Review – Powerborn By Nene Tina Thomas and Steven C. Plagman

Title: Powerborn

Author: Nene Tina Thomas and Steven C. Plagman

Publisher: Self- Published

Buy Link: Buy Powerborn Here!  And Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read!

Reviewed By: Lupa

Blurb:

2500 Years ago, a race of immortal Powerborn known as the Lyx dominated the world, enslaving all of the lesser races and pushing the world itself to the breaking point. At the height of the Lyx’s power, Fate intervened and unleashed the most dangerous weapon in its arsenal: the force of nature known as the Harbinger.

Though its power is nearly limitless, the Harbinger is purely a weapon of last resort, and once it has been released it cannot be controlled--it can only be destroyed. Furthermore, there is only a single opportunity to stop it before it completes its destiny and destroys the world, and that opportunity is granted to only one being: the Champion.

In the Valley of Fire, the legendary battle in which the Lyx were consumed in the fires of the Harbinger, the Champion struck down his foe and saved the world from destruction, but not before it could set into motion a new cycle of destruction which will lead to the rise of the next Harbinger.

In the years since the fall of the Lyx, an empire built by Zarryiosiad, the Powerborn who successfully led humanity in a 400 year-long war against the Lyx, has splintered into warring countries. The island nation of Illymar, wealthiest of the countries and the one-time home of Zarryiosiad herself, has seen its fortunes decline and its position weaken to complacency and corruption within.

Ambitious and warlike Dakkadia wants to capitalize upon Illymar’s weakness to expand its territory and influence using their new weapons of war, but standing in their way are the Ferralin Empire, and the Mage Guard of Ithram, an army of Powerborn sworn to uphold peace on behalf of the Zarryiostrom, the church formed in the name of humanity’s greatest heroine.

And watching from the shadows is an ancient race of immortals who quietly shape events, working toward a purpose all their own as a threat more terrifying than the Lyx lies in wait.

Review:

I absolutely LOVE this book. Ok I have to admit something, I have been following the development of this book very closely. Nene Thomas is one of my all time favorite artists and thanks to my slightly stalker like behaviors I have the honor of counting Nene and Steven as friends. That being said I still frackin love this book.

I really am impressed with the quality and beauty of this first book from Nene and Steven. When I got it in the mail I spent days sticking it under the nose of every person that came in the house, thankfully my friends are used to my excitement about books but even they were impressed. And they didn’t even read the book, Yet!.

Powerborn is filled with fantastic characters that though they start out well developed you still get to watch as their lives progress and their personalities change according to the situations they are in. The scenes are well written with great flow and vivid descriptions of the environment.

One of the neatest parts of the book (To me at least) is the 20 full color illustrations that Nene created for the book. I love being able to read about the characters then flip back to see what they look like. It gives the story an added dimension in my opinion, and it is something you don’t see very often.

My favorite character in Powerborn is definitely Countess Thorn Demestira. She is truly a woman after my own heart in so many ways. I think Thorn adds just a hint of spice and fire to this story. Her skills are fantastic and her attitude is one I love to see. Strong – Intelligent – Independent and loyal to those she considers family to almost a fault. Not to mention the fact that she is painfully… persistent.

IF you are a fan of great fantasy stories filled with political intrigue, great characters and interesting drama then Powerborn is one book “You Gotta Read”.

Review – Field Combat Manual For Zombie Slayers By Marc Sherman

Title: Field Combat Manual For Zombie Slayers

Author: Marc Sherman

Publisher: Rebecca J. Vickery

Buy Link: Buy Field Combat Manual For Zombie Slayers Here!

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

Blurb:

We are at war with our fellow Man. These creatures called Zombies are no longer to be thought of in the Human classification, they are merely a shell of what was once a human. Those not infected with this madness shall take arms against those who seek to harm us. Common sense techniques are necessary to prevent the further spreading of what many refer to as a Zombie Apocalypse. First aid, tips on warning devices, trapping strategies, tactical concealment, and firearm maintenance, as well as planning for future Zombie encounters and attacks are included. Do not take the contents of this Field Combat Manual lightly; it very well may help save your life. Within these pages you will find many valuable and useful resources put together to help you make it through these bad times.

Review:

This book’s greatest strength is also its greatest weakness.

On one hand, it is a straight laced survival manual about the Zombie apocalypse. It comes across as very tongue in cheek, talking about such an absurd subject in such a serious tone.

On the other, it still reads like a manual. Parts of it, like gun care and first-aid, have nothing to do with zombies or fighting them. There is nothing overly insightful in these parts, merely glossing over the very basics.

Overall, this book is an odd mix of amusing and boring. If preparing for the zombie apocalypse, this book is probably for you.

Review – The Lost By Caridad Pineiro

Title: The Lost: Sin Hunters, book 1

Author: Caridad Pineiro

Publisher: Hatchette Book Group

Buy link: Buy The Lost Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewer: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

Adam Bruno is no ordinary millionaire. The heir to an ancient race possessing a dark, powerful magic, he can shapeshift and create energy. His gifts make him a living weapon and have forced him to live in seclusion. But now an inhuman force hunts down Adam-just when he finds someone who makes him feel more human than he ever imagined possible . . .

Home from combat in Iraq, Bobbie Carerra wants only peace, yet soon joins Adam in a terrifying battle against paranormal enemies who hide in plain sight. She's drawn to his strength of mind and body; he's attracted to her courage and intoxicating energy. Their scorching passion can either transport them to the heights of ecstasy or-if Adam's powers rage out of control-destroy them. But when an invisible brotherhood tightens its nets and someone Adam trusts betrays him, only a heartrending decision can save them.

Review:

The only memories Adam Bruno retained of his childhood are traumatic and horrifying, vague memories of screaming, fear, and being pulled out of his hiding place by CIA agent and now adoptive father, Salvatore Bruno. Now as a nearly 30 year old successful business owner, Adam is feeling restless. He is used to the isolation and learned early on to make sure that no one but Salvatore knew of his “special” abilities. He can pull the life force energy from other living things and assume their form, but he is losing control of his powers and that puts him and Salvatore in danger. When an attempting kidnapping brings Adam into contact with beautiful ex-Marine Bobbie Carrera, Adam is both attracted and wary. Her energy is unlike any he’s ever seen or felt, and yet very familiar. Bobbie is trying to rebuild her life, after a bombing in Iraq caused massive injuries to her and nearly wiped out the rest of her Marine unit. She is inexplicably drawn to Adam and wants to draw him out of his solitary life, but there are several factions working behind the scenes to keep Adam and Bobbie apart. It soon becomes apparent that nobody is who they seem.

The Lost is different from any paranormal romance I’ve read to date, and I’ve pretty much run the gamut. This is a new breed of being, steeped in Aztec lore and complex science. As the flagship book for a new series, The Lost has a large amount of information and back story to put forth, and I don’t think any other author could have made it such a smooth journey. Ms. Pineiro takes the reader on a historic ride through ancient civilizations into the modern world with an emphasis on physical science that could have been dry and boring but was instead interesting and compelling. Adam was good hero material, but it was the characters surrounding him that made the story so gripping. There is not just one villain in the story, and there are degrees of darkness to each group. Some are really evil and dastardly, and some have decent intentions and just become lost in the deceit.

Bobbie was a great character. A soldier and caretaker at heart, she doesn’t hesitate to come to Adam’s defense, even when he has a typical boneheaded guy moment near the end of the book. Reading about Bobbie and Adam’s struggle to find each other and themselves was a truly moving experience. If you love series like I do, then grab on to this book with undue haste. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into the next one.

Review – Losing Control By Summer Daniels

Title: Summer’s Journey Volume 1: Losing Control

Author: Summer Daniels

Publisher: Smashwords

Buy Link: Buy Losing Control Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewer: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

Fortyish, newly divorced, searching and longing for something different. Something fulfilling and exciting, somewhere far outside my ordinary comfort zone. Lots more to come following my introduction to you in this first volume of a multi-part True Romance / Erotica series. Approximately 6,000 words – this first volume is somewhere around 90% background story, and 10% erotic.

Review:

Summer is a newly divorced, ordinary woman in her forties, who is longing to break out of her rut and let her inner vixen run free. After some encouragement from her best friend, Summer utilizes the internet to locate some interesting prospects, who might aid her on her journey. Mark offers her a daring proposition that involves trust and a true sense of adventure. This is the first part of Summer’s Journey.

Sometimes reviewing “new 2 me“ authors can be scary, especially for an erotic submission. I have had some truly horrific experiences on that road, so I was optimistically cautious with this book. Wow, was I ever surprised. Summer’s Journey is a prime example of elegant erotica. It tells a story not just an act. You become invested in Summer’s character as a whole person. This book avoids the trap of using frequent graphic language to cover up a lack of talent or creativity. Without losing any of the sensuality of the genre, the author uses her excellent writing ability to tantalize and entice the reader. Not to say this work is peppered with euphemisms or outdated language. This is not the case, the language is indeed graphic, it’s just used in a tasteful and appropriate manner.

This is just the beginning of Summer’s odyssey, and I certainly am looking forward to the next part of her trip. I still haven’t determined if this is fiction or not, but that’s part of the fun. If you are looking for a quick, spine tingling bit of erotica, I heartily suggest you give this a spin.

Review – Thyme By Louisa Trent

Title: Blooming: Thyme

Author: Louisa Trent

Publisher: Loose ID

Buy Link: Buy Thyme Here!

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

With a temper to match her flaming hair, an argumentative streak a mile wide, and a curvy full-figured shape, Regina is a vavavoom sexpot.

A lot of good it does her with men.

Her 36-Ds intimidate nice guys and draw creeps out of the woodwork. Frustrated and hurting after a recent breakup with her apathetic boyfriend, she decides to shake up her boring life by vacationing solo in Europe.

First stop: the Tower of London.

She’s minding her own business, doing the sightseeing routine at the tourist trap, when she’s stalked, then captured by some twisted weirdo who actually thinks he’s a medieval warrior from Norman times. After introducing himself as Lord Raven, he drags her to his castle bedchamber, where he strips her naked and ties her up like a rump roast. And he’s acting starved. Then, he starts talking trash, something about making her his mate.

His mate! This, to a feminist! What will her girls back home think?

Just her friggin’ luck, the kinky abduction scenario really does it for her, and she falls for him hard. Until--he starts spouting a whole lot of crap about Time Travel.

As soon as she unlocks her lips from his, she’s so outta there.

Maybe.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, strong BDSM theme and elements (including/not limited to humiliation, tethering, spanking), exhibitionism.

Review:

Regina is on a quest to forget her ex boyfriend and find her true self, so she decides to take a trip to Europe and enjoy herself. There she finds Lord Raven who abducts Regina to have his way with her. Regina cannot believe that Lord Raven is from the past or that he could actually have feelings for her. Not ready to jump back into love again Regina decides that a fun romp with this sexy stranger may do her good but fate has more than fun and games in store for her.

This story has a great plot and wonderful characters but it did not flow for me and it seemed a bit rushed at times. While I enjoyed Regina’s spirit and Raven’s intensity it was hard for me to get immersed in the story. A few times I was pulled out of the story because of the wording or phrases used and I know that Lord Raven comes from the past but some of the ideas from his time were a bit much for me.

I did however enjoy the intensity of the emotions that both Regina and Lord Raven have at different times in this story. I especially liked it when Regina begins to find herself and lets go of her past and hurt. Lord Raven’s devotion to Regina was a wonderful thing to see as well, making this story one that some readers may find appealing.

Review – Her Dragon Lords By Cynthia Sax

Title: Her Dragon Lords

Author: Cynthia Sax

Publisher: Changeling Press

Buy Link: Buy Her Dragon Lords Here!

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

Blurb:

Lady Guinevere dreams of frolicking naked with twin warriors. She knows these dreams cannot come true, and she must choose only one warrior to wed. She selects the stoic elder brother, bidding a regret-filled farewell to her other laughing lord.

Except her wedding night isn't the end of their relationship, but a new beginning. The brothers share everything, and Guinevere is about to live out her deepest, darkest fantasies. Will she be woman enough to tame her two wild dragon lords?

Review:

This story is feels very lazy, with an oversimplified story strung between sex scenes. At no point was I worried about any of the characters, or their relationship. Even the mild conflict the story does provide feels tacked on, since the character is not even mentioned until it is time for him to be evil.

As far as the sex goes, it does what it sets out to do. But the characters are so flat and one-dimensional, I really have trouble caring beyond that point.

Overall, it is readable, but not exciting.

Review – Changeling Dream By Dani Harper

Title: Changeling Dream

Author: Dani Harper

Publisher: Kensington

Buy Link: Buy Changeling Dream Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

In times of stress Jillian Descharme has always found calm in her dream of a great white wolf with haunting blue eyes. But she is startled when the visions return and this time seem so real. Late at night he comes to her, speaks to her, touches her. It’s almost as if he’s alive…

Thirty years ago James Macleod lost his wife and unborn child to a killer bent on destroying the Changelings. Though he longed for death, his animal instinct fought for survival and James has been a wolf ever since. Yet now a woman has reawakened the man in him, taming wild instincts but arousing still wilder needs. With his ancient enemy hunting the legendary white wolf, James must fight for new life, new hope, new love.

Review:

Changeling Dream is book two in this great series. This book brings us the story of James and Jillian. Many years ago Jillian was attacked by several men and almost killed a white wolf saves her from death. When no one believes her she keeps her story to herself.  Jillian hopes that by accepting a job in a different town she can move forward but it seems fate has other plans for her. After years of staying away James finds himself drawn back to town. When a maniac attacked and killed his pregnant wife and almost finished him James never thought to find his human side again, let alone his heart.

This is a wonderful book about two wounded people who find salvation in each other. Jillian is a strong woman. She goes through so much in her life yet she still stands up and fights. James has gone through the most horrific thing that I could imagine and is so vulnerable because of it yet he is more than ready to deal with what comes his way. The two are a wonderful couple and seeing their love grow was a nice read. James and Jillian fight their way to that happy ending and you the reader are right there to cheer them on.

Not only do we get to see James and Jillian’s relationship begin but we also find out why the two go through what they have. I enjoyed meeting many of the secondary characters in this book and seeing the impact that they have. If you have not read the first in this series you may want to check it out while it is not imperative that you read it you will have a better understanding of the world this author has created and I am sure you will enjoy it as much as this book.

Review – Lord of the Wolfyn By Jessica Andersen

Title: Lord of the Wolfyn: The Royal House of Shadows, book 3

Author: Jessica Andersen

Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne

Buy Link: Buy Lord of the Wolfyn Here!

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewer: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

Practical cop Rhea Weston didn't understand how reading a sexy version of “Little Red Riding Hood” catapulted her into another realm—face-to-fang with the legendary wolf-creature who seduced women. A wolf who transformed into a dark, virile man . . .

Dayn cursed the Sorcerer that damned him to a lonely fate. As a beast, he mated with women to gain the strength he needed to rescue his royal palace. But as a man, he craved Reda’s touch. With little time left, Dayn had to either embrace his wolf to safe his kingdom…or fight to save his woman.

Review:

Prince Dayn, second son of the king, was riding hard through the surrounding forests of the kingdom, trying to forget his duties as Forestal and his duties to marry well. After yet another argument with his royal parents about his responsibilities to the kingdom, Dayn needed to find an outlet for his frustrations. It wasn’t until he was pulled into a magical vortex and heard the voice of his dying father that he realized the castle was under attack and he was desperately needed there, but he had shirked his duty, and now Elden was lost. His father told him to wait for the guide. She would lead him back to Elden to avenge the massacre, meanwhile he had to wait. The realm where he was tossed by the vortex to wait, was the realm of the Wolfen. Wolfen had supposedly been eradicated by the vampires eons ago after many bloody battles, yet here he was, in a land filled with Wolfen, all of whom hated the blood drinkers.

Alfreda Weston was a police officer on the edge. Because of her inability to overcome her fear, her partner was dead. No matter what the police psychologist said, she knew it was her fault. Having been brought up as a military brat, she knew her cowardice was inexcusable. The only comfort was in unexpectedly finding the old book of Rutakoppchen(Red Riding Hood), a gift from her mother before she died. It seemed to give her something else to focus on besides her own shortcomings. She was becoming obsessed with the Woodsman in the story, having erotic dreams, and fantasies. When Reda is whisked away inside the book, she is firmly convinced she has finally lived up to her father’s fears and lost her mind.

I was really excited to start this book because I am a huge, huge fan of this series and Doc Jess. It started out beautifully and I was completely committed to the story. Loved Dayn with his rebellious spirit and innate darkness. The Wolfen mystique was a new twist and really added to the story. And then, Reda happened. I know I am hard on heroines, so I tried really, awfully, terribly hard to find something I liked about Reda. I failed miserably. She was the very antitheses of everything I hold in esteem. There was no other problem with the book, The story was excellent, Dayn was a great hero (except for his really bad taste in women). The other characters were interesting, especially Keely, Dayn’s Wolfen ex-lover, she was a worthy heroine. I appreciate flawed characters, but Reda had too many and they made themselves known too frequently. She made a stab at redemption near the end, but it was too little too late. I wish I had felt differently about this story, but it was like being given a wonderfully decadent, rich slice of chocolate drizzled cheesecake and finding a hair baked in it. It almost made me cry.

Review – Techno Crazed By Sarah Makela

Title: Techno Crazed

Author: Sarah Makela

Publisher: Changeling Press

Buy Link: Buy Techno Crazed Here!

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

Blurb:

Private investigator Hannah Franklin's life is turned upside down after being contacted by a former employee of MAX Home Security, the leader in security services. But they're not just protecting people anymore. Hannah's informant claims to have proof that MAX has ordered the assassination of politicians who stood against the corporation.

When her informant is killed and an attempt is made on her life, Hannah has no choice but to contact a freelance hacker. Her only hope now lies in the hands of a man she never expected to welcome back into her life.

Ian Bradley has lost his girlfriend and his job, as well as having acquired a very annoying gnome. Now his ex, Hannah, is in danger, and she needs his help. Ian vows to protect Hannah with every resource available to him -- and as a technomage in a high-tech world, his resources are almost endless...

Review:

This book feels rushed. There is no mystery, no time for tension to build, events happen one after the other like automatic gunfire.

Ian is basically flawless: he’s super intelligent, has magic powers, and he has all the answers. Hannah, despite being billed as a Private Investigator, does very little actual investigating. Instead she stumbled headfirst into the role of the damsel in distress and let’s Ian do all the real work. As for the gnome, he’s annoying, and serves no discernible purpose otherwise.

The sex is...unbelievable, and not in the good way. When the girl has stitches, massive blood loss, and two people have just been murdered outside the front door. It’s not the time for sex.

Overall, I can’t really recommend this one.

Review – Enslaved By Cassandra Dean

Title: Enslaved

Author: Cassandra Dean

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Buy Link: Buy Enslaved Here!

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewed by: Valentina C.

Blurb:

I was to teach a slave.

Marcus, a gladiator in my father's ludus, was compelled to my presence to learn of Rome's gods, her legends. When first he came, fear consumed me - fear of this silent, resentful slave who burned with his anger.

Time, though, changes much. Marcus softened and I grew unafraid. As we became closer, I grew more than merely unafraid -- I grew to love him.

Never did I think we would be separated.

I was wrong.

Review:

This is a well-crafted, thoroughly researched novel. Ms. Dean has managed to capture an interesting period of time that we don’t read about very often.

The setting is really the star here. We can almost smell the sweat from the arenas where gladiators fight, the perfumes that the Roman women wore. The sounds of clashing swords fill the air as we read, throwing us back in time. We follow Lucia as she falls for a slave who is made to learn about his captors. The plot develops smoothly, nothing is rushed, and it feels completely believable, which is usually the issue with this genre, the lack of a coherent storyline. It is not the case with this one.

The relationship between the two main characters is intriguing, slow to appear yet strong. Lucia and Marcus are well paired, with personalities different enough for conflicts to form. There is an interesting mix of politics in the story, which makes for a very different kind of romance novel. This is by far, one of the more unique ones I’ve read and I can easily recommend it for lovers of romance but also of historical fiction.

Review – Love Conquers All Evil By Mary Abshire

Title: Love Conquers All Evil

Author: Mary Abshire

Publisher: Noble Romance

Buy Link: Buy Love Conquers All Evil Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

Welcome to arctic Alaska, free from vampires and home to humans, demons, and werewolves.

After months of moving and hiding from the VETOV, Drake and Jessie settle into a small Alaskan town. They soon discover a serial killer is on the loose and it's a demon stealing good souls. As Jessie mingles with locals from the demon community and investigates the murders, she bumps into a werewolf she had hoped she would never see again. More trouble arises and Jessie reaches out to Alan, the Alpha she met in Arizona.

Together, Drake and Alan seek to eliminate the threat against Jessie, but removing the werewolves may come with a steep price for the Alpha.

In a matterof a few days, Jessie battles for survival, and her own soul, while maintaining a feverish love for Drake. Demons and werewolves won't stop this half-demon soul catcher from sending evil souls to hell, or spending eternity with her noble vampire.

Review:

Jessie, a half demon, and her vampire lover, Drake are on the run. After narrowly escaping the clutches of VETOV (Vampires for the Ethical Treatment of Other Vampires), they have ended up in Eagle River, Alaska. Before they can even make it to Drake’s friend in Eagle River, they stumble across a murder, and to top off their run of bad luck, a werewolf who had previously kidnapped Jessie was living in town. These two just can’t seem to catch a break.

This was a highly anticipated book for me. I had become absolutely obsessed by Jessie and Drake’s story since I had the immense pleasure of reading the first book in The Soul Catcher Series, Claiming the Evil Dead.  Our heroine, Jessie, has matured quire a bit since we first met her. Although she still has a tendency to run off on her own, even when she knows that is a big NO-NO. She doesn’t make me cuss or throw things nearly as much as she used to.  Bless her heart, she is still a trouble magnet. It follows her to the ends of the Earth and beyond. Drake is his reliable, steadfast, gorgeous, and “waaay to good for her” self. He tries to keep her happy, satisfied, protected and secure against all odds, and generally to his detriment. He is over 800 years worth of hero in throws of true and eternal love. So what else can he do?

Even though this book is the fourth in the series, it is a stand alone and the reader should have no problem following the story.  Mary Abshire is a very talented storyteller with a true gift of pulling the reader straight into her characters adventures and not letting them go until the very last word of the book. She is also one of the best around for creating some of the hottest love scenes on paper. I’m amazed at times that my screen doesn’t have scorch marks. We get to visit with some old friends from the previous books(although a certain hockey player was glaringly absent) and meet some new characters that I feel sure will make return appearances. Jessie also will undergo a couple of life altering events, but I’m not spilling. Love Conquers All Evil is set during the Christmas season and the ending is an early gift to readers of this series. I actually cheered, but I still am not talking. You just need to read it yourself.

Review – Dark Sun By M.J. O’Shea

Title: Dark Sun

Author: M.J. O’Shea

Publisher: Loose id

Buy Link: Buy Dark Sun Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed by: Layne

Blurb:

Lynx is the spoiled sheltered son of the Dragon Triad, a crime family that rules over futuristic New Seattle. When he gets separated from his cousins during an adventure in the seediest part of town, he meets the man of his dreams in a bar owned by the Phoenix Triad, his family’s bitter rivals. After a night spent in passion, his mysterious lover disappears and Lynx fears he’ll never find him again.

Orion has a secret. On the surface he’s the perfect son, a society prince, heir to the Phoenix Triad’s corporate throne. But in his other life he’s known as Katana -- thief, hacker, hero who steals from the triads to help the poor citizens of Bottom City. Orion knows the pretty Dragon he met in the bar that night is trouble, but he can’t forget the passion they shared.

So when the opportunity arises, Orion captures him and takes him on an adventure he’ll never forget. Will their love match survive the revelation of their true identities and the heat of their families' feud?

Review:

In Dark Sun, M. J. O’Shea blends awesome characters with great chemistry and an amazing plot beautifully.

New Seattle is ruled by triads, and Lynx Kovalenko is one of the privileged. In his home way up in the clouds, the dirty and seedy parts of the Bottom world doesn’t touch him. Until he gets lost and ends up in bed with the son of his father’s enemy.

Orion Leonias is also a son born of privilege, but under that smooth, carefully groomed façade he hides a secret identity. One that can hurt him and the man he’s coming to care for.

I really enjoyed this story. M. J. O’Shea did a great job in bringing the world she created to life. Great flow, dialogue and sigh-worthy love scenes. I hope there’s another chapter to this story, would love to revisit these two.

Review – Provoked Lover By Zenobia Renquist

Title : Caveat Emptor 3: Provoked Lover

Author: Zenobia Renquist

Publisher: Changeling Press LLC

Buy Link: Buy Provoked Lover Here!

Rating : You Want To Read

Reviewed By : Jodie Pierce

Blurb :

After an attack leaves Theron's allies scattered, Sicily finds herself in the care of Lamon, a vampire who looks like he would rather kill her than protect her. The unlikely pair must become very close – sexual energy is necessary to disrupt the spell the mages are using to track Sicily. Emotions become confused as their bodies entwine. Sicily finds herself falling for a man she can't have... or can she?

Review :

Sicily is against others owning vampires but when her best friend Ryver needs help in taking the docility charm off her Theron, five mages approach Sicily and convince her they are helping. They give her a stone to give to Ryver to get rid of the docility charm. She gives the charm to Ryver and it works she then returns it immediately to Sicily. It starts to glow and burn in her hand. Lamon, Theron’s second in command throws the stone out the window and it explodes letting a wall full of angry vampires through the castle. Lamon is instructed to take Sicily to a safe house until he is otherwise notified. The two despise each other at first however he convinces her he has to give her an orgasm a day to lessen the charm from the mages. Also, he needs to feed from her as he cannot leave the cabin. Lamon has been trained to protect and desire Ryver but he finds himself falling for Sicily. She wonders if she is having real feelings or just feelings because they are having sex. Once they are released from the safe house and taken back to Therons’ house their feelings are called into question. What will their answers be? Will they have the same feelings or will they shock each other?

The author was very good at character development. It had you rooting for the characters in the end. She also created a great background that it made you feel as if you were there in the story. My only complaint is that the story ended rather abruptly. It built and built to the end point and then just dropped off. The rest of the story was fabulous though. I would recommend it for readers who like vampires, erotica and action.

Review – Quick To The Hunt By Cameron Dane

Title: Quick to the Hunt

Author: Cameron Dane

Publisher: Loose id

Buy Link: Buy Quick To The Hunt Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by: Layne

Blurb:

War veteran Hunter Tennison returns home physically and emotionally scarred. Unable to bear feeling anything, Hunter uses pain to quiet the chaos and to keep his emotions from destroying him. Hunter dare not risk falling in love. He can’t let anyone get close enough to see the violence inside him.

In business and relationships, Alexander Quick is practical and rational. The first time Alex looks into Hunter’s eyes, he sees the damaged soul within, and adamantly tells himself not to get involved. Too many things could go haywire with a volatile man like Hunter, and Alex doesn’t enter into relationships where he cannot predict the outcome.

Then Alex learns his mentor is ill. The news sends him reeling. Alex suddenly sees his life isn’t as perfect as he thought. An ache for something meaningful stirs in Alex, and Hunter’s broken soul draws him in like a beacon on the blackest night.

Two men, one running like hell from love and the other opening himself to the emotion for the first time, collide. Hunter and Alex begin a darkly sexual relationship bound to explode. In the aftermath, can Alex make Hunter believe their love is powerful enough to heal his scars?

Review:

Gut-wrenching. Painful. Intense. Dark. Some of the words to describe Cameron Dane’s Quick to the Hunt. In between the pages of this book, I lost myself, becoming fully engrossed in the lives of Hunter Tennison and Alexander Quick.

Hunter’s scarred. Yes on the outside since he’s recently back from Afghanistan, but that’s nothing compared to the mental. He’s haunted and in pain. The only way to cope is to cut himself. Those scenes are so heart-breaking, so painful to read, that thinking about them brings tears to my eyes. Ms. Dane puts the reader in the midst of all that turmoil, all that darkness, and allows us to feel as Hunter does. To breath as he does. To experience that burn as he does.

Superb descriptions.

Quick isn’t for the faint of heart, it isn’t for those who can’t stomach self mutilation. The darkness in this story is pretty tough to take. Hunter can’t stand to be around his family, his friends. He’s not the man they once knew. Despite the need to distance himself from people in general, only one man holds his interest and becomes his focal point.

Alex always has a plan, always knows how to fix any problem that arise. He can’t fix Hunter. He can’t save him. The realization isn’t easy.

The chemistry between these two men, both so different, is explosive. To describe the love scenes as hot is as inadequate as describing the sun as the same. It is not enough to say hot or scorching.

Flammable, maybe. Two scenes stick out: the first time Hunter and Alex come together. So violent, fierce. Explosive. That word again. My heart skipped several beats watching them love on each other, watching Hunter take and take, and Alex give when he’s not used to. The second scene comes after Alex confesses his feelings and scares away Hunter who declares he doesn’t want anything personal between them. Alex takes control, showing him why everything between them is personal. That love scene really made me feel like a true voyeur. I shouldn’t have been witness to something as powerful, gripping and just plain carnal as that.

I shouldn’t have, but thank Heaven I was.

I adore Cameron Dane’s writing. She yanks the reader into the worlds she’s created kicking and screaming, thrusting wave upon wave of emotion on you. There’s no way you can then walk away unscathed. You can’t. Those characters stay with you.

Nothing about Quick is simple, nothing is easy. Flawed characters abound here, mistakes and second chances as well. Tears and heartbreak live between its pages. I wanted to, if only to wrap Hunter and Alex up in my arms and rock them. At the end of Quick, I cursed. I didn’t want it to end, didn’t want to say goodbye to these men. Their story resonated with me on so many personal levels.

It’s hard for someone to make you bawl the way Ms. Dane did with Quick to the Hunt and still find yourself asking—nay, begging for more.

Review - Caged By K. M. Spires

Title: Caged

Author: K. M. Spires

Publisher: CreateSpace

Buy Link: Buy Caged Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

Blurb:

Welcome to Lycaon. A small island off the coast of Texas, Lycaon is renowned for its brutal, haunted history as well as its wonderful tourist attractions. From the rides and games on the boardwalk to the museums and gift shops dedicated to the Lycaon Beast, there is something on Lycaon for everyone.

There are only a few simple rules that must be followed. When walking on the beaches, don't go near the water. Outsiders are forbidden to venture to the interior of the island. All tourists must be aboard the last ferry, which leaves at sunset. Most important of all, never set foot on Lycaon on nights of the full moon. These rules are in place for your safety. Please, enjoy your stay.

Review:

We are not all what we seem to be, we all have secret, regrets, fears, and burdens the bear. Every closet has some skeletons, but some closets are bigger than others. The island of Lycaon’s closet has multiple dimensions.

Jawna, our heroine, has lived on Lycaon all her life, just like all the residents. She knows the island like the back of her hand, that includes all it’s deepest, darkest secrets, but she won’t tell. When an intrepid writer arrives on the island with dreams of telling the Lycaon’s history, it falls to Jawna to guide him around the island and keep him safe from his own curiosity. She never expected to develop feels for him.

Lok has lived life fast and hard. Born on Lycaon, he is running from a past he cannot escape. His relationship with Jawna is complicated to say the least, but despite their problems, he has no intention of letting anyone come between them, be it starlet or monster.

Overall, I have found mysteries are among the hardest stories to write. It is a careful balancing act between not giving away the surprise, and not blindsiding the reader by lobbing it in from left field. This story is highly engaging and kept my attention from beginning to end. Therefore I highly recommend it.

Review – Unforgiven By S.W. Vaughn

Title: Unforgiven

Author: S. W. Vaughn

Publisher: Loose id

Buy Link: Buy Unforgiven Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed by: Layne

Blurb:

After serving four years for a murder he didn’t commit, ex-cop River tries to avoid the human race. He runs street cons to make enough money for the dilapidated room he rents and the booze he drinks to stay numb. But when he tries to scam a gorgeous stranger who’s robbing an ATM, he soon realizes he’s tangled with the wrong man.

Braelan is the prince of the Seelie Fae, just arrived in the human realm to avoid becoming King. He also has unfinished business with his half-brother, who he owes a debt that may be impossible to repay. When a scruffy, unkempt human attempts to take the money he’s stealing, Braelan offers to pay him in exchange for spending the night with him--though he has no idea why he’s attracted to the man.

Despite himself, River agrees to one night only--and after the most incredible sex of his life, he realizes there’ll be no getting over Braelan anytime soon. But River doesn’t want to feel anything, and Braelan feels too much. While neither can deny what might be love, River’s past is coming back to haunt him...and it will drag Braelan down with him.

Review:

When we first meet River in S.W. Vaughn’s Unforgiven, he’s scamming an old lady into handing over her money. Not a good way to endear himself to the reader, but River doesn’t really care about appearances and what anyone else thinks. He’s a man apart, disgraced, doing what he can to survive. It’s only later we learn he hasn’t always been that heartless. That cold. That hard.

A former cop, River is now homeless after spending time in jail. His story is gut-wrenching, his attitude brash and off-putting, and he’s used to not feeling. So why is he suddenly needing the touch of the stranger he stuck up at an ATM?

Fae prince, Braelan, has defected from his kingdom and is roaming the streets of NYC, looking for his brothers. He finds himself attracted to the homeless man holding him up and offers River money for a night in his bed.

I loved this story. Amazing characters, strong plot and intense chemistry between River and Braelan with River fighting it tooth and nail. I found myself giggling at the banter between these two men—that scene at the ATM especially stands out. River keeps pushing Braelan away and the Fae keeps going back for more.

Though Unforgiven is the third installment of the Skin Deep series, S.W Vaughn doesn’t burden the reader with unnecessary back story and narrative. The flow is effortless, dialogue authentic and witty, and the sex hot. In between the drama unfolding with River and Braelan, there’s an engrossing suspense woven in that keeps the story fresh and engaging.

Review – Bunny And The Bear By Eve Langlais

Title: Bunny And The Bear

Author: Eve Langlais

Publisher: Smashwords

Buy Link: Buy Bunny And The Bear Here!

Rating: You Want To Read

Reviewed By: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

What’s a poor bear to do when all he wants is some sweet, bunny pie?

Bears and bunnies aren’t supposed to mix, or that’s what Chase keeps telling himself when his bouncy new neighbor won’t stay out of his business—and his mind. However, the more he gets to know his overly perky neighbor, the more he craves her—naked in his grasp—a desire worse than his addiction to honey and pie.

Miranda’s on a mission for the Furry United Coalition, and it involves secretly guarding one grumpy ol’ bear. Staying focused on the job isn’t easy when all she can think about is turning his frown upside down, a task made harder when she gets a glimpse of his passion. When she hears about his theory on woodland creatures and predators not mixing, she thinks all is lost, but she didn’t count on a bear’s curious nature—and possessive need.

When an evil force abducts Chase, Miranda unleashes her bunny in order to save him, but the revelation of her shifter side puts her in danger. Is one ornery bear enough to save her from a mad scientist? And if he does, can a bear forget her woodland creature status long enough to love her and make her his mate?

Warning: Pies were harmed in the making of this story and naughty references made about honey that might offend some readers.

Review:

Chase Brownsmith is the epitome of his inner grizzly, grumpy, solitary, committed to food, sleep and “no strings attached “sex when absolutely necessary, and in that order. He is a firm believer in not mixing species, and when he does finally settle down it will be with another bear, but that is wayyy in the future. Super blonde and bubbly Miranda is an undercover agent with FUC (Furry United Coalition), who is supposed to keep Chase from becoming the latest victim of whoever is snatching pureblood weres, conducting torturous experiments, and then killing them. Chase thinks Miranda is an airhead who moved in just to make his life miserable, but she smells an awful lot like honey.

I love Eve Langlais’ work. Her characters are fun, snaky and sexy and the stories are always smoking hot and entertaining. This book leans more to the cute side. Miranda would look right at home in an episode of “The Girls Next Door”, but only her cover is in reality an airhead. Miranda is keeping some BIG secrets. I love Chase, he is so terminally grumpy and has absolutely no idea what to do with an energizer bunny like Miranda. (well, he does have some thoughts on the matter). This book looks like the start of a continuing series (fingers crossed). If this is the case, I really want to know more about Mason, Chase’s brother. He definitely sounds like more than your average bear. 

You will have to remember that a lot of this book is written tongue in cheek and the characters are meant to be over the top, otherwise you might go into a cuteness coma. This book is a perfect pick me up for days when life has got you down. There is no way you could read this book and not have a smile on your face. I guarantee you it will have you laughing by the time you finish, but I do offer you a warning. You may never look at pie the same way ever again.

Review – Stone Cold Seduction By Jess Macallan

Title: Stone Cold Seduction

Author: Jess Macallan

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Buy Link: Buy Stone Cold Seduction Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

When a regular night of Robin Hood-ery results in the manifestation of some, um, unusual paranormal abilities, perfume-maker Elleodora Fredricks realizes the normal world she lives in isn’t quite… normal. And neither is she, thanks to her father, king of the shadow elves. Not only is he evil incarnate and the reason Elle moonlights as a burglar—someone has to take care of all his victims—he’s stolen her memories.

And only reading her fate can fix that.

Good thing she’s got a trio of hotties willing to help her find said fate, but only if she gives them something in return. Saving her oracle BFF’s fiancée, falling in love with the gargoyle, and making up for breaking the phoenix’s heart ought to be a piece of cake for the princess of the shadow elves.

If only the king didn’t want his daughter dead…

Review:

Twenty seven year old Elleodora Fredricks appeared to be just a normal woman, who owned a cute little organic fragrance boutique. Oh, and stole jewels and precious antiques from her obscenely wealthy and abusive father. When her new assistant, Jaxon West catches her stranded on a ledge outside her father’s penthouse, her life as she knows it is about to come to a crashing halt. It seems her father isn’t human, he is Jedren, king of the Shadow Elves. Her new assistant, who just sprouted wings and flew her to safety is a gargoyle. Oh, and her best friend Teryl, is an oracle. She is really beginning to think that no one she knows is human.

It takes me a little while to get totally into a book written in first person. I don’t know if that’s a personal issue or not, but once I got in the right mind set, I was totally loving this book. There were so many different elements coming into play. Her elven heritage, her stolen memories, a missing fate, and these are just a few of the obstacles poor Elle was expected to deal with, all while being hunted by magical beings who wanted the huge bounty placed on her head. This girl had an extremely rough row to hoe. Because of her abusive childhood, Elle is strictly a pacifist…at first. She has to get over that with a quickness. Luckily, she has three gorgeous men to aid her in her time of troubles, if they can be trusted. Jaxon, claims her as his fated mate. McLean stakes a prior claim that Elle has very little memory of, and Teryl, her best friend just wants to keep his fiancé, Clio alive.

Stone Cold Seduction is a non stop, roller coaster ride of magical beings, life altering discoveries, heartbreaking betrayals, and flaming passions. This is Elle’s journey from mild mannered shop keeper to a princess to be reckoned with and a powerful being in her own right. This is book one of a trilogy, so be prepared to have some unanswered questions. If you’re like me, you’ll be haunting the bookstores for book two.

Review – Night Walker By Lisa Kessler

Title: Night Walker

Author: Lisa Kessler

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Buy Link: Buy Night Walker Here!

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewer: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

He gave up his soul for a second chance to love her…

Two and a half centuries ago, Calisto Terana lost everything when a zealous priest murdered the woman he loved. Now, desperate for another chance to love her, he wants redemption for the mistake that cost her life.

She’s haunted by dreams of her own death…

After catching her fiance with another woman, Kate Bradley returns to San Diego to clear her head. The last thing she needs is romance, but after meeting Calisto she’s drawn to him in ways she doesn’t understand.

They’ve waited in the shadows for centuries…

Calisto has no doubt Kate is the reincarnation of his lost love, but the Fraternidad Del Fuego Santo has a new watcher with dark ambitions of his own. As old enemies reemerge and a new threat arises, the betrayal that enslaved Calisto to the night might destroy the only woman he’s ever loved again.

Review:

Calisto Terano recognized Kate Bradley as his lost love Tala the minute he saw her again. The Old One hadn’t lied, she truly did live again. The endless years spent as a Night Walker were being rewarded with the return of his soul mate. The path of true love which ended so tragically before seems destined to repeat itself. Kate’s life is once again put in danger from Calisto’s love for her. The Holy order of the Fraternidad have made it their calling to keep watch on Calisto and make sure he creates no more monsters like himself. They killed Tala once and will not hesitate to do so again.

Night Walker is the first novel in a new paranormal series by Lisa Kessler, and she opens it up with a jolly good bang. The beginning starts off with the tragic story of Father Gregorio Salvador(who evolves into Calisto) and his forbidden love Tala (reincarnated as Kate). Kate has her own sad story to tell. In fact, the beginning of the book is very dark. It is beautifully told with aspects of Native American mysticism and Christianity woven together to form the Night Walker legend. As a former priest, Calisto still has some of the old world mannerisms and tastes. He is not ashamed of what he has become but he dislikes it. He is aloof and bitter, although this is understandable to a degree. Kate was harder to get a handle on. She had no recollection of her life as Tala, except for a sense of déjà vu and some recurring nightmares. There seemed to be quite a bit of “oh, I can’t live with out you” and “I never want to see you again” being bandied about on both sides. At times it was a tad frustrating.

The monks from the Fraternidad were the villains of the story. The end justified the means in their religious fervor. They were the epitome of rigidity, ignorance and fear of the unknown. From the churches tyrannical, bloody past to their present day cover ups, Ms. Kessler shines an unflattering light on prejudice and deceit in corrupt organized religion. This was a very worth while read, but be warned there are not a lot of laughs ( except when Calisto tries to drive a stick shift) There ARE a lot of very emotional and heartbreaking passages and I do recommend keeping a tissue or two on hand. I heartily look forward to the next book.

Review – Coyote Night By Danielle D. Smith

Title: Coyote Night: A Black Dog and Rebel Rose Tale

Author: Danielle D. Smith

Publisher: Solstice Publishing

Buy Link: Buy Coyote Night Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewer: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

Skriker, half-demon bad boy, and his Nephil love, Rose, are inseperable. They've been through thick and thin, thin and thinner...and the hunt is calling them once again.
Rumor of a skinwalker draws the notorious pair to Shiprock, New Mexico, a place sacred to the Navajo and a site of enormous supernatural power.

The classic Route 66 awaits them and their Harleys, as do open stretches of desert where they can camp under the stars and rut like horny teenagers…the chance of slaying the skinwalker is simply the icing on Skriker’s gore-soaked cake.

But when they finally cross paths with the enemy, the ancient desert monster develops an insatiable desire to capture Rose and posess her...leaving Skriker fighting with all he's got to keep the love of his life from being snatched from his arms forever.

Review:

Rose and her lover Skriker are just like her eyes, mismatched. She is a Nephil, the offspring of an angel/human mating. Skriker is half hell demon, the unholy get from a demon and human streetwalker. They shouldn’t even inhabit the same realm, yet together they hunt the evil that walks the Earth and preys upon the innocent.

This book, nay this entire concept, was a fabulous stroke of luck for me. Not only do I have a wonderful new bad boy hero to lust after, but I get to read Ms. Smith’s previous book and the beginning of Rose and Skriker’s tale, Black Dog and Rebel Rose. Skriker won my heart with his bad boy personna, tattoos, piercings, smokes Camels, drinks, and rides a sweeeet Harley , but he captured my soul when he cried at losing a hell hound. Awwww. That killed me. Rose is a perfect match, physically. One celestial blue eye and one earthly brown, her beautiful but scarred face is a testament to her warrior’s spirit. She matches Skriker vice for vice. Together they are searching the vast, arid New Mexico desert for a Skinwalker stealing the children from the Navajo reservation. Steeped in Native American mysticism, this story is gritty, graphic and very emotional, as well as unforgettable. This story is not for the faint of heart, but I guarantee that once you meet these characters, you will be as addicted as myself. Truly an excellent job, Ms. Smith. Job well done.

Review – Angel’s Wolf By Rebecca Royce

Title: Angel's Wolf: The Westervelt Wolves Book 6

Author: Rebecca Royce

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Buy Link: Buy Angel’s Wolf Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Angel Kane has always known who her family was and why she was hidden away from them in New Orleans. Now on the run, the last thing she wants is anything that could potentially get in the way of the plan she’s made for herself. That is, until she walks into a truck stop in New Jersey and encounters Parker Liberty—the wolf fate has picked out to be her perfect mate.

Parker Liberty hasn’t uttered a word in almost forty years. Not since the horrible day he watched his father murder his mother on the island of Westervelt. He ignores his inner wolf and contents himself with expressing his inner emotions through his tattoos. But when a pair of witches almost kill Angel, he will return to Westervelt to save her.

Meanwhile, Westervelt is under constant attack from Kendrick Kane, the pack's former Alpha, whose evil knows no bounds. His ultimate goal is to see all of his children dead --and that includes his daughter, Angel. It is questionable whether the Westervelt pack can even survive the week. Angel and Parker’s arrival will either turn the tide of the war or end the pack forever.

Review:

I have been a big fan of this author and especially this series. The Westervelt wolves seem to get better with each book and this book does not disappoint. Angel is a strong woman who can take care of herself. While on the run she comes across a lone wolf in a diner who turns out to be her mate. Parker escaped a torturous past and stays away from all other wolves. He has not spoken or shifted for years. Yet when Angel needs him he is more than ready to help. Both Parker and Angel must each face their past as well as their future.

I couldn’t help but fall for Parker right from the start. As big and scary as he is we see what a soft and wonderful man he can be. Parker has a big heart and is prepared to give it and more to Angel. Angel herself is a force to be reckoned with as well.  The two are wonderful together. Parker and Angel are willing to stand by each other and nothing can tear them apart. I really enjoyed watching their relationship bloom and seeing the two stick together when they meet the pack was nice to see. They must learn and grow together, finding where they not only belong but also where they want to be.

Rebecca Royce does a fabulous job of bringing the reader into the magical world of the shifters in this book and does not let go until the end. Not only do we see the romance between Parker and Angel but we also get to visit the Westervelt pack once again. Seeing the Westervelt pack is always like visiting with old friends making this book a wonderful read.

Review – Forbidden Love By Stormy Glenn, HC Brown, Anna O’Neill and Alesandr Voinov

Title: Forbidden Love

Author: Stormy Glenn, HC Brown, Anna O’Neill and Alesandr Voinov

Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing

Buy Link: Buy Forbidden Love Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewer: Nerine Dorman

Blurb:

My Outlaw, by Stormy Glenn

After getting injured and losing his horse during a cattle drive, Daniel Branson is ordered to ride the stagecoach back home. Little does he realize that it will put him in the hands of the notorious outlaw, Black Bart. And the handsome outlaw has plans for Daniel that don’t involve holding him for ransom!

Forbidden, by H.C. Brown

England 1075—Sir Renoir Danier finds himself in an intolerable situation when he is ordered by King William to marry an elderly Spanish countess. Five years earlier, he met the great love of his life, Sir Sebastian. This deeply sensual dark angel taught him all that a man could give to another. Renoir became a slave to his erotic punishment. After a month of bliss, Sebastian sailed to Spain. Will he return or leave Renoir with a shattered heart?

Poisoned Heart, by Anna O’Neill

The ultimate betrayal . . . .

In Edo-period Japan, a prominent family might choose to foster a son from another clan in order to encourage peaceful political relations. When Raiden's family invites twenty-three year old Masashi into their lives, their gesture has the opposite effect: Masashi kills Raiden's parents. Now years later Raiden is studying with a master of magic who allows Raiden the chance to go back in time to kill Masashi before Masashi can lift a finger against his family.

But when Raiden is faced with his guest-brother once again, much to his horror he finds that his old feelings for Masashi return. With the weight of the future bearing down on Raiden's shoulders, can he overcome these troublesome emotions, or will his new weakness destroy everything?

Deliverance, by Aleksandr Voinov

William Raven of Kent joined the Knights Templar to do penance for his sins. Formerly a professional tournament fighter and mercenary, William is brought face-to-face with a past he'd thought he had escaped.

Review:

As far as hot man-on-man action goes, very little gets as hot as this collection of short stories. I must admit Stormy Glenn's My Outlaw didn't do much for me as the premise felt a bit forced. I didn’t quite get into Daniel’s character and couldn’t decide whether he was withholding his knowledge of Black Bart’s true identity.

HC Brown's Forbidden pretty much knocked my socks off. Not only was the dialogue in this case witty, but the characterisations memorable. I was immediately engaged in Renoir’s dilemma and, although his eventual encounter wasn’t much of a surprise, I still enjoyed watching events unfold very much.

Anna O'Neill's Poisoned Heart played on the proximity of love and hate. Although I’m no great fan of Far Eastern settings, O’Neill successfully kept my attention and built a wonderful tension between the main character and the object of his desire.

Aleksandr Voinov's Deliverance probably offered to me the most impassioned encounter between two men. Also here there was no clear HEA ending and I can only imagine that there would be continued conflict. The sex scenes are brutal and blistering, and I got an idea the author knew exactly what he was writing about.

This tight collection gets a definite thumbs up from me, even if I’m not a regular reader of m/m action. Well realized, gritty and full of impact, I was definitely left breathless and wanting more.

Review – Menage A Music By Lily Harlem

Title: Menage A Music

Author: Lily Harlem

Publisher:  Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Menage A Music Here!

Rating:  You Gotta Read

Reviewed by:  Brynna

Blurb: 

Most women would think themselves eternally lucky to have a hot, sinfully sexy rock star giving them the serious come-on—so imagine how I felt to find not one but two giving me the eye! Phew! I was turning somersaults.

But of course this led to a massive and, quite honestly, unenviable dilemma. How the heck do you choose between two rock gods who want nothing more than to give you pleasure of the extremely intense variety?

Lucky for me these global superstars were brothers who knew just how to share the same toy—sorry, I mean woman. That left me free to take a break from managing the band and let their experienced, talented hands manage me.

Review: 

The Manic Machines have found their way onto the hottest talk show set in television on Christmas Eve no less. With guitarist Ian happily married to Nina and singer Robbie about to announce his engagement to childhood sweetheart Jenny to the world, band members Tim and Dean have their sights set on romance and Sylvia, the band's manager. Sylvia finds herself attracted to both men, but is willing to forget them both rather than choose and hurt the other. But these two rockstars have another plan in mind.

Menage a Music is a fast-paced, scorching hot read and an excellent conclusion to the series. Even though the book is short, Ms. Harlem managed to convey Sylvia's struggle with her self esteem after coming out of a bad relationship which left her devastated. In turn, Dean and Tim's vulnerability and fun nature are equally compelling. If you haven't picked up a Harlem book, you don't know what you are missing. Definitely a You Gotta Read book from a wonderful author.

Review – The Assassin’s Lover By Emma Holly

Title: The Assassins’ Lover

Author: Emma Holly

Publisher: Smashwords

Buy Link: Buy The Assassin;s Lover Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed By: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

Katsu Shinobi isn’t your ordinary princess. For one thing, she’s a Yama, a member of a supposedly demonic race Humans discovered living secretly among them forty years ago. For another, Kat doesn’t subscribe to the icy-hearted principles most royals swear by. She wants to live life—maybe not as recklessly as Humans but as fully as she dares.

Accustomed to sharing women, demon assassins Ciran and Hattori introduce Kat to the pleasures of an intense ménage. Neither expects to lose their heart to her, or that Kat's enemies will one day hire them to kill her.

Their bid for freedom will pit them against the icy dangers of diamond lands and the alien comforts of a Victorianesque Human world. Most of all, though, this daring trio will need to conquer the threat within. Only when they put all their faith in love will they find happiness together.

Review:

The Yama have inhabited the Earth much longer than humanity, but have only recently been discovered. Humanoid in appearance, they have some very special differences. They are very strict about maintaining social class separation, and only interact in very specific circumstances. At least that’s what supposed to happen. Princess Katsu Shinobi was set to spend her Natal day alone. Sent from her family’s home because of a petty, jealous stepmother, Kat was more than happy to end her isolation when fate dropped the two handsome, Rohn guards, Hattori and Ciran in her lap. For three glorious months the trio lived a life of sexual bliss. Now a few years later, Kat’s stepmother has ordered the two guards to murder Kat. Well, that’s just not going to happen. Right?

The Demon World series is my favorite from all of Ms. Holly’s great list of works, and it gets better with each new book. Unlike some series that have a tendency to phone in a book or two once the series is established, not so in the Demon World. These characters are so vivid and multidimensional, that by the end of the book, I feel as if I am actually friends with these characters. Ms. Holly has given the greatest care in creating this world of Demons, even down to the minutiae of day to day life. I get drawn in to her characters so intimately that I feel their joy and their heartbreak. The ménage between Kat, Hattori and Ciran is explored so thoroughly on both a sexual and emotional level that this is a groundbreaking book.

The journey these three have to go through just to attain a semblance of happiness while remaining safe will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. This is not just an erotic book. It is a wonderfully entertaining story that happens to have some deliciously erotic passages. I would love to see Hattori’s brother, Haro, get his own tale in the Demon World. I have my fingers crossed on this wish. This is an absolute “Must Read” for new and old fans alike.

Review – The Fallen: Demon By Kristina Douglas

Title: The Fallen: Demon

Author: Kristina Douglas

Publisher: Pocket Books

Buy Link: Buy The Fallen: Demon Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewer: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

Once the Fallen’s fearless ruler, a grieving Azazel must find the legendary siren meant to take his lost lover’s place . . . and kill her.

He’s a devil of an angel.

Azazel should have extinguished the deadly Lilith when he had the chance. Now, faced with a prophecy that will force him to betray the memory of his one true love and wed the Demon Queen, he cannot end her life until she leads him to Lucifer. Finding the First is the Fallen’s only hope for protecting mankind from Uriel’s destruction, but Azazel knows that ignoring his simmering desire for the Lilith will be almost as impossible.

She’s an angel of a demon.

Rachel Fitzpatrick wonders how Azazel could confuse her with an evil seductress. She’s never even been interested in sex! At least not before she set eyes on her breathtaking captor. And now she can’t think about anything else—besides escape.

Angels and demons don’t mix.

Rachel stirs a carnal need in Azazel that he never thought he’d feel again. Falling for a demon—even if she has no idea she’s the Lilith—means surrendering his very soul. But if he lets her go, he risks abandoning his heart, his dangerous lover, and possibly all of humanity, to Uriel’s deadly wrath.

Review:

Before the murder of his beloved wife Sarah, Azazel was the leader of the Fallen, angels cast out of Heaven for having the audacity to love human women. As part of their punishment, they were cursed to be blood drinkers, and to help ferry the dead to their afterlife. Azazel was never what you would call a fun guy, in fact the words rigid, stoic, and stick up the butt, come to mind. After Sarah’s death, he stepped down as leader and became even more morose. He went on a focused hunt for the she demon Lilth. Rachel Fitzpatrick had no long term memory. She just knew she had been on the run from something as long as she could remember. When Azazel captures her and tells her who he knows for a fact she is, well she thinks he’s a nut cake who’s going to kill her. She’s partially right, but then again so is he.

I loved this book and this series, but it made me so mad at times, that I threw it across the room. It posed quite a quandary for me because usually I am all about the hero, but Azazel was a straight up butt munch. I will let the hero get away with a lot of things, absolutely horrendous things (not cheating though, that is never acceptable) as long as there is balance. If he hurts the heroine, he has to be hurt in return. There was no balance in this book. Rachel/Lilith was cursed because she didn’t want to lay under Adam, well excuse the hell out of me! Her curse was A LOT worse than the Fallen’s, and does she get a sincere apology or even a little groveling?? Um, no. She is tortured, threatened, and used throughout most of the book. The fact that she didn’t rain down death on everyone was a testament to what a good soul she truly was. So, how can I say I loved this book? Well, maybe it’s Stockholm syndrome, because this series absolutely has me captive, no matter how mad it makes me at times, and I still love it to death. Great job, Ms. Douglas.

Review – Toxic By Eve Langlais

Title : Toxic

Author: Eve Langlais

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Buy Link: Buy Toxic Here!

Rating : You Want To Read

Reviewed By : Jodie Pierce

Blurb :

Humans are for eating and I am not one to play with my food, so I’m baffled as to why one geeky mortal doctor makes me wish our kind could be together without my brand of love being toxic. As if suffering from human emotions isn’t problem enough, our world is about to engage in a war where our chances of survival are slim at best. And no one wants to listen.

But, I didn’t become the general of the vampire Queen’s army by being diplomatic. Everyone will fight in the upcoming battle, or they’ll feed my troops and me. Either way, all things living will do their part.

I am, after all, the Blood Countess: toxic lover to humans, vicious bitch to my enemies, and my word is law.

Review :

Elizabeth Bathory, the once young vampire Countess that bathed in virgins’ blood to stay young is back as Queen Lily’s General. She is next in line if something happens to the Queen which is not a responsibility Elizabeth wants. She would rather be the strong General, training troops and fighting the rising Daemons. It is her opinion that they need to educate the human population so that they might fight together against the Daemons, however the Queen does not think the humans are ready for that kind of information just yet, leaving the vampires alone to fight them. They’ve asked for help from the Dwarves, Dark Faeries, Merpeople, Pixies and Shifters. Queen Lily arranges for Dr. Raphael Angelus to come and observe/test Elizabeth, something that infuriates her but she will not go against her Queen. When the Doctor arrives, Elizabeth notices how handsome he is despite the nerdy glasses with his blonde hair and blue eyes. He hangs on her every word, takes her blood and observes her with her troops within her compound. She turns on her sexual prowess but he does not physically react which makes Elizabeth furious. On night she decides to take him out hunting Daemons. They come across one and she jumps into action only to be overpowered by a second. A beam of light comes from out of nowhere and kills the Daemon on top of her. She brings the first Daemon back to the lab for testing. He teases both Elizabeth and calls Raphael “A Shining One”. Once questioned, he refused to fight the Daemons so Elizabeth has him banished from the castle. He calls every day but she refuses to speak with him but realizes she loves him. They are reunited and she proclaimed she cannot have sex with him because the juices her pussy produces kill humans. Will they be able to consummate their love? Will she kill him? Who is he really? Who is this “Shining One” as he’s called?

The author has done a wonderful job in creating characters you really feel like you know and like. I could actually see the characters in my mind. She created a great scene that went alone with the characters as well. She drew me in and made me want to keep reading. I would recommend this book for those readers that like a strong female lead character, action and vampires.