Reluctrant Revenge by Xandra James ~ Review

Title: Reluctant Revenge (The Enforcers #1)

Author: Xandra James
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 47 pages
Publisher: Pink Petal Books
Release Date: December 1, 2011
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Nash was bound to Sienna completely – by a blood connection and a deep desire. An Enforcer for the Supranormal community, he was obligated to protect his sexy assignment, despite her family devastating his world.

After being betrayed, Sienna falls into the arms of her surly protector; a demon with a secret of his own. But can she face her destiny knowing she's more dangerous than those Nash was protecting her from?

This was a fun and quick paranormal romance, with a good dose of excitement and suspense. An enemies to lovers story, I enjoyed the way the backstory was introduced along the way at just the right time to fill in the holes as needed.

Demons, angels, vampires (sort of), and who knows how many other paranormal types just not met yet. The creatures were all a bit different than the traditional, which kept things interesting and fun.

But, it was a bit rushed. As a novella, I didn't get the chance to feel the suspense build up like I wanted to and things resolved very quickly at the end.

Goodreads

The Edge (Ignite #1) by Fleur Camacho ~ Review

Title: The Edge (Ignite #1)

Author: Fleur Camacho
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 75 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: October 12, 2016
Source: Freebie
Rating: 2
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Laura only wants one thing, and it’s the deepest darkest secret of her heart. When a mysterious man emerges from a fire in her backyard, can he be the key to unlocking the secret she guards so close? Or will his own secrets ruin her trust forever?

If you like edge-of-your-seat paranormal romance, you’ll love this book.

This book had a great set-up. We start with a hunky guy walking out of a burning field, rushed to the hospital, and Laura needs to know what happened. Somehow, he's not hurt nearly as bad as he should have been. But he's being hunted, and it puts Laura and the ones she's closest to at great risk.

Definitely an eye-catching story, but it wasn't executed as well as it should have been. There are too many things that just "happen" with no explanation. Like when he runs from the hospital - without unhooking the machines or IVs, without any alarms of any sort going off, that there wasn't a police officer waiting to talk to him about the accident..... It was something that really stood out to me. There are enough of these little mistakes that I really started to get distracted.

I really wanted to like this one, but I don't think I'll be continuing the series.

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Do It Yourself by Nikky Kaye ~ Review

Title: Do It Yourself

Author: Nikky Kaye
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 86 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: September 26, 2016
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Sarah began her DIY education by ditching the biggest tool in her garage—her husband. Now she’s realizing that not just her marriage was boring, beige and transitional, and she’s in over her head.

Luckily, Chris the hot young handyman is teaching her how to screw, drill, and hammer—and also how to use her power tools.

Together they’re updating her wiring and unclogging her pipes. But when Sarah worries that she’s treating Chris like her own personal power tool, what will she do? Will she pull the plug?

This sexy 25,000-word novella features adults in adult situations and using adult language.. 

This is the ultimate handyman romance come to life. There is just so much hot goodness in the little novella that I read it twice - back to back - which is unheard of for me! The witty and pun filled dialog was too good for me to walk away after the first time. And, like a good meatloaf, the seconds were just as good as the firsts.

But this book isn't all fluff and sexiness. Somehow, Nikky Kaye threw a couple little life lessons in there without me even noticing them at first. Sarah has a lot on her plate, and her way of dealing with things is to do them all on her own. I was rather impressed with her home improvement abilities and skill with tools.

But she does run into a project that's just too far beyond her skills and youtube tutorials. So she hires a handyman to show her how to do it. Which I love! He isn't doing it all for her, but teaches her along the way. And he's such a great teacher too!

But handyman Chris isn't exactly what Sarah thinks at first. She jumps to conclusions, feelings get hurt, and everyone comes out of the experience having learned a little lesson. So pick an afternoon and just curl up with Do It Yourself. Tell everyone you're furthering your home improvement methods and tune them out for a couple hours. You won't regret it!

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Once Should Be Enough by Nikky Kaye

Title: Once Should Be Enough
Author: Nikky Kaye
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Length: 92 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: August 17, 2016
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Are friends with benefits worth the cost?

My cocky friend Will doesn't believe that I'm frigid, but what does he know? His promises might make me shiver but it doesn't mean he can give me a happy. He's so confident he's betting me money on it, and a thousand bucks is a lot of money to a poor college student.

Once should be enough to taunt him with "I told you so," right?

But I didn't know he meant trying everything once...

This was a super-hot, one night read, novella. I loved it! It gets the standard "I want to know more" ding that most novellas get because I get too attached and want to see what happens with the rest of their lives. I'm so glad that I picked it up though because I found a new author to stalk!

Once Should Be Enough looks deep (surprisingly deep for its length) look into what turns us on. Cass is about to get a lesson in kind and that everyone isn't the same. As Will convinces her to open up and let him show her how to "enjoy herself", she really starts to come out of her shell.

There are just enough tense moments where I wondered if it was going to work out to balance the sexy scenes and really give the story some depth. Nikky Kaye did a great job of putting a lot of story, romance, and emotion into such a small package.

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Sacking the Quarterback by Samantha Towle, James Patterson

Title: Sacking the Quarterback
Author: Samantha Towle, James Patterson
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 144 pages
Publisher: BookShots
Release Date: September 6, 2016
Source: Review Request
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

The golden boy of football just went bad.

Quarterback Grayson Knight has a squeaky-clean reputation in the football world. So when he's arrested for drug possession, lawyer Melissa St. James knows that something doesn't add up. It's clear he's hiding something, though he denies it. But there's one thing he can't deny--he wants Melissa.

You must be able to suspend a little reality for this one. With an assistant DA lusting after her latest court case, there's a little bit of over the top feeling, but it was still a lot of fun. When Grayson is arrested for possession with the intent to distribute, things are looking pretty bad - his professional football career may be in jeopardy and he's looking at a few years behind bars. But he didn't realize that would be the consequence when he took action.

Assistant DA Melissa St. James knows something isn't quite right when she's told to throw the book at the sports star, set an example, and make sure he's found guilty. But something inside her tells her to look deeper - and thank goodness she listens.

What unfolds is a sweet and sexy - but highly unlikely - quick romance. It was fun and easy to put away my sense of disbelief after briefly acknowledging its presence. A very fun and quick read with a dash of suspense to keep your blood pumping.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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The Mating Season by Laurie Horowitz, James Patterson

Title: The Mating Season
Author: Laurie Horowitz, James Patterson
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 160 pages
Publisher: BookSparks
Release Date: September 6, 2016
Source: Review Request
Rating: 5
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

More than just the birds and the bees....

Self-proclaimed "bird nerd" Sophie Castle has been given the opportunity of a lifetime: her own documentary about her fine-feathered friends. But her cameraman, Rigg Greensman, is unmotivated... and drop dead gorgeous. Can they work together to convince the public to love birds-without falling in love themselves?

We need more ornothologists - or "bird nerds" in romance. Sophie was amazing and Horiwitz did an excellent job showing me her passion and knowledge for her birds - without turning it into a bore. Adding a dose of humor, some great research was done to describe the birds in amazing detail and some of the names ("tits" and "boobies") made me giggle like a teenage girl again.

Rigg is a hot shot camera man - or so he thinks. But Sophie shows him a side of himself that he desperately needed to find. A side that shlows down and enjoys life, taking him a step back from the drive for professional success at all costs, and pushing him forward into finding what really makes him happy. They are a great couple together.

But of course there is a problem, and it's represended by an ex-girlfriend. She's more than just that though. She symbolizes his past dreams, goals, and life. Rigg will have to make a decision.

The scenery and people surrounding Sophie and Rigg really bring the story together. They are great personalities and beautiful places.  They helped me fall into the story and never want to leave.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Learning to Ride by Erin Knightly ~ Review

Title: Learning to Ride

Author: Erin Knightley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 144 pages
Publisher: BookShots
Release Date: July 5, 2016
Source: Review Request
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

She never wanted to love a cowboy. . . .

Rodeo king Tanner Callen doesn't want to be tied down. When he sees Madeline Harper at a local honky-tonk and everything about her screams New York, he brings out every trick in his playbook to take her home. But soon he learns that he doesn't just want her for a night and, instead, hopes for forever. . . .

This was a really fun and quick read. Madeline was a great character that I could easily relate to. She's career driven and love is the furthest thing from her mind. She's in town for one reason only, to make the deal that will send her back to the big city and cement her promotion into her dream job. But this little town seems to like having her around.

Before she knows it, she's in a reading group, making friends, and has caught the eye of the town's most eligible bachelor, Tanner Callen. Tanner isn't looking for love either, and when he runs into Madeline the first time he's just looking for a good time. His reaction to finding out she was going to be in town for more than a vacation was priceless.

I think one of the things I enjoyed most was the depth of emotion that both characters felt. It was all so genuine and real that it really made both of them pop off the pages and come to life. It showed in every page and their interactions were incredible. And their interactions weren't all sexual in nature, but each one highlighted the sexual tension between them.

This was actually a pretty tame romance in terms of sexual context, but it didn't skimp on the chemistry. A great quick read that lived up to its expectations.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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The McCullagh Inn in Maine by Jen McLaughlin ~ Review

Title: The McCullagh Inn in Maine (McCullagh Inn #1)

Author: Jen McLaughlin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 160 pages
Publisher: BookShots
Release Date: July 5, 2016
Source: Review Request
Rating: 2
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Her second chance at love. . .

Chelsea McCullagh escapes to Maine with a gun and fresh bruises. She's ready to begin anew-until she runs into her old flame, Jeremy Holland. As he helps to fix her inn, her heart heals and they rediscover what they once loved about each other. But as the two play house, it starts to seem too good to last. . . .

Great concept - but not enough time to really play it out. Chelsea is in trouble, but we don't know why at first, and it takes most of the book to put it all together. I didn't like that at all. I wanted to know why she was on the run and what happened, so I could understand her actions and feel right along with her. Part of her fear was confusing since I didn't know where exactly it was coming from.

Jeremy also has a big something going on that was a surprise. I understand not hearing about his earlier in the story, but a hint or two would have been nice. There was just too much thrown at me without enough backstory information for me to really believe or feel it.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Vacation With a Vampire...and Other Immortals by Maggie Shayne and Maureen Child ~ Review

Title: Vacation with a Vampire…and Other Immortals (Wings in the Night #17.5)

Author: Maggie Shayne and Maureen Child
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 288 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne
Release Date: June 21, 2011
Source: Self-Purchased
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Let's face it--vacation is great! We could all use a warm summer night on a beach, the sand still hot from the sun, with the moon rising on the horizon. If it could be paired with a handsome, sexy man--an "immortal" man--wouldn't that be the icing on the cake? Nothing says holiday quite like a walk in paradise with a gorgeous vampire...or spending a twilight eve with a charismatic Highlander. And the best part? While you may get a sexy bite or two, it's guaranteed that you won't get a sunburn!Don't be afraid to dip your toes into these two seductive and enthralling stories from Maggie Shayne and Maureen Child.

Come on in and leave your cares behind....

I puchased this book because it contains the novella that is next in my reading of Wings in the Night by Maggie Shayne. You do not need to read this one as part of the series. It's actually a very cute stand alone novella based in the Wings in the Night world that I really enjoyed. Diego and Anne make for an interesting pair and I really enjoyed their little banter back and forth. At times Diego seemed way too bogged down by his one bad relationship experience, but that was really the only downside of the story.

The second novella by Maureen Child I just couldn't get into. I'm not sure if it was part of a larger series and I just didn't understand the world building, but it seemed super rushed and I was a little confused through the whole thing.

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Wings in the Night Series

Born in Twilight (Wings in the Night #5)

Two by Twilight (Wings in the Night #9 and #6)

Twilight Hunger (Wings in the Night #7)

Embrace the Twilight (Wings in the Night #8)

Edge of Twilight (Wings in the Night #10)

Blue Twilight (Wings in the Night #11)

Prince of Twilight (Wings in the Night #12)

Demon's Kiss (Wings in the Night #13)

Lover's Bite (Wings in the Night #14)
Angel's Pain (Wings in the Night #15)
Bloodlines (Wings in the Night #16)
Twilight Prophecy (Wings in the Night #17)

Review: Neptune's Lair by Dorothy McFalls

Title: Neptune's Lair
Author: Dorothy McFalls
Source: Self Purchased
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: October 14, 2010
Reviewer: Jasmyn

Spunky Dallas St. John wants the perfect life and to get it she needs the perfect job.  So what is she doing kissing a complete stranger in an alleyway when she's late for her interview for that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?

She must be losing it, but oh what a delicious way to go down.  A fortune teller has warned her that falling in love would be dangerous.  The woman didn't know that half of it.  Not only has getting involved with the hunky sex god thrown her career goals off-track, it's thrown her world upside down.  She's having sexual escapades in her sleep.  her new lover is taking control of the bedroom.  And an unworldly force is threatening to devour her soul.  What's a girl to do, but enjoy the ride!

Review/Giveaway : Aphrodite's Gift by Allison Cassatta

Title: Aphrodite's Gift

Author: Allison Cassatta

Source: Author Request

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Length: Novella
Release Date : September 12, 2012

Reviewer: Jasmyn

Deacon is a hard-nosed demon slayer who loves his solitude and doesn’t do well with taking orders. He’s a mammoth of a man, endowed by the gods and goddesses with strength, immortality and stunning good looks. Now he’s charged to send an incubus who almost killed him back to hell.

Violet is a career woman who is smart and funny, who has friends but no true love...other than her romance novels. She hates her size fourteen jeans and the sight of herself in the mirror makes her cringe. After a night of drinking with her best friend and a love spell gone awry, she finds herself mixed up with evil.

Review of The First Spell ( Prequel to the Hot Magic Series)

Title : The First Spell
Author: Rachel Carrington
Source : Author request
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Length: ebook novella  96 pages
Publisher: Amazon digital
Reviewed by: Cerridwen

Though a prequel to the Hot Magic Series, this is a standalone book. None of the other books in the series, Indigo Spell, Breaking the Spell, and Unchained Spell, need to read first!

Captivated by a wizard with amnesia, Jensen knows he’s only asking for trouble when he takes her to his world. Finding out she’s a member of an enemy guild doesn’t change his connection to her. And their first kiss only strengthens his need to keep her close.

Barely knowing her own name, Charlemaine begins having horrible visions of impeding doom, and she’s labeled an enemy of Jensen’s guild. She doesn’t trust she isn’t being used as bait to bring down the group of powerful wizards, but she doesn’t want to leave Jensen.

Jensen will risk anything to save Charlemaine’s life when magic gives way to betrayal. But will the need for vengeance overcome even the strongest love?

Review Dream Job by Mickey J. Corrigan

Title: Dream Job

Author: Mickey J. Corrigan

Source: Request

Genre: Sci/Fi Romance

Length: Novella

Publisher : Breathless Press

 

He’s the hot, sexy man of her dreams. 

And her new boss.

 But someone else is dreaming about her, 

someone even more dangerous…

Review The Seeking Kiss (Midnight Playground #1) by Eden Bradley

Title: The Seeking Kiss (Midnight Playground #1)
Author: Eden Bradley
Source: Self purchase
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella (ebook 73 pgs)

Review of DIRE WARNING by Stephanie Tyler

DIRE WARNING

Stephanie Tyler

Nal, February 7, 2012

ISBN:  139780451562208

Paranormal romance 

102 pages, ebook

From my own private stash.

A breathtaking new tale of the Dire Wolves, from the bestselling author of Dire Needs…

Immortal and invincible, Rifter is the head of the last surviving pack of Dire Wolves—a band of Alpha brothers charged with protecting the Weres. But now that witches have joined forces with nefarious weretrappers, it’s a perfect storm for double trouble. When the murder of human points to a wolf, along with the threat of the packs being outted to the world, the Dires fear that something even more dangerous is out there hiding in the dark, something waiting for the right time to show itself.

Includes a letter from the author and a teaser chapter from DIRE NEEDS.