Review: Neptune's Lair by Dorothy McFalls

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

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

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

Review: Releasing the Wolf by Dianna Hardy

Title: Releasing the Wolf
Author: Dianna Hardy
Source: Author Request
Genre: Urban Fantasy with some romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: November 27, 2012
Reviewer: Jasmyn

Lydia Martin has always had dreams, the weirdest and hottest of the all involving a faceless, muscle-bound man that speaks like sin and smells like sex.  Like any sane person, she always put the dreams down to an overactive imagination, coupled with a higher than average libido.

One night, however, instead of their usual, erotic encounters, she finds him in her dream, chained to a wall and screaming in pain.  Not only that, but she thinks she recognizes the building he's being held captive in as one that's just a few streets away.

Awaking with an irrepressible need to save her fantasy lover, Lydia decides to humor her dream self and head on over to where she thinks he's imprisoned.

What unfolds is beyond even her wildest imaginings, as she's sucked into a dangerous and deadly world she never knew existed...and it turns out that the man who inhabits her darkest fantasies, isn't the only one that needs releasing.

Review of Wait For Me - 5 Star FREE kindle Book on Amazon

Title: Wait For Me
Author: Elisabeth Naughton
Source: Free on Amazon/Kindle Version
Genre: Romantic Thriller/Mystery (Hint of SCI-FI)
Length: Novel - 267 pgs
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks

A 2013 Bookie Award Nominee – Best eBook Novel of the year!
A 2012 Readers' Choice Awards finalist!

Summary:

A woman without a past…

After a tragic accident left her with no memory, Kate Alexander struggled to fit in with a husband and world that didn’t feel right. She’s had no reason to question what friends and family have told her, not until her husband is suddenly killed and she finds a photo of a young girl in his office. A girl who can’t be anyone but a daughter Kate didn’t know she had.
----------
A man desperate for a reason to live…

Ryan Harrison lost his wife in a plane crash five years ago. To cope with the pain of her loss, he dedicated himself to his job and to raising their daughter. Now a successful pharmaceutical executive, Ryan has everything a man could want—money, fame and power—but he’d give it all up in a heartbeat for just one more day with the woman he still loves.
----------
Two lives about to converge.

As Kate begins to dig into a past she doesn’t remember, evidence leads her to San Francisco and puts her on the path toward Ryan, a man who sees in her the woman he loved and lost. Kate feels a draw to Ryan, one she can’t explain, but is that feeling enough to convince her this is where she’s supposed to be?

As Ryan and Kate search for answers, they uncover lies long buried, a passion hotter than either expected and a danger that threatens…even now…when the second chance they've both been searching for is finally within reach.

ARC Review: Grave Intentions by Lori Sjoberg

Title: Grave Intentions
Author : Lori Sjoberg
Source: NetGalley
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Kensington Publishing
Release Date: January 3rd, 2013
Reviewer: Cerridwen

He’s handsome, reliable, and punctual—the perfect gentleman when you want him to be. But this dream man is Death’s best agent—and now he’s got more than his soul to lose…

One act of mercy before dying was all it took to turn soldier David Anderson into a reaper—an immortal who guides souls-of-untimely-death into the afterlife. But the closer he gets to atoning for his mortal sin and finally escaping merciless Fate, the more he feels his own humanity slipping away for good. Until he encounters Sarah Griffith. This skeptical scientist can’t be influenced by his powers—even though she has an unsuspected talent for sensing the dead. And her honesty and irreverent sense of humor reignite his reason for living—and a passion he can’t afford to feel. Now Fate has summoned David to make a devastating last harvest. And he’ll break every hellishly-strict netherworld rule to save Sarah...and gamble on a choice even an immortal can’t win

Review: Night's Darkest Embrace by Jeaniene Frost

Title: Night's Darkest Embrace
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Source: Publisher Request
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: November 13, 2012
Reviewer: Jasmyn

Enter the dark realm of Nocturna in Jeaniene Frost's red hot tale, where blisteringly sexy Raphael dominates the demons of a lawless dimension and tries to help a beautiful young woman avenge her cousin's disappearance.

Jeaniene Frost doesn't disappoint in this new novella about the realm of Nocturna - an world inhabited by Fallen angels, demons (purebloods), and half-breeds (or partials as they are called).  Mara is a partial that lost her cousin to a pureblood attack and has returned to Nocturna to find him and kill him.  While there she meets Raphael - an enigma with a mysterious past - and ruler of Nocturna.  Mara and Raphael have quite a bit of heat between them, but a misunderstanding could ruin everything for both of them.

This was a very quick read.  The story was fast paced and exciting with just enough of an air of mystery to make it almost impossible to put down.  I hope Frost plans to write more about the world of Nocturna - I loved visiting.

Review: The Gravedigger's Brawl by Abigail Roux

Title: The Gravedigger's Brawl
Author: Abigail Roux
Source: NetGalley
Genre: Paranormal M/M Romance
Length: Novel (250 pgs) 
Release Date: October 15, 2012
Reviwed by: Kris

Dr. Wyatt Case is never happier than when he's walking the halls of his history museum. But Wyatt needs to draw a younger crowd, and he needs a big idea to do it. When his best friend, Noah, drags him out to play wingman at Gravedigger's Tavern, Wyatt is thrown even further out of his comfort zone by the eccentric bartender.

Ash Lucroix is everything Wyatt doesn't understand: Exuberant, quirky, and elbow deep in a Gaslight lifestyle that weaves history into everyday life. He coordinates his suspenders with his tongue rings. Within hours of meeting, Wyatt and Ash realize that attraction needs no explanation. But their meeting sparks a series of events that has everyone at Gravedigger's wondering if they're seeing ghosts, or just going crazy. The answer to that question could end more than just Wyatt and Ash’s fragile relationship—it might also end their lives.

Cover Reveal - Gabrielle's Cauldron by Ann Gimpel

Cover & Excerpt Reveal

Gabrielle's Cauldron
By Ann Gimpel

Gabrielle McCallaghan just lost her job. Seeing the writing on the wall, she quit to spare her uncle the embarrassment of having to fire her. With her bond fairy on her shoulder, she strides through a crowded neighborhood contemplating her options.

Out of nowhere, a gorgeous, full blood magic wielder appears and makes a beeline right for her. Gabby knows her hybrid witch magic is no match for his, so she tries to evade him. The fairy does her best to help, but the contest is laughable. Even in his human form, the wolf-man is still stronger than she ever dreamed of being.

It doesn’t take long before Gabby is drawn into a deadly game of intrigue that started over a thousand years before. The stakes are high and the timing abysmal, but she finds herself falling in love in spite of herself. Can she and her full blood lover make a life for themselves? Or will the long-running battle between full bloods and hybrids pound the fragile bond between them to dust?

Release Date: 12/31/2012
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Review: Dark Embrace by Brenda Joyce

Title: Dark Embrace
Author: Brenda Joyce
Source: Self Purchased
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: September 17, 2012
Reviewer: Jasmyn

Aidan, the Wolf of Awe, has abandoned the Brotherhood and forsaken his vows.  Feared by all and trusted by none, he hunts alone, seeking vengeance against the evil that destroyed his son.  He has not saved an Innocent in sixty-six years - until he hears Brianna Rose's scream of terror across centuries, and leaps to modern-day Manhattan to rescue her...

Brie is a gifted empath who spends her time fighting evil from the safety of her laptop - and fantasizing about the medieval Highlander she met just once.  Still, her life is pretty ordinary - until she awakens one night consumed with Aidan's pain and rage.  When Aidan suddenly  appears and takes her hostage, Brie cannot believe how dark and dangerous he has become.  She knows she should be afraid, but instead, she will fight across time for his redemption...and his love.

We need your votes!

Critters Writers Workshop has their voting polls up again.  Our site was nominated last year but I'm didn't ask anyone except for my reviewers to vote. I'm one that always thought it was tacky to ask for things like this. Yeah, I know I am nuts LOL. I notice other site ask their followers, so I'm coming out of my comfort zone and ask for help voting this year.  

I appreciate your support and I'm honored for any vote that gets us to that number one spot.

 How to vote? All you have to do is click on the site below. Make sure you add your email and validate code before you submit your vote. 


http://critters.org/predpoll/reviewsite.shtml

Let's Celebrate with a/Giveaway!

A winner has been chosen:  bn100.  An email has been sent.

Thank you everyone for stopping by.  Look for more giveaways soon.  Just because I like to share my love of reading!

                                             --------------------------------------------


Just because Christmas Day has passed doesn't mean there aren't reasons to celebrate.  Look at a few of the holidays listed for today that gives us reason to

P-A-R-T-E-E-E-Y!

• The first day of Junkanoo street parade (the Bahamas)
• The second day of Christmas
• St. Stephen's Day 
• The first day of Kwanzaa (United States)
• Boxing Day
• Wren Day (Ireland and the Isle of Man)

Were you naughty or nice this past year?  What did Santa Baby leave in your stocking?  Were the Christmas festivities fantabulous or are you happy that they are behind you?  Come on spill. 

Did you get the newest video game you were dreaming of?  What about the latest electronic gadget?  A new flogger to add to your collection of toys?  Or the coveted gift card to add more delicious reading material to add to your TBR? 

The giveaway starts December 26, 2012, and ends at midnight December 30, 2012.  One lucky commenter will win print copies (gently used, like new) of the following books:  HOLIDAYS ARE HELL, A SEDUCTION AT CHRISTMAS, and WICKED WONDERLAND.  Please be sure to leave your email address in the comments.  The giveaway is open to residents of the USA and Canada.

And since I'm writing this before Jolly Ole' St. Nick visits, I may have to share what the fat elf did or didn't bring this year!

Cheers,
Artemis

Review: Tempted by the Pack by Anne Marsh (Blue Moon Brides)

Title: Tempted by the Pack
Author: Anne Marsh
Source: Author Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: October 26, 2012
Reviewer: Jasmyn

Once in a blue moon...
For Rafer Breaux, life in the Louisiana Bayou is harsh, violent - and deeply sensual.  The Cajun werewolf lives for his Pack and he'll do whatever it takes to keep his brothers safe.  The longer a wolf lives without a mate, the harder it becomes for that wolf to shift back.  The remember that he is a man - and not a monster.  And those mates can only be found during a blue moon.  When a blue moon finally rises, Rafer will need every weapon in his sensual arsenal to tempt one special woman into his arms and the heart of the Pack.

The pack hunts for mates
Fighting to keep her family farm, Lark Andrews isn't looking for love.  Even if the very sexy Breaux brothers make her dream of hot bayou nights spent in their arms.  When the blue moon leads Rafer to her door, however, Rafer has her rethinging her position on all work and no play.  Now, the bayou nights are heating up as Rafer fights to convince her, one sensual touch at a time,, to give love and passion a chance.  But Rafer isn't a one wolf deal.  Is there room in Lark's heart - and bed - for Rafer and his Pack?

Adult-Style Night Before Christmas

ADULT-STYLE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS


'Twas the night before Christmas, and God it was neat
The kids were both gone, and my wife was in heat
The doors were all bolted, and the phone off the hook
It was time for some nooky, by hook or by crook.

Momma in her teddy, and I in the nude
Had just hit the bedroom and reached for the lube
When out on the lawn there arose such a cry,
That I lost my boner and poor Momma went dry.

ARC Review: Trick of Time by J.L. Merrow

Title: Trick of Time
Author: J.L. Merrow
Source: NetGalley
Genre: Time Travel Romance
Length: Novella (84 pgs) Release Date: Jan 28 2013

 

When Ted Ennis steps out the doors of the Criterion Theatre for a cigarette and finds himself in Victorian London, he begins to doubt his sanity. At first he thinks it's all a film set, and is sure that the strikingly handsome young man leaning against a lamppost must be the leading man…
What starts as a sordid transaction with a beautiful rent boy quickly turns into something much deeper, drawing him back again and again as he gets to know Jem and craves meaningful encounters with him.
But Ted doesn't understand the exact conditions necessary for his trips through time—and for Jem, time may actually be running out. Now Ted has one last shot to get back to Jem and save their relationship, before it's too late…

Review - Cursed by Blood Saga - Marianne Morea

Title: Cursed by Blood Saga (2 books)
Author: Marianne Morea
Source: Self Purchase
Genre: Slightly Erotic paranormal romance/thriller
Length: Book 1 Long Novella (174 pgs)/Book2 Novel (318 pgs)
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks

Cursed by Blood Saga by Marianne Morea

These are the first 2 books in this series so far and while I am not sure when book 3 will be released these two comprise the complete opening story so there is no requirement to read more but I am sure I will but the books so far are :
Hunter's Blood Special Edition (Cursed by Blood Saga)
Twice Cursed (Cursed by Blood Saga)

ARC review: Gates of Rapture by Caris Roane

Gates of Rapture (The World of Ascension #6)
Author: Caris Roane 

Source: Netgalley 
Genre: Paranormal romance
Length: Novel
Read in series order: Yes
Reviewed: by Laurie 

Blurb

Gates of Rapture

As a vampire and a warrior, Leto Distra is deadly. But after years of being forced to drink dying blood, he is now part beast—a wild savage thing lurking beneath the surface.  With war on the horizon, Leto is determined to help the Guardians of Ascension destroy the enemy who turned him into a monster. And there’s only one woman who can help him.

Grace Albion is certain that she’s meant to be with Leto, but their future may be cut short by the impending battle. Now Grace must embrace her obsidian flame powers—and bind her powers with Leto’s—if they’re ever going to survive.  With the fate of the world at stake, they must tap into powers they never knew they had…and unlock their deepest passions.

Review: O Come All Ye Kinky Anthology

Title: O Come All Ye Kinky
Author: Joey W. Hill, Ava March, Alexa Snow, Elyan Smith, Jane Davitt, Katie Porter, Kim Dare, L.A. Witt
Source:NetGalley
Publisher: Riptide
Genre: Erotic Romance with Heavy BDSM
Length: Novel
Release Date: December 3, 2012
Reviewer: Kris

Christmas is a time of love and joy, and the New Year is a time of renewal. But they are also times of stress and strife, family drama, pressure and heartache—a potent mix of high expectations and conflicted emotions. Add in power exchange relationships, kinky gift swaps, and unconventional love in a sometimes unforgiving world, and you have a formula for a sizzling anthology of stories that tug at your heart.

From Ava March’s forbidden Regency love among men, to Katie Porter’s scorching hot contemporary tale of two women discovering holiday happiness, everyone will find a favorite here. Pervertible toys abound: Lambda Literary Award finalist L.A. Witt’s candy cane, Jane Davitt’s wrapping paper and tape, and Alexa Snow’s Christmas candles all please and delight. Newcomer Elyan Smith and fan favorite Kim Dare both celebrate New Year’s Eve with romantic flair and kinky fireworks, while bestselling author Joey W. Hill’s poignant story of love lost and regained will lead you home.

Whatever your desires, we invite you to explore new fantasies and old with these eight kinky tales of holiday happy endings.
20% of all proceeds from O Come All Ye Kinky will be donated to the Domestic Violence Project of the National Leather Association–International.

Review: A Wizard for Christmas (The Protectors)

Title: A Wizard for Christmas (The Protectors)
Author: Dorothy McFalls
Source: Self-Purchased
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: December 12, 2011
Reviewer: Jasmyn

In this novella, Holly desperately wants a perfect Christmas, and she's perfectly willing to make herself miserable getting one. Unfortunately, there are mystical forces at play that threaten more than her holidays...her life is in danger.  And the only one who seems to know what's going on is a darkly handsome, but mysterious, wizard who makes her want to add "romance" to this year's Christmas wish list.

Interview with romance author Deborah Court

Please welcome romance author Deborah Court! 

Laurie: Hello Deborah, I’m happy to be able to do this interview with you. Would you mind telling us a bit about yourself?

Deborah: Thank you for inviting me to your blog again, Laurie! I write Fantasy/Paranormal Romance, Erotic Romance, and YA Mystery. I've also been working as a translator, editor and published author over the last years. At some point I decided to write my own stories. It's what I've always wanted to do. Apart from that, I am a pharmacist, and a mother of two children, aged 6 and 7, whom I like to call "Lil' Devil" and "Lil Plague".  I currently live in Germany.

Laurie: I know you’re coming to the Indie Romance Convention next October 2013. Will this be your first time attending a convention?

Deborah: Heck, yes! I am so excited about this. First, it's my first convention as an attending author, and second, I feel it's a big thing to be a part of this. The Indie community has been growing rapidly over the last years, and I can't wait to meet some of my readers.

Laurie: What are you looking forward to doing at the convention?

Deborah: Most of all, talking to my readers. I'm also looking forward to meeting you, of course, and all my fellow authors and bloggers who will be attending, too. It's such a great opportunity.

Review - Moon Island by JR Rain

Title: Moon Island (A Vampire for Hire Novel #7)
Author: J.R. Rain
Source: Purchase
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy mix (Vampire/werewolf/other)
Lenght: Short Novel
Reviewed by: Douglas C. Meeks

Six years ago federal agent Samantha Moon was the perfect wife and mother, your typical soccer mom with the minivan and suburban home. Then the unthinkable happens, an attack that changes her life forever. And forever is a very long time for a vampire.

Now in MOON ISLAND (Vampire for Hire #7), Samantha Moon is hired to look into the mysterious drowning of a super-rich hotel tycoon. The death occurred exactly one year ago, at the family’s annual retreat on a private island in the Pacific Northwest. Now, as the family gathers again, Samantha Moon is asked to find a ruthless killer—all while a massive storm bears down upon the small island.

But there’s another storm brewing upon Skull Island, a storm of the supernatural kind. Sam is about to come face-to-face with evil incarnate...a monster who will stop at nothing to possess her completely—mind, body and soul—and destroy all that she loves.

Review Last Chance Christmas by Hope Ramsay

Title: Last Chance Christmas
Author: Hope Ramsay
Source: Review Request
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Lenght: Novel, 313 pages
Reviewed by: Emi



Dear Reader,
    I've been wishing for a miracle for my oldest boy, Stone, and this Christmas my prayers might just be answered! 

Her name is Lark, and she's here in Last Chance, looking into her father's past-and stirring up a whole mess of trouble without meaning to. As the chief of police, Stone sure has his hands full trying to keep up with her. Ever since his wife died, Stone's put everything into raising his daughters and dodging the Christ Church Ladies' Auxiliary matchmakers. And it's clear Lark has been through some trouble and could use a place to finally call home. I only hope Stone can let go of the past soon enough to keep her . . . 
Goodness, I need to stop talking and finish up Jane's highlights so we can make the town tree-lighting. You come back by because the Cut 'n' Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, fresh-baked Christmas cookies-and the best gossip in town.

See you real soon, Ruby Rhodes