Release Day Celebration: Fighting for Irish and In Bed With Mr. Wrong

New York Times bestselling author Katee Robert kicks off her new Out of Uniform series with IN BED WITH MR. WRONG, a hilarious enemies-to-lovers story you don’t want to miss. Air Force Pararescuer Ryan Flannery avoids his hometown at all costs, so he’s not thrilled when he’s set up on a blind date—until he meets mousy librarian Brianne Nave. Her sweet curves and kissable lips are a siren’s call, but her smart mouth? Not so much. How can two people have so little chemistry outside the bedroom when they fit together so perfectly in it? When Ryan and Bri are stranded in a cabin by their friends, they’ll be forced to find out…if they don’t kill each other first. 

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Excerpt: In Bed with Mr. Wrong by Katee Robert

“Don’t think for a second you’re getting a good-night kiss.”

“A kiss from you?” He stepped forward into her finger, forcing her to open her hand against his chest or take a step back. She refused to budge. He leaned down, crowding her. “I’d rather kiss a snake.”

“Then it’s too bad it’s winter, because they’re in short supply.” She pushed at his chest again, nearly snarling when he didn’t move. “You should just burn something else down. That might draw a few to the heat.”

“Or maybe I’ll just set fire to your goddamn granny panties. That’s sure to create a big enough blaze.”

Her jaw dropped open and she swallowed hard. “As if you could.”

“Watch me.”

He grabbed her hips and yanked her against him. Bri gasped. There was so much heat in his blue eyes, it was a wonder every single article of clothing she wore didn’t go up in smoke. “You—”

But then she saw it. The challenge hidden behind the heat. He didn’t think she could handle this. Handle him.

His mouth curled into a smirk, and his hands tightened on her hips. The feel of his fingers digging into her flesh through the thin fabric of her skirt made her want to throw all caution to the wind. He thought he’d won, did he?

“Screw it.” She grabbed the lapels of his shirt and went up on her tiptoes to smash her lips against his. He froze, then stumbled backward and slammed into the wall of her screened porch, taking her with him. A wave of victory went through her. For all his talk, he hadn’t expected her to make a move. She moved one hand to the back of his neck and tipped his head down so she could set her teeth into his bottom lip.

Just like that, he came alive in her arms and pulled her tighter against him. His tongue delved into her mouth, stroking hers with no hesitation, igniting her passion until she couldn’t fight back a moan. How could one giant brute taste so decadent? She slid her tongue along his, not sure if she was searching for an answer or simply enjoying the way her very nerves seemed to spark and dance at every place they touched.

Would her whole body do that if they were naked?

Whoa. Where had that thought come from? She was proving him wrong, not jumping into bed with the man. She tried to pull away. “I think—”

“Stop talking.”

Gina L. Maxwell comes out swinging with the latest installment of her New York Times bestselling Fighting for Love series, FIGHTING FOR IRISH. When he learns a friend’s sister has forty-eight hours to make good on an ex’s debt to a crime boss, former MMA fighter Aiden "Irish" O'Brien heads to Louisiana to offer himself up as collateral. But to satisfy the debt, he has to do the one thing he swore he’d never do again: fight. With more than just money on the line, can Irish reclaim the man he once was for the woman he can't live without?

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The dynamic duo took the NYT and USA TODAY lists by storm the last time they released together, so we can't wait to see what shenanigans they have in store for 2014!

Excerpt: Fighting For Irish by Gina Maxwell

Aiden dropped his hands to her hips and stepped closer. “Will you stay tonight?” he asked softly.

 “I’ll stay.”

One night. He could do that, couldn’t he? Then he could get this need for her out of his system and focus on winning the tournament to free her from any danger. His job would be done, his debt paid to Jax, and he could move back home to continue his daily penance and meaningless existence.

But right now he wanted to feel alive again, if only for a night in the arms of the woman who’d had his balls on lockdown for months. She was the reason no one else even appealed to him anymore. He needed her, just this once. But he wouldn’t do it without an understanding between them.

“Kat, can I be honest with you?” Aiden was aware of the fine line he was walking. Now he just had to do it without sounding crude or disrespectful, which would be a challenge. He was no smooth-talking Romeo.

Meeting her expectant gaze, he took a deep breath and prepared himself for the possibility of getting slapped. “I wanna be with you tonight.”

“As in, with me with me?”

“Yeah,” he said, amusement lifting a corner of his mouth. “With you with you. It’s been a really long time since I wanted someone as much I want you.”

“Really?” she asked breathlessly.

“You sound surprised.”

She offered a weak shrug and suddenly found interest in the floorboards. “You seem like you’d be more into exciting, exotic looking women. Like one of those sexy, new-age pin-up girls with the flawless skin and beautiful tattoos.”

He almost laughed until he realized she was serious. She had no idea what she did to him. Grabbing one of her hands still resting on his shoulder, he slowly dragged it over his chest and down his stomach until they finally reached his stiff erection straining against the restrictive boxer briefs under his shorts.

Aiden groaned as he molded her hand over his cock. The feel of her gripping him nearly redefined the word “premature.” She drew in a quick breath and raised her eyes to his. Her cheeks filling with a pretty shade of pink did crazy things to his insides. The more her innocence showed through the more he wanted her.

He couldn’t make sense of it. She was right. Typically he went for the larger-than-life women who treated every day like it was their own personal thrill ride. Kat was something else entirely. Worldly beyond her years, yet somehow more innocent than she should be.

“This is how into you I am, sweetheart. Believe me when I tell you I couldn’t fake this kind of interest,” he assured her. “I want you, Kat. Wicked bad. But I don’t have anything more to offer you than one night. That’s me being honest. So if you wanna give me the red light now I’ll understand, but you gotta let me know while I still have use of some of my brain.”

“Green.”

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Review: Drowning in a Dream (Blackwater #2) By: Lila Veen

Title: Drowning in a Dream 
Author: Lila Veen 
Source: Review Request 
Genre: Paranormal Romance 
Length: 259 pages Paperback  
Reviewer: Emi 

Rating: 4
Sexual Rating: 3 

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

Leah struggles with her emotions as her heart is torn in half by the two men who ignite her. As she battles her feelings for Theo and Ash, she searches for her father who may hold the answers to the history of the Coven.

Eleanor and Drew search for their kidnapped son in the heart of the Louisiana wilderness, while uncovering some family connections between Eleanor and Gabriel Locke.

Erika tries to cover her tracks after Ash reaches out to her for assistance. She is still heartbroken but her journey reveals that perhaps she doesn’t have to be for very long.

Olivia discovers there is a world waiting for her outside of Blackwater, and breaks out of her protective barrier to uncover it.

Follow the four women who were introduced in Book One of the Blackwater Saga, as they craft their way through the dangers that go hand in hand with being a part of the Coven.

Another Great read in the Blackwater Series! A few different scenarios going on but it doesn't get too crazy or overwhelming.  Leah travels to France to find her father and repair things with Ash, her friends and family are also going through their own dilemmas back in Blackwater. We also get a few more details about some of the other Lavanne family members as well. 

I'm glad that Olivia gets out of Normandy and is able to get some real life experience, though it turns out she has to go to France as well to save Theo, Leah, and Ash. 

I enjoyed Drowning in a Dream as much as Burning For You, its just as fast paced and filled with some crazy drama, lol. It did get a bit weird again with the whole Olivia and Theo relationship, it's never really spelled out what happens but just the mention of an incestuous relationship kind of creeps me out. 

But don't let that deter from the series, other than the Lavanne family drama lol,  its a great read. 

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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.

Historical Romance Review: Twelve Days of Christmas Past

Title: Twelve Days of Christmas Past

Authors: Susanna Fraser, Rebecca Thomas, Emily Larkin
Source: Entangled - Flirt
Genre: Historical Romance, Anthology
Length: Novellas
Release Date: December 30, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4
Sexual - 3

The Countess’s Groom by Emily Larkin
Rose, the Countess Malmstoke, is trapped in a marriage from hell. Escape seems impossible—until her horse groom Will Fenmore offers to help her find a way out.

Will has loved Rose since she was brought to Creed Hall as a new bride, but their relationship has only ever been that of mistress and servant. Born worlds apart, Will knows he could never be her husband, but maybe he can be her salvation.

As they plan her escape to the American colonies, Rose learns to trust Will with her life and her heart, but trusting him with her body is another matter. Can she conquer her fear of the marriage bed? Is the future she dreams of—being Will’s wife—possible?

The Blacksmith's Son by Rebecca Thomas
Captain Quentin Drake returns home after his Naval commission ends to find a young groom being beaten in the village stables. Weary from his travels, Quentin only wants a good night's sleep, but refuses to turn a blind eye to the lad's mistreatment. He intervenes, taking the lad to his room, only to discover a woman masquerading as a boy.After Ally Lockwood's family dies, she supports herself by assisting the local blacksmith with his horses. She's not allowed to do the work as a woman, so she dresses as a boy, but her ruse is up when, due to injury, she's disrobed by a handsome stranger. What starts as a shared supper, leads to so much more...

The Earl's Christmas Colt by Rebecca Thomas
Lady Arabella Sutton is stunned to learn her brother has betrothed her to a stranger. Although she is the first to admit no man would suit, since she a marriage of convenience, the last thing she wants is to become a brood mare to a stuffy old earl. In her anger, she rides into the countryside but her mare is injured, forcing her to seek shelter at a nearby coaching inn.

Oliver Westwyck, the Earl of Marsdale, canother better. But she claims noblemen are egotistical, conceited, and arrogant and he wonders how hely hope a colt as her Christmas gift willearn him her forgiveness.

Christmas Past by Susanna Fraser
Time-traveling PhD student Sydney Dahlquists first mission sounded simple enoughspend two weeks in December 1810 collecting blood samples from the sick and wounded of Wellingtons army, then go home to modern-day Seattle and Christmas with her family. But when her time machine breaks, stranding her in the past, she must decide whether to sacrifice herself to protect the timeline or to build a new lifeand embrace a new lovetwo centuries before her time.Rifle captain Miles Griffin has been fascinated by the tall, beautiful Mrs. Sydney from the day he met her caring for wounded soldiers. When he stumbles upon her time travel secret on Christmas Eve, he vows to do whatever it takes to seduce her into making her home in his presentby his side.

The Countess's Groom:
Rose and Will come from two different worlds.  Rose is a lady and Will is a lowly groom, but they unite in their love of animals and in their efforts to save Rose from her incredibly abusive husband.  Unfortunately, I didn't end up liking Rose as much as I should have.  She was overly formal, even after her and Will became close.  It had a very swet ending though.

The Blacksmith's Son:
This was a great one.  Ally has been hiding out as a boy in order to escape from the false accusations of theft from her former employer.  When Captain Quentin Drake finds out that she is actually a girl, he decides to find out why she is hiding.  Their dialog and interactions were great.  The only bad spot was a little of the beginning where things worked out a little too perfectly.

The Earl's Christmas Colt:
This was such a cute story.  I loved the emotion Rebecca Thomas was able to explore in such a small novella.  Lady Arabella isn't your typical noblewoman, she would rather be out riding her horse than try to find a husband.  It's a good thing that Oliver Westwyck, her betrothed, ends up being just as much a horse lover.  They meet for the first time and they don't know who the other is at first.  Arabella mistakes him for a horse breeder.

I'm not a big fan of intential mistaken identity storylines, but the way this one plays out is quite humorous.  It was a great Christmas story.

Christmas Past:
Christmas Past is a sweet time travel romance.  When Sydney finds herself stuck in 1810 after her time machine breaks, she must make a tough decision on what to do next.  Unfortunately (or maybe on the bright side) Miles has found her secret.  He takes her under his wing and talks her into waiting until after Christmas to make a final decision on her fate.

Of course the romance follows very quickly and it is a very sweet one.  A very feel good style of romance with one really good explosion (literally).  I also liked how the author handled the issues of multiple time lines and changing the future.  She had a lot figured out for such a short novella.

Review: The Last Wicked Scoundrel by Lorraine Heath

Title: The Last Wicked Scoundrel (Scoundrels of St. James, #5)
Author: Lorraine Heath

Genre: Historical Romance
Length: Novella (100pgs)
Reviewed by: CaroleDee

Rating- 4
Sexual- 3

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lorraine Heath brings us the eagerly awaited final story in the Scoundrels of St. James series.

William Graves is the last of Feagan's scoundrels. A onetime grave robber turned royal physician, he has devoted his life to saving others—because he knows there is no way to save himself. Especially not around a lady like Winnie. Though undeserving of her touch, he cannot resist. His passion cannot be tamed…even in the face of certain danger.

Winnie, the Duchess of Avendale, never knew peace until her brutal husband died. With William she's discovered burning desire—and the healing power of love. But now, confronted by the past she thought she'd left behind, Winnie must face her fears…or risk losing the one man who can fulfill all her dreams.

It's a bittersweet end to the original Scoundrels of St. James.

I've been waiting for William Graves' story since, almost, the beginning. I'm a bit disappointed that when I finally got it that it was only novella length, but in true Lorraine Heath fashion it was still a great read.

If you haven't read the previous installments in the Scoundrel's series you won't necessarily be lost, but there are events that happened in a previous book that lead to the relationship development of William and Winnie. 
Superficially they seem an unlikely pair.
Winnie- the widowed duchess.
William - The orphaned son of a clothes washer and grave robber.
Emotionally they couldn't be better suited.

Was it the fulfilling and ultra long novel I was hoping for? Neh.
Did I still get my Lorraine Heath kicker that I needed to fill my time until the release of When The Duke Was Wicked*? Yes sir ree :)

I definitely recommend this one to lovers of the St. James series. If you're just jumping on board, do yourself a favor and read the others in the series first. You won't be disappointed!

* When The Duke Was Wicked is a follow up series to the Scoundrels of St. James books. You can look forward to following the grown children of all of the Scoundrels! (Releasing Feb 25,2014)

Cover Reveal: Rekindled Moments by Dori Lavelle

Title: Rekindled Moments (Moments in Time #2)
Author: Dori Lavelle
Release Date: February 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Designed by: Najla Qamber Designs

The truth will always find its way out.

Carlene Adams' new life has been an illusion, her new-found joy just for rent. The life she craves can't really belong to a girl who's responsible for someone's death.

Her greatest fear has been realized. Nick Johnson, her second chance at love, has discovered her true identity and disappeared from her life.

She will need to find a way to move on without Nick. But the memories of their time together haunt her relentlessly. As Serendipity's Business Man of the Year, his face is everywhere—in magazines, on the television screen, behind her eyelids. Soon, her life spirals out of control and she finds herself further away from her dreams.

But Carlene is good at hiding from the past. She's done it once before. She can do it again. She can leave her hometown and begin somewhere new. But she can't move on without telling Nick the truth about the life he thinks she took. And everything that came before.

** Due to sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18. **

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Author Bio:

Dori Lavelle, is a mother, wife, and a sucker for happy ever afters and mint chocolage.  Give her a great romance novel and a mug ofhot chocolate and she'd be one happy woman.

Growing up, Dori read a lot, and when she wasn't happy with a particular ending, she wrote a different one, just for herself.  Before long, she was writing stories when she should have been doing homework.  The time has come for her to share the stories she cooks up in her head.

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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.

Cover Reveal and Excerpt: Revenge by Tara Fox Hall

Title: Revenge (Lash #4)
Author: Tara Fox Hall
Release Date: December 7, 2013

Weresnake Lash searches for revenge on the demon Hex, whose treachery years ago led to the death of Lash's best friend and former employer, the vampire Abraham Hamilton.  With the help of old friends like Dieter, Devlin, and Shaker, and new friends Morwen, Outlaw, and Mather, Lash goes up against a horde of demons and other magical enemies in pursuit of vengeance on Hex.  In the process, Lash learns new unsettling facts about Abraham, following the twisting trail fo clues to the small town of Malone to unearth a secret horror long buried and solve the mysterious riddle of Hex's hate for Abraham.  But more than one nemesis is hot on Lash's trail, looking for ultimate payback of theri own...

Excerpt:
I’d taken the night before to go over what I knew. Abraham had come from out West before he’d been turned and settled in New Orleans as its Vampire Ruler. He’d reigned there for something like fifty years or so before our paths had crossed. To look into his past, I’d need the addresses that were on his letters to his wife, and hers to him. That wasn’t much to go on, but it was a start, especially as it was likely I’d need to go out there to see what I could dig up about his old enemies. While I believed that I knew the reasons Abraham had been killed and who was responsible, I was taking nothing at face value. Before I killed anyone in revenge, I wanted to make sure I had the right son of a bitch. While I favored a Hellspawn for the crime, if he’d had other helpers, I wanted to make them pay, too.

The demon that had given Valerian and Ramirez the key to invading Hill House had given me his name once, the day he’d interviewed with Abraham for a job and been rejected: Shaker. But after meeting the real Shaker years later, I’d known the other to be an imposter. Not that I believed the bullshit Titus, Shaker’s brother, had once tried to feed me about Shaker not being able to change his shape. That was a flat out lie, as I’d seen Shaker wear more than one glamour in the years I’d known him. No, it was simply that Shaker was far too protective of Titus to endanger his brother by pissing on the vampire elite—Abraham had been one of Devlin’s personal turns—not to mention flat out powerful. The demon that had let Abraham die had been low level: a scavenger, not a player. But that might have changed in the years I’d been at war. He might have become allied with someone powerful, or he might even be dead. But he held the key to the truth, and he was where I’d start.

I was waiting patiently in line, thinking about if I should withdraw 2K instead of 1K, when a shot rang out behind me. I whipped around, hand already reaching for my gun as I dropped to the floor. Then I cursed to see the human foursome with guns at the ready.

Fuck no. Please let it not be a…

“This is a robbery,” the lead man shouted, again firing into the air. “Put your hands up! Everyone get down on the floor!”

I was not putting my hands up. However, I also could not afford the attention killing these fucks would give me. As I hesitated, I was given the perfect excuse. The portly woman ahead of me in line fainted with a little cry of excitement. I caught her, then used her body as a cover to draw my gun.

This was none of my business. But if these fucks made it my business, they were going to regret it.

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Review: Burning For You (The Blackwater Series #1) by: Lila Veen

Title: Burning For You (Blackwater #1)
Author: Lila Veen
Source: Review Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 
Reviewer: Emi 
Rating: 4 
Sexual Rating: 3

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
**Mature Content Warning** 18+ for language and sexual content

When Leah Holt returns to Blackwater, she crashes into Ash Lavanne. He is her catalyst, a fire elemental from a strange family of crafters who control the Blackwater Coven. Leah is ignited by Ash. She can build, destroy, create and damage, making her one of the most dangerous crafters in existence.

Blackwater is a town with a dark past. Four hundred years ago, the witch trials that happened have left a deep impression on today’s inhabitants, splitting the town into two rival groups – the Coven and the Order.

Then Leah discovers that Ash isn’t the only one who ignites her. She is torn in half in a love triangle and learns just how powerful she has the potential to become, but could lose Ash if she dares to find out.

 I thought this was a great read! Very fast paced and exciting. Leah comes back to town after moving away when she was eighteen, she's actually running back to her hometown and away from her crazy ex husband. When she returns she finds out that her ancestors weren't the only witches in her family, that not only she is, but most of her family and her hometown are too. While discovering  all of this her she literally  runs into her Catalyst while also  trying to  run her ex husband out of town before he can hurt her again. 

Leah is a pretty cool character, she deals with an immense overload of information and her onset of powers pretty well. She isn't a typical crybaby who has to go through a boat load of crap before she comes to her senses, lol.  Ash is total Alpha, once he finds Leah as his catalyst he does everything he can to make her happy and keep her safe. After things hit a normal pace, they are totally thrown through a loop when Leah finds another catalyst. Once the duo becomes a trio, things get a little weird because part of the trio also has another catalyst, which happens to be his twin sister. There is an awkward steamy scene in the ballroom, at least I felt a little awkward reading it because I thought it was totally weird, since three out of the four people involved are related. Other than that little weird tidbit I thought it was a great read, and am looking forward to see what happens next.   

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Review: LOVER MINE by J.R Ward (BDB #8)

LOVER MINE (BDB #8)
Author:  J.R. Ward
Genre:  Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Length:  Novel
Source:  My Towering, Teetering TBRs
Reviewer:  Artemis

Rating:  4 - Really liked it.  Don't pass it up.
Sexual: 3 - Flames. Sexy hot with details.

John Matthew has come a long way since he was found living among humans, his vampire nature unknown to himself and to those around him. After he was taken in by the

Brotherhood, no one could guess what his true history was- or his true identity. Indeed, the fallen Brother Darius has returned, but with a different face and a very different destiny. As a vicious personal vendetta takes John into the heart of the war, he will need to call up on both who he is now and who he once was in order to face off against evil incarnate.

Xhex, a symphath assassin, has long steeled herself against the attraction between her and John Matthew. Having already lost one lover to madness, she will not allow the male of worth to fall prey to the darkness of her twisted life. When fate intervenes, however, the two discover that love, like destiny, is inevitable between soul mates.

LOVER MINE is considered by many to be the story of John Matthew and Xhex, but there are at least four plus story lines running simultaneously.  With so much action taking place is this even considered romance any longer or has this series morphed into UF along the way?  This is a very brief rundown of what you'll experience in this gem:

• John Matthew and Xhex.
• The continuing saga of Blay and Qhuinn with the added drama of Saxton and the Chosen, Layla.
• Payne continues her sparring with Wrath, finally makes her escape and makes a familial discovery.
• Lash, the Omega, and Lessers continue to wreck havoc on the Brotherhood, but it is the transformation of Lash that takes center stage here.
• A lost Brother is found.  I saw this one coming.  However, I look forward to reading more about this mystery Brother!
• What I thought was the best part:  Darius and Tohrment.  I really enjoyed how Ms. Ward told their story.  It cemented the whole Darius-Tohrment-John Matthew relationship.  BRAVO!

The sex is cooler and toned down in LOVER MINE than in the previous books. This time we're focused on relationships and righting past wrongs.

Even after taking a long interval from reading the last BDB novel, I fell right into step with this one - language and all.  I'm grateful the Glossary is in the front of the book.  However, due to the complex nature of the BDB world, I believe LOVER MINE cannot be read as a stand alone novel.

Review: Beg Me to Slay by Lisa Kessler

Title: Beg Me to Slay

Author: Lisa Kessler
Source: Entangled: Covet
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: December 30, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4
Sexual - 3

He’ll slay her demons, but it may cost her heart…

Four years ago Tegan Ashton was attacked. Determined never to be a victim again, she devotes her life to martial arts and self-defense. When her assailant returns to finish what he started, only one person can help her.

Gabe is a private investigator by day and demon slayer by night. After losing loved ones, he vows to defend people from a threat they don’t realize exists.

The relationship is supposed to be strictly business, but fighting demons together stirs up emotions they never expected. Turns out demon slaying is a breeze compared to facing their scarred pasts and even worse - hearts.

Demons can be fun to read about - especially when they are unique.  Lisa Kessler has some very unique demons in her world (I really liked Lago) that the demon slayer, Gabe, has to deal with.  When the very cute Tegan shows up asking for his help, he knows that he won't be able to turn her down.  But when he starts to fall for her, he's afraid that history will repeat itself and she'll end up getting hurt because of him.  Tegan, on the other hand, is bound and determined to make the most of her life (finally) - and that includes killing the demon that attacked her and finding what might be between her and Gabe.

I loved the fact that they were both totally kick ass - but at the same time needed to have each other's back to defeat the demons.  The demons were varied in the attacks and vulnerabilities, and some were even informants for the good guys.  It was fantastic.  Kessler introduced a lot of Welsh lore and I would have liked to see a little more of the history than the little stippets we got.

Review: Heart of the Incubus by Rosalie Lario

Title: Heart of the Incubus (Demons of Infernum #3.5)
Author: Rosalie Lario
Source: Entangled Publishing
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: December 30, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 3
Sexual - 3

Biochemist Cresso Taylor lives the sort of lifestyle most men would envy—he has wealth,
natural incubus charm, and more women than he can handle. But it’s not enough anymore. Not after meeting Genevieve Russell, the sexy scientist who works with him at Elcorp Laboratory. And she wants absolutely nothing to do with him.

After her fiancé broke her heart, Genevieve has had enough of womanizers. She’s determined to steer clear of sexy-as-sin Dr. Taylor, despite the fact that his incubus allure makes her want to rip his clothes off. But when a secret admirer’s affection turns to the macabre with threatening notes and grisly gifts, Cresso appoints himself her protector. As she and Cresso hunt her stalker, she discovers there’s a lot more to the sensual incubus than she ever imagined.

Laurie's review of book one: Blood of the Demon
Kris's review of book two: Mark of the Slyph

Having heard wonderful things about the Demons of Infernum series, but never reading them, I thought I'd give this one a shot.  Even though it is 3.5 in the series, it held up very well as a stand alone.  I loved that Cresso wasn't only an amazingly hunky incubus, but a brilliant scientist as well.  A scientist that is determined to find a cure for the toxin that his kind have to their non-incubus lovers.  He's been even more determined since he met Genevieve, a human scientist that he can't get off his mind.  Genevieve, on the other hand, is bound and determined to resist all of Cresso's impressive charm and hunky incubus vibes.

With a stalker Genevieve's trail, Cresso is terrified that something permanently bad might happen to her.  A very exciting chase filled with quite a few different paranormal types lead them just about no where.  But along the way Genevieve realizes that maybe she judged Cresso a little too soon.  Could it be possible that his charm is starting to wear down the walls around her heart.

I loved the crazy mix of paranormals in this one - I will be adding the beginning of this series to the soon to be read list.  They were dynamic and the backstory behind their presence here on earth was great.  This one had a great mixture of action and romance.  I only wished that I had liked Genevieve a little bit better.  She took a little too long to drop the ice maiden act for me to really enjoy her.

Cover Reveal and Excerpt: Her Secret by Tara Fox Hall

Title: Her Secret (Promise Me Series #6)
Author: Tara Fox Hall
Release Date: November 25, 2013

In a desperate effort to halt her transformation to vampire, and stop her longing for the sultry Devlin, Sarelle willingly takes a drug to kill her desire, even as Danial prepares for the introduction of their son Theoron at a Vampire Gathering on New Years Eve.  Faced with Theo's betrayal at the eleventh hour, Sarelle must either trust in Danial to save her, or join forces with Devlin, revealing her secret desire for him.

Excerpt:
The clock chimed eleven. Worried, I glanced outside, wondering if Aran would call to cancel. He’d said he’d be going by on an errand for Cia, but the sky was dull white now. The impending storm forecasted for noon might begin at any moment.

There was no sign of him.

We were supposed to get a foot or more, something that irritated me. We’d gotten three feet so far this season. With no warm days to melt any of it, the drifts were huge, surrounding the plowed driveway like tall mountains.

I let out a yawn, blinking my eyes. With the completion of the cookies, despite my eagerness earlier, my utmost desire was a long nap under a warm blanket. Grinning, I made a deal with myself that as soon as the snow flew, the couch was where I was headed. Until then, I needed to keep on track. I hurriedly did some light cleaning and laundry. I was just putting the vacuum cleaner away when the clock chimed twelve.

I cast a look outside. Snowflakes had begun to fall. Soon, they were falling fast and furiously, obscuring my view of the barn.

“C’mon, Aran,” I said, scanning the drive. “You don’t get here shortly, I’m walking down those cookies to the mailbox and you can eat them frozen.”

All of a sudden, the snow-dampened roar of a motorcycle was heard in the silence. Aran drove down the driveway, his lone headlight catching the snowflakes in its circular light as they fell. He was dressed in his usual black leather.

“You’re crazy,” I muttered, throwing cookies into a plastic bag quickly. “Maybe werefoxes don’t get as cold as normal humans did, but you still have to be cold in that.” I closed the bag, then headed for the front door. “At least it’s something between you and the pavement.”

Aran pulled up in front of the deck and parked the bike, but didn’t turn it off. He faced the house for a moment. As I opened the door, he gestured around him, then pointed to my house.

I opened the door and yelled to him, “Sure, you can stay ‘til it stops. I’m glad of the company. Go to the bottom garage, I’ll let you in!”

He nodded, the visor of his helmet and his shoulders already covered in snow. He drove on as I shut the front door and ran downstairs. Pressing the button, I raised the overhead door and he drove in.

Shivering in the cold blast from the door, I quickly shut it as he parked his Harley and shut off the engine. He began brushing the snow off himself.

“Why’d you bring the bike today of all days?” I said, giving him a sarcastic smile. “I told you it was going to storm. Now you’re stuck here. Cia’s not going to be happy.”

Aran got off his bike and continued to brush him and it off, melting snow creating puddles on the concrete floor.

“Why don’t you give me your coat, and I’ll put it near the fire. If you want, we can watch a movie or something. I was planning to head to the couch any—”

Aran unbuckled his helmet and in one smooth motion pulled it off his head. Gold curls and waves fell almost to his shoulders.

This was not Aran.

This was Devlin.

He stepped off the bike, and came toward me. I was lost from the moment I looked into his golden eyes.

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Historical Romance Review: The Twelve Days of Seduction by Maire Claremont

Title: The Twelve Days of Seduction
Author: Maire Claremont
Source: Entangled Flaunt
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: December 30, 2013

Rating: 3 - Liked this one. Swap it when you're done
Sexual: 3 - Flames.  Hot with sexy details.  R rating.

Alexander Hunt, Eighth Duke of Berresford, is aware his ward's governess misrepresented
herself to gain employment, and he’s quite displeased, even if she is one of the most intelligent women’s he’s ever met. His ward deserves a reputable governess, so he threatens to give Adriana the sack mere days before Christmas.

Desperate to convince the sexy duke not to tear her from the little girl she's grown to adore, Adriana challenges him to prove she’s not the reputable governess he believed he hired. If he can seduce her before the Twelve Days of Christmas have come to an end, she will leave without protest.

But when they find the challenge more difficult than either imagined, can they face the consequences of their decisions?

My Review:
Adriana has a quite a few secrets about her past - a past she wants to leave behind and live as a governess in Alexander Hunt's household.  But Alexander has found out her secret and is threatening to throw her out into the snow - and right before Christmas.  He's willing to compromise and let her be his mistress instead though (how generous).

While he sounds a bit like an old fashioned pig, he really is a very good guy that wants to keep Adriana in his life, even if she isn't suitable for employment as a governess.  They begin a little game and it gets quite interesting.  Adriana has quite a mouth on her when she has an important opinion and she's astonished when Alexander actually backs her up on many of them.

This was a very sweet holiday story and I loved the Christmas scene with everyone opening presents.  It really let you see into their personalities.

Paranormal Romance Review: Ashes by Sarah Gilman

Title: Ashes
Author: Sarah Gilman
Source: Entangled Publishing
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Phoenix Shifter
Length: Novel
Release Date: December 30, 2013

Rating: 4 - Really liked it.  Don't pass it up.
Sexual: 2 flames - Kissing, cuddling. PG-13 rating

Journalist Ambrosia Pellerin accepts an assignment involving the legendary phoenix,
expecting, if nothing else, a little entertainment. Instead, she gets pregnant—by a surprisingly human-looking firebird, Reece Bennu.

Ambrosia and Reece struggle to make the best of their predicament, igniting a tentative romance despite Reece’s furious and powerful relatives who resent the mixed-blood child, a violent human out to prove the existence of phoenixes at any cost, and Ambrosia’s forced separation from her family and isolation in her new home.

Reece’s relatives plot murder while Ambrosia’s family faces a dire medical situation and ask her to return. Will the couple survive when Reece denies Ambrosia his trust and her freedom when she needs both more than anything?

 My Review:
I'm a complete sucker for the odd shifter types, and I've never run across a phoenix shifter before.  This book took the lore of the Phoenix and owned it, integrating it perfectly into a new shifter species.  The majority of this story covers the first couple months of Ambrosia's pregnancy and her coming to terms with the fact that she'll be having a phoenix baby.  There are a few good freak outs before being forced (in a good way) into believing.

Reece is a great guy - willing to step up and take responsibility for his new family, while protecting them from the prejudices of his old family.  The blurb really doesn't do the book justice at all.  There is plenty of action at the beginning, but it settles down into a very beautiful and emotional romance.  Perhaps Sarah Gilman could write another beautiful Phoenix story about Reece's sister.  She sounded like she needed a little love in her life.

Contemporary Romance Review: Christmas in Lucky Harbor by Jill Shalvis

Title: Christmas in Lucky Harbor (Lucky Harbor #1 & #2)
Author: Jill Shalvis
Source: Review Request
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 2 Novels and 2 Short Stories
Release Date: September 24, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating:  4 - Really liked it.  Don't pass it up.
Sexual: 3 - Flames. Sexy hot with details.

Love awaits you in Lucky Harbor . . .

Simply Irresistible (Lucky Harbor #1)
After losing her boyfriend and her job, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim her inheritance-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. She sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if she can give the inn the makeover it needs. Enter Jax, a tall, handsome contractor who knows exactly what Maddie needs...

The Sweetest Thing (Lucky Harbor #2)
Helping her sister set up the family inn is just the thing to make Tara forget her ex-husband and focus on her new life. Until she meets a sexy, green-eyed sailor determined to keep her hot, bothered, and in his bed. When her ex reappears, Tara must confront her past and decide what she really wants.

Kissing Santa Claus (Lucky Harbor #2.5)
NASCAR driver Logan Perrish returns to Lucky Harbor, Washington, with love in his heart and a ring in his pocket. But can Sandy Jansen forget the past and give him a second chance? Or will Logan be spending another Christmas alone?

Under the Mistletoe (Lucky Harbor #6.5)
There's no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts - and asking for forgiveness.

My Review:
I have always loved Jill Shalvis and jumped at the chance to start her Lucky Harbor series.  This is a great book to get started in it as well since it includes books 1, 2, and 2.5 - but the final short story (#6.5) jumped way out in the future a couple years and didn't quite fit with the flow of it all.

In book one, Simply Irresistible, we meet the three sisters that kick off the series, Maddie, Chloe, and Tara.  While they may all share the same mother, they grew up very different lives and haven't really connected with each other in a very long time.  When they show up at the inn that has been left to them after their mother's death, they all have different ideas on what to do with it.  Maddie alone wants to keep it and make a new life - create a new family with her sisters.  But she will have an uphill battle in this one - as Tara and Chloe both want to sell, but they do agree to a trial run.  Enter Jax, the sure hot contractor/bartender/jack of all trades.  When the sparks fly between him and Maddie they will both need to overcome some heavy personal obstacles to make things work.  This was a wonderful introduction to Lucky Harbor, the sisters, and the many unique characters that live along side them.

In book two, The Sweetest Thing, Tara gets her spotlight with an old flame.  Tara is my favorite sister so far.  Known as the "Steel Magnolia" she prides herself in keeping her control no matter what, but when she's around Ford things never seem to stay calm at all.  Their attraction is impossible for her to resist to matter how hard she tries.  But in this case, they have a history together along with lots of baggage they've built up since the last time they saw each other.  This was a very heart-felt story and my favorite in the bundle.

The short story, Kissing Santa Claus, wraps up a few loose ends from book two, and we get to see the man not chosen find his love.  It was a cute wrap up with a very nice Christmas theme - just perfect for this time of year.  The second short story is the only one that didn't really fit for me.  It was also a Christmas story, but it happens several years in the future.  It references things that I didn't know had happened yet in between books 2 and 6.  It was cute, but hard to follow sometimes.

2013 top pick review Desires of a Dark Lord by Jae Lynne Davies

Title: Desires of a Dark Lord


Author: Jae Lynne Davies
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
 Reviewed by: Laurie
Old review link http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2013/06/review-desires-of-dark-lord-by-jae.html
 Rating- 5
 Sexual- 4

Ordered to claim the soul of a particular human woman, rare incubus demon, Ronan accepts the challenge with the promise of power and freedom.

He meets his target—curvaceous attorney, Ginevra Gimes and vows to deliver her every desire so long as she promises her soul in return. But when the two connect on a level neither one expects, Ginevra and Ronan succumb to mutual passion.

While an undeniable bond exists between them, can he surrender her to another or will he risk eternal slavery to claim her for himself?

My review

Desires of a Dark Lord is a fantastic PNR erotic romance. I loved it so much I emailed the author to make sure there was going to be a sequel LOL. You get a fantastic romance with some tension, great characters with attitude and a HEA. I have never ran across and male demon incubus, so this made for a very interesting twist for me. Ronan will do anything to get out of Hell. He has attitude and he is smart, so his character keeps things fresh. Ginevra has a good heart and put others before herself. When Ronan comes to her, he tells her the whole truth so she denies him to the bitter end. This made for a very good story because the whole time you can see both falling in love with each other. I have read other books by Jae and I really enjoy her writing style, she keeps the romance and the world build in balance and she always adds some hot sex to her stories, so don’t miss out on this story. If you love hot demons and hot romance story, please add this book to your TBR pile.

Historical Romance Review: The Earl's Christmas Colt by Rebecca Thomas

Title: The Earl's Christmas Colt
Author: Rebecca Thomas
Source: Entangled Flirt
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: December 30, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating: 3 - Liked this one. Swap it when you're done.
Sexual: 1 flame: All show. No heat.

Lady Arabella Sutton is stunned to learn her brother has betrothed her to a stranger despite
his promises for a season in London. Although she is the first to admit no man would suit, since she’s more interested in horses than marriage, the last thing she wants is to become a brood mare to a stuffy old earl. Facing a future she cannot abide, she takes an impetuous ride to clear her head and ends up tending her injured mare instead.


Oliver Westwyck, the Earl of Marsdale, can’t believe his luck when he stops at an inn the night before he’s to meet his fiancée. In the stable, while tending the colt he intends to give to his future wife, he happens upon her—rain-drenched but beautiful. She assumes he’s a stable hand, a fine joke he means to end...until Lady Arabella declares all noblemen are egotistical, conceited, and arrogant. How can he reveal his true identity before he’s managed to change her mind and win her heart?

 My Review:
This was such a cute story.  I loved the emotion Rebecca Thomas was able to explore in such a small novella.  Lady Arabella isn't your typical noblewoman, she would rather be out riding her horse than try to find a husband.  It's a good thing that Oliver Westwyck, her betrothed, ends up being just as much a horse lover.  They meet for the first time and they don't know who the other is at first.  Arabella mistakes him for a horse breeder.

I'm not a big fan of intential mistaken identity storylines, but he way this one plays out is quite humorous.  It was a great Christmas story.

Contemporary Romance Review: One Night in Santiago by Audra North

Title: One Night in Santiago
Author: Audra North
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Source: Entangled Flaunt
Release Date: December 30, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 3
Sexual - 3

Lily Stanton's vacation goes from bad to worse when a storm strands her in a foreign
country, arguing with an arrogant—and very sexy—stranger over the last available hotel room.

Successful CEO Bruno Komarov wasn't expecting the gorgeous woman checking in at the reception desk to challenge him over a room. Even more surprising, he actually enjoys their exchange.

But when Lily proposes a compromise—she'll take the bed and he can sleep on the couch—Bruno pushes his attraction aside and assures himself that this can remain strictly business. After all, they're both adults capable of keeping their hands to themselves. They'll share the room, get a good night's sleep, and be off to their respective destinations in the morning.

What could possibly happen in just one night?

 Review:

What could possible happen in just one night?  Well a whole heck of lot happened in this night.  Forced to share a hotel room, Lily and Bruno spend the night learning about each other.  Both have some issues they're dealing with, especially Lily - and Bruno is more than willing to help her work through them.  Their attraction becomes hard to deny, but the biggest question isn't if they'll do it, but what will they do afterward?  Will it remain an amazing one night in paradise, or will things lead to a future these two travellers can share together?

This was a really fun story.  Both Lily and Bruno have great personalities that worked really well playing off each other.  It was hot when it needed to be, and emotionally mushy just enough to make it all seem real.

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

Merry Christmas!!!!

Did Grandpa slip you a few bucks for Christmas?

How about the refund you're going to get when you take back that awful sweater Aunt Darlene bought you?

At a loss of what to do with your great fortune?

There are millions of animals out there that need our help. 

Make the most of that $5 that came in a box of pantyhose 

(thanks Grandma!) 

Donate today :)

ASPCA of America

RSPCA of the UK

And just for fun; here's a picture of the Nativity with cats. lol ;)

Christmas in L.A.

Since 2006, The Killers, have put out a Christmas song where 100% of the proceeds go toward the (RED) campaign to help fight AIDS.  (Visit THIS LINK for more information)


If you haven't seen it yet I thought I would share this year's video/song (starring Owen Wilson)


(You can buy the song on iTunes HERE)


And just for fun; Here's my all-time, favorite Killers song.
I think it's beautiful :)