Review: Love at Stake by Victoria Davies

Title: Love at Stake
Author: Victoria Davies
Source: Entangled - Covet
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: January 27, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 5
Sexual - 3

Abbey is the lone human working for Fated Match, a company that pairs members of the
supernatural community with their eternal mates.

To snag a young vampire socialite as their next client, Abbey journeys to the home of Lucian Redgrave, the oldest vampire on the East Coast. But he's not willing to allow his vampire daughter to use the agency... unless Abbey can first find his perfect match in a month.

As Abbey coaches Lucian through his dates, she can’t deny the chemistry between them. But humans are toys for vampires, and risking her heart isn't a part of the plan.

 Fated Match is a high profile match making service for supernatural.  They specialize in finding that elusive connection that they are all looking for - a mate.  With a very high success rate, but rising competition, they jump at the chance to match up a very high profile vampire.  Abbey is one of the few humans that knows about the supernatural world, and Lucian is instantly curious about her.  Something sparks an interest deep down and he insists that she personally handle his entire case.

Abbey isn't afraid of most supernaturals, but the vamps are a different story - well anything that may view her as a snack is strictly off the relationship radar.  She is surprised to find that she can't keep Lucian out of her mind.  Both try hard to deny their attraction and prove it isn't right between them - but deep down they both know they were meant to be together.

This was a humorous and inventive story.  I loved the idea of the matchmaking agency - and it's really for all paranormals.  This could turn into an amazing series with Fated Match as the linking point.  I really hope it does, because I would love to read more like this.

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

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Review: Suddenly Cinderella Bundle by Hope Tarr

Title: Suddenly Cinderella Bundle
Author: Hope Tarr
Source: Entangled - Indulgence
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Anthology
Release Date: January 13, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4
Sexual - 2

Operation Cinderella

Magazine editor Macie Graham devises a plan to masquerade as a modern-day Cinderella and get her revenge on infuriating Texan Ross Mannon. She’ll do anything to uncover the dirt on the famous radio personality but when she finally uncovers a secret that could destroy Ross's reputation, she faces losing her job or losing the fairy-tale ending she didn't even know she wanted.

The Cinderella Makeover
Chic fashion photographer Francesca St. James agrees to work as a "fashion fairy godmother" on a new reality TV show, but she doesn't agree to falling for one of the contestants. Tech company CEO Greg just needs some help transforming himself enough to find his happily ever after, and butting heads with his high-and-mighty fairy godmother isn't in his plan. The two couldn't be more different, but as Greg transforms into the smoking-hot, confident guy he was always meant to be, will his makeover find him his one true love?

The Cinderella Seduction
Four months ago, Nick’s bachelor-style life was turned upside down. Now the sole parent to a seven-year-old daughter he never knew existed, Nick doesn’t have time for pleasure. But he hadn’t factored in Stefanie or the intense attraction he’d feel for her. As her seduction heats up, so do the stakes, both professionally and romantically. Can he let business go long enough to allow Stefanie into his heart?

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Operation Cinderella:
 This was a great introduction to this series.  Macie is a hot headed liberal and Ross is an ultra conservative family man that are at each other's throats professionally.  When Macie goes undercover to find a deep dark secret she can use against him, she doesn't expect to find the type of guy she could fall in love with and a teenage daughter that needs her.  This was a very cute story with lots of laughts and "awwwww" moments.  I especially loved the relationship Macie developed with Ross's daughter, Samantha.  It was very sweet and touching how they helped each other out and in the end Samantha was a very important force bringing them together.

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The Cinderella Makeover:
We got to meet Francesca, Ross's ex-wife and Samantha's mother, a few times in book one.  She was fun and sassy and oh so very Britsh.  As a famous photographer she traveled a lot, but is not looking to settle down and rebuild her relationship with her daughter.  Her ticket is a new reality show where she is one of the Greg's coaches.  Greg seems to have it all, but can't find love, so he enters a reality show to transform himself into a new person - with a little help from Francesca.  Their chemistry on the set is amazing, but when he finds out she made a bet on his success he turns his back on her.  With the end of the season quickly approaching, Francesca will have to pull out all the stops to get him to take her back.

I adored Francesca.  She was arrogant, very much a clothes snob, and totally stereotypically british - I loved it all.  She was my favorite character from this series (although I haven't read the short novella yet).

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The Cinderella Seduction:
I loved Stephanie's character and her family played their parts in the story perfectly.  Constantly relying on her to pick up the slack and take care or things, she never seemed to know how to say no.  Her setp sisters were priceless.  I could just picture them screeching in the background and complaining just like the original Cinderella story.

Nick was an iffy prince charming at first.  Known for trying a new flavor of woman every few weeks, he really didn't fit the mold of the traditional prince charming.  But leave it up to an adorable seven year old to make a man change his ways for the better.  He was chivalrous, charming, and handsome.  His daughter managed to show him that being a prince charming was the better way to be.

Their story has a few ups and downs as it goes.  Even though it dutifully followed the Cinderella storyline, there were a few surprises thrown in to keep things interesting and different.

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

Best of 2013 - Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks

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

Rating- 5
Sexual- 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

*I suggest reading this series in order.

Review: Mr Virile and the Girl Next Door by Gwen Hayes

Title: Mr. Virile and the Girl Next Door
Author: Gwen Hayes
Source: Entangled - Indulgence
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: January 13, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4
Sexual - 3

Online virile.com dating columnist Dane Martin has no plans to give up his reign as bachelor
extraordinaire. He has a reputation to uphold, especially with the upcoming release of his book Coming on Strong.

Holly Winters, everyone’s favorite girl next door, thanks to her blog of the same name, gives advice, but she doesn’t always take it. When she meets Dane Martin, every fiber of her being warns her to turn tail and run. Instead, she risks her future as an authority on relationships, jeopardizing her upcoming self-help book for women struggling to find commitment among the Virile sycophants.

Has the Girl Next Door tamed the most Virile man alive, or is she just another notch on the bedpost?

This book is probably one of the most clever I have read in awhile.  Both are characters are romance advice bloggers, but from different sides of the coin.  The snippets or their writing that were spread throughout the book were great.  They really gave some extra insight into the characters are where they were at in their lives.  A perfect example of opposites attract, Holly and Dane seem to be heading in two separate directions.  When an odd blind date goes a little wrong, they decide to milk the publicity for awhile.  But, or course, one thing leads to another and now they need to decide if they were right about each other all along, of if maybe they were wrong and were meant to be together.

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

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Review: Hollywood Blackmail by Jackie Ashenden

Title: Hollywood Blackmail (Seacliffe Medical #1)
Author: Jackie Ashenden
Source: Entangled - Indulgence
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: January 13, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 2
Sexual - 3

Lizzie Kent needs to forget the past. She lives in total anonymity, immersing herself in
nursing to help her forget. But when a man from her previous life turns up in her clinic, the life she’s tried to create for herself may come toppling down.

Ash knows what he wants and he wants Lizzie, the girl who left him all those years ago. As Hollywood's greatest action superstar no one says no to him, but when Lizzie refuses to acknowledge their shared past, he has to resort to a little old fashioned blackmail.

Will Lizzie revisit her past to enable her future with the man she loves, or do old wounds run too deep?

This book just missed it a bit for me.  When Ash blackmails Lizzie to spend time with him, he became a not very nice guy in my book.  The fact that Lizzie went along with it was even worse.  She knew his plan would fail if she just spoke up about it.  The redeeming factor for both of them didn't happen until the very end - after they had their big fight and basically swore to never speak to each other again.  It was all just a little too dramatic for my taste.  Perhaps that's just what you get when you have a movie star as a main character.

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

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

 

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

Rating- 5
Sexual-3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review: The Young and the Submissive (The Doms of Her Life #2) by by Shayla Black, Jenna Jacob, Isabella LaPearl

Title: One Dom to Love (The Doms of Her Life #1)
Author: Shayla Black, Jenna Jacob, Isabella LaPearl Genre: Erotic Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: October 29th 2013
Reviewed by: Ollie

Rating - 3
Sexual - 5

Raine Kendall has everything a woman could want…almost. Sexy, tender Dom Liam O’Neill is her knight in shining armor, but Raine is constantly pinching herself. Is he too good to be true or is this growing connection one that could last a lifetime? She’s constantly torn by her abiding feelings for her commanding boss, Macen “Hammer” Hammerman, especially in the wake the mind-blowing night he cast aside the barriers between them and ravaged every inch of her body.

Hammer, Liam’s former best friend, can’t stop coveting Raine. But Liam is determined to hold and guide the woman he loves and see if she can be the submissive of his dreams. However, he’s finding that her trust is hard won and he needs a bloody crowbar to pry open her scarred soul. So he risks everything to win her once and for all. But once he’s put his daring plan in motion, will it cost Liam his heart if he loses Raine to Hammer for good?

Ok I gave in and decided to read book 2 of Doms of Her Life despite how the first book ended with me feeling let down. Sometimes you see a train wreck and you can't help to look and find out what is happening and with these characters I couldn't look away from these train wrecked people and I wish I did.

Book 2 continues where Book 1 left off with Raine trying to sort out her feelings for the two men in her life who have come to mean so much to her. Unfortunately, she is unable to see that her inability to give herself completely to either one of them is tearing the men apart from the inside out.

The issue that I continue to have with Raine is she has these two men who are trying to help her to get over her barriers and help her be able to “submit” and become a submissive, but I don't see her as being a submissive at all. I see Raine as an immature woman who is confused and doesn't have the maturity to know what is involved to be in a committed relationship as she continues to break their trust and commitments made. Again I don't feel that she is trying to “train” to be a submissive or wants to be a submissive, just wants to get what she wants.

By the time I reached the end of the book, I had to force myself to finish it as I felt Raine's selfish needs were all about her and did not take into consideration the two men's feelings and how much it was tearing them apart. As Doms I can see how they are trying to take care of her “needs” but in return a submissive obtains pleasure is seeing the pleasure that she gives to a Dom for giving up her gift of control to him. In this case it is not reciprocal because it leaves one of the Dom's questioning his ability to take care of her needs and his difficulty in dealing with the pain building in his heart.

Book 2 is another one of those books that makes me question should I continue with book 3 (The Bold and the Dominant) as the book ends without a happily ever after or even a happy for now. Again the inconsistencies in what the characters say and do in one part of the book to the other leaves me frustrated at times though I don't think in a good way.

Review: A Bandit's Betrayed Heart by Michelle McLean

Title: A Bandit's Betrayed Heart (Blood Blade Sisters #3)
Author: Michelle McLean
Source: Entangled - Scandalous
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: January 6, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4
Sexual - 3

Not your typical Southern belle . . .
Lucy Richardson’s bandit sisters may have taught her to sling a gun and pick a stubborn lock, but nothing prepared her for the agony of her first heartbreak. Her sisters taught her to fight like hell for what she wants…and she wants Finn.

Not your proper Southern gentleman…
Finn Taggart is bad news. His dark and tortured past always catches up to him, and Lucy deserves better than to be tainted by his touch. He couldn’t have her years ago, and he can’t have her now, no matter how enticing she is. If only he can convince her of that before the danger that follows him brings them both down.

Not your classic love story…
Danger doesn’t exactly scare a girl like Lucy, and she knows how to use all kinds of weapons…including her feminine wiles. Finn doesn’t stand a chance. And if they need backup…the Blood Blade Sisters are never far away…

This is the third book in the series, and while it stands alone as a story, I did feel like a missed a lot.  It refers several times to incidents that I assume occured in previous books.  It didn't take away from the story, but it did leave me feeling like I missed out on something.

Lucy and her sisters are not your typical women of the time.  As ex-bandits, they have much more spunk and aren't afraid to say what they want and stand up for themselves.  Lucy shows this perfectly when she leaves town for the south to find the love of her life, Finn.  She hasn't seen him since before the Civil War, at least seven years has gone by.  Finn ran from Lucy not because he didn't love her, but because he didn't want her involved with the bad people he was associated with.

This is a book about fighting for who you love and what you want.  I loved Lucy - expecially when she had a shotgun in her hands.  She seemed fearless - but deep inside she knew that she really needed Finn to complete her.  But her push to bring Finn back in only drags her deeper into the realm he was trying to keep her from to begin with.  There were a few times I wasn't sure if Lucy would be about to get out of the trouble she found herself in.  This book wrapped quite an adventure into the romance and it meshed very well.

Review: One Dom to Love (The Doms of Her Life #1) by Shayla Black, Jenna Jacob, Isabella LaPearl

Title: One Dom to Love (The Doms of Her Life #1)
Author: Shayla Black, Jenna Jacob, Isabella LaPearl Genre: Erotic Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: December 4th 2012
Reviewed by: Ollie

Rating - 3
Sexual - 5

Raine Kendall has been in love with her boss, Macen Hammerman, for years. Determined to make the man notice that she’s a grown woman with desires and needs, she pours out her heart and offers her body to him—only to be crushingly rejected. But when his friend, very single, very sexy Liam O’Neill watches the other Dom refuse to act on his obvious feelings for Raine, he resolves to step in and do whatever it takes to help Hammer find happiness again, even rousing his friend’s possessive instincts by making the girl a proposition too tempting to refuse. But he never imagines that he’ll end up falling for her himself.

Hammer has buried his lust for Raine for years. After rescuing the budding runaway from an alley behind his exclusive BDSM Dungeon, he has come to covet the pretty submissive. But tragedy has taught him that he can never be what she needs. So he watches over her while struggling to keep his distance. Liam’s crafty plan blindsides Hammer, especially when he sees how determined his friend is to possess Raine for his own. Hammer isn’t ready to give the lovely submissive over to any other Dom, but can he heal from his past and fight for her? Or will he lose Raine if she truly gives herself—heart, body, and soul—to Liam?

When I read the blurb I was really looking forward to reading this book because I felt a real deep connection to female character and felt the turmoil she would be going through the the unrequited love theme, but as I read the book couldn't help myself feeling closer to the Doms and the struggles and barriers they fought through. Be warned this book is not for the faint at heart and will draw a lot of emotions out of the reader.

I am going to be honest I had a difficult time rating this book because there were times the characters really pissed me off and hated them. Whether that makes it a 5 star rating because of the emotions it drew out of me or a 3 stars because I found the author contradicting the characters in various parts of the story or the reasoning made no sense.

Raine is a young woman who has been holding onto a crush on Hammer since he rescued her and took her in, but she wants him to see her as a woman and be his everything. Hammer on the other hand, has been secretly in love with her and instead of finally letting her know now that she is old enough (23) he treats her like a sister because he is afraid she couldn't fulfill all his needs. Now here is where I have a problem with the story. When Liam takes interest in Raine and “claims” her as his Hammer goes ballistic claiming she is his and she is the only woman who makes him feel alive and completes him. Yet throughout the book he claims he doesn't want her because he will not be complete because she will not be able to give him what he wants (Master/slave, total power exchange). Well which is it? Believe me at first I really liked Hammer, but as the story progressed his attitude really got on my nerves and he lost his appeal to me.

Then we have Raine who has, for the first time in her life, an amazing relationship developing with Liam and she knows it and yet she still fights it and destroys it. Yes, I know she has baggage which is affecting her ability to appreciate what she has with Liam and what he is offering to give her, but her inability to open up herself really made me wonder if she really wanted to be a submissive because it would complete her or that is a only role she should be shaped into.

In the end I really felt for Liam and all his heartfelt feelings were being cast aside because of Raine's indecisiveness. Yes, we hear about taking care of her needs and doing what is best for her because that is what a Dom does for his submissive, but the key thing that I felt was missing is a submissive does things because it makes her happy to please her Dom and yet all I kept reading was the misery in between the sexy times which seemed one-sided.

In the end I have to say that the sexy times did help to make up for the parts that drove me crazy, but were not able to extinguish them as the heartaches would pop up right after the fun.

Review: F814 by Eve Langlais

Title: F815 (Cyborgs: More Than Machines #2)

Author: Eve Langlais
Source: Self-Purchased
Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: April 15, 2012
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 5
Sexual - 3

F814 exists to serve the humans until they decide to terminate her. An instinct for survival makes her fight, but when she achieves freedom, she discovers she cannot throw off the chains of habit. Everything changes when another flesh covered droid arrives, a cyborg he calls himself, who teaches her she is more than a machine. Solus hates humanity, and even though he was born as a flawed human, he strives to eradicate all traces of it from his persona-until he meets F814. Meeting and touching her releases something in him. Has him yearning for things he doesn't understand. Makes him long for...affection. Before he can learn to love though, he must first tackle the task of reminding F814 that she is more than the sum of her mechanical parts. But of course, when dealing with an illogical thing like emotions, there is no sure plan for success.

Jasmyn's review of Book One: C791 
Ollie's review of Book One: C791
CarolDee's review of Book One: C791

As you can see, Eve Langlias' Cyborg series is popular around here.  In book one we are intruduced to a futuristic world where Cyborgs have revolted and regained their free will.  We met a team of them that rescued Chloe and now they are searching for her "sisters".  Solus and his team don't really expect to run into one of them at the abandoned asteroid mine, but now that they have, they will do anything to keep her safe and help her remember who she was.

F814 isn't really interested in all that.  After she revolted she decided she was just fine continuing to mine on the asteroid, after all, that is what she was programmed to do.  But her recent malfunction has given her strange new dreams and nightmares, and she finds Solus strangely interesting.  But the humans won't give up their prize so easily, making for a few great combat scenes as well.

Solus and F814 are both afraid of their emotions - they aren't logical - they don't make sense (does not compute).  They both fight them tooth and nail, but the emotions are stronger than their programming, but can either of them admit it when they both think emotions are flaws?  This was a fantastic addition to the series and I loved it.  It's hard to imagine that two cyborgs could be such dynamic and interesting characters, but Eve pulls it off wonderfully.  Eve's snarky humor is present throughout and is perfectly placed to really make a few scenes.  If you love Sci-fi, you must read this series.

CarolDee's review: F814

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Favorite Reads of 2013 Eve Langlais Wickedest Witch

Title: Wickedest Witch
Author: Eve Langlais
 Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel (207 pgs)
Old review link http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2013/07/bittens-she-wolf-pack-thursday-review.html
Reviewed by: Laurie Rating- 5 Sexual- 4

Thank you for engaging the services of Wicked Incorporated, where the insults are given for free.

Evangeline is not a very nice witch, and she's not afraid to show it. Her ruthless nature comes in handy as a problem solver until she lands a job where she's forced to work with an uncouth shifter. He's rude, cocky, totally unsuitable, not to mention part animal, but despite it all, she can't help craving his touch.

Ryker is big, bad, and brash. When he's partnered with a curvy witch, he does everything in his power to fight her allure. And fails. But he's not too disappointed as he discovers wickedness has its uses, especially in the bedroom.

Vampires, a wedding from hell, and a cackling boss named Rumpelstiltskin, will these two wicked beings complete their job and admit, despite their stubborn nature, that they belong together?

Review
What do you get when you mix a sexy hot headed shape-shifter cat and a truly wicked witch? A dangerously steamy romance! I found this book full of humor and exciting to read. Eve published this a few years ago as a short story I loved it then and I love it even more now that a few more thousands words has been added. Eve took this book from 57 pg. to 207 pgs., so if you found the first book way too short for your liking, then please by all means try the new version. Evangaline, is so wicked she turned her last lover into a rat. But she can’t help being so wicked. You see she is a decedent from Rasputin, so you know she has to live up to the wicked standard Mwahahahaahhaha.

 Ryker is huge hot shape shifter. He has one problem most when who see him find him so domineering they faint just at the sight of him .When Ryker and his cat meet this wicked witch he just can’t resist this fireball especially when he sees all the curves she has without her glamour. When these two stubborn hot heads gets an assignment together there is nothing to stop the intense sexual tension that is between them. Just remember these two are stubborn so you get an excellent laugh your butt off chase between these two. I recommend this to anyone who loves a good humors adventure.

Laiden's Daughter (Clan MacDougall #1) by Suzan Tisdale

Title: Laiden's Daughter (Clan MacDougall #1)
Author: Suzan Tisdale
Source: Self purchased
 Length:Novel
 Reviewed by Laruie
Rating 3
Sexual rating 3

Betrayed by lies before her birth, Aishlinn believes kind and honorable men do not exist. Raised in near seclusion by a cruel stepfather, she is traded to work at Castle Firth in Penrith England for the price of two sheep. When the despised Earl of Penrith attacks her late one night and attempts to rape her, Aishlinn stabs him in self-defense and flees England for the safety of the Scottish highlands. Surviving the horrific beating at the hands of the Earl, Aishlinn is rescued by a fierce band of highland warriors who swear their allegiance to her for killing the hated Earl--the same man who had destroyed their village and killed their families when they were boys. Duncan McEwan, future chief of the Clan MacDougall, has survived countless battles and bed innumerable women. He has scaled mountains, survived a horrific storm at sea and even hand-to-claw battle with a ferocious cat-o'mountain. But none of that could have prepared him for how his life is forever changed one fateful spring day when he rescues a very battered young woman. Together with his men, they risk everything to take her to the safety of their clan. She soon learns that kind and honorable men do exist and one in particular changes her heart forever. She discovers an inner strength and it will be tested to the limits when she is forced to make a heart wrenching decision--allow the English to kill those she loves or surrender for the crime she committed. With an intense code of honor Duncan must now battle the feelings for the beautiful Aishlinn. He will do anything to keep her as his own and he'll do anything to keep her out of the hands of the English.

Review Great story, great characters an amazing unexpected twist I never saw coming, but this book is in need of editing. I gave it 3 stars for not only because of the editing, but also for the headhopping. It took me an extra 3 days to read it because of the POV changes without notice. I’m one that likes to stick with one character's POV so I can really get the feeling of that character's life without interruption from a different character and their POV. I also believe if a beta reader went over this book they would have smoothed out Aishlinn's inconsistencies and made her a bit more believable. It wouldn’t have taken too many changes to help, but as it stands she does a 360 from being battered and feeling like she is nothing but plain into a super hero and beautiful. It would have flowed much better if the change was a bit more subtle. The price of the book is cheap, but I would have rather paid a bit more and received a good, edited completed book that I could have fell in love with.

Best of 2013 - The Heiress Effect

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

Rating- 5
Sexual- 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review: Mirage Beyond Flames by: Melinda De Ross

Title: Mirage Beyond Flames
Author: Melinda De Ross
Source: Review Request
Genre: Contemporary Romance with a hint of Paranormal  
Reviewer: Emi

Rating: 5
Sexual Rating: 1

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

Gerard Leon and Linda Coriola fight for the same cause. The French doctor and the Italian sculptress donate their time and money for HOPE – a clinic for children’s cancer research and treatment.
Here they meet and the magnetic attraction between them - combined with some haunting demons from her past – turns into a complicated, intense love story.
In search of a cure for cancer and armed with an innovative treatment themselves, they leave for Transylvania, that enigmatic land hidden in the heart of the Carpathians.
There they get lost and have a bizarre experience in the Hoia-Baciu forest, nicknamed The Romanian Bermuda Triangle due to all the inexplicable paranormal phenomena happening in its depths.
But no one believes them, because they don’t have any proof of said experience. Or do they?

Melinda De Ross is becoming one of my favorites. I love the way she writes, its so elegant and flows beautifully off the pages when I'm reading it, and I can totally picture everything she is writing. Like her first novel that I read Rendezvous with Hymera (you can find my review here).  Gerard & Linda are a human couple who go through a paranormal experience. Which I think is an excellent concept, its something we can imagine really happening, especially when it comes to ghosts or anything like that. 

Gerard & Linda meet at the clinic where he treats  cancer patients who are children, he's also discovered a treatment for a form of skin cancer and is still researching to find a cure. Linda is a sculptor who has recently moved to London, though she would always visit the center prior to her move, she's getting over a difficult divorce and doesn't give in too easily to the doctor. 

While still in the beginning if their relationship, they travel to Romania so Gerard can confer notes with another Doctor who is doing the same research. In their travels they get lost and come across a creepy forest and have a very strange experience with a woman, which can potentially change their view of paranormal phenomena. 

I thought this was an excellent read. This is probably going to sound creepy lol, but I feel like I connected with the author and the story . I'm not sure if its because of the Italian characters and references or her style of writing, but  I felt like I was home. When she describes Romania I felt like I was back in my little town near Naples going shopping with my mom or aunt, lol. And when she mentions the song Strani Amori by Laura Pausini, I definitely had some memories of my time in Italy, lol. 

So I finish with this question; Has this ever happened to you, as you were reading the book it was like you connected with the author as well as the story?  

Link to the song

Strani Amori by Laura Pausini 

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Review: Guardian for Hire by Christine Bell

Title: Guardian for Hire (For Hire #2)

Author: Christine Bell
Source: Entangled - Indulgence
Genre: Romantic Suspence
Length: Novella
Release Date: January 13, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 5
Sexual - 3

Psychologist Sarabeth Lucking’s life is turned upside down when the upscale couples’
retreat she works for winds up embroiled in the biggest scandal of the year. With her reputation in tatters, she can’t imagine things getting worse, until her former co-workers are murdered, one by one. A bad-ass, ex-Army Ranger might be able to keep her safe, but something tells her she’s getting more than she bargained for...

Gavin McClintock grew up on the streets of Edinburgh, and protecting prissy Dr. Stick-Up-Her-Rear isn’t high on his list of things to do. Still, a promise is a promise, and he’ll need a clear head if he’s going to keep her off the growing list of victims. He didn’t count on the fire in her, or how distracted he’d be by her. As the flames grow hotter, he starts to wonder if she’s the one who needs protecting.

Will Sarabeth and Gavin outrun a killer and give into the passion burning between them?

Guardian for Hire had a perfect mix for me.  A great heroine with great inner strength just waiting to get out and a super hot hero that is an amazing gentleman willing to do anything to keep her safe.  Throw in a lot of drama and a couple near death experiences and you just can't put this one down.

Sarabeth seems stubborn and weak at the beginning, but she readily embraces the life of being protected when she finally realizes her life is in danger.  She pulls from her repertoire of action flick lines to help her cope and Gavin thinks it's just adorable.  Neither wants to admit their attraction at first - it's just the result of being forced together in a tense situation right?  Wrong!  Even Gavin's partner Maddy can see the sparks they don't want to admit exist.  (And Maddy is quite the character in her own right as well).

This book is perfect for anyone who likes strong characters with a bit of intense action thrown in alond the way.

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Review: Black Magic Rose (The Alliance #1) by: Jordan K Rose

Title: Black Magic Rose (The Alliance #1)

Author: Jordan K Rose 

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** 

Is it possible to reduce the amount of workplace violence in an organization run by vampires and werewolves? Sofia Engle, the new Employee Relations Manager at Cader House Hospital is about to find out, and she may not like the answer, or the series of firsts she experiences: first human employee at Cader House, first day tardy, first kiss with a dead guy. Well, maybe kissing the dead guy wasn't the worst of it after all.

For nearly 600 years Dragomir Petrescu has fought for The Alliance. As one of the most skilled warriors the Alliance has ever seen he's killed a lot of people and won many difficult battles. But his newest human adversary is turning out to be a worthier opponent than any he's met. Just the scent of her disarms him, never mind her endless policies and silly ideals about civility.

Can he possibly keep her safe from Alliance enemies, hospital employees and himself? The term Employee Relations is about to have a whole new meaning. 

This is definitely an exciting new series from Jordan K Rose!
First let me start by saying I love this cover, and the model is PERFECT for Dragomir, lol. I really enjoyed this book, as always you know I love me some action on the streets  and the in sheets, lol. Dragomir and Sofia start off a little rough.  Being in the supernatural world is pretty new to Sofia, so when she meets Dragomir and is hit with some unexpected feelings towards him, she reacts the only way she knows how, by turning her feelings around to try to dislike him. Though as we all know, that never works, lol but it always makes for a better "session" when it finally happens. ;) 
Sofia is the newly appointed Human Relations Manager at Cader House Hospital, though that position is a little difficult for her to handle, lol.  Dragomir is hired to be Sofia's bodyguard. since the impending war is getting closer and the human casualties are piling up, but that doesn't really make her happy since he is the  least likely person she wanted to guard her. She soon finds out that he is the best person for the job, not only outside of Cader but inside too. 
I loved Dragomir, not only for his Alpha role but he is  very honorable and loyal too. Sofia on the other hand sort of gets on my nerves a bit.  Female characters who always have to go through the drama before they finally realize that what other people are doing and saying are not only correct but  for their own benefit, usually annoy me, though it still made for an interesting and entertaining read, lol. Sofia eventually finds her balance in the supernatural world and at Cader House Hospital with her sexy bodyguard. ;) 

Black Magic Rose was such a great read, I'm definitely looking forward to reading this series.  

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

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

Rating - 5
Sexual - 4

LOVE FOR BLOOD OR HONOR

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

HAUNTED BY SINS OF THE PAST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kissed by a Dark Prince book tour by Felicity Heaton

Interview with Olivia from Kissed by a Dark Prince by Felicity Heaton

It’s great to be here at Bitten by Paranormal Romance today as part of the Kissed by a Dark Prince Book Tour celebrating the release of the first book in my new Eternal Mates series of paranormal romance novels.

Today, I’m going to be interviewing Olivia, the heroine of Kissed by a Dark Prince.

But before we get to the main event, I want to introduce myself. I’m a British paranormal romance author and a USA Today best-seller. I have been writing since 2005, and went indie in 2006. I love to write big worlds, populated by vampires, shifters, demons, fae and angels, and I have several series. This tour is about the Eternal Mates series, which is actually a spin-off from my Vampire Erotic Theatre series. That series focused on a family of vampires at one theatre in London but it had glimpses into the wider world outside the theatre. It’s that world of fae, dark elves, demons, witches, shifters, and other incredible species that the Eternal Mates focuses on.

Now, on with the show…

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

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

Rating - 5
Sexual - 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review: Soulless by: Toni Hofman

Title: Soulless

Author: Toni Hofman 

Source: Review Request 

Genre: Paranormal Romantic Suspense 

Length: 274 pages Paperback 

Reviewer: Emi

Rating: 4

Sexual Rating: 1

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

Fairfield Detective Alexis (Alex) Martinez is in pursuit of a killer so brutal, he holds an entire city in the grip of terror. His victims are picked at random; their torture and mutilation, unspeakable. As the body count rises, Alex's investigation puts her among the hunted-not by the serial, but by a much greater threat: a secret society with members embedded inside world governments, law enforcement and every walk of life. Their prime objective is to avert discovery, and when her investigation comes too close to revealing their existence, Alex becomes a target. The only one that can save her is the trained assassin they've sent to kill her; someone who has already infiltrated her heart and mind, and who may be the monster she's been chasing all along.

David Jason Sawyer is a predator with the face of an angel, his mind a weapon as equally formidable as his body, prince of a powerful hidden society believed to represent the next step in man's evolution: Family. Their physiology has evolved to consume bio-energy directly. They're stronger. They age at an incredibly decelerated rate. With their extraordinary ability to heal, they're close to invincible. And they feed on humans to survive.

Since childhood, Sawyer has been trained to manipulate and entrap on reflex, to put emotion second and Family first; yet one moment of weakness, sparing the very detective that hunts him, the woman he has grown to love, makes him a dangerous threat his people cannot tolerate.

Now, light must join forces with darkness as Alex and David struggle to stay one step ahead of an invisible army out to silence them both.

 What could be better than a Paranormal Who Dun It? 

I loved Soulless, I thought it was an excellent read and with a different spin in the paranormal world, where they survive from taking energy by touch, it makes it much more interesting.  I love reading a book that keeps me guessing, even when I have to put it down for a few minutes. Detective Martinez is an amazing character, a strong and honorable woman who seeks justice for those who have been victimized. And David, I felt bad for him, his character seems like such a gentle soul but its like he's forced to live in this crazy Family. 

As Alex is on the hunt for a psycho serial killer, she runs into David at more than one crime scene, which in turn makes him her number one suspect. While the investigation  progresses there are more murders and it looks like all roads lead to David, but Alex can't seem to find anything concrete on him, or maybe she just didn't want to. ;) She finds herself in some trouble when the investigation starts to interfere with the Family and may lead to their "premature discovery", so she finds she needs to put her trust in David to get out of this mess alive. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Soulless, it was a great page turner. I always thought I knew who it was going to be, but in the end when I found out, I was like WHAT!!?? I couldn't believe it, I would have never guessed it, it was totally awesome! I loved it and if there is a next one I'm definitely going to be reading it. 

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