Book Tour Review: Thomas's Muse by Kris Austen Radcliffe

Title: Thomas's Muse (Quidell Brothers #1)

Author: Kris Austen Radcliffe
Source: Innovative Online Book Tours
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: November 28, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 3
Sexual - 4

Four years ago, for a brief moment, Sammie Singleton became the muse of an artist she
didn't know. The moment vanished, and now Sammie spends her nights with a different man.

Her life is black and white. But she needs food for her soul to feel alive.

She needs color. She needs art.

Everything changes the moment she meets Thomas Quidell. Brilliant and talented, Sammie quickly realizes Tom is her artist--and the man she's been fantasizing about all these years.

Tom offers her more than a lifeline. He opens her eyes to a new life. Vibrant, loving, fulfilling. But is she strong enough to take a chance?

Sammie and Thomas have a connection that goes back years - they just don't realize it yet.  Sammie is involved in a relationship that just isn't good for her - he is cold, distant, and lacks the essential colors in life that Sammie craves.  Thomas is just what she is looking for - caring, intelligent, and sexy.  Thomas is one of the better men I've read about in a romance.  He wants to help Sammie find what she is looking for in life, and he hopes it might be him.  Sammie is a little damaged emotionally and doesn't think she is good enough for anyone, but Thomas knows otherwise.  When her relationship blows up (in a bad way) he is there for her.  He's such a sweet and amazing guy.

There were a few problems I had with the storyline.  Thomas mentions several times that he wants to take it slow, but she is living with him quite soon after they meet.  Yes, they are sleeping in different beds at first, but that is not what I consider taking it slow.  Their relationship also kicks off before she ends her current one - who is a complete ass, but you should still end one before starting another.  If this little thing had been changed, this would have gotten 4 stars instead of 3.  The action in this book is incredible.  The intimate scenes are very detailed and hot - so expect to get a little flustered.

The story is filled with art and color.  Because of this, many of the scenes are very descriptive and vivid, they are full of life.  It was great to be able to imagine things in such clarity because of the writing.  This series has a very strong start and at the end there is a small glimpse of who might be starring in book two.

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Author Bio:
As a child, Kris took down a pack of hungry wolves with only a hardcover copy of "The Dragonriders of Pern" and a sharpened toothbrush.  That fateful day set her on a path traversing many storytelling worlds -- dabbles in film and comic books, time as a talent agent and a textbook photo coordinator, and a foray into nonfiction.  After c-authoring "Mind Shapes: Understanding the Differences in Thinking and Communication", Kris returned to academia.  But she craved narrative and a richly-textured world of Fates, Shifters, and Dragons -- and unexpected, true love.

Kris lives with her husband, two daughters, Handsome Cat, and an entire menagerie of suburban wildlife bent on destroying her house.  That battered-but-true cope of "Dragonriders"?  She found it yesterday.  It's time to pay a visit to the woodpeckers.

Website - Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads

Don't forget to check out what others on the tour are saying:

12/30 Excerpt Little Bit of Spice

12/30 Guest post Cindy Vine

12/31 Review My Kindle Fever

1/6 Interview & Guest post The Pen and Muse 

1/7 Excerpt Kelly's Thoughts On Things

1/7 Excerpt Kristy Centeno

1/10 Review You Had Me At Free Book!

1/15 Review Roxy's Reviews

1/16 Review Bitten by Romance

1/17 Guest Post  Pure Jonel

1/20 Review Crystal's Many Reviewers

1/21 Review Harlies Books

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.

Review: Ancients of Light Series by Heather Fleener

Title: Chosen (Ancients of Light #1)
Author: Heather Fleener
Source: Paranormal Cravings
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: August 28, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 3
Sexual - 2

In the beginning...there were Vampire.

Man’s fall from grace sparked the birth of the Dark creatures from the underworld. To counter the explicit threat to mankind, divinely-created immortals were brought forth. The Witch encompassed seven Castes of power; their magic was most effective against the nefarious agenda pursued by the evil ones.

She is Chosen...
Kaitriana’s gift of magic is unrivaled. A descendant of the most powerful Ancient in existence, her birth was foretold ages before her time. Destined to lead the Witch faction, she is betrayed by her own kind, destroying her birthright and all hope of delivering the Realm from the sinister shadow of the Ancient Dark.

He is the Key...
Lorcan is a mighty warlord in the Vampire species. His animosity towards the magical immortals is personal - his mother was their Queen. Having long since severed all ties with his former kin, his existence remains plagued by the repercussions of her treachery and a secret that threatens to be his downfall.

They are the Prophecy...
An arcane prophecy from the time of the Ancients proclaims that only two in all of creation can bring peace to the Realm. When Kaitriana miraculously appears seeking his protection, Lorcan must forsake his duty and disregard the dictates of his breed to shelter the female. Together they must combat the Ancient Dark and surmount the forces within their own factions that would oppose the Prophecy. Their fates have always been entwined and only when joined can they triumph over a blood feud that has shadowed the Light for millennia.

Chosen was a great introduction to this series.  It eased you into the world of the Realms and introduced you to its history of Light vs Dark very nicely.  It is a rich world with a lot going on.  Witches and Vampires have been warring for centuries - each chosing a side and fighting til death.  When the Chosen is prophesied, a witch with unimaginable powers, everyone begins to watch for her - each with their own reasons.  I wasn't a big fan of the Chosen, Kaitriana (although I love her name).  While I enjoyed her banter and her fun-loving attitude, there were times she carried it too far.  Jorcan was a little too serious - he needed to lighten up a bit.  Their story was a great romance though - a true opposites attract and love conquers all.

Title: Forsaken (Ancients of Light #2
Author: Heather Fleener
Length: Novel
Release Date: February 14, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 5
Sexual - 2

The Prophecy Will Be Fulfilled...
Ancients were created in the beginning of the age of man. The Vampire were birthed by the underworld after mankind’s fall from grace to destroy what remained of God’s people. This threat to Creation was countered with divinely-breathed immortals. The Witch were most effective against the nefarious agenda pursued by the evil ones. An arcane Prophecy proclaims that the divine purpose of the Ancients of Light will be fulfilled, beginning with the rise of the Chosen. Now the Queens will join her…

Fire is her Destiny...
Ella long ago determined she would not live a life where magic defined her. Feeling no kinship with her Caste, she walked away from the Realm and its conflicts. She found acceptance and fulfillment in her life amongst the mortals and is on the brink of achieving her dreams.

Darkness is His Curse...
Nicholas is the most revered warrior in the Darks’ army. His personal animosity towards the Light drives his existence and draws him to the one Witch he is set on controlling. Nicholas knows the reasons that Ella never found acceptance within the Fire Caste of Witch and he will use that knowledge to pursue his Dark agenda.

When Light and Dark Collide...
Despite her origins, Nicholas discovers more in Ella than just a powerful Fire Witch, leading him beyond the Dark evil that has plagued him for eight centuries. Ella disregards the inherent calling of her breed for the only true belonging she has ever experienced, the love she finds with her Dark Vampire. The beginning of the very Prophecy that will save the Light tears the pair apart and the fallout threatens their existence. When two of the most powerful immortals on opposite sides of Realm collide in divinely-inspired fate, neither will escape unscathed. Only when the Forsaken finds grace will Ella and Nicholas be able to fulfill the destiny that has always been meant for them.

Forsaken was my favorite book in the series.   Ella was beautiful, amazing, talented, and so very life like that I had a hard time putting her story down.  Nicholas showed so much more emotion than Jorcan did, and it was easy to relate to his view on life, magic, and the Realms.  They are the perfect couple.  Their broken pieces fit so well together that no one else could make them whole.  But Nicholas has to go and screw it all  up by not being completely honest.  But some know that this is all just one more step in their destiny.  Ella has a purpose and the world may not survive without her.  The Realms come more alive as our character start to journey back and forth between them and the human world.  It was very interesting to see how both Vampire and Witch lived.  I ended the book with a smile on my face and hope that a few more of our characters will get wrapped into a happily every after romance.

Title: Broken (Ancients of Light #3)
Author: Heather Fleener
Length: Novel
Release Date: August 26, 2013

Rating - 4
Sexual - 3

The Light’s Duty to Protect

A war over the fate of mankind sparked the creation of the Ancients - Light and Dark - one divinely-created guardians, the other hell-spawned killers. The conflict raged within the Realm for millennia, neither faction triumphant in its purpose. In recent history the Darks have adopted a more surreptitious path - the boom of technology allowing the Dark One to insinuate himself into the midst of those he would most like to destroy. Tragic consequences result when the Ancients of Light pursue the Darkness into the Outer Realm. The Prophecy continues…

Darkness Claimed Her Soul
The adversity of Kylie’s youth forged an indomitable spirit. A vibrant and strong woman determined to plot the course of her life with room for nothing beyond the next measure of success, Kylie believed in only herself, and most certainly neither destiny nor love. All those tenants were derailed with a single encounter, but the same man that tempted her to live again drew her into the middle of an aged war, the consequence being her own destruction, plummeting her into a hellish existence.

A Warrior Haunted by His Failure
Sayer’s mission was only to foil the latest plan of the Darks in the Outer Realm and return a few Vampire to Hell. Finding a perfect mortal that tempted him beyond all reason was unforeseen complication. Just when Sayer realizes that his eternity is meant for one alone, Kylie is destroyed by the Darks, and the loss drives him to the pits of despair, revealing events of the past that would best be long forgotten.

Tragedy will Reveal Those of Divine Purpose
Sayer’s appearance in her life was the catalyst to fulfilling a destiny that has existed since Kylie’s creation. Their fate thwarted by Darkness, both shattered by tragedy, Kylie and Sayer must return to the love that once was while finding absolution and seeking forgiveness, or perish apart. Only once all that was broken is returned to unblemished will God’s own Warriors rise. The beginning of the beginning….

Having just finished this one, I'm still digesting it a little bit.  Kylie was a very complex character, but I'm still not quite sure what to think of her and Sawyer.  It was a great addition to the series and I love how each story just continues to build upon each other.  With each book the world becomes more dynamic and full of life.  The characters reappearance in each book only helps to show everyone's place in the world and in the fight for Light.

About the Author

Heather Fleener lives in Indiana with her husband, D.A. and their twins, Thomas and Alexandra. Professionally she has spent her career working in the area of Intellectual Property law.

Reading has been a passion of hers since she was young and she has adored romance novels her entire life. The romantic styles of Judith McNaught and Julie Garwood are her inspiration, though she has read and loved the stories of countless other authors. Her fascination with the paranormal began to form at the young age of six, watching late-night ghost and vampire movies with her Grandpa. Unfortunately, as a result, she also remains afraid of the dark to this day.

Combining her love of epic romances and the supernatural was a natural progression for her overactive imagination. When the idea for the Ancients of Light series began, it was an abstract story line rambling around in her head to help kill a few miles on the treadmill. As the stories and plotlines continued to grow, it finally became necessary to put the words to paper and build the characters that had been living in the Realm and having conversations in her head for months.

The series is a testament to many miles on the treadmill and lots of characters that insist on having their stories told.

Website:  http://www.ancientsoflight.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AncientsOfLight

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6486276.Heather_Fleener

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/HeatherFleener

Blog:  http://heatherfleener.blogspot.com/

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/hfleener/boards/

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.

Review: The Air That I Breathe (Blackwater #3) by: Lila Veen

Title: The Air That I Breathe (Blackwater #3)
Author: Lila Veen 
Source: Review Request 
Genre: Paranormal Romance 
Length: 234 pages Paperback 
Reviewer: Emi 

Rating: 4
Sexual Rating: 3

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

Torn between her love for Ash and Theo, Leah has to find balance. Held captive by Oscar Locke and locked away with Olivia, Leah struggles to understand who ignites her the most and who drives her powers as an elemental. She wants the fairytale ending, but that’s impossible with two catalysts and one obstacle after another in the way of her happiness.

She’s carrying someone’s child, but whose? Ash or Theo’s? As Leah gets closer to Olivia, she learns the truth about her pregnancy and her future. But will it save her from Oscar Locke who is intent to destroy Leah and those who love her for his revenge? If they can escape captivity, can the tangled bond between Leah, Olivia, Ash, and Theo be unraveled?

As Leah’s story comes to a close, find out the fate of these four Crafters as they try and find peace in Blackwater.

The Air That I Breathe is the third installment in the Blackwater series and is another great read. While Ash, Leah, Theo and Olivia are being held captive they find out some crazy truths about whats in their future and some of their parents past.  Oscar Locke is one crazy dude, talk about holding a grudge, lol. He's been trying to dismantle the Blackwater Coven for a long time and has tried his best to destroy some of the families, especially the Lavannes. 

The Blackwater series was like reading a soap opera, so much going on with crazy twists and turns but always coming back to read what was going to happen next. I truly recommend it. It has some events in it that I personally find a bit weird but, it never really ruined the story. 

Happy reading!

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Review: Sweet Southern Betrayal by Robin Covington

Title: Sweet Southern Betrayal (The Boys Are Back in Town #3)

Author: Robin Covington
Source: Entangled - Indulgence
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: January 13, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4
Sexual - 3

Privileged and ambitious attorney Teague Elliott is on the fast-track to getting everything he
wants. All he has to do is stay on the straight and narrow and a high-profile political career is his for the taking. Until he wakes up naked with a Vegas showgirl...

Risa Clay has worked hard to put her showgirl past behind her and start fresh. But she owes ten grand to the wrong people, and to pay off her debt, she agrees to betray a stranger. . .but she ends up with a husband and guilty conscience.

Savvy and determined, she double-crosses the mob, goes on the run, and turns up on Teague’s doorstep armed with a dangerous secret, a marriage license, and the power to ruin his well-planed future. She thought using Teague again would be easy, but the passion that exploded between them in Vegas didn’t stay in Sin City and betrayal is the last thing on her mind.

Now Teague has to choose between the future he’s planned for all his life, or the one with Risa that he can’t turn away from.

 Sweet Southern Betrayal has just a bit of suspense mixed in - it's hard not to when you have a Vegas dancer making deals with a mobster who is trying to get some dirt on a DC lawyer - sounds a bit like something you'd see on a TV crime drama.  I'm glad that Robin Covington didn't overdo this aspect of the story, but just let it hang in the background and linger while Teague and Risa figure out thier life - together or not.  These two characters really shone through for me.  Risa was who she was and she didn't care if you approved or not.  Her small business venture led to quite a few humorous scenes as well, it's great when a book can make you grin or chuckle.

Having not read the previous books in the series I can say this does well as a stand alone, but it does make me want to go back and read the others to see what I may have missed.  The few side characters that really stood out were a bit stereotyped, but I think that helped make them who they were as well.  After all, how many ways are there to write about a creepy Vegas mob boss.  With a really sweet ending straight out of my one of my favorite classics, this one was really close to getting a fifth star.

Review: Love Songs for the Road by Farrah Taylor

Title: Love Songs for the Road

Author: Farrah Taylor
Source: Entangled - Bliss
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: January 13, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4
Sexual - 2

A rock star. The nanny. A love that could rock their world.

The only thing rock star Marcus Troy loves more than making music is his kids. So finding just the right nanny to take on tour with them is important—as is proving to his ex he deserves joint custody. Falling for his employee wouldn’t just be fodder for the paparazzi: it could ruin everything.

Too bad the perfect nanny turns out to be beautiful, vibrant Ryan Evans. Ryan’s never left her small Montana town before, so she jumps at the chance to see the country. And as much as accidental fame doesn’t gel with shy Ryan, what does is her relationship with her capricious, smoking-hot, shockingly good dad of a boss. Marcus is nothing like what she expected. But when the whole world’s watching them, will life in the spotlight be too hot to handle?

 Falling in love with your nanny seems a little cliche, but rock star Marcus Troy doesn't really care how cliche it may be once he gets to know Ryan Evans.  These two are a fantastic couple, but they can't be a couple because she's the nanny and he's the famous rock star.  She wants a normal life, and he is constantly surrounded by press and fans.  Farrah Taylor managed to keep these the central problem in their relationship without pounding on it so much that it got old or repetitive - it was constantly being reworked from a different angle - privacy, custody of the kids, different career goals - it continued to be new and different ways of looking at the same situation.

Many people threw obstacles into their path (including themselves) as they tried to find a balance, and a few almost succeeded.  This was a really great book with some really sweet characters.

Cover Reveal: Lover, Divine by A. Star

Lover, Divine by A. Star

(Mythos: Gods & Lovers #1)

Publication Date: February 25th 2014

Genre: Mythology, Romance

Designed by Mae I Design

Born into one of the wealthiest families in Ireland, Siobhan Law has status, privilege, and a secret: The Greek gods of Olympus and their kingdom in the clouds are real, and her family acts as one of their agents on Earth.

When the beautiful immortal celeste Liam Argyros shows up claiming to have come to Earth to deal in the affairs of the divine, Siobhan finds herself unablet to resist his charms.  New to the game of passion and seduction, she quckly ends up in over her head, sinking deeper with every attempt Liam makes to win her over.

But Liam's divine mission is far more complex than she ever imagined and nothing is truly as it seems.  Because Liam has a secret of his own: He is Apollo, Olympian god of the Sun, and his mission will never be complete until he has claimed Siobhan's heart forever.

Author Bio:

A. Star is a fan of dirty passion.  She likes to read it, and she damn sure likes to write it.  He first adult romance/fantasy novella is called Invasion, an alien romance about sacrifice.  Lover, Divine is the first release from the Mythos: Gods and Lovers series.  Future releases under A. Star include, King, Desired (Mythos: Gods and Lovers #2), the Love & Steampunk series, the Purr, Inc. stories, and more.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter

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.

Review: Reforming the Playboy by Inara Scott

Title: Reforming the Playboy (Passion Creek #1)

Author: Inara Scott
Source: Entangled Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: January 13, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4
Sexual - 3

Five years ago, she left without a word…

Internationally-renowned artist Max Estin is as well known for his million dollar commissions as he is his partying and clubbing. But Max is hiding a secret—for almost a year he’s been completely blocked. Unable to paint. And to unlock his art, and save his career, he’s going to need the one woman he never wanted to see again.

Now, he’s determined to make her pay…

Kira Estin never told Max exactly why she left, or what secrets forced her to return home to Passion Creek so abruptly. So when a chance reunion turns to seduction, Kira is more than a little suspicious. She knows better than to trust Max, but can’t fight the fire that he lights in her body—or her heart. But when everyone is hiding a secret, can even the hottest passion survive?

The characters in the novella really shined for me.  And not just the two leading roles - Inara Scott has created a town that is a family with even the clerks at the store coming alive with personality.   This created such a great atmosphere that it was hard not to absolutely love Max and Kira as much as everyone else did.  Max and Kira are both great artists in their own way - and both have the tortured soul and history to go along with it, but the good thing is that while that was part of them, it wasn't all of them.  They both had a depth that I love and I've found that Inara Scott is great at delivering.

While I'm normally not a huge fan of the "I love him/her, but I just can't be with them" storyline, this one really saved itself when they realized just how stupid they were being about it.  The story centered more on the two of them exploring their history and realizing just who they were and why they were so great together (with some really hot sex thrown in to keep it all super interesting).  This was a fantastic and emotional read with a good dose of humor to mix it up.

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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!

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!