Best of 2013 - Being Amber by Sylvia Ryan

Title: Being Amber (New Atlanta, #1)
Author: Sylvia Ryan
Genre: Futuristic/Dystopian Erotic Romance
Length: Novel
Reviewed by: CaroleDee

Rating- 5
Sexual- 2

Jaci Harmon was born a Sapphire, but after she’s summoned to receive her final designation, the testing reveals she carries a gene slated for eradication. Within a day, she’s sterilized and dumped in the Amber Zone, where the damaged are corralled away from the rest of New Atlanta. Scared and alone, Jaci would rather die than face her future as an Amber.

Born in the Amber Zone, Xander Dimos is a product of a lifetime spent under the oppression of the Repopulation Laws. Decades of suffering have taught the Ambers to make the zone a place where touch, sex, and unconditional acceptance ease the pain of their fate. Jaci has a lot to learn about her new home, and it’s Xanderís responsibility to guide her through the differences and the dangers safely.

With the simmering undercurrents of sexual chemistry growing between them, and in the midst of discovering the Gov’s true motives, Jaci and Xander must overcome his secret and accept their love as undeniable...even if the time allotted to share it is short.

What an amazing ADULT Utopian/Dystopian book!

In a world where everything rides on your color being deemed an amber spells out a horrific future.

It means you're undesirable to the top rings of society. Whether it be a lower than average IQ, or an untreatable medical condition hiding within the strands of your DNA.

YOU ARE UNWANTED.

To be thrown out of the only home you've ever known, whisked to the futuristic equivalent of a WWII ghetto, told what your profession will be, and ,on top of it all, have the choice of having a child ripped away from you. It's horrifying. But believable. The government candy-coats the Amber's situation by providing them with food, alcohol, and housing. The Ambers placate themselves by indulging in the 'live in the now' method. Using physical touch, even sex, as a coping mechanism.

Following Jaci accept her new future was a ride. (Yes, I cried more than once) Luckily, her roommate Xander is there to help, but he's got secrets of his own.

Seriously, do yourself a favor and read this book. I LOVED it! Definitely re-read material. The author has stated that she expects this to be a series and I can't wait to find out what the future holds for some of the characters introduced in Being Amber.

Best of 2013 - Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks

Title: Highlander Most Wanted (The Montgomerys and Armstrongs #2)
Author: Maya Banks
Genre: Historical romance
Length: Novel
Reviewed by: CaroleDee

Rating- 5
Sexual- 2

In Highlander Most Wanted, a reclusive woman content to live in the shadows shows a Highland warrior the true meaning of love.

Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.

Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.

I absolutely fell in love with the first Montgomerys and Armstrongs book and was looking forward to Highlander Most Wanted. A lot of the time I will hype a book up in my mind and be devasted when it doesn't live up to my crazy expectations, but I was NOT in any way disappointed with Highlander Most Wanted a bit. From beginning to end it was a fantastic read!

Are you a fan of emotionally and physically scared heroines that still manage to hold a spark of self worth? How about a hot highlander with a heart of gold? If you're shaking your head yes right now you NEED to pick this one up.

A happily ever after is always great, but when it happens to a character that never expected even a glimmer of happiness in their future it becomes ultra fulfilling!

*I suggest reading this series in order.

Best of 2013 - The Earl with the Dragon Tattoo by Teresa Wilde

 

 Title: The Earl with the Dragon Tattoo
Author: Teresa Wilde
Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel (256pgs)
Reviewed by: CaroleDee

Rating- 5
Sexual-3

Dark times have fallen over England. The war with France is taking its toll on the Calend, the hidden society of magic users devoted to keeping the country safe from magical and human threats.Maeve Llwyd has spent her life trying to escape her mother's scandalous reputation, teaching at a magical academy for young ladies, obeying every strict rule in the hopes of being accepted in the Calend world. When she receives a prophetic warning that a dark power is gathering the pieces of a weapon that has been lost for a thousand years to bring down never ending darkness on England, her every fear becomes reality—she is called on to sacrifice her reputation in order to gain the power she needs to fight, ensuring that she will lose her position at her beloved school and be rejected by the Calend. But nothing is more desperate than finding the ancient weapons before the enemy—a shadow druid who craves using them to bring England to its knees.

Constantine Armitage, Earl of Evengate, lives his life at the bottom of a bottle, punishing himself for the death of his cousin. But one dark night, he is thrown into Maeve's life. The lovely witch lives in a strange world of spells and threats, driven to protect those around her, even though they will never thank her for it, or even know. Though she resents his interference and rejects his aid, he wants nothing more than to help her, and if he kills himself in the process, so much the better...

Wow, what an absolutely fantastic read. You can always tell when I love a book because I'm at a loss for words. You would think it would be the other way around and I would be able to go on and on. It's just so hard when I liked something so much to try to get just the right words down! So, bare with me while I try to convey how much I loved The Earl With the Dragon Tattoo.

You get an entire magical world filled with witches, druids and other magical creatures right underneath, seemingly, normal London. The war in France has taken a lot of the witches away from the shores of England, but the safety of it's citizens still need to be upheld by someone. Leaving Maeve, the leader of a young coven of witches, to stop evil from trying to take over.

Maeve is a strong female character made that way from a less than pristine lineage. The daughter of a promiscuous actress she's made it her goal to never fill the sullied shoes her mother left behind. Unfortunately, to gain more power she's told she must make a sacrifice, and it's one that just might throw her in the shoes that she never wanted to wear.

Constantine is a complex character. Since the death of his uncle and cousin he's lived as a shell of a man. Helping Maeve in her goals give him a purpose, but he still struggles to make more of his life. What starts as a clandestine meeting in Vauxhall gardens quickly turns into a relationship, but a very complicated one.

Con and Maeve had me in a tailspin. One minute I would laugh about their mutual hard-headedness, and the next I just wanted to shake them and scream for them to just suck it and be happy together! And when two characters have me that invested, you know you have a winner ;)

For those of you looking for something more than a romance, know that The Earl also has a very action driven plot. The magic in this book is used, and not just as an interesting skill a few of the characters have. Just think of it as an Urban Fantasy set in Regency England, heavy on the romance. (Easy enough, right? LOL)

I sincerely hope that Teresa Wilde makes this into the series. There were so many characters that I grew curious about and I can't wait to find out what their future hold!

Best of 2013 - The Heiress Effect

Title: The Heiress Effect (Brothers Sinister, #2)
Author: Courtney Milan
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: Novel (365pgs)
Reviewer: CaroleDee

Rating- 5
Sexual- 3

Miss Jane Fairfield can’t do anything right. When she’s in company, she always says the wrong thing—and rather too much of it. No matter how costly they are, her gowns fall on the unfortunate side of fashion. Even her immense dowry can’t save her from being an object of derision.

And that’s precisely what she wants. She’ll do anything, even risk humiliation, if it means she can stay unmarried and keep her sister safe.

Mr. Oliver Marshall has to do everything right. He’s the bastard son of a duke, raised in humble circumstances—and he intends to give voice and power to the common people. If he makes one false step, he’ll never get the chance to accomplish anything. He doesn’t need to come to the rescue of the wrong woman. He certainly doesn’t need to fall in love with her. But there’s something about the lovely, courageous Jane that he can’t resist…even though it could mean the ruin of them both.

I'm really not sure where to start with this is one. I've sat on this review for a week. Every time I attempted to write it I came off sounding like a huge, raving, fan-girl. I tried, and tried to write something mature. Something that would eloquently convey my absolute, and utter love of the The Heiress Effect. I'm sorry to say that my mind is blown and, apparently, with it my maturity. lol. So here it goes:  I LOVED THIS BOOK.

Jane is a walking disaster. She marches to the beat of her own drum, and in the world of the ton being different just isn't done. From her outrageous wardrobe to her, seemingly, insensitive remarks she's a social pariah. Fortunately she's got a huge dowry. So while, she's mercilessly ridiculed behind her back she's still invited to events. Her crazy way of doing things may seem like social suicide, but Jane likes it that way. You see; in a little over a year she will get access to her dowry, which will afford her the funds to save her sister from her well meaning, but idiotic uncle's care. Only catch? She needs to chase away all potential suiters. Fortune hunters run amoke in the ton and she thinks playing up her naturally eccentric behavior will keep them at bay. Luckily for her it's working, but also making her enemies along the way.

Oliver Marshall, being the bastard of a duke, has lived his adult life striving to fit in. All he wants is to be accepted and successful. He gets his opportunity for total acceptance, but it comes at a price. A particularly nasty enemy that Jane has made offers Oliver all of his ambitions on a silver platter. The only problem? He has to risk his morality for success.

The romance of Jane and Oliver was fantastic. They're so alike, yet have taken such dramatically different choices on how to deal with their lives.

There are also two side stories flowing through this book that I loved as well. You get wonderful 'forbidden' love story, and a heartbreaking look at Oliver's aunt Freddy's experience will agoraphobia. Maybe it's from personal experience, but I was bawling like a baby over Oliver's aunt.

The Heiress Effect encapsulated everything that I love about romance stories. I can honestly say it is the best book I've read this year. While I got an ARC copy from netgalley, I have already ordered my paperback from amazon, because I know I'm going to be re-reading this one for years to come!

Best of 2013: Review of Soul Awakened (Key to the Cursed Book II) by Jean Murray

Title: Review of Soul Awakened (Key to the Cursed Book II)
Author: Jean Murray
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: January 15th 2013
Reviewed by: Ollie

Rating - 5
Sexual - 4

LOVE FOR BLOOD OR HONOR

Kendra, an Egyptologist and demi-god in waiting, is the key to unlocking Bakari, the Egyptian God of Death, from his cursed slumber. Desperate to free him, she inadvertently binds herself to the god with a spell that only death will undo. To save Bakari from himself, she may have to sacrifice her innocence, and possibly her soul, before he becomes his family’s worst enemy.

HAUNTED BY SINS OF THE PAST

Bakari awakens to a world at war and a beautiful woman who has tethered his soul to hers. In the wake of his self-destruction Kendra is his only hope of salvation, but another has vowed to keep Bakari from the one thing he craves most-- his Parvana. His butterfly.

I have to first start off by saying I have been waiting for this book for what seems like ages, every since I was left hanging at the end of book 1 wondering what was going to happen next based on the set up. I don't know where to begin to describe the absolutely marvelous job that the author does in not only creating a wonderful world with so much depth and detail, but a story line the has the mystery and intrigue that will keep you glued to the the pages. I can attest to that as this book had me up into the wee morning hours as I couldn't put it down. Thank goodness it was the holidays otherwise I would have been going into work very exhausted and bleary-eyed.

Book 2 continues on where it left off with Asar's son, Bakari, imprisoned in a sarcophagus for five years tricked by the evil goddess Kepi, tormented and tortured during those years in the dark both physically and mentally. Kendra, the youngest Carrigan sister, is driven to find way to break the spell that has kept him imprisoned and as a result ends up breaking more then the spell.

What happens next is a wonderful story not only dealing with lies, deceptions, and retribution, but also focuses on compassion, love, forgiveness and redemption. As Bakari deals with trying to regain control over himself and come to terms with his past, Kendra discovers that love can hit you like a bolt of lightening. Even though Kendra has been bonded to Bakari by the spell she feels that their link goes beyond the physical. As times passes and her sweet and gently way penetrates into Bakari's soul soon Kendra realizes that she wants more if only Bakari will let her in.

I have to say there were moments where it was an emotional rollercoaster ride for me as it pained me to see Bakari's suffering and his self-depreciating outlook and also seeing honorable Bomani's world turned upside down.

I highly recommend this book not only for the amazing storyline, but because of the depth that the author goes into developing the complicated characters and their relationships with each other. This book will have your heart aching for Bakari, Bomani and Kendra, wondering who is behind the betrayal and deception among the Gods and Goddesses, and loving the tender moments in the book.

Now I can't wait for book 3 to come out which should feature the last Carrigan sister, Kit and based on her no-nonsense attitude there should some very fun and teasing moments between her and her future beau.

Best of 2013: Color Her Red by Crystal L. Shaw

Title: Color Her Red
Author: Crystal L. Shaw
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: Novel
Release Date: February 18th 2013
Reviewed by: Ollie

Rating - 5
Sexual - 4

Life can be cruel and wicked - for Emma Grant these words sound true. Her passive and trusting character is overshadowed by a seething mix of agony and rage as her perfect life and loving husband are viciously torn from her. News of a scandalous affair begins a horrifying, yet passionate, journey that will forever change Emma's life.

Right from the beginning at the Prologue up to the very the end, he story had me glued to the pages relishing the happenings between Thomas and Emma. There was definitely a thriller aspect to the story, but what really drew me to the story were the characters and the sweet tale of a kind-hearted, average girl who happened to catch the eye of a gorgeous multimillionaire and their love for each other which at times were put to extreme tests.

Right from the start the plot of the story is set from Thomas' POV with him reminiscing how he met Emma and his concern over how she will react to what he is going to tell her, unfortunately it becomes much bigger then he could have ever imagined. Not only does he have a ex-girlfriend who wants him back, but a woman who is unstable and capable of doing the unthinkable.

What happens next in the story and throughout is seen from Emma's POV as she deals with the news that her loving husband is having an affair and the length that the other woman will take to make him hers. Many times Emma's faith in herself, in her husband and in them were put to the test as circumstances made it seem that her life with her gorgeous husband was all a lie. Many scenes were heartbreaking as she was forced to confront her worst fears and to tried to find in herself the truth.

Even though Thomas was a player before he met Emma he really didn't have any negative qualities about himself which made him a very likable character (ok I loved him). He may have a slight dominant and commanding aura about himself, but nothing arrogant or rude about him. Thomas just happened to be an extremely good-looking man and women would through themselves at him (even with Emma by his side), but he only had eyes for Emma which melted my heart for him.

In between the tense moments with Thomas' ex causing havoc with their lives I really enjoy the flashback scenes as Emma would remember how they were when they first met and the tender moments between the two of them. It was during those scenes that really warmed my heart and made me fall more in love with these characters. It showed the true depth of their feelings for each other and at one point allowed Emma to lose some of the insecurities that she still felt. Thomas is one very romantic guy and definitely knows how to make the woman he loves feel special. The sexy scenes between them were steaming hot and the way Thomas worshiped Emma's body, all I can say is she is one lucky woman. :)

Now there very quite a few tearjerker moments, but there was one significant point in the book that was particular heartbreaking that my heart ached for them and I really cared what was going to happen to them. So be prepared with some tissues as you find at times your heart bleeding for both Thomas and Emma. Now the way the book ends it left me wanting more and to know what was going to happen next. Therefore, I am happy to say that there is a sequel in the works and I can't wait to read. Even though there were a few grammatical and structural errors, I have such a vivid imagination it did not deter me. I have a tendency to actually put myself in the story and see it as if I am standing on the side watching everything unfold so it did not hinder the flow too much. Now it may bother some people, but don't let it. This was a wonderful debut book from this author and based on her ability to try and capture the emotional intensity of scenes she is on a great start as an author.

Best of 2013 - the Last Hour of Gann by R. Lee Smith

Title: the Last Hour of Gann
Author: R. Lee Smith
Genre: Sci-fi Romance/Adventure
Length: Novel (600pgs)
Reviewed by: CaroleDee

Rating- 5
Sexual- 4

Amber Bierce had nothing left except her sister and two tickets on Earth’s first colony-ship. She entered her Sleeper with a five-year contract and the promise of a better life, but awakened in wreckage on an unknown world. For the survivors, there is no rescue, no way home and no hope until they are found by Meoraq—a holy warrior more deadly than any hungering beast on this hostile new world…but whose eyes show a different sort of hunger when he looks at her.

It was his last year of freedom:

Uyane Meoraq is a Sword of Sheul, God’s own instrument of judgment, victor of hundreds of trials, with a conqueror’s rights over all men. Or at least he was until his father’s death. Now, without divine intervention, he will be forced to assume stewardship over House Uyane and lose the life he has always known. At the legendary temple of Xi’Matezh, Meoraq hopes to find the deliverance he seeks, but the humans he encounters on his pilgrimage may prove too great a test even for him…especially the one called Amber, behind whose monstrous appearance burns a woman’s heart unlike any he has ever known.

From R. Lee Smith, author of Heat and Cottonwood, comes an epic new story of desire, darkness and the dawn that comes after The Last Hour of Gann.

The Last Hour of Gann caught my attention while I was waiting for the newest Tracy St. John book to release. I thought, 'Well, I'm waiting for a sci-fi romance, so I'll pick this one up to pass the time.' Little did I know that my random book buy was going to take me on one of the most thought provoking, odd, and memorable rides of my life. EVER.

It's f
uture earth and the population is out of control. After her mother's death Amber and her sister are being evicted from their home. Their resources and choices are limited.
They can:
1. Prostitute themselves
2. Sign up for the country's welfare system, where they'll work for menial wages and be housed in dorms with 100's of other women.
3. Be part of the first voyage to a new planet to colonize.

Amber makes, what she thinks is the best choice, and signs her sister and herself up to be pilgrims to a new world. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned and the ship crashes on an unknown planet. (Thus starts the 'human' story in this saga)

Uyane Meoraq is a certified bad-ass ordained by God. (No joke. The guy gets to kill people based what he feels is 'god's word') The whole planet are religious to the point of being zealots. It hasn't always been that way. There are ruins of cities and towns much like the Earth that Amber and her fellow humans left. An unknown amount of years ago the sin and debauchery of his people brought on the 'Wrath of God'  heralding in the Hour of Gann. After seeing a great fire in the distance Meoraq sets out on a pilgrimage to the holiest of cities. (where he's been told he will actually get to speak to God in the flesh)
Along the way he meets up with Amber and the other human survivors. When he sees the strange, flat face, hair covered beings he decides it's God's will that he take them along on his pilgrimage.
It's a long, and arduous journey that the modern day humans are NOT prepared for. Lack of food, stress, disease, and *really evil* raiders are  a few of the things they encounter along the way.

That's where I'm going to end my summary. Honest truth? That's not even a 10% of what happens in this book.

So where do I start on my actual review?
I LOVED this book. It's been a week since I finished. I wasn't going to write a review, BUT The Last Hour of Gann dug it's way into my subconscious. I just kept thinking about it. If a book can resonate with me like that I feel like it needs to be talked about.

It's not an easy book to read. There are far more unhappy moments than there are happy. (I do want to say right now that there IS a HEA! So don't be afraid!)  BUT getting to it? WOW!

Let's start with the humans:
UGH, Amber couldn't have been stuck with a weaker, more annoying, and conniving lot. She and Meoraq worked their butts off for them, but they never showed a smidgen of gratitude. The best I can figure is that it is a representation of the extreme entitlement that everyone seems to have acquired over the years.

Amber and Meuraq's relationship:  It's VERY slow to build. And heck, it should be. They're alien to each other, literally. Neither one finds the other attractive. But there is a spark that slowly builds. When it finally culminates you can tell it's actually love. Not lust. And it's a beautiful thing.

The setting: Fairly early on I started to realize that the planet used to be much like earth. The cities are almost identical with their towering structures and robots . After the Wrath of God, it's forbidden to live in the cities or to use the machinery, but they are still there. Ghost towns (today) are creepy enough, but imagine that on a city scale with half-functioning robots roaming around. Very scary

The raiders: I'm not going to throw punches. These guys are EVIL! They work outside of the word of God. They rape, kidnap, and murder. This book is realistic. The main characters are not shielded from these evils. It can be hard to read, but is necessary to the story.

The end: I'm not going to spoil anything, but once again I want to point out that there is a bitter-sweet HEA. I don't think it could have ended any better than what the author gave me. I was on pins and needles for the entire book to find out what the holy city and the 'meet up' with God was going to be like. It was just as amazing! Definitely not something I will forget for a long time.

So, obviously, I loved this book. While thinking of writing this review, though I started to have doubts if everyone would share my optimism. I'm going to sum up my thoughts easily enough so you can make the choice:

Pros:
Fantastic world building

Wonderfully written characters. Whether you love them or hate them you will feel something for these people.

Thought provoking plot. (No way you'll walk away from this without questioning our way of life)

Great romance

Realistic circumstances (It's a hard world and that's not hidden)


Here are the cons that I think might turn some people away :

Length: This book is LOOONG. I read fast. I usually devour a 350 page book in a day. The Last Hour of Gann took me four days to read.

Content: Scenes of rape and violence.
And, obviously, there is different species sex going on. While similarly built there are differences that may be a bit shocking to some.

Religion: There are many questions and answers about religion in this book. Let me clarify it is not 'preachy', but it is there and a very large part of the story.


The best summary I can think of is that this is a very heavy book. Metaphorically and literally (if I had this sucker in hard back it would probably be big enough to knock someone out with. lol)
This isn't a 'light beach read'.
It does not fall in the erotic 'mars needs women' troupe.
I can honestly say The Last Hour of Gann stands by itself.
I've never read anything like it and I doubt I will again for a long time.
Simply put: It was absolutely wonderful.

Best of 2013: Her Wicked Angel (Her Angel #6) by Felicity E. Heaton

Title: Her Wicked Angel (Her Angel #6)
Author: Felicity E. Heaton
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: September 21st 2013
Reviewed by: Ollie

Rating - 5
Sexual - 4

The King of Demons and the Devil’s right hand man, Asmodeus is a dark angel born of evil and created for destruction. When his master orders him to venture into the mortal world and retrieve a female for him, he seizes the chance to leave Hell for the first time, uncaring of what the Devil has planned for her… until he sets eyes on the most beautiful woman he has ever seen—a female who awakens new feelings within his black heart, unleashing passion so intense that it controls him and desire he cannot resist.

He will not let his wretched master have her. She will belong to him.
Liora is a witch with a bad reputation and an obsession with fighting demons. A mission gone wrong sees her sent to Paris to cool off, but when a dark and deadly warrior with a gaze of golden fire lands in her life, she ends up burning hotter than Hell for the wicked angel. Nothing will stand between her and the immense, forbidding male. Not her cousin. Not Asmodeus’s sworn enemy and twin, Apollyon. And certainly not the Devil.

Caught up in a tempest of danger and soul-searing passion, can they survive against the odds and seize their forever after?

Felicity Heaton brings her latest addition to her Angel series, Her Wicked Angel and boy is it ever wicked in the most delicious way. Bad boy Asmodeus was created from evil, feeding off the pain and suffering of others until a pretty little wicked witch herself, Liora makes him first the first time in his existence question himself in so many ways. Not only is this another very sexy, hot story from Felicity Heaton, but one that pulls at the heartstrings and examines how love can make one redeem oneself if given the chance.

Asmodeus is the devil's right hand man, the King of the Demons, and despite all the evil that surrounds him and created him, somehow deep down inside goodness exists and shows up in the most delicious and innocent ways. He may have experienced a lot in his long existence, but it takes a wicked witch to show him that goodness is not a sign of weaknesses and I loved every minute reading it. I also loved how despite his tough, alpha exterior there is a tender, gentle and shall I say an innocence about him in the way he deals with new experiences. Asmodues is definitely a bad boy, but oh what a sweet, bad boy any woman would want to have.

Liora is an interesting character as she has her own demons to keep in check which can get her in a lot of trouble at times. She understands what it is like to be the outsider, different, or seen in a particular way. She is the perfect woman for Asmodeus. Feisty, courageous, determined, but at the same time patient and understanding in not giving up on someone.

I really enjoyed this book not only for the sexy, bad boy Asmodeus who could melt you with his stare, but because of the strong, emotional content in the story. The aspect that people could only see or hear about the evil in Asmodeus, but were not willing to give him a chance in redeeming himself and proving that there is more to him really made this story so compelling. Any reader who loves paranormal romances will definitely enjoy getting lost in this world and discovery how passion, compassion, understanding, redemption and most of all love can make good trump evil.

Best of 2013: Fifty Shades of Alice Through the Looking Glass by Melinda DuChamp

Title: Fifty Shades of Alice Through the Looking Glass (Fifty Shades of Alice #2)
Author: Melinda DuChamp
Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: June 22, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 5
Sexual - 5

FIFTY SHADES OF ALICE IN WONDERLAND WAS JUST THE BEGINNING...
Eighteen year old Alice recently had an unprecedneted erotic experience. But her adventures have only just begun to heat up.

NOW SHE MUST TRAVEL THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS...
After breaking up with her boyfriend, Lewis, Alice enters a strange fantasy world where every pleasure - no matter how kinky - is indulged.

INTO TOTAL ECSTASY!! WITH TWO EXCLAMATION POINTS!!
Alice is subjected to amorous escapades beyond her wildest dreams, and taken to the very limit of her sexual endurance.

During her carnal encounters with all manner of men and woman, she is teased to tears by a bondage master, thoroughly used in a three way, enlightened to the sensual joys of a female touch, taken to a sex shop to test different erotic toys, given several special piercings, and is dragged to the HDO where she must fight the frumious Jabbercocky to save all of Looking Glass Land. And you know what we mean by "fight"...

This is for those with dark desires, who wish to explore erotic excess beyond the plain vanilla of everyday life. Follow Alice through the looking glass, if you dare...

 Some may argue that this is not a romance.  I would argue very differently.  There is a heroine and a hero (even if we don't see a whole lot of him). The couple must overcome an obstacle in order to be together (Alice's closed-mindedness).  And of course there must be a HEA - and is there ever!! 

Alice's adventure begins with her favorite white rabbit again and she is instantly thrust into a new and exciting world.  The book (which is quite glad to be an ebook instead of a regular book you might trip over if it happened to be lying on the floor) is filled with wonderful puns and even occasionally makes a joke at its own expense.  Yes, the book knows it's a book.  The style of writing is priceless and so very much fun to read.  Alice must learn to be more open minded about people before she can become a Queen and return home.

We see a few of our favorite characters: Humpty Dumpty, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, and a very unusual version of the Jabberwocky - all presented with their own very unique twist.  If you haven't read this series, I would definitely tell you to add it to your "must read" list.  The only downfall is there was supposed to be a third book that has not yet been released.

Best of 2013 - Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian

Title: Edge of Dawn (Midnight Breed, #11)
Author: Lara Adrian
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel (288pgs)
Reviewed by: CaroleDee

Rating- 5
Sexual- 3

Twenty years after the terror of First Dawn—when mankind learned that vampires lived secretly among them—the threat of violence reigns as the two species struggle to coexist. The only group preserving the fragile harmony is the Order, an elite cadre of Breed warriors dedicated to protecting humans and vampires alike. And in this precarious world of torn loyalties and shattered trust, Mira, a fiery squad captain, finds that every fight bears an intensely personal cost.

Raised among the Order, Mira has always believed in the warrior’s code of swift—and even lethal—justice. But the one thing she desires more than the Order’s hard-won acceptance is Kellan Archer, a sexy but troubled Breed fighter. In love with him since childhood, Mira once broke through his tough exterior during an unexpected night of rapture, but the next day he mysteriously disappeared, never to return.

Kellan didn’t think he would ever see Mira again—or have to confront the truth of why he left. After abandoning the Order years ago, he now leads a band of human rebels intent on carrying out their own vigilante rule of law. Yet a high-profile kidnapping assignment brings him face-to-face with the past he sought to avoid, and the striking woman he has tried desperately to forget. And as tensions mount and the risk of bloodshed grows, Kellan and Mira must take sides—between the competing missions that dominate their lives, and the electrifying passion that claims their hearts.

If you're like me the end of any romance series is always bittersweet. Usually the couples are having babies and living their happily ever after. But did you ever wonder what happens to those kiddos in the future? What they'll be like when they're all grown up? I have, and I got my dream fulfilled in the newest addition to the Midnight Breed series!

Edge of Dawn follows the story of Mira and Kellum twenty years after the last book. Mankind now know about 'The Breed', and after two decades of fighting are grasping onto a fragile truce.

Remember Mira? The little girl with the quicksilver eyes that can show you your destiny? Well, she's all grown up and kicking some major butt! When her long time love, Kellum Archer, dies in a rogue attack Mira goes on a war path. For eight long years she uses all of her anger and hurt to fuel her fight against the people that murdered her one true mate. But what if everything isn't as black and white as it seems? One mysterious rogue from her past will show her that there are shades of gray, even if learning the truth hurts.

There is so much betrayal running through Edge of Dawn it is ridiculous! My chest ached for Mira. And I loved it! There's nothing better than emotionally investing yourself in a character. It's one of the things that make a 5 star read for me. Lara Adrian absolutely outdid herself.

I can't recommend Edge of Dawn enough. If you haven't read the previous installments of The Midnight Breed, that's actually okay. There are characters from the previous novels present, but you don't necessarily need to read their stories to enjoy this one, since the main focus is on the 'new generation' of The Breed and a new group of dastardly villains.

Lovers of J.R. Ward and Larissa Ione will adore Edge of Dawn's fast paced, action packed, and romantic story!

Best of 2013: Snake in the Grass by Staci Hart

Title: Snake in the Grass (Good Gods #2)
Author: Staci Hart
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: July 8, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 5
Sexual - 3

It’s Round Two of high stakes Love Connection on Olympus, and this time, everything has
changed. For Aphrodite, at least.

Ares is on deck, and Aphrodite is nervous. As much as she loves to hook up with him, she doesn’t trust him as far as she could throw him, which isn’t very far. He’s a big dude. They haven’t been together in a very long time, but she can’t resist him. She never could. Even when every part of her screamed that he was a liar.

Ares has a plan to keep Aphrodite, for good this time. He wants to win the game, but he’ll hold back to get what he wants. He’s sitting on a chance that he’s been waiting thousands of years for, and he’ll do what he has to do to convince her to stay forever.

The only thing that could stop him is the secret that he’s been keeping from her for eons. If she finds out, it will destroy everything.

Kat and Dillon have been through a lot, and everything has been to protect their younger siblings. They have sacrificed everything to make sure their brother and sister are safe. The players are tough and loyal. Fierce and determined. But they become each other’s weakness, even though they fight it, and even though it means danger for Kat and her sister.

If Aphrodite can get the players over their egos and issues long enough to see that they’re meant for each other, the competition will be a piece of cake. One that she’ll eat a la mode, right in front of Ares, if she beats him.

This is the second book in the Good Gods series by Staci Hart - I highly recommend reading the first book, Deer in Headlights (also a top bite) first - you can find my review HERE.

After winning round one of her challenge, Aphrodite is all set for round two - even if it is against Ares, her "I love you- I hate you" friend.  This time Ares has chosen his player well, and Aphrodite is a little worried at first - until she realizes the siblings are a love match as well.  What could be better than beating Ares with a two-for-one!  Ares isn't sure how he wants to play this round.  On one hand, the god of war can't stand being defeated.  On the other, he would do anything to make Aphrodite his forever - even throw the game by not using his most valuable card.

Meanwhile, back on earth, the players of this great game are set for action.  Kat and Dillon are two of the most angry characters I've ever seen - and they're perfect for each other.  But only if they can cool their tempers long enough to say a civil word to each other.  Kat hates men - especially after what happened with her sister's, Kiki, ex-boyfriend (cant give too much away here).  She is determined to keep her sister, and herself, man-free for as long as she can.  Moving over to Dillon and Owen - Dillon has been his brother's protector for as long as he can remember.  Dillon knows that his uncontrollable temper means no love life for him - and he's determined to keep Owen from being hurt by falling for the wrong girl as well.  Both sets siblings are a study opposites that was very comical at times.  I love Staci Hart's sense of humor when it comes to writing about her humans.

Back in the realm of the gods - Aphrodite is starting to unravel an ancient mystery that involves Ares and Apollo, and she's not liking the way it looks.  While she struggles to find a happily ever after for all her players, she realizes she may have just lost hers.  The mythology was spot on again, and helped to tie the complicated lives of the gods together in a wonderful ball of tangled yarn.  As Aphrodite tries to untangel part of her thread, she may be distracted just enough not to notice the danger her players are about to encounter - danger that could not only cost Aphrodite the game, but the humans their lives.

Another amazing book by Staci Hart.  I very rarely love sophomore books in a series as much as I liked the first book - this is one of the very few exceptions.  It was the perfect follow-up and I really want to see what happens in round 3.

Best of 2013: Deer in Headlights by Staci Hart

Title: Deer in Headlights (Good Gods #1)
Author: Staci Hart
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: Februrary 13, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 5
Sexual - 3

How do the Greek gods kill time? Because they’re always bored. It’s an unavoidable
downside of being alive for thousands of years. So, they play games. Games with human players. Remember Shakespeare? Yeah, that was Apollo. Bonnie and Clyde? Aphrodite vs Ares.

It’s Aphrodite’s turn once again in the rounds of competitions, and she’ll defend her domain: Love. She hasn’t lost a competition on her turf in over three millennia, and she’s not about to start now. Apollo is her first competitor, and he’s on a mission to win. If he wins, he’ll get a token; a favor that Aphrodite must fulfill. And with that favor, he’ll finally get the one woman he’s never been able to have.

Aphrodite and Apollo will choose their human players, and if Aphrodite can’t get them together before the clock runs out, Apollo will get his way. And she couldn’t have that.

Lex and Dean are perfect for each other. They just don’t know it yet.

Dean is a perpetual bachelor, and a man-whore. A brooding, gorgeous, rock star man-whore. Lex always has a boyfriend, but she’s never let anyone in enough to let herself go. Not really. Not ever. Aphrodite has her work cut out for her, but if she can’t make it work, no one can.

But she has more at stake than just Lex and Dean. Apollo killed her mortal love, and that beef has been dragging on for thousands of years. Ares, the douchebag, is forever trying to start a fight, and get Aphrodite into bed. And Persephone, her best friend, is the one person she can confide in, laugh with, and always count on for a healthy helping of bacon when she’s having a bad day.

Follow the gods as they fight, laugh, cry, lose love, and gain power. Making a mess with humans has never been so fun.

This book is a must read for fans of romance with some humor mixed in.  It gets off to a perfect start - before it even starts.  You must read the star chart at the beginning - it was fantastic (you'll know what I mean once you do it.)

The Greek gods and goddesses have passed the thousands of years by holding competitions where the loser owes the winner a favor.  It's Aphrodite's turn, and she has never been defeated - and she's not about to let go of her winning streak yet.  However, she will have her work cut out for her with Dean and Lex.  The couple that's perfectly imperfect for each other.  The tricks that Aphrodite and Apollo utilize to try and win the competition make Lex and Dean's life quite interesting for the duration.

The book is fast paced and covers not only the stories of Lex/Dean and Apollo/Aphrodite, but also gives a lot of backstory that only makes everything even more juicy and full of drama.  It's like a frat house meets sorority and they're all bored with super powers!  How much more fun could it get!

Best of 2013 - Lord of Wicked Intentions by Lorraine Heath

Title: Lord of Wicked Intentions (The Lost Lords of Pembroke, #3)
Author: Lorraine Heath
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: Novel (384 pgs)
Reviewed by: CaroleDee

Rating- 5
Sexual- 2

Lord Rafe Eason may be of noble blood, but survival taught him to rely only on himself and to love no one. Yet when he sets his eyes on Miss Evelyn Chambers, and earl's illegitimate daughter, he is determined to have her, if only as his mistress.

After her father's death, Evelyn Chambers never imagined she would be sold to the highest bidder, yet circumstances give her little choice except to accept the lord's indecent proposal. Rafe is wealthy, as well as ruthless. Yet his coldness belies deep passion and deeper secrets. If she must be his, Evelyn intends to lay bare everything the Lord of Pembrook is hiding. But dark discoveries threaten to destroy them both until unexpected love guides the last lost lord home.

Alright, prepare yourself for another I love Lorraine Heath review, because I LOVE Lorraine Heath.

Tortured/Scarred heroes and innocent, yet, willful heroines are my favorite kinds of historical romances. Do you have, 'Want to fix him' syndrome?  You know what I'm talking about. You just want to take a sledgehammer to that brick wall a guy has placed around his heart because of his tortured past. You want to wrap him in your arms and tell him that even though life sucks sometimes that it's no reason to give up hope! Well, Lorraine's the author for you. I've fallen in love with her Lost Lords of Pembroke series and I think Rafe turned out to be my favorite 'Lost Lord'.

Left at a work house by his older brothers when he was ten, Rafe felt alone, betrayed, and abandoned. Having lived a life of leisure until that point being treated less-than takes it's toll. He eventually escapes the cruel work house to the slums of London; only to jump from the frying pan into the fire. He survives any way he can, which to become successful in the rookeries means living a life of sin and violence. Through devious mean he eventually carves himself an empire, but even with wealth and respect he still feels empty. After twelve years his

Wow, Evelyn. As the bastard daughter of an Earl she's lived her life in a gilded cage. While she was given the education and instruction of any aristocratic daughter she's never been allowed into society because of the circumstances of her birth. When her beloved father dies her self-righteous, grudge-holding half-brother (Can you tell I really wanted to punch this guy?) literally auctions her off as a mistress! She's confused, hurt, and so incredibly naive to the ways of the world my heart hurt for her. Rafe steps in and takes her in, but not with pure intentions.  Yes, he intends to make Eve his mistress, but things don't go according to plan when he realizes she's chipping away the wall around his heart.

Okay, so I better stop with the rundown now, I don't want to give too much away. Just know that I loved this story so much. I was sad to see it end :( Heartache, betrayal, anger; the wide range of emotions just didn't let go. I've said it before and I'll say it again, do yourself a favor and check out the Lost Lords of Pembroke!
brother finally come back, but it's too late. Lingering feelings of abandonment and resentment leave him distancing himself from his long-lost family.

They were two lonely souls cast aside by Society. 
Surely they could find solace with each other.

Best of 2013 - Guardian's Faith by Jacqueline Rhoades

Title: Guardian's Faith (Guardian's of the Race, #4)

Author: Jacqueline Rhoades
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel
Reviewed by: CaroleDee

Rating- 5
Sexual- 2

Physically and emotionally damaged by the horrors of her past, no one is more surprised than meek and silent Faith Parsons when she feels compelled to stow away in the van of the taciturn Liege Lord, Lucien ad Toussaint and travel to his House of Guardians in the faraway Southwest. She’s even more surprised when some of the local women see her as the one who will heal the 160 year old wounds that are destroying their way of life.

Lucien, too, is haunted by his past. He has withdrawn from the world around him and lives a reclusive and duty-bound life. He never expected that a tiny Daughter of Man could open the doors to a heart he’s kept closed for so long.
As the attraction between Faith and Lucien grows, the events of both their pasts begin to replay in the present.

Must history repeat itself or can their future be changed?

Guardian's Faith was a great addition to an already awesome series! Rhoades took it up a notch with the introduction of a new setting, some mysterious villagers, AND a surprising appearance from a previous foe. *I can't wait to see where that story goes in the future!*

I worried that Faith's abusive past would be a bit hard to read, but the way it was described was perfect; Enough detail to make you realize the horrors that she endured, but not enough to make you squeamish. While Lucien's past wasn't as bad as Faith's he still had some tough issues to get past. Together they, really did, make the perfect couple; capable of drawing on each others strengths, and boosting one another from their weaknesses.

There is also a new kind of villain in this one. The demons still make themselves a nuisance but the true nature of what happens when a Paenitentian is turned vampire rears it's ugly head. It's a far cry from sweet Uncle Otto.

The action and mystery is balanced extremely well with the romance. Just enough of each to spice things up :)

I highly recommend this one. I think everyone knows that I love Jacqueline Rhoades' books and Guardian's Faith just add to an already impressive list of fantastic reads.