Review - Sanctuary by Cassidy Hunter

Title: Sanctuary

Author: Cassidy Hunter

Publisher: Loose ID

Buy Sanctuary Here!


Rating: You Need to Read


Reviewed By: Janelle


Kimberlyn is a were at odds with herself. She longs to express her true nature, but she's not sure what that is. What she knows is that she needs lovers who can satisfy her needs for rough sex and submission. What she doesn't know is that as the only Healer of her kind, she's incredibly valuable to the pack that can claim her.

Pack Alpha Logan and his partner Andrew need a third to solidify their pack and protect it from the Bears who want to take over. They know Kimberlyn's their girl from the moment they lay eyes on her. Now they just need to convince her they can fulfill her darkest desires. And to keep her away from the Bears.

I have mixed feelings about this story. On the one hand it is well written, has an excellent plot, interesting characters, and a vivid world. Logan and Andrew are vastly different people who express their feelings in very different ways. The other wolves, even those with limited screen time, are equally complex and provide a lively back drop to the story.

On the other hand, it does strike upon one of my personal pet peeves. This is what I call enjoyable rape; that is a character says no, but other characters go ahead with it anyway and she ends up having a good time, so it’s okay in the end. The fact that it was rape is never mentioned at all, and the event leads to a loving relationship for all involved.

Rape is never okay and should never be treated so lightly. It is a traumatic experience.

Overall, I really like this story. But the fact that it skims over such an important subject, keeps me from giving it a higher rating.

Review - Dawn of Eternity by Kylie Jordan

Title : Dawn of Eternity

Author : Kylie Jordan

Publisher : Cerridwen Press

Buy Dawn of Eternity Here!


Reviewed by: Brynna


Rating: You Need to Read


When a creature from a nightmare murders her neighbor and then comes after her, Leah expects to die. She doesn’t expect to be rescued by a mysterious, sexy stranger who turns her world upside down.

Slain in battle, returned to immortal life, wielder of the raw power of the Earth, Savvas has spent centuries guarding the secrets of the Ailyn, keeping their presence unknown and protecting humans from the alien race.

Soon Leah learns that fantasy does exist in today’s high-tech world as she travels with Savvas to the hidden city of Cuin’lad, where she discovers hidden truths and encounters danger, betrayal and murder. Through it all, she has Savvas, and just maybe a chance at her own impossible dream.


Leah is a psychic and artist. Thanks to her mental abilities, she never managed to fit in growing up. She knows something is brewing, lying in wait for her. Turns out Leah is more special than she ever imagined.

Savvas is a centuries old guardian of Ailyn secrets. His mission is to hide their prescence from the humans and ward off alien attacks. He finds himself drawn to Leah though she is forbidden to his kind.

Fast paced, this is one you'll find it hard to put down. Leah is a strong heroine bravely facing each challenge in the face of mortal danger. Savvas is her constant companion and protector, doing his best to keep the Dark Ones and Seekers at bay. Ms. Jordan builds a believable world of the impossible within our own. Dawn of Eternity is one you need to read.

Review - Learning How to Bend by Wendi Zwaduk

Title: Learning How to Bend

Author: Wendi Zwaduk

Publisher: Total-E-Bound

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Reviewed by: Brynna


Rating: You Want to Read




Their marriage is about to fall apart, but not if she can help it and he's willing to bend.

Abby Donovan imagined nothing could change her simple life as a librarian. Her loving husband Seth, a mechanic in the Air National Guard, is scheduled to return from a short deployment in Iraq. Before he gets home, a letter arrives. It seems Seth is asking for a divorce. She must decide whether to walk away without a fight or to wait and confront him with the thing he's always dreamed of - a ménage a trois. But all is not as it seems.

Seth Donovan wanted an idyllic life to go along with his career in the military. Then he sees the atrocities of war firsthand. A conversation with a colleague ends up as fodder for the rumour mill and so much more. Seth never wanted a divorce. He wants his wife. Will she accept him despite the rumours and advances from another man? Or can their relationship withstand the turmoil of war?

Contains Light Bondage and a Smoking Hot Ménage a Trois!


Abby Donavan is trying to come to terms with the heartbreaking request for divorce from her husband Seth. She thought their marriage was strong, now everything is about to fall to pieces.

Seth believes the rumors started about his wife and asks for divorce after a terrifying attack on his unit. What he really wants is a quiet life with Abby. She offers him the chance at one of his fantasies and the opportunity to come back into her life. Will they be able to compromise and heal together?

As a reader, I felt I needed more background on Seth. While Abby definitely seems real to the reader, the secondary characters could be more developed. However, Learning How to Bend delivers plenty of heat with heart. I think this is one you'll want to read.

Review - Trouble Under Venus by Autumn Piper

Title : Trouble Under Venus

Author : Autumn Piper

Publisher : Lyrical Press, Inc

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Reviewed by: Brynna


Rating: You Gotta Read



For some love lasts a long time, for others a lifetime. Can theirs outlast space-time?

Randi’s summer vacation plans? Attending Professor Sudo’s Time Travel Academy so she can blast back to 1980 Miami and figure out where her father disappeared to. She’s the head of her class until hottie Mitch arrives disguised as a geeky geologist and totally messes up her meditation. Goodbye Soulful in Sedona, hello Yearning in Yoga. So long solo time-travel, hello pushy partner--who happens to be a buff tri-athlete, a sympathetic listener, and an ace FBI agent on a top-secret mission. With his help, she’ll conga her way into the Cuban mafia, try not to destroy the delicate fabric of the space-time continuum, dodge a few bullets, and solve The Mystery of the Missing Dad. And maybe fall just a little in love…

Content Warning: A new adventure in women’s fiction, with a heroine who boldly goes where no chick has gone before, tons of danger and intrigue, a roller-discoing Granny, life and death betrayal, steamy Miami nights and one hot FBI agent.


Randi's father dissapeared from her life and the age of two. Now she has the chance to go back in time and discover what happened to her father solving a personal mystery that could change the course of time. What she didn't plan on was falling for the dreamy undercover agent Mitch who seems to have a hidden agenda of his own. Who is he really? And why is she so drawn to him? From the modern times to the ritzy disco era in Miami, Florida, Randi and Mitch delve into the Cuban mafia underworld in search of Randi's missing dad and answers.

Randi's sense of adventure and Mitch's mysterious ways made Trouble Under Venus a wonderful read. Time travel, suspense, vivid secondary characters and plenty of heat add to the book's appeal. Just when you think you have everything figured out, Ms. Piper throws you a curveball sending you spiraling back to the chaos. A perfect mix of humor and romantic suspense. Definitely one you gotta read.

Review - Baron's Right by Eryn Blackwell

Title : Baron’s Right

Author : Eryn Blackwell

Publisher : Ellora's Cave

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Reviewed by: Brynna


Rating: You Gotta Read


Passion ignites between a cautious healer and a battle-weary knight.

Acelwyn is an independent healer, a woman with her own mind who swears she’ll never be at any man’s mercy. Roidan, a great warrior, appreciates his new land, granted to him by the king—but nothing fires his blood, his passion, as does the sensual healer he vows will be his.

Though Acelwyn is attracted to the new baron, she’s more interested in keeping him alive and staying out of another man’s clutches. Roidan vows to protect her from all harm; he wants no other to have her. A man of hearty appetites, he initiates her into sexual pleasure. But will passion be enough to keep Acelwyn tied to him? If not, he’ll keep her anyway—as is the baron’s right.


When the King sends a new baron to claim the island and holdings from the old untrustworthy baron, Acelwyn doesn't expect much to change. Her life is healing others and intends to bend to no man's desires. Until she meets Roidan.

Roidan is pleased with his new holdings, but there is a battle to be waged to gain them. When the beautiful young healer saves his life, he's bewitched and determined to have her as is his right.

It's refreshing to find a historical romance with a heroine with grit. Acelwyn is no quiet little mouse willing to do anyone's bidding. She's untamed, brave with the heart of a warrior. Roidan is the perfect knight fighting for all he holds dear, yet giving Acelwyn space to be herself, all be it reluctantly at times.
Eryn Blackwell has created a unique story full of imagery, scorching heat and endearing characters making this one you've gotta read.

Review - Angel's Master by Sandra Sookoo

Title: Angel's Master

Author: Sandra Sookoo

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

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Reviewed by: Brynna


Rating: You Need to Read


The year is 1822 and life on the high seas just became more complicated for Ethan Williams. He’s a pirate with a conscience, and even though killing and plundering are his way of life, he’s searching for much more—and he’s tired of being alone.

Jacqueline Massey is connected with the American Navy. It’s her job to trick men into revealing they are indeed pirates. The guilt she feels about sending them to their doom is equaled only by her longing to be loved. But Jacqueline has a secret—one that has intertwined her fate with Ethan’s for longer than he’s known.

Can destiny bring together a pirate and an angel during the season of miracles, or will a watery death by Davy Jones locker drown their love?


Jacqueline Massey isn't your average barmaid. Repulsed by the idea of marrying her father's choice of suitor, she turns spy for the United States Navy. Her mission? Reveal the identity of pirates who cross her path, until one man changes everything.

I love a good swashbuckling tale and Angel's Master doesn't dissapoint. Ethan is deliciously devilish, and while not always heroic, definitely the tortured soul who doesn't know he needs saving. Jacqueline isn't your fainting flower of days gone by, but a take charge type of woman unwilling to be ruled by society's demands. I loved the contradictions in these characters and how they reacted both to and in the world Ms. Sookoo created for them. Another one to enjoy and definitely one you need to read.

Review - Retribution: Silent Death by Denyse Bridger

Title: Retribution: Silent Death

Author: Denyse Bridger

Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing

Buy Retribution: Silent Death Here!


Rating: You Could Read


Reviewed By: Janelle


Adam Walker is one of the Company’s best field agents, a highly trained, well-honed killing machine when that’s what’s needed. But, he’s also a man of many secrets, and one of them is that he’s a ninja, one of Japan’s mythical death warriors. When another of Adam’s secrets, his best friend and the woman many believe to be his lover, is killed, he turns to the one person he trusts, fellow agent Shainna Barton. While Shainna covers for him on a mission, Adam metes out his revenge, and discovers that his friendship with Shainna has a much deeper meaning that either of them ever realized.

This story promised to be my favorite kind of literary junk food: a skeleton plot drenched in blood. But sadly, it did not deliver. The majority of the 37 pages are taken up by the interactions of Adam and Shainna, including two rather lengthy sex scenes. Adam’s revenge, however, is relegated to only a few pages, with three of the five fights taking less then a paragraph each.

But the sticking point for me in this, is the glaring lack of research. Walker is shown using a sai, weighted chain, shuriken, and a katana; and using them all wrong. A sai is not meant to be thrown, nor would doing so cause it to go through a man’s chest and into his heart. Weighted chains are not accurate enough to smash heads at a distance. Shuriken do not have the mass, unless thrown with superhuman strength, to penetrate a skull. And the long katana was a weapon of the samurai, ninja favored a short, straight sword, that was easy to hide and much handier in assassinations. All this, leaving aside that a ninja, who’s greatest asset is stealth, is unlikely to bring such a wide assortment of weapons which would clang together and make a great deal of noise.

Another sticking point for me is the rule of “show, don’t tell” was not followed. The fights are glazed over, only bothering to tell the reader how Adam won, rather then giving the blow by blow.

Overall, I’m disappointed. The story was not what it was billed to be, lacks research, and is in need of polish.

Review - God Never Blinks by Regina Brett

Title: God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life's Little Detours

Author: Regina Brett

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Buy Link


Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Val

Blurb:
Already an internet phenomenon, these wise and insightful lessons by popular newspaper columnist and Pulitzer Prize finalist Regina Brett will make you see the possibilities in your life in a whole new way.
When Regina Brett turned 50, she wrote a column on the 50 lessons life had taught her. She reflected on all she had learned through becoming a single parent, looking for love in all the wrong places, working on her relationship with God, battling cancer and making peace with a difficult childhood. It became one of the most popular columns ever published in the newspaper, and since then the 50 lessons have been emailed to hundreds of thousands of people.
Brett now takes the 50 lessons and expounds on them in essays that are deeply personal. From "Don't take yourself too seriously-Nobody else does" to "Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift," these lessons will strike a chord with anyone who has ever gone through tough times—and haven't we all?


Review:
Ms. Brett started out as a newspaper columnist who turned, 50 and wanted to write the lessons that she learned, the hard way. God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life's Little Detours is a powerful little book that packs a punch. If you're feeling down, pick this book up. It has everything you would ever need to turn your thinking around. Little nuggets of humor and knowledge are sprinkled throughout this book and will leave you wanting to read more. I loved this book because it has short lessons in them. When something goes wrong in my life, I am easily able to pull out one of the lessons in the book and relate it to my own life. This is a must have book to keep on hand. When God Blinks was a fun audiobook to listen to as it was read l by the author herself. I felt a stronger connection to the author and the words meant just that much more to me. I am not alone in the lessons I have had to learn thus far. I look forward to reading many more of her books in the future.

Review - The Love Revolution by Joyce Meyer

Title: Love Revolution
Author: Joyce Meyer
Publisher: Hachette Audio
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Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by: Val


Blurb:
Are you fed up with all the pain and injustice that’s plaguing the world? Nothing will ever change if we don’t get involved. The world is in desperate need of people who are willing to band together and start a Love Revolution.

Possibly one of Joyce’s most urgent books, The Love Revolution forces you to answer the question, “What are you doing for others?” Your answer could change your life and your world. 


Review:
Let me first say that Love Revolution is a book that NEEDS to be studied in your church. It is a necessity if we are to move forward as a church body or just within ourselves. Through the words spoken throughout the pages of this book, we are faced with some truths that we might not like very much but need to pay attention to. Ms. Meyers brings to the forefront how we have made religion our God, not God himself. We are righteous when we want to be but not when we are supposed to be. We are no better than anyone else and it's time for us to stop thinking that we are. It's true that some might be offended by this book and to them I say, "This book might just be for you." I know my toes were stepped on from time to time and I plan to learn from this extraordinary book, as well as the lessons that God is trying to teach me. This would make an outstanding book for church groups to study. Our world can be a whole different place than what it is now. The only thing we need is a Love Revolution. I highly recommend this book to anyone.

Review - Eat the Cookie, Buy the Shoes by Joyce Meyer

Title: Eat the Cookie, Buy the Shoes

Author: Joyce Meyer

Publisher: Hachette Book Group

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Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by: Val




Blurb:
Engrained in our culture is the belief that unbending discipline is the only sure way to success. You must go to the gym five times a week, never order the dessert, and don't even think about buying that dress you keep staring at in the store window. Breaking from such a regimented lifestyle is a sign of weakness, right? Wrong!-and Joyce wants to tell us why...

Though setting rules in our lives are important, it's just as important that we break them from time-to-time. Structure is a powerful tool, but when diverging from your own goals is seen as catastrophic, it can have a hugely negative effect on us. Balance is a core value in life and every once in awhile we deserve to indulge in a guilty pleasure or two. So don't feel bad about straying from your goals every once-in-awhile and in fact, embrace it: eat the cookie and buy the shoes!


Review:
Joyce Meyer has nailed it with Eat the Cookie, Buy the Shoes. She writes with a style that is perfect for me, straightforward and to the point with humor mixed in. Through personal stories, Ms. Meyer shows you that it's ok to let go, to indulge yourself once in a while for something you deserve. We all need something to help us along in life and sometimes it's just the little things that do the most good in our lives. Eat the Cookie, Buy the Shoes was a book written to help you give yourself the permission to lighten up on yourself, you deserve it! Through scripture, personal stories and humor, I found that this is a must have for any woman at any time in their lives. Let go of what you think you need and read something that was written just for you. Indulge in this luxury and you won't be disappointed.

Review - The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker

Title: The Bride Collector

Author: Ted Dekker

Publisher: Hachette Audio

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Rating: You GOTTA Read

Reviewed by: Val





Blurb:
A virtuoso killer is carving a path of death across the west, intent on killing only the most beautiful women, all in the name of love. He has claimed six victims and slipped through the FBI's fingers, each time leaving behind a handwritten note and a bridal veil.

Special agent Brad Raines has hunted the Bride Collector from crime scene to crime scene, but each time he finds himself one step behind. Desperate for help, Raines turns to the Center for Wellness and Intelligence, a private home for gifted, mentally ill residents.

Raines is quickly drawn to a young woman named Paradise who struggles with psychosis. Together they enter the killer's deadly game and begin to close in. But like Paradise, the Bride Collector is supremely gifted and he has a distinct advantage: this is his game.

Review:
All I can say is WOW! The Bride Collector is a book that you will not put down and that I guarantee. Brad's character was fascinating to say the least. The complex relationship he finds himself in with Paradise is one you don't want to miss. The way the killer's mind works was truly bizarre. I enjoyed reading about the certain quirks the people at the Wellness Center have that really we all have to some extent. I don't want to give too much of this book away so I'm just going to say, BUY IT! This book is one of the best I have read yet.

I used to think that no one could take the place of James Patterson on my bookshelf but I must say that Ted Dekker has done just that. The Bride Collector has become a favorite and I will definitely be reading more books from this particular author. Ted Dekker has done an outstanding job with imagery, plot and everything in between. This is most certainly a book that you do not want to miss.

Review - The 8th Confession by James Patterson

Title: The 8th Confession
Author: James Patterson
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Buy Link

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Val


Blurb:
Someone is killing the richest people in the city—and it's the Women's Murder Club's scariest investigation ever.
APPEARANCES CAN BE DECEIVING
At the party of the year, San Francisco's most glamorous millionaires mingle...while someone is watching—waiting for a chance to take vengeance on Isa and Ethan Bailey, the city's most celebrated couple. Finally, the killer pinpoints the ideal moment, and it's the perfect murder.
BUT THE TRUTH CAN BE DEADLY
While Detective Lindsay Boxer investigates the high-profile killings, someone else is found brutally executed—a preacher with a message of hope for the homeless. His death nearly falls through the cracks, but reporter Cindy Thomas hears about it and soon discovers the victim may not have been quite as saintly as everyone thought.

Review:

In yet another hit, James Patterson has delivered a riveting story that I enjoyed. In the Murder Club series, I always find myself sitting on the edge of my seat. The imagery was fantastic and I felt myself so into the story that I wasn't really aware that 2 hours had passed. The 8th Confession is a book that you really need to read if you have a passion for suspense.

The 8th Confession was a really good read that almost had it all. Usually, I would give any James Patterson book an automatic You Gotta Read. However, this book was a little bit different. It seemed as though there was so much going on. This book centers around two different murders, each having nothing to do with the other. Although there is nothing wrong with that, I felt it hard to relate to the characters when the story was going back and forth. I would have loved to get to know the characters a little bit more but found the ones I was introduced to, fascinating. I look forward to reading the entire Women's Murder Club series, I am hooked on it.

If you would like to read the books in the Women's Murder Club series in order, I have listed them below.

1st to Die
2nd Chance
3rd Degree
4th of July
The 5th Horseman
The 6th Target
7th Heaven
The 8th Confession
The 9th Judgement

Review - Willed to Love by Michelle Houston

Title: Willed To Love

Author: Michelle Houston

Publisher: Phaze Books

Buy Willed to Love Here!


Reviewed by: Brynna


Rating: You Need to Read


Although still in love with her husband Devon, Ashley Monroe was seeking a divorce, thanks to his family and their mistreatment. When Devon's grandmother dies, and Ashley is included in the will, everything changes, because his grandmother wasn't about to let history repeat itself.


When Ashley Monroe filed for divorce, it was a painstaking choice. Fre spirited and true-hearted, she wasn't the "Monroe's" idea of the perfect wife for Devon. His grandmother believed otherwise and left Ashley an inheritance with conditions. She must try to reconcile her marriage.

Devon was away when Ashley miscarried their baby and for two days his family forgot to call him. First the baby, Ashley and then his grandmother, he's lost those most precious to him. He's more than willing to agree to the terms of the will and seek comfort in his wife's arms.

A sweet steamy read that will break your heart, Willed to Love is a perfect mix of romance and light humor. My only complaint was the reason for Ashley's divorce. I felt she was more the type of woman to tell the family to kiss off than walk away from the man she loved. No spoilers here, but I absolutely loved the ending. This is one you need to read.

Review - Illusions by Ann Jacobs

Title: Illusions

Author: Ann Jacobs

Publisher: Ellora's Caves

Buy Illusions Here!


Reviewed by: Brynna


Rating: You Want to Read



Master magician Drake Conover is dark, dangerous and irresistible to women. But a terrorist? Agent Erienne Duval doesn’t think so, but it’s her job to find out—by any means necessary.

Including seduction…


Publisher’s Note: Previously released in the Love Magic anthology.


Erienne Duval is a top notch agent. When it comes to chasing down terrorists she'll do anything to stop them, including seduce her prey. Her newest mission, prove master magician Drake Conover is guilty of betraying his country. Can she complete her mission without comprising her heart?

Drake Conover has a reputation for being a ladies man, but he's built a wall around his heart. When the daring Erienne enters the picture, he finds his defenses crumbling. Built on lies will their love survive?

Right from the start, Illusions delivers the intense heat for which Ellora's Cave is known. Erienne is vibrant, sexy and take charge and Drake is her equal. However, I felt the beginning menage scene wasn't necessary to the story and gave me a negative view of Drake. It made it seem that until he met Erienne he was careless with himself physically. All in all, if you want tons of suspense and scorching heat you'll like Illusions by Ann Jacobs.

Review - Journey Around a Darker Sun by Simon Lowrie

Title: Journey Around a Darker Sun

Author: Simon Lowrie

Publisher: eXcessica

Buy Journey Around a Darker Sun Here!


Rating: You Could Read


Reviewed By: Janelle


Claire has the world round her little finger – she's young, gorgeous, sociable and fun. She's not short of admirers, and in Tristan she has a fanboy who only lives to serve her. From doing her shopping to massaging her thighs, Claire is glad to have him as her sweet, domesticated pet.

Then Claire meets Paul, the best-looking, most powerful and enigmatic man she's ever known, and feels as awestruck in his presence as Tristan does in hers. But Claire is about to learn the dark side of Paul's love, which involves strict rules and even stricter punishment. And when her ass feels the first imperious smack of his hand, it's only the beginning of her education in submission.


The first thing I noticed about this story, is that there is a lot of it that makes no sense. I had to read the opening paragraph three times before I understood what it was saying, and even then it was vague and devoid of anything concrete. Also throughout, there are paragraphs written in this poetic style that, while beautiful, has no baring on the story.

Furthermore, it wanders. There was one scene where they spent twenty pages talking about clothes. Alternatively, the date all the preparation was for, passes in a couple of nebulous paragraphs.

It is hard to call this story sexist, simply because it insults both genders in equal measure. The boys are Tristan and Paul. The former is a simpering man-child who cleaves desperately to a woman who will never return his feelings, with his highest aspiration being to glimpse her panties. The latter seems to be an escapee from the land of Gor, who believes that women must be brought to heel under threat of physical punishment and rewarded by being fucked.

For the girls we have Claire and Rachael. Claire is a wild child who enjoys stringing a cluster of various men along in an endless cock-tease. Rachael, on the other hand, is completely submissive to a man who expects her to cook and clean and be a warm body on command.

I am not against Domestic Discipline, it is a lifestyle choice. The key word being choice: that is consenting adults decide it is a lifestyle they collectively wish to pursue. It is not for one party, and one party alone, to decide and the other to simply abide by it. And any sexual gratification that could be gained by the reader from these scenes is lost because they are only spoken of by the characters. Any part that is shown gets glossed over so the characters can talk about it.

I cannot remember a story where I have actually hated every character. This isn’t a story of submission, it is a cycle of abuse and a study in Stockholm Syndrome.

Overall, I really cannot recommend this book. The characters are detestable, the plot is offensive, and the writing need to be reined in.

Review - A Secret Treasure by Lindsay Townsend

Title : A Secret Treasure

Author: Lindsay Townsend

Publisher: Bookstrand Publishing

Buy A Secret Treasure Here!


Rating : You Want to Read


Reviewed By : Jennifer



The Greek island of Rhodes: luxurious and hot, beloved haunt of the Sun God, steeped in the mysteries of the past. In the late 1930s during the gathering storm-clouds of war, it is a dangerous place to fall in love. When pretty, passionate Eve Burnett meets the darkly intriguing Julio Falcone, she is torn. As a man, Julio is powerfully attractive. As a policeman, he is bound to be a Fascist. Her brother, David, who is missing, is connected to the Greek Partisans who wish to liberate Rhodes from their Italian overlords.

Now, as David appears at their parents' house soon after Julio makes Eve's acquaintance, Eve is compelled to hide her brother and a mysterious gold statuette. The Fascists are looking for him and this secret treasure. Soon, Eve realizes that she may be forced to choose between the man she loves and the ultimate safety of her family.


A Secret Treasure is a sweet love story amidst war. Eve and Julio find each other while trying to find her brother. Eve then hides her brother so that he doesn't go to jail. I will say that I didn't like Eve's parents. Everytime they ordered Eve around I wanted to yell at them. Totally me, they walked all over her until the end I felt. I really enjoyed this book. The ending was fast paced and intense, and the villain was a true mean and nasty villain!

Review - Lean On Me by Cherise Sinclair

Title: Master of the Shadowlands 4: Lean On Me

Author: Cherise Sinclair

Publisher: Loose Id, LLC

Buy Lean on Me Here!


Rating: You Gotta Read


Reviewed by: Gabrielle


Andrea wants to submit, but not to just any so-called Dom. He has to be tougher than the slum-bred bullies she grew up with. She’d given up finding a true Dom when her friend finagles her a place as a trainee in an exclusive BDSM club with the powerful Shadowlands Masters. Andrea’s thrilled...and terrified.

Forced to accept an unknown submissive into his carefully run trainee program, Master Cullen is furious. Not only is the young woman new to BDSM, but she’s unsuited to her role--armoured in leather like a Domme, she’s more liable to punch a Dom than kneel. He decides to push her right back out the door. But as he ruthlessly intimidates her, punishes her, then comforts her, his glimpses of the woman inside the emotional armour intrigue him and her utter surrender captures his heart.

Although Master Cullen is famous for his unfettered lifestyle, Andrea believes he might be interested in her, until she discovers he’s not just a bartender--he’s a cop. Maybe he’d overlook her past brush with the law, but when another trainee accuses her of stealing money, Andrea's sure she’s lost the Master she wanted with all her heart.


Andrea has been looking for a Dom for a long time, trying all the clubs but failing to find that special someone. Just when she is ready to give up her best friend gets her into the infamous Shadowlands BDSM club. As she begins her training to be a sub at the club she meets Master Cullen. He causes Andrea to start feeling things that she never has before. Has Andrea finally found the right Dom for her? Will she give herself over to him and realize that love is a two way street or will she fight it all and loose her chance at love?

I loved this book from beginning to end. Master Cullen is a wonderful Dom. He understands what a sub needs and how to give it to them. Andrea is a spirited and strong willed woman who finds herself fighting for love itself. The inner turmoil that Andrea goes through is a very strong read and the many things that happen to her in her past and even in the club make for an emotional story. I truly enjoyed the interaction between the two of these characters, each fighting their own demons and wishing for love. As we read about how Andrea and Cullen each fight their attraction the reader begins to hope that one of them will see reason and forget about their own personal rules and grab love by the horns.

Cherise Sinclair knows how to bring the reader into the world of her books and hold them there until the very end. In this book we are once again treated to the Masters at the Shadowlands club and as with each book in this series you are not only entertained but also taken for an emotional roller coaster ride. Many Doms and subs endear themselves to the reader in this series making the readers excited and anxiously awaiting the next story. I have yet to be disappointed by this author each and every story has been a great read. The stories are always well written and full of depth and emotion. Cherise Sinclair has quickly become one of a short list of automatic buys for this reader.

Review - Cup of Joe by Teri Wilson

Title: Cup of Joe

Author: Teri Wilson

Publisher: White Rose Publishing

Buy Cup of Joe Here!


Rating: You GOTTA Read


Reviewed by MarthaE


Goldie thinks she's prepared for the death of her doting Grandpa who's raised her since childhood. But after his passing, she finds herself curled up on the sofa watching television, feet clad in fuzzy slippers. She knows God has a new plan for her life, but she's simply too tired to figure out what it is. To make matters worse, sweet, shy coffee shop owner, Joe Montgomery, keeps showing up on her doorstep with morning coffee. When she tells him emphatically that she doesn't like coffee—never has and never will—he shows up with a dog instead! As she takes steps to start a new life, with her new puppy scampering playfully at her side, Goldie begins to realize a cup of Joe just might be what she's needed all along.


This is an inspirational and charming romance and a special treat for dog lovers and coffee lovers.

Tereas “Goldie” is a sweet young lady but she has sunk into a depression after the death of her beloved Grandpa. She initially turns away from everyone. Then when she tries to attend the Care Group Bible study she used to go to with her Grandpa, her older neighbor Peggy says she doesn’t fit in. Goldie runs into trouble too when her good friend Eve tryies to fix her up with the bachelors at church. Goldie has to struggle her way back to God with the help of these good friends and her new friend, Joe.

Joe, the owner of Joe’s Coffee Shop, was close friends with Goldie’s Grandpa and always brought him coffee. Now he is bringing coffee to Goldie and trying to give her comfort. He is surprised to learn she doesn’t like coffee but he learns that she does like his dog. Joe decides to charm her with specially flavored coffees and a sweet puppy.

Joe manages to spend time with Goldie by walking the dogs together and then taking the dogs to obedience, rally class and competition. Meanwhile Joe gently courts Goldie. Joe also shows Christian love and lifestyle to his employee, Cinnamon.

Goldie is a real to life character with a full range of emotions, from grief to joy. Joe is a wonderfully compassionate and gentle hero. The dogs, Java and Bliss, add an extra fun element to the sweet romance. The dialogue is filled with smart one-liners that have you chuckling. The spiritual lessons are blended in through natural, real life situations. Ms. Wilson pulls together all the elements to make this a delightful, heartwarming, inspirational read. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Review - Eden's Black Rose by Jaclyn Tracey

Title: Eden’s Black Rose

Author: Jaclyn Tracey

Publisher: Wild Rose Press

Buy Eden's Black Rose Here!


Rating: You Want to Read - A Good book.


Reviewed by: Shawn Weisser


Dr. Serina Spencer is a young enchantress with hidden talents that she’d like kept that way. While walking home from her place of employment, she inadvertently wishes for a man to show up on her door stoop, alive, in one bloody piece, betrothed to no one and interested in anyone other than himself for a welcome change.

Serina finds out the hard way it’s not what you wish for, but how, when a young man gets delivered to her door ravaged by a vampire. After years of hiding her powers from the world Serina is faced with a choice, use them or lose the one man that can make her dreams come true.

Lucian St. James is not your typical royal heir to the throne, wanting nothing to do with his heritage until that option is stolen from him. Awakening in a bloody carriage with a gorgeous green-eyed beauty buried within his loins he finds out fast all things are not as they seem. Countless lies have been told, family members murdered, and now Lucian and Serina find themselves in the centre of a macabre plot to knock out all heirs to the throne beginning with him on his honeymoon.

This paranormal story confused me at first but the author pulled the story together. Jaclyn Tracey introduced her main characters quickly and provided more and more layers to their lives. The ones you least expect to be paranormal, the ones you least expect to be special, the ones you least expect to be extraordinary - she surprised me throughout. She was quite detailed, and sometimes quite gross, when necessary without being verbose. I got a kick out of the characters and relationships as they moved through the story.

Review - Crushing Desire by April Dawn

Title: Crushing Desire

Author: April Dawn

Publisher: Breathless Press

Buy Crushing Desire Here!


Rating: You Want to Read - A Good book.


Reviewed by: Shawn Weisser


Reena Harrison is anything but the fashion, but despite her flaws, she has several suitors. Unfortunately, the one man she has always loved is not one of them. After things go dreadfully wrong with a suitor and her family, she finds herself asking Joshua a peculiar favor.

Joshua Sinclair has long had a fascination with the tall beauty. After years of denying his feelings for Reena in pure military fashion, he finds himself thrown together with her in an out of control scheme. How can he possibly rule his emotions when he finds himself posing as the sensuous woman’s husband?

As a general rule I like historical fiction. Crushing Desire did not disappoint. The author, April Dawn, captured my attention quickly and held it through to the end. She wove an intriguing tale of love and independence in a time when most women had neither. A headstrong young woman falls in love with a man she can’t have. Two brothers fall for her and she wants neither and the betrayal by one almost ends her life. She remains strong, remains true to herself and those she loves, and fights for what she wants. I really enjoyed this post-Revolutionary War story. The author was able to describe the settings and people of the period so well I could envision myself within the story playing voyeur. I would read more of April Dawn’s work.

Review - Devil's Honor by S.W. Vaughn

Title: House Phoenix Book Two: Devil’s Honor

Author: S. W. Vaughn

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Buy Devil's Honor Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read


Reviewed By: Janelle


One man. Two worlds. No options.

Shiro Kuroda is a man torn between two worlds - born and raised in traditional Japan, he's now a fighter and assassin embroiled in New York's underground street fighting scene. After he accidentally kills an opponent in the ring, breaking the one rule of the organization, his employer’s retribution is swift: he must assassinate a deadly rival to the Harada clan, or take his own life in shame if he fails.

However, the people he has trusted over the years are not who they seem to be. A secret from Shiro’s past assures that no matter what the outcome of his mission, he will lose - whether he must commit ritual suicide, or watch those closest to him die.

I had the great pleasure of reviewing the first book in this series, and I am not disappointed with the sequel. While not as bloody as the last installment, this foray takes us to the heart of the organization, where money and power hold more sway than human life.

The first book focused largely on Angel, and while he features strongly in this story as well, it is the secondary characters that are brought into the light. Specifically Shiro, and to a lesser extent, Jenner.

Shiro is interesting in that his defining characteristic puts him at odds with himself. His loyalty and honor bind him to both his boss and his friends, despite the fact that each party wants something different for him. His inner demons plague him every step of the way as he tries to come to grips with who he is verses what he has become.

Jenner, by contrast, does not change so much as add depth. He is still scary as hell.

Overall, and excellent sequel to the original and I will be keeping an eye out for the next installment.