community gossip but very few knew her as a person. The same could not be said of Kurt "Hawk" Hawkins. Everyone knew Hawk because two years prior his wife had disappeared while jogging along the lake surrounding the community. A storm, a tree, and a reconstructed classic car brought the two together but would inner demons or outer demons keep them apart?

Veil of Deception made me feel as though I were a part of this close knit community. I was the neighbor that got to peek into the lives of my neighbors sight unseen. I got to call them a best friend, a sister, or a brother. I felt their joys, pain, and anguish. I wanted to meddle and give my opinion every once in a while. I loved Danielle. She was such a strong woman that lived with a secret that haunted her for ten years. I felt that Hawk needed to stand up to his sister in law and tell her what he honestly thought. I enjoyed this book because it flowed. Even though there were two authors, it was very seamless. I enjoyed being a resident of Spenser Lake even for a few hours.

Review - Santa Baby by Roslyn Hardy Holcomb

Title: Santa Baby

Author: Roslyn Hardy Holcomb

Publisher: Loose Id, LLC

Buy Me Here

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewer: Shira




Blurb:
Having been burned by his father's betrayal, real estate tycoon Trip Wakefield has no interest in love or relationships. Until he meets Arietta, a struggling, sultry, blues singer, in his favorite club. Seduced by the silken velvet of her voice, he pursues her with a single-minded purpose––Arietta in his bed, at any cost. He offers her a deal; if she will be his mistress she can have anything she desires, except his heart.

A woman who knows her own mind and goes for what she wants, Arietta decides that she wants him and his heart so she takes the ultimate gamble and agrees to become his mistress. But when the stock market crashes Trip loses everything. Knowing that he can’t keep up his end of their bargain he tells Arietta it’s over. Arietta takes another gamble and moves in with him and gives up everything she owns to help him rebuild his wealth. In a gift worthy of the Magi she offers him everything she has: herself.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play, exhibitionism.

Review:
Atlanta Real Estate Tycoon, Stanton "Trip" Wakefield III, heard the voice of an angel but saw the body that could make a man sin. Trip knew he wanted her at almost any cost. The only price he wouldn't pay was giving her his heart. Small town blues singer, Arietta Hathaway, knew that she wanted all of Trip and she would do whatever it took to get him. When Trip looses the family fortune in the downturned economy, Arietta decides it is now time for her to show him that she is playing for keeps. Will Trip finally let other's help him and realize that he does not have to pay for his father's mistakes? Or will he lose the woman that takes his breath away to his pride?

Santa Baby was such a feel good book. I enjoyed it from the beginning to the very end. Trip and Arietta were both very family oriented people. Trip thought that he had to protect his family from the realities of the world and Arietta's family thought that she needed to be protected. I enjoyed how Ms. Holcomb showed each character's strengths and weaknesses without being so obvious. I also enjoyed how their roles reversed slightly and Arietta became the care taker while Trip was cared for. This book is one that you will keep at the top of your "Will Read Again" list just because it's a good quick read when you're having a rough day.

Review - Pure Sin By Rynne Raines

Title: Pure Sin

Author: Rynne Raines

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy Me Here

Rating: Gotta Read

Reviewer: Shira




Blurb:
Whips. Blindfolds. Restraints. And a man rumored to be the most skilled Dom in the city... As the BDSM instructor at the hottest fetish club in Los Angeles, Bianca Alexander prides herself on being open, honest, and informative with her clientele when it comes to kink. The fact that she hasn’t knelt before a master of her own in four long years doesn’t affect her ability to teach, though a part of her longs to be back in her Dom's arms. But when her boss hires Cade Sinclair--her primary rival from a competing club--to assist teaching her classes, Bianca’s comfortable solo act becomes a sinful duet drenched in Pure Sin.

Review:
Bianca Alexander loved the independence her job as a BDSM Instructor at Eden, one of the hottest fetish clubs in Los Angeles. When she was told by the owners that if she had a partner, the enrollment in their couples classes would increase, she was all for whatever would help the club. Her teaching partner was not just any teacher, only the hottest, most sought after Dom in the city, Cade Sinclair. Bianca just had to meet him face to face to make sure they were compatible. Oh, they were more than compatible, they were once Dom and submissive. Would they be able to put aside their past to make the future of Eden work?

Pure Sin was quite a tasty morsel. The interaction between Bianca and Cade was engaging. The kind of banter that makes you get angry at them both and refuse to talk to them until they come to their senses. Bianca and her refusal to trust her heart and Cade just assuming that everything would fall into place because he is Cade Sinclair. The sex they had had me thinking, "Hmmmm ... I wonder...". Ms. Raines did what most authors strive to do; grab the reader by the collar and make them want to continue turning the pages and tell those around them, "One more page. One more page."

Review - Trapped in Paradise by Deatri King-Bey

Title: Trapped in Paradise

Author: Deatri King-Bey

Publisher: Red Rose Publishing

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Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewer: Shira




Work-aholic ghost writer, Saundra Wright, trusted her Travel Agent sister, Miranda to plan the perfect, working vacation for her. Miranda had other plans. Saundra needed to relax and find Mr. Right. She had been alone for eight years since her divorce from a control freak. Miranda was also given carte blanc with another one of her clients, Jeremy King. Knowing that her sister and Jeremy were two peas in a pod, they would have no trouble finding things to talk about. Not that she was "meddling", she was just insuring her clients had great vacations. What would Saundra, Jeremy, and Miranda's husband Marcus do to her when they found out her plan?

Oh my goodness! I sat laughing out loud through this entire short gem. I also shook my head at Miranda because I knew she was going to get into some serious hot water with all the "coincidental" occurances she had planned. Saundra didn't feel that she needed "intervention" from her sister but Miranda knew she had needed someone to step in way before Saundra was divorced. Jeremy knew what he needed and wanted in a woman but he also knew that the woman he needed would need to be rescued. Saundra and Jeremy don't stand a chance with Miranda in control. Ms. King-Bey wove this story into one that was realistic and hilarious. Trapped in Paradise was awesome!

Review - Inevitable Surrender by Destiny Blaine

Title: Inevitable Surrender

Author: Destiny Blaine

Publisher: Shadowfire Press

Buy Link

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by: Val





Blurb:
Luke McGregor knows how to protect himself. He's a hard ass but he's having a tough time dealing with the extra heartbeats he feels thumping against his chest whenever he spots one little blue-eyed darling. For the better part of twenty-six years, he's avoided the one woman he wants to find in his bed but on Valentine's Day, everything changes.
Marcy Killian knows there's only one man for her. She pretends to come off as a worldly woman, a gal who recognizes what she wants in the opposite sex and more importantly, understands what to do with the man she wants. Unfortunately, the cowboy she longs for most is someone who terrifies her.
Luke and Marcy bump into one another on Valentine's Day, sparks fly. They immediately realize fate has a hand in bringing them together. Will they ignore the connection they've established over the years or will their inevitable surrender lead to more than one night of passion?

Review:
Let me first say this is one HIGHLY erotic book and just in time for Valentine's Day. The relationship between Luke and Marcy has been simmering for quite a while. The intensity of their attraction to each other is breathtaking and I couldn't wait to see if Marcy walked away or not. From the moment I started reading this book, Luke's character had me intrigued. I mean, who doesn't love a hot looking cowboy? It seemed he was dealing with emotions he wasn't ready to admit to while trying to be macho at the same time. Marcy was the one person he could be himself around. Marcy was the type of girl to act tough, like no one could bother her but deep down, Luke had been the only person she ever wanted.
Destiny Blaine is a favorite author of mine and I love just about everything she writes. Inevitable Surrender is no exception. Ms. Blaine knows what a reader wants and delivers every time. She has a way of writing anything erotic with passion and writes sexual tension like no one I know! Ms. Blaine makes her characters relatable and it is so easy to get lost in one of her books. If you are looking for a fast paced, pulse pounding and stimulating read this is one book that you don't want to miss. I highly recommend it. Inevitable Surrender is simply just hot, hot, HOT!

Review - Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

Title: Dear John
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Publisher: Hachette Audio
BUY IT HERE
Rating: YOU GOTTA READ

Reviewed by: Val


Blurb:
An angry rebel, John dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his life--until he meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah. Their mutual attraction quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah waiting for John to finish his tour of duty, and John wanting to settle down with the woman who captured his heart. But 9/11 changes everything. John feels it is his duty to re-enlist. And sadly, the long separation finds Savannah falling in love with someone else.

Review:
I have to be honest, reviewers pick their books for several reasons. The blurb, the author, maybe even the cover and I also picked this book for several reasons. First, it was by Nicholas Sparks who, in my opinion is a one of the literary giants of our time in romance. The second, the blurb, this was one of those books that you just can't let slip by you. And finally, yes, the hype surrounding this book. Of course Channing Tatum being on the cover didn't hurt as he's one of my favorites. Yes, I know there is a lot of hype surrounding this book and Dear John is worth every little bit of praise it's getting. I immediately fell in love with John, the rough and tumble bad boy who enlists in the army. His first meeting with Savannah had me saying "Awwww" Savannah's character I felt an instant connection with because she didn't think or do things like everyone else. I can honestly say that I laughed and I cried and sometimes it was both at the same time. John's father played an important part in the story and it just wouldn't have been the same without him. This is definitely a book that I am so glad that I read and I will read over and over again. If you are wondering if you should buy this book or not, I say without a doubt in my mind, buy it. It is so worth the read and will leave you with a different outlook on what true love really is. Once again, Nicholas Sparks has written an outstanding book that is not to be missed.

Review - Reservations For Two by Kinzie Monroe

Title: Reservations For Two

Author: Kinzie Monroe

Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press

Buy Link: Coming Soon

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by: Val





Blurb:
Widower’s Maggie O’Brien and Carson Jennings are both on a journey to rediscover
who they are. Maggie, an adventurous former pastor’s wife of thirty-nine years, hopes to find closure in the place she and her husband spent their honeymoon. Carson, a retired judge, is living his lifelong dream of traveling across the U.S. in his RV. When their paths cross in the tranquil setting of Mason Springs, New Mexico, love is the last thing that either of them expects to find.

When this mix matched pair comes together they find themselves in some hilarious and even precarious situations that will make you laugh and sometimes cry. As the romance begins to blossom they face many obstacles that threaten to tear them apart and what Maggie discovers about herself in New Mexico will redefine her future and alienate one of her children.

Will Carson and Maggie’s love for one another be strong enough to weather the storms or will their love for their children keep them apart?

Review:
Although Maggie and Carson are older, they are in no way slowing down. The relationships that Maggie and Carson develop with each other as well as the people they meet seems to be on a fast track but the deep feelings are believable and made me want to turn the pages just as fast as I could. I found Reservations For Two to be a story that was filled with humorous moments with imperfect characters and because of that, I could relate very well. Maggie was on a mission of closure. What she seems to find, is a hidden strength brought about by God. I loved when she questioned her feelings but knew that Satan deals with doubts. This was a very valid point and I think it shows just how much we question ourselves when God has already told us what the answer is. God was whispering to Maggie when she was listening for a shout. I really felt a connection to the characters in this book. The one thing I loved about this book, because I rarely see it in others, is the incorporation of Maggie's children and grandchildren. It was so refreshing to watch as the different generations dealt with the same trials and tribulations although in different ways.

Kinzie Monroe has written a story laced with intrigue, drama and a very pure and captivating romance. Reservations For Two is the type of book that captures your attention and takes you away to places you may not have been. The imagery is spectacular and I felt as though I was hiking and experiencing the sunsets right there with the characters. If you are looking for a sweet romance that will give you an "aha" moment, then look no further than Reservations For Two. I highly recommend this book to any lover of the romance genre. Ms. Monroe, I commend you on a well written book with characters that kept me coming back for more.

Review - Caging the Tiger by Michelle Houston

Title: Caging the Tiger

Author: Michelle Houston

Publisher: Phaze Books

Buy Caging the Tiger Here!


Rating: You Could Read


Reviewed By: Janelle

Kyle thought that he was all alone, the only of his kind, until he attended a magic show and saw through the spectacle to the method behind the illusion. If he wasn’t wrong, Meric the Magician, in addition to being his best friend, was also a tiger shifter.

The problem with short stories, in general, is that there is very little time to become attached to the characters. We see only what amounts to a snap shot of their lives. This makes it very hard to really connect with the characters, and thus puts more pressure on the author to make every word count.

And when that short story is erotica, it largely hangs it’s hat one scene.

In all honestly, I did not find this story very sexy. Exploding body parts and oddly phrased sentences, make this story more amusing than anything else.

Overall, it is well written and has a nice flow, but it just did not ring my bell.

Review - Bound With A Bow by Various Authors

Title: Bound With a Bow: Broad Horizons, Book Two

Author: BETH WYLDE, LEE BENOIT, MYCHAEL BLACK, SASCHA ILLYVICH, and E.M. LYNLEY

Publisher: Phaze Books

Buy Bound With a Bow Here!

 
Rating: You Want to Read - A Good book.

 
Reviewed by: Gabrielle
 


Bound with a bow is a book of five different stories about the many people who enjoy the BDSM club called Broad Horizons. People from all walks of life and with very different needs, from novice to Master and all that comes between. As broad as the spectrum of stories is, they all have the same theme of Dominance and submission in them. No matter who the couple is or what their preferences are the underlying current of love and trust runs through all of the stories.

The book Begins with a sensual story about the clubs owner Dani and her partner Maryanne. Maryanne has decided to give herself completely to Dani and perform live on stage. Maryanne must work through her emotions and decide if she can go through with it. To pass the time she does some last minute Christmas shopping. While Maryanne is out Dani builds her a wonderful present that they will use during the show but the best present Dani has for Maryanne will go on before the show even starts.

The next story is about Dori and Argus. Two men seeking and never finding the right path until they meet each other and understand just what it is that they are searching for. The two find spiritual relief as well as physical. As Argus tires of being a Dom and yearns for something more he runs into Dori who is looking for a Master. While each man guides the other in the right direction they begin to love one another. Dori’s training culminates in a beautiful scene on stage at Broad Horizons.

Next comes the story of Kent, Eli and Mitch. Kent is not only Eli’s Dom but also his boss. Both Eli and Mitch have been friends for years but Eli has yet to tell Mitch about his lifestyle or that he is their boss’s submissive. Eli has feelings for both men and when Kent decides that they will play at Broad Horizons Eli is taken aback. Kent is secure enough in their relationship that he is willing to share Eli and let Mitch in. Eli must decide if he wants to act on his feelings for the two men or stay only with Kent.

In Wendi’s story she must try to overcome her fear of giving all of herself over to her Dom. After a hard session of play Wendi pushes Clint too far. He storms out and leaves her in the club. Summer comes to her aid and teaches her to relax and trust, not to try and take over. In a private play room of the club after all is said and done Wendi must decide if she can give in totally and if she is willing to love one or both of her Dom’s.

Our last story is about Jay and Blake. Jay asks Blake if he would like to go to a Christmas party at Broad Horizons. Blake finally agrees but than is scared at his reaction to the live shows and the people themselves at the club. He has a hard time understanding his body’s response. When he learns about Jays past as a Dom Blake is confused but willing to try and see if he enjoys it. Jay opens his old playroom up to Blake and the fun begins.

All these stories may be different but they all center around trust and love. Loving someone enough to let go and give them the control is a hard thing to do. Each couple or threesome have a wonderful relationship. I enjoyed each story and the issues that the characters must deal with as well as the process that brings them to their answers. With characters full of emotions and depth this book is one that many will enjoy.

Review - Spell of Passion by Shelly Turner

Title : Spell of Passion

Author : Shelly Turner

Publisher : Red Rose Publishing

Buy Spell of Passion Here!


Reviewed by: Brynna Curry


Rating: You Need to Read





Emily has no choice but to try and escape the deception that tortures her soul. After she finds out that her husband cheated on her and to beat it all, with her only living relative, her sister. She flees in attempt to escape the heartache, but doesn't get far before the world around her spins and leaves her a fallen woman amongst the darkness.

Jax is tired of the centuries of loneliness. Emily is his last hope for sanity--for love. If only he could convince her that she is meant to be with him will he have a future.

Will his powers become his enemy, or will they reel him into a seductive spell of passion?


After discovering her husband cheated on her with her sister, who she'd let live with them, a fact that has her wishing she could kick herself. Emily runs into the night, unable to face her problems. After passing out on the street, she wakes to find herself supposedly happily married to Jax and unable to remember her previous life, but there is a lot more at stake for all of them than anyone realizes. Jax would do anything to keep Emily by his side, even if it means using a little black magic. Emily is more than willing to fall under his spell of passion.

The pacing of this book moves quickly, maybe just a little too fast, but its still packed with tons of story. I kept hoping Jax would turn some of his darker powers on Emily's husband, maybe turn him into the donkey's behind he was. All in all a great story and one you need to read.

Review - Broken Angel by S.W.Vaughn

Title: House Phoenix Book One: Broken Angel

Author: S. W. Vaughn

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Buy Broken Angel Here!


Rating: You Need to Read


Reviewed By: Janelle


One rule: don't lose.

When Gabriel Morgan's sister disappears somewhere in New York's underground, he'll do anything to save her. But finding her is only the beginning, because Marcus Slade won't let her go for less than ten million dollars – earned through Gabriel's blood.

Slade, one of five ruthless leaders of an organization identified only by a symbol, runs hookers and street fighters, and never gives up what's his. Including Gabriel's sister. To win her freedom, Gabriel is forced to undergo a brutal training program with Slade's top fighters in order to become one of them. He is branded, broken, given a new image, and a new name.

In the ring, Gabriel is known as Angel…and he does not lose.

Because the price for losing is his sister's life.


What can I say, it’s a testosterone fueled blood bath, and I loved it. An excellent series opener.

The characters in this story of very alive. Each has their own motives, past, goals, and aspirations. They react to the world around them in appropriate and believable manners. More importantly, none of this is spoon fed to the reader.

The story itself is fun, in a twisted, bloody sort of way. It’s refreshing to see a story where the main character is not given immunity or not allowed to fail.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and recommended it to anyone in need of an action fix. I hope I get the chance to review the other books in their series.

Review - Heidi and the Kaiser by Selena Kitt

Title: Heidi and the Kaiser

Author: Selena Kitt

Publisher: eXcessica publishing

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Rating: You Need to Read

 
Reviewed by: Gabrielle
 

Mousy little Heidi is a wanna-be designer who works as nothing more than a glorified go-fer for one of the largest and most well-known companies in the world of fashion. When she accidentally stains CEO Mr. Kaiser's pants, she gets two things she didn't expect -- a spanking...and a job. Kaiser hires her as his assistant, and her "training" proves to be quite a test of surrender.

Heidi has always wanted to be a fashion designer and gets herself a job with a major company in the fashion world. Her lowly job of a go - for girl ends when she accidentally stains the CEO’s pants during a photo shoot. Mr. Kaiser takes Heidi aside to deal with the payment for her mistake. Heidi gets much more than she expected from him. Instead of delivering her a pink slip Mr. Kaiser delivers a spanking and a job offer. As Mr. Kaiser takes Heidi on as his assistant he trains her in more than just the job. Heidi learns that she enjoys and wants what Mr. Kaiser can give her but when another woman comes to him with designs for her premier things take a different turn. The designs look awfully familiar to her and Heidi must choose to tell or not.

Mr. Kaiser is a take-charge alpha and Heidi is a shy submissive girl ready to please everyone. The two make a wonderful pair. I loved the way Mr. Kaiser knew just what Heidi needed and how his heart softened when it came to her. I enjoyed seeing the spunk that Heidi has come out once in awhile. She can be a hellcat when she wants to be. The relation ship that blooms between the two was great and Heidi’s thoughts and actions during it all were very interesting and endear her to the reader even more.

Selena Kitt writes an entertaining story keeping the reader engrossed from start to finish. Faced paced and definitely a hot read this book should not be missed.

Review - The Concise King by Various - AUDIO

Title: The Concise King

Edited by: Clayborne Carson, Peter Holloran, and Kris Shepard

Publisher: Hachette

Buy The Concise King Here!


Rating: You Gotta Read


Reviewed By: Janelle


For the first time, an edition of Martin Luther King's most important speeches and selected sermons are assembled and available on CD as a value-priced edition. Hachette Audio believes that the timeless message of King, in his own words and voice, are essential listening for any American and for any world citizen interested in American history, social justice, or non-violent protest. We hope to make these incredibly momentous speeches, extraordinary historical documents, accessible to an even wider population via this affordable offering.


It is not often I receive a book and make an assumption about the rating I will give it. But this is MLK, one of the great orators of our time. I have read and listened to his speeches since before I was old enough to appreciate the era of strife and suffrage in which he lived and died.

The problem I am most confronted with is a simple question: Who am I to review Martin Luther King, Jr.? Far greater people then I have studied his work and not found him wanting. So I have decided not to review the content for the merit of King’s words, but for the speeches that were included.

The eight speeches in the collection are taken from different times in King’s life. It opens with his first speech, the “Addess to the First Montgomery Improvement Association Mass meeting” that took place after Rosa Park’s historical arrest; and ends with the momentous “I’ve Been to the Mountain Top,” delivers so shortly before his assassination.

While not all his speeches are included, I feel this collection has his most important ones. They serve as a reminded that it is not those with guns that history remembers as heroes. But more often, then men who face adversity and violence with nothing more then a message of peace and the fortitude to never surrender.

In his most famous speech, he speaks of a dream where the world learns to see each other not for what makes us different, but for what makes us all the same. For when you strip away color, gender, politics, and religion, you are left without only a another being who laughs and cries and bleeds just as you do. In this time of political, racial, and religious upheaval, his rich voice still calling across history, that the Dream is not dead, and no one else should have to die for it.

Review - The Thorn At His Side by Diana Flori

Title: The Thorn at His Side

Author: Diana Flori

Publisher: Hearts on Fire Books

Buy The Thorn At His Side Here!


Rating: You Gotta Read


Reviewed by: Jennifer


Sexy, rugged James Blackthorn has a wish, but his wish-granting genie happens to be the manipulative Frenchman, Etienne Dubois, who has his own agenda. James embraces the independent spirit of the early Florida settlers and has a deep love for his land. His brother Colin, however, is a scalawag and a ladies' man, and a threat to Etienne Dubois' tranquility, who fears his daughter Cecile is in love with Colin.

After a five year exile in Paris, Cecile Dubois, a spunky and beautiful young girl returns to Key West determined to marry James, whom she secretly adores. But Etienne, her father, has other plans in mind. Mistakenly believing that Cecile wants to marry the unsuitable Colin, Dubois makes a pact with James to send Colin away in exchange for more land. What Etienne doesn't know is that by keeping the wolf away he has opened the door to the lion. James can't help his attraction to Cecile, which he fights at every turn. But what will happen when Cecile finds out she has been bartered for a piece of land?


This is Ms. Flori's first novel. It was well written and an engaging story. I loved the setting of Key West 1880. I got a picture of Key West in a different time. Really neat. The main female character Cecile is a strong and independent woman. The main male character is a strong and rugged man. The characters were well rounded and full characters. It was a great read with a good plot line, wonderful characters and steamy in parts. I really enjoyed reading it.

Review - Bondage Ranch: Roped In by Sindra van Yssel

Title: Bondage Ranch: Roped In

Author: Sindra van Yssel

Publisher: Loose Id LLC

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Rating: You Need to Read


Reviewed by: Gabrielle



Laera McDougal is lost in the woods when hunky Bruce Merrick finds her, but soon she’s lost in her passion as he pulls her into the world of sensual submission. He shows her desires she never knew existed in herself--desires she’s eager to have satisfied. She wants more than one hot day and night of sensual exploration, but Bruce never intended to take it further, even for someone who stirs him as much as luscious Laera.

Laera's not sure she can find someone else who will make her feel the same way. She needs Bruce to realize that it’s time to break free from of his past so that he can get the woman of his dreams all roped in.


Needing some alone time Laera McDougal decides to go camping. When her campsite neighbors make to much noise for her she goes for a long walk and ends up getting lost. As she struggles with a hurt ankle and brambles Bruce Merrick comes to her rescue. As Laera realizes that Bruce is taking her to a ranch where BDSM practices are prevalent she has mixed feelings. On one hand she is scared yet on the other she is excited and turned on. Bruce takes Laera on an adventure that she will never forget. Showing her and making her feel things that she never would have dreamed that she could or would try. While Laera delves into Bruce’s world she learns that she likes it and wants more. Both believing that they are not moving into a steady relationship, the two must come to terms with their feelings and hopefully get their happily ever after.

Bruce is a great Dom. Always watching and reading his sub for signs of pleasure or distress. He is a great teacher to Laera. Patient and kind he is a wonderful hero. Laera is a smart and open-minded woman, willing to try new things even when she is scared. I enjoyed the relationship that developed between Bruce and Laera. The trust that Laera gives Bruce is well earned; he is a good Dom and teacher that shows her that he can be trusted.

Sindra van Yssel captures the reader from the first page and keeps you entertained until the end. This book is a well-written and very entertaining read. It shows an intelligent woman’s foray into a sexual world that is new to her and the man willing to help and guide her through it all. I enjoyed this book and will be looking for more from this author. Not only is the storyline between Bruce and Laera a good read but many of the secondary characters are enjoyable as well. Bondage Ranch: Roped In is a hot read that should not be missed.

Review - Midnight Cravings by Sandra Jones

Title: Midnight Cravings

Author: Sandra Jones

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy Midnight Cravings Here!


Rating: You Need to Read


Reviewed by: Jennifer


Audrey has a job most people only dream about, visiting exotic destinations. But her new assignment, writing a review of a remote villa in Greece, exposes more than she'd bargained for—the handsome locals are really murderous werewolves, and worse, her steamy Greek lover is a lycanthrope with Midnight Cravings.

Commitment-phobic Audrey wants nothing more than to prove her worth as a journalist in rustic Arcadia. Then she meets Stephon, a charming local, and wonders if she'll be able to put the past behind her and learn how to say "yes"…to everything.
But looks, money, and sex appeal mask an ancient evil. Beneath the quaint facade of the village, a curse as old as time keeps Stephon from giving his body—or his heart—to anyone but his true mate. Because when the moon is full, the cravings begin.


A good, short and steamy read. The story is fast paced and intense in places. The chemistry between Audrey and Stephon is felt through the pages. I liked that there was a way to break the curse, and how Stephon was strong enough to overcome the urges. I was amazed how in depth the story was in such a short amount of words. Thanks for the good read!

Review - Feral Heat by Elizabeth Black

Title: Feral Heat

Author: Elizabeth Black

Publisher: Romance Divine LLC

Buy Feral Heat Here!

 
Rating: You Could Read

 
Reviewed by: Gabrielle


Grant and Sam were more than lovers; they shared a special secret. They also shared Grant’s roommate, Amelia, who was beginning to get suspicious about the two hunky males who disappeared every month. The sexy trio was not without their crises: Grant and Sam had a curse that continued to dog them, and Amelia’s soon-to-be ex had a bite that was as bad as his bark. It’s a howlin’ sexy time when author Elizabeth Black turns up the – Feral Heat.

Single mother Amelia needs help with paying her bills since her ex will not pay his child support and continues to harass her. She invites her good friend and coworker Grant to move in as a roommate to help out. Grant and his lover Sam share a secret; they both suffer from the same curse. Working with both men Amelia notices their disappearances every month and decides to get the story from them. The two men find a sexy way of distracting Amelia until the day one of them is hurt and they must go to Amelia for help. Will she except Grant and Sam after she finds out their secret?

With likable characters and an interesting storyline this story is a quick hot read. I would have enjoyed the book more if it went into a little more depth with the characters. Everything moves and is fixed rather quickly putting the emphasis more on the love scenes than what happens in their lives outside of the bedroom. Grant and Sam are great heroes willing to make things right for Amelia however they can. Amelia is a strong and confidant woman not only taking care of herself but her small son as well. The trio has very good chemistry from the beginning and it was nice to see people so devoted to each other. If you are looking for a fast and fiery story this book is for you.

Review - Snakes and Jails and Puppy Dog Tails

Title: Snakes and Jails and Puppy Dog Tails

Author: Mallary Mitchell

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

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Rating: You Need to Read


Reviewed by: Mickey


Spinster Arabella Trask loves only one man, but he betrayed her. Levi Wallace left her for another and married the woman who carried his child. Now a widower, Levi is injured and desperately needs Arabella's help. Can she risk her heart again?

As he lays dying from a snake bite... Levi's one regret is losing Bella. He never had the chance to tell her the child wasn't his. He married to save his brother's sorry hide and give the child a name. He longs to have Bella in his life again--will it take divine intervention to get her back?


Good Westerns are pretty rare as writers seem to concentrate on other genres, so it is refreshing to find one as well-written as Snakes and Jails and Puppy Dog Tails by Mallary Mitchell. I mistakenly thought this book would be a “quick” read based on the number of pages, but was quickly disabused of that idea once I began reading the actual novella.

The characters are complex, well-developed, and very likable which one finds crucial to any story. There is something so sweet and charming about a book that can make you smile, laugh and almost cry within so few pages. Ms. Mitchell is talented as evidenced by her ability to describe such imaginative scenes that transport her readers into her settings and emotions effortlessly. I loved the beginning, middle and the ending of this tale, it all flowed together so seamlessly. If you are looking for a great time, this is the book to read.

Review - The Proxy Wife by Cheryl Cornell

Title: The Proxy Wife

Author: Cheryl A. Cornell

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy The Proxy Wife Here!


Rating: You Gotta Read


Reviewed by: Mickey


Avery is stunned to find the man of her dreams exists only to learn he's beyond her grasp. Her tall, dark haired stranger avoided giving her his name and stayed only long enough to emphasize what's missing from her life. Mitch was smitten with her from first sight. Beyond fantasies she haunts his dreams and torments his waking hours.



Some authors have a talent, and reading their works becomes a gift, as one finds with Cheryl Cornell's The Proxy Wife. I enjoyed everything about the book, especially how it begins in the middle of the story and takes the reader back in the past to when the main characters first meet. This technique allows us to see the overall picture, and then discover the motivations behind the actions and the behaviors of those main characters. Ms. Cornell's ability to flip between the past and the present seamlessly is definitely one of her strengths, and this combined with her gift for writing descriptive scenes and sharp dialogue, make The Proxy Wife a wonderful choice on all levels.

The interactions between Avery and Mitch are incredible, with clear and crisp notes specific to each character, providing them with separate and defined emotions. And the love scenes – steamy! The character development is quite believable and extensive: from Mitch the handsome and strong Alpha male to Avery his stubbornly beautiful mate. While The Proxy Wife might be labeled a traditional romance, it has an extra edge that keeps it from being too sugar coated and vanilla. I adored this book; reading about how Mitch and Avery ultimately find their way. I especially loved the Epilogue, and learning of their fate at the end. This is one book I can completely recommend, it is a fantastic addition to any e-reader or bookshelf.

Review - Full Throttle by Candace Morehouse

Title: Full Throttle

Author: Candace Morehouse

Publisher: Champagne Books

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Rating: You Need to Read


Reviewed by: Mickey



Phoenix is hot but the bikers are even hotter and Samantha finds this out firsthand after partnering with her cousin to run Dr. Doug’s Mobile Dyno, a motorcycle testing and performance tuning business. Spurned by an ex-fiancée and resolved to taking care of her aging father and his medical problems, romance is the last thing Samantha’s looking for while expanding her new business is at the top of her priorities list.

Along comes opportunity in the form of Linc Montgomery, a tough, business-savvy, ex-Harley racer and new owner of Full Throttle Custom Cycles in Phoenix. Linc is used to having gorgeous women fall at his feet. When he meets Samantha and agrees to contract her dyno services, he quickly realizes she isn’t one of those brainless bimbos he normally dates before carelessly tossing aside.

The challenge is on for Linc as he sets out to seduce Samantha just to prove he can. He doesn’t plan on the interference of his ex-wife and her ex-fiancée – both of whom serve to make him realize that along the way, his seduction scheme causes him to fall head over heels in love. It isn’t so easy to convince Samantha she belongs to him.



When Candace Morehouse decided to write her book she picked Full Throttle as both the name of the book and the title character, and as we read the story we find both are good choices. Linc Montgomery is the quintessential Alpha male, one who goes all out in all aspects of his life especially with relationships, and we see ample evidence of this when he meets Samantha. Sam, on the other hand, is his female counterpart in many ways: extremely confidant in her business skills, but when it comes to relationships she is more than a little shy. Ms. Morehouse has fun with these characters and the “opposites attract” principle, setting up situations designed to both captivate and entertain her audience.

The character studies are wonderfully detailed and vivid. I love the interactions between Sam and Linc as they work through their their individual problems, how those situations impact their lives and any potential relationships that they are trying to develop with each other and the people in their lives. Added to this underlying tension is a threat to Sam's well-being that concerns everyone, plus a developing closeness to Linc's young son that surprises them both. Full Throttle is a very enjoyable story, one with all the requisite elements needed to make it a must read book: great characters, superior plot, witty dialogue and surprising twists.

Review - Up On The Housetop by Suzanne Rock

Title: Up On The Housetop

Author: Suzanne Rock

Publisher: Loose Id LLC

Buy Up On The Housetop Here!

 
Rating: You Need to Read

 
Reviewed by: Gabrielle
 


Desperate to escape her controlling family, Chloe Bradford scrambles up to the housetop of her Texas home on Christmas Eve. There she discovers a sexy stranger cloaked in shadow. He convinces her to shed her good-girl image and give into her most secret desires. The man's low, raspy voice tugs at her memory as much as it awakens her passion. Is he a Christmas miracle, or some figment of her imagination? When he tries to leave, she follows him, eager to learn his identity.

Zach can't stop thinking about Chloe, or their reunion on the roof. His wolf-half urges him to reveal his identity and claim her, but he doesn't dare. For both their sakes, he must remain in the shadows until he can control his inner beast's bursts of rage. After a decade of struggle he thought he could handle his curse, but Chloe's presence causes his control to slip. As the moon-rages become more frequent, he knows he's slipping toward the insanity that claims many of his kind. Only Chloe can save him, but he broke her heart over a decade ago. Her forgiveness would be the real Christmas miracle.

After an argument on Christmas Eve with her family Chloe is in need of some alone time. Tired of all the responsibilities her family has placed on her she escapes to the rooftop of her family home. Out of the shadows a stranger appears tempting Chloe. Asking her to let go and show her real self. Little does Chloe know but the shadowed figure is really the man who broke her heart years ago. Can Chloe accept him back once he shows her who and what he is now? Will she forgive Zach or has he waited to long?

Chloe is a smart and talented woman trying to get out from under the control of her family. She has lost herself and Zach wants more than anything for her to find herself again and the love that they lost. I enjoyed the bond that Chloe and Zach have both loving and trusting the other without any doubt. Zach is a wonderful hero in love with Chloe and willing to do anything to please and keep her.

This story is book one of the Kyron pack series. I cannot wait to read more about them. This is a great introduction to some of the main players in the series. I would love to read about what happens when Chloe meets Zach’s pack and what happens from there.

Suzanne Rock pulls the reader into her world and keeps you entertained from the very first page. With great characters that are full of emotion and a well-written plot Up On The Housetop is a fast paced and enjoyable read, this book should not be missed.

Review - Skeleton Bayou by Melanie Atkins

Title: Skeleton Bayou

Author: Melanie Atkins

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

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Rating: You Need to Read


Reviewed by: Jennifer


Savannah Love is emotionally and physically battered but is determined to survive after escaping the hellish imprisonment imposed on her by her psychotic cop-husband. After seven months in hiding, she resurfaces at Mossy Oak, her ramshackle family home on a Louisiana bayou, and attempts to restart her life. The empty house provides shelter, but isn't the fortress she needs when her cruel ex comes calling.

Mack O'Malley, former cop turned handyman, conflicted over a bad shoot on the job, comes to Savannah's rescue when the psychopath draws them into a deadly game of cat and mouse. Fearful of Mack at first, she soon discovers that beneath his steely exterior lies a resolute defender with a heart hungry for love. Will their alliance save them, or will they fall victim to the Legend of Skeleton Bayou?


Reader be aware this story has spousal abuse and the after affects. This book was very gripping. The tension for Savannah until her ex is killed is real. She runs to her family home in Louisiana in hopes of hiding. Instead she meets Mack and finds true love with a good man. The irony of Mack knowing her ex and such just adds to the story. There is also a whole other plot playing out simultaneously around Savannah and Mack. It all plays out in the end with action packed, bite your nails moments in the book. Overall a good read.

Review - The Art of Fang Shui by Sandra Sookoo

Title: The Art of Fang Shui

Author: Sandra Sookoo

Publisher: Eirelander Publishing

Releasing Soon from Eirelander Publishing


Rating: You Gotta Read


Reviewed by: Jennifer

A reluctant empath, her powers jump to the forefront of her life, and she has no choice but to take notice when dishy, arrogant Edwin attempts to kidnap her as part of a covert mission to save the Eight Realms. Will she be as successful in denying Edwin's potent sex appeal as she was in hiding from the paranormal world?

Edwin is a half-vamp, intent on collecting the bounty on errant paranormal beings. His best-laid plans go awry when he meets stubborn Hannah. He needs her telekinetic powers in order to vanquish the power-hungry Demon Lord, Andre. He's thrown off guard as she bewitches him with her sarcastic nature as well as her tempting curves. Will the urge to make Hannah a light snack sabotage his mission?

Together the unlikely duo finds themselves flung into a sticky web of supernatural foes and dark deceit in their quest to protect the world's magic. Can Edwin and Hannah save the Eight Realms before they fall under the evil influence of the deadly Demon Lord, or will the fire of their relationship destroy them first?


This is one of those times you shouldn't judge a book by the cover or the title. Both of which made me hesitate to open this book. I opened it and was hooked. This book has so many paranormal beings in it, and great sex and it's hilarious. I love the chemistry between Hannah and Edwin. I loved that Hannah took in all the stray paranormals as they traveled through the woods. I love the wandering through the woods and all the "people" they meet in the forest. Ms. Sookoo created such a unique world in her book. I don't want to give a lot away, because you just need to experience her world on your own, but it is so worth your time to delve into the world of Hannah and Edwin, and the others.

Review - A Penny For Your Thoughts by Bess McBride

Title: A Penny For Your Thoughts

Author: Bess McBride

Publisher: Wild Rose Press

Available February 2010 From The Wild Rose Press


Rating: You Gotta Read


Reviewer: Laura


Penny Brown is a therapist in Michigan who works diligently to help each and every one of her clients. She genuinely wants to help them work through their problems. However, she can't always help them. She finds that cold truth out in the most disturbing of ways. Her client engages her in a phone conversation that ends in tragedy. This incident throws Penny into a tailspin from which she may never recover. To help her try, she goes on a sabbatical to the Gulf Coast.

Matt Williams is now the Chief of Police in a small town on the Gulf Coast. One of the most important women in his life walked out on him 15 years ago. He has struggled to move on and keep his options open. One divorce and a few years later, he is still trying. Little does he know that that long-ago love is about to come crashing back into his life.

When I began reading this book, it was New Year's Eve. I read until 1:00 in the morning without even taking note of the year change. This story is engrossing, gripping, suspenseful and undeniably one of the best romantic suspense stories ever written. Ms. McBride knits together a plotline fraught with twists and turns that leaves the reader guessing as to the path to be taken next. To say this is a page-turner is an understatment. I couldn't wait to see not only the mystery solved, but to see how, when and if Matt and Penny would resolve their long unquenched desire for one another. I believe the lesson to be learned from this book is that no matter what you think, there always are possibilities in life and in love. Without question, Bess McBride has knocked another one out of the park.

Review - The Curse of Culcraigh by Dawn Brown

Title: The Curse of Culcraig

Author: Dawn Brown

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy The Curse of Culcraig Here!


Rating: You Need to Read


Reviewed by: Jennifer


After a devastating personal tragedy, history professor Hillary Bennett seeks refuge in the quaint Scottish village of Culcraig, hoping to research a legend and salvage her career. Instead, she finds her hostess dead and her hopes for the future pinned to the woman's black sheep heir.
The last thing Caid Douglas needs is a decrepit manor house to remind him of his estranged family, but he does need the money selling the house would bring to pay off his debts. In desperation he offers to honor his great aunt's arrangement with Hillary—if she pays him to stay at Glendon House and view his ancestor's journals, he'll have the money to fix up the family mausoleum and sell it.

But an ancient curse hovers over the village, and the secret to lifting it lies in the journals. Will Caid and Hillary realize what they have and uncover the truth before a twisted killer silences them forever?


Dawn Brown writes an excellent romantic suspense book. I throughly enjoyed reading her story. She spun a story with true love and murder. Ms. Brown had twists and turns and the mystery really lasted until the end of the book and then the culmination of the mystery came fast and bad. A more truthful telling of a murder I think. The murderer was cold and heartless and crazy. A true type of murderer. Caid battles his past and father to find true love and happiness. He's a strong character along with Hillary, who is also a very smart woman, and independent. This is an excellent book with strong characters and plot.

Review - Nashville Naughty by Bethany Michaels

Title: Nashville Naughty

Author: Bethany Michaels

Publisher: Ravenous Romance

Buy Nashville Naughty Here!


Rating: You Gotta Read


Reviewer: Laura


Bad girl Becca Shaw likes her men hot, hard and temporary. But when Dillon Phillips, lead guitarist of an up-and-coming Nashville band, moves in to help her make rent, what starts off as a simple financial arrangement soon gives a whole new meaning to "staying in" for the night.

Full of long autumn nights and plenty of Southern heat, the new arrangement is just another in a string of naughty adventures for Becca. But Dillon's desires run deeper and once commitment-phobic Becca realizes she might not be ready to give up her hot cowboy lover, she has to face not only demons from her past but one very unexpected development threatening their future.

Ms. Michaels pens a fantastically realistic story of life in Nashville. From the unreliability of demo singing for recording studios to working as a server for a caterer and ultimately to the numerous bars in the city, the reader is given a great, big slice of how the city can work for most people. The main characters of Becca and Dillon are written with great detail and insight into what makes them tick. All the scenes are vivid and exquisitely laid out. I read this story straight through with very short breaks because I couldn't wait to see what happened next. The author obviously takes great care and attention with her storyline and plot so it is virtually impossible to put down. I will recommend this book to my friends and look forward to Ms. Michaels' future work with great anticipation.

Review - I, Alex Cross by James Patterson

Title: I, Alex Cross

Author: James Patterson

Publisher: Hachette Book Group/Audio; Little, Brown and Co.

Buy I, Alex Cross Here!


Rating: You Gotta Read - This is a book that you would tell everyone you know about. It's a book you can't get out of your head even after you close the book or file.


Reviewed by: Shawn Weisser


You can't run

Detective Alex Cross is pulled out of a family celebration and given the awful news that a beloved relative has been found brutally murdered. Alex vows to hunt down the killer, and soon learns that she was mixed up in one of Washington's wildest scenes. And she was not this killer's only victim.

You can't hide

The hunt for her murderer leads Alex and his girlfriend, Detective Brianna Stone, to a place where every fantasy is possible, if you have the credentials to get in. Alex and Bree are soon facing down some very important, very protected, very dangerous people in levels of society where only one thing is certain--they will do anything to keep their secrets safe.

Alex Cross is your only hope to stay alive

As Alex closes in on the killer, he discovers evidence that points to the unimaginable--a revelation that could rock the entire world. With the unstoppable action, unforeseeable twists, and edge-of-your-seat suspense that only a James Patterson thriller delivers, I, Alex Cross is the master of suspense at his sharpest and best.


As a long-time Jams Patterson fan I was very happy to read this book and have the opportunity to review it as well. I became a fan when Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider were made into movies with Morgan Freeman in the role of Alex Cross. I, Alex Cross is a wonderful addition to the Alex Cross series. It was refreshing to see that the author has a sense of whimsy as he has Alex comparing himself, off-handedly) to Morgan Freeman, it was one of the few smiles this book offered up.

The smiles came with interaction between Alex and his family, especially his Nana Mama, who undergoes a change in her role within the family and Alex’s girlfriend begins to play a much larger role. The book is not a happy book as a member of Alex’s family is found dead, murdered in a most grisly manner. Alex wades deeply into the Washington D.C. political realm from the White House down. Family, work, politics, and friendships provide a wonderful backdrop to the much larger story. Love the book, buy it!

Review - Cade's Thanksgiving by Cia Leah

Title: Cade's Thanksgiving

Author: Cia Leah

Publisher: Red Rose Publishing

Buy Cade's Thanksgiving Here!


Rating: You Need to Read


Reviewed by: Jennifer



When Cade Lawson sent for his mail order bride, Maggie O'Malley, he didn't know what to expect. He and his twin sons needed a woman in their lives, the babes a mother to take the place of their dead mamma and he needed a woman to love.

Maggie was anxious about becoming a mail order bride, marrying a man she'd never met, but once she laid eyes on Cade and his twin sons, she knew that this Thanksgiving was going to be the best she'd ever had.


I adored this story. Ms. Leah did such a great job telling a whole story in such a small amount of words. Cade and Maggie are made for each other, and as a reader I fell in love with the twin babies. Such a sweet story for the holiday.

Review - Earth Enchanted by Brynna Curry

Title: Earth Enchanted

Author: Brynna Curry

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Buy Earth Enchanted Here!


Rating: You GOTTA read


Reviewed by: Jennifer


When telepath meets ex-cop, will it be death or diamonds.

Writer Liv Corrigan has the worst luck with men -- her telepathy tends to make them run for the hills. When she meets widower and ex-cop Jack Roarke, she decides to keep her talent hidden. Things are looking up until their third date crashes and burns as the man who murdered Jack's wife turns out to be after him too.
Injured, Jack retreats with Liv to his house under armed guard. But with Liv's mysteries rapidly coming unraveled, a diamond-thief killer to stop and passion in the air, the safe house is anything but safe for their hearts!


I was blown away with this book. Within the first few sentences I knew it would be a great read. Every page was packed with detail and suspense. I was hooked. The need to know what would happen was overwhelming. Ms. Curry did a great job portraying Jack's grief over the loss of his wife, along with making his healing believable. A third of the way in I realized that there was more to this book than met the eye. So many twists and turns. Ms. Curry took a simple idea for a plot and packed it full of story. Of, finding love again, to being in trouble, to causing the trouble and getting out of trouble. The characters are real and fallible. I can't wait to read the rest of this series. I want to know what happens with Liv's brothers and with Devin. I liked Devin. He was evil but helpful. More self serving than evil I think. I loved it!

Review - Heated Dreams by Julie Grissom

Title : Heated Dreams

Author : Julie Grissom

Publisher : Carnal Passions

Buy Heated Dreams Here!


Reviewed by: Brynna Curry


Rating: You Want to read

Roxanne Frost has more problems than she can count, but they pale to insignificance when Brett Sperry, man from the future invades not only her bookstore and her home, but her dreams, filling them with erotic images of the two of them having incredible sex. Sex in which she always reaches fulfillment. Then, he invades not only her dreams, but her very mind, telling her he can “fix” her “disabilities.”


Brett is a man with a mission. When it’s completed, he will return to the future and she will be alone again. Will the lessons she’s learned from him make her a woman fully capable of enjoying sex again, or will they fade as his voice fades from her mind?

After witnessing firsthand her husband's lecherous cheating ways and to her shock being aroused and angry at the same time, Roxanne writes off men. Even after the divorce, she is unable to enjoy physical pleasure as she once did. When Brett invades her dreams with heated fantasies, she begins to fall for the stranger with the ability to enter her thoughts. But Brett is on a mission and when its complete he will have to return to the future and leave Roxanne behind. Is their any hope for the pair?

Heated Dreams is extremely hot and flirts with various sexual orientation and situations even though the main romance is between the hero and heroine. At times the love scenes are very graphic per genre requirements and skimmed over at others giving this reviewer a feeling of inconsistency in style. Don't get me wrong though, the writing is solid and entertaining. I give this book a you want to read.