Cover Reveal: Rekindled Moments by Dori Lavelle

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

The truth will always find its way out.

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

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

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

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

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

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Author Bio:

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

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

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Best of 2013 - Guardian's Faith by Jacqueline Rhoades

Title: Guardian's Faith (Guardian's of the Race, #4)

Author: Jacqueline Rhoades
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel
Reviewed by: CaroleDee

Rating- 5
Sexual- 2

Physically and emotionally damaged by the horrors of her past, no one is more surprised than meek and silent Faith Parsons when she feels compelled to stow away in the van of the taciturn Liege Lord, Lucien ad Toussaint and travel to his House of Guardians in the faraway Southwest. She’s even more surprised when some of the local women see her as the one who will heal the 160 year old wounds that are destroying their way of life.

Lucien, too, is haunted by his past. He has withdrawn from the world around him and lives a reclusive and duty-bound life. He never expected that a tiny Daughter of Man could open the doors to a heart he’s kept closed for so long.
As the attraction between Faith and Lucien grows, the events of both their pasts begin to replay in the present.

Must history repeat itself or can their future be changed?

Guardian's Faith was a great addition to an already awesome series! Rhoades took it up a notch with the introduction of a new setting, some mysterious villagers, AND a surprising appearance from a previous foe. *I can't wait to see where that story goes in the future!*

I worried that Faith's abusive past would be a bit hard to read, but the way it was described was perfect; Enough detail to make you realize the horrors that she endured, but not enough to make you squeamish. While Lucien's past wasn't as bad as Faith's he still had some tough issues to get past. Together they, really did, make the perfect couple; capable of drawing on each others strengths, and boosting one another from their weaknesses.

There is also a new kind of villain in this one. The demons still make themselves a nuisance but the true nature of what happens when a Paenitentian is turned vampire rears it's ugly head. It's a far cry from sweet Uncle Otto.

The action and mystery is balanced extremely well with the romance. Just enough of each to spice things up :)

I highly recommend this one. I think everyone knows that I love Jacqueline Rhoades' books and Guardian's Faith just add to an already impressive list of fantastic reads.

Cover Reveal and Excerpt: Revenge by Tara Fox Hall

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

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

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

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

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

Fuck no. Please let it not be a…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review: Beg Me to Slay by Lisa Kessler

Title: Beg Me to Slay

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

Rating - 4
Sexual - 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review: Heart of the Incubus by Rosalie Lario

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

Rating - 3
Sexual - 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cover Reveal and Excerpt: Her Secret by Tara Fox Hall

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

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

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

There was no sign of him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This was not Aran.

This was Devlin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paranormal Romance Review: Ashes by Sarah Gilman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contemporary Romance Review: Christmas in Lucky Harbor by Jill Shalvis

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

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

Love awaits you in Lucky Harbor . . .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Title: Desires of a Dark Lord


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

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

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

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

My review

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Contemporary Romance Review: One Night in Santiago by Audra North

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

Rating - 3
Sexual - 3

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

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

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

What could possibly happen in just one night?

 Review:

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

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

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

Merry Christmas!!!!

Did Grandpa slip you a few bucks for Christmas?

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

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

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

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

(thanks Grandma!) 

Donate today :)

ASPCA of America

RSPCA of the UK

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

Christmas in L.A.

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


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


(You can buy the song on iTunes HERE)


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

Series Spotlight and Giveaway: Heart of Fire by Lizzy Ford!

CHARRED HEART
Heart of Fire series, #1

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Release date: November 21, 2013

Published by: Lizzy Ford

Cover by: Sarah Hansen

Cover model: James D. Magnussen

Modern day retelling of “Beauty and the Beast.”

For a thousand years, Chace has searched for a way to break the curse placed on him by a jilted lover. He’s a dragon shifter, one who can’t control when the magic will force him into a different form. He’s already lost everyone he ever cared about a few times over and doesn’t know how much longer he’s meant to suffer.

At his wit’s end, he makes a deal with a mysterious figure that offers him what he wants most – an end to his misery – in exchange for everything that’s his: His life, his power. His heart.

The next day, he meets Skylar, a modern day dragon slayer whose mission is to cage him – or kill him. Sexy, witty and brave, she is the yin to his yang, the woman destined to break the curse, balance his magic and make his broken heart whole.

Except it’s too late. Not only has he sealed his fate, but an innocent one-night-stand with Skylar has dragged her into the middle of a deal with the devil, one she won’t escape, if he can’t convince her that dragon shifters aren’t her enemies.

Amazon

Amazon UK

BN

Kobo

Smashwords

Goodreads

CHARRED TEARS

Heart of Fire series, #2

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Release date: December 16, 2013

Published by: Lizzy Ford

Cover by: Claudia McKinney and Sarah Hansen

Cover model: James D. Magnussen

Skylar is being hunted by the very people she used to trust. Stung by Chace’s betrayal, she struggles to keep one step ahead of the slayers while digging deeper into the past she doesn’t remember for answers. Her heart belongs to Chace, but she won’t be fooled by him again, not when the price of trusting him could cost more than their lives.

 Chace got what he wanted – freedom from the curse – only to discover he’s given up much more than the power he didn’t want. He’s lost the woman who holds the other half of his heart. Exiled and powerless, he’s all that stands between her and the danger tracking both of them. To save her, he must prove himself worthy of her heart and trust and find a way to recover the magic he traded to become human.

Amazon

Amazon UK

BN

Smashwords

Goodreads

CHARRED HOPE

Heart of Fire series, #3

COMING 2014

About Lizzy:
Lizzy Ford is the author of over twenty books written for young adult and adult paranormal romance readers, to include the internationally bestselling “Rhyn Trilogy,” “Witchling Series” and the “War of Gods” series. Considered a freak of nature by her peers for the ability to write and release a commercial quality novel in under a month, Lizzy has focused on keeping her readers happy by producing brilliant, gritty romances that remind people why true love is a trial worth enduring.  

Lizzy’s books can be found on every major ereader library, to include: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Sony and Smashwords. She lives in southern Arizona with her husband, three dogs and a cat. 

Connect with Lizzy:
Website | Facebook | Amazon Author Page| Twitter | Goodreads | Google+

TOUR GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

GRAND PRIZE:  Kindle Fire

RUNNERS-UP:  Two (2) runners-up will each receive a prize packs consisting of a Lizzy Ford tote + a Charred Heart paperback + Charred Tears paperback.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

12/23/13 - 1/11/14 Lizzy Ford's CHARRED TEARS Blog Tour

12/23 Bitten By Romance (Series Spotlight)
http://www.bittenbyromance.com/

12/23 TBQ’s Book Palace (Spotlight)
http://tbqspersonalbookpalace.blogspot.com

12/24 Book Monster Reviews (spotlight)
http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

12/24 Charlene Blogs (spotlight)
http://charleneawilsonblog.blogspot.com/

12/27 True Story Book Blog (Series Spotlight)
http://www.truestorybookblog.com/

12/28 A_TiffyFit's Reading Corner (Review)
http://tiffyfit.blogspot.com

12/29 Mythical Books (Series Spotlight)
http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/

12/30 My Book Addiction (Series Spotlight)
http://mybookaddiction.com

12/30 Offbeat Vagabond (Interview)
http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/

1/1 Kristina's Books & More (Series Spotlight)
http://kristinasbooksandmore.blogspot.com/

1/1 Mad Hatter Reads (Interview)
http://madhatterreads.com

1/3 paranormal book club (Series Spotlight)
www.paranormal-bookclub.com

1/5 Inner Goddess (Guest Post)
http://www.InnerGoddessForum.com

1/8 RomanceJunkies.com (Interview)
http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/

1/9 Bitten by Books (Interview)
http://bittenbybooks.com

1/9 Coffee Talk Writers (Spotlight)
http://coffeetalkwriters.com

1/9 I Smell Sheep (Guest Post)
http://www.ismellsheep.com/

1/10 Lily Pony Reads (Review)
http://lilypondreads.blogspot.com/

1/10 Victoria's Gossip (Interview)
http://victoriasgossip.com/blog

1/11 Dalene's Book Reviews (Series Spotlight)
http://dalenesbookreviews.blogspot.com/

1/11 Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews (Guest Post)
http://literalhottiesnaughtybookreviews.blogspot.com/

1/11 Mama's Reading Break (Spotlight/Review)
http://mamasreadingbreak.blogspot.com

1/11 Who’s Reviews (Spotlight/Review)
http://whosreviews.wordpress.com/

Review: Rabbit Creek Santa by Jacqueline Rhoades

Title: Rabbit Creek Santa (The Wolvers)
Author: Jacqueline Rhoades
Genre: PNR
Length: Novella (94pgs)
Reviewed by: CaroleDee

Rating- 5
Sexual- 3

It's Christmas!

Things are going well in Rabbit Creek. Elizabeth has taken her duties as the Alpha's Mate to heart and as the story opens, that heart is breaking for the loneliness and isolation of one of her pack.

No one should be lonely at Christmas.

Lindy doesn't feel like she has much to celebrate. After two years of widowhood, she can barely make ends meet without the aid of her pack and while her inner wolf is ready to move on, Lindy isn't sure she can let go of the past.

New to the pack, Travis had party plans for the Holidays, but he ends up playing Santa to a pretty little widow and her pup. She's not what he was looking for, but she's exactly what he wants and his inner wolf agrees.

Now all he has to do is convince Lindy that Christmas gifts aren't always the ones you find under the tree.

Review-

Rabbit Creek Santa was a wonderfully heartfelt holiday story.

I think Elizabeth got it right when she matched up Lindy and Travis. Their personalities compliment each other perfectly. I was super impressed with the connection I felt between the two. In other novels/novellas when two characters come together so fast it seems a bit forced, but in Rabbit Creek Santa the push and pull, the angst, and the ultimate coming together seemed to flow so well that the eventual 'A-HA, We are meant to be together' moment was completely believable. Although, it did help that their inner wolves knew what the deal was the whole time ;)

With the addition of a too-cute baby, and a Christmas dinner to never be forgotten it was the perfect holiday read :)

*On a side note if you've never read any of the Wolver stories before, this might be the perfect book to introduce you to their world. It gives you the basic information you need to understand their culture, and even though it's shorter than Rhoades' other works the quality is still there. Believe me, once you read this one you'll be excited to delve into the whole series!

Available now at:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords

L.C. Mortimer's The Forgotten: Book Blast and Giveaway

It's been nearly eight years since the first reports of a zombie outbreak occurred, and
Nicole Blue is tired of sitting around. The zombies pose no threat to her and she's ready to start living her life. She decides to take control of her future and secures a job in nearby Breakside, a town known for its bars, night life, and zombie hunters. It isn't long before she's fully immersed in her life as a bar back at the Breakside Lounge, making drinks, friends, and a name for herself.

Nicole wrestles with her failing relationship while simultaneously falling for someone new in Breakside. Colin might be "just" an ordinary boy, but he makes her feel special and he takes the edge off Nicole's anxiety. After only a few weeks at Breakside, however, there are reports of a new invasion. Colin plans an escape and brings Nicole with him into the nearby forest that surrounds the city. The two of them embark deeper and deeper into the woods, fighting for their survival and their very lives.

Will they make it through to the other side or will starvation get them first? What dangers lurk in the forest waiting for the unlikely couples? What about the tiny man who lives in a cabin in the woods? Will Raz be the friend they hope will get them through to the other side? Most importantly, can their relationship stand the stress of the apocalypse?

Find out in "The Forgotten."

AVAILABLE ON KINDLE

About the Author:

L.C. Mortimer was raised on a small farm in Kansas, which sparked her interest in going off the grid. Learning how to can, garden, and become self-reliant were all important parts of her upbringing. After pursuing her degree in English Literature, Mortimer traveled the country with her husband, living in Hawaii, Maryland, and everywhere in between. When she's not busy dreaming up her next story, Mortimer can be found stocking up on canned goods for the zombie apocalypse.


Connect with LC:
Facebook | Amazon Author Page| Twitter | Goodreads 


TOUR GIVEAWAY:

GRAND PRIZE: Autographed print copy of Still Hungry For Your Love

RUNNERS UP:  3 runners up - each will win one copy of The Forgotten gifted through Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: C791 by Eve Langlais

Title: C791 (Cyborgs: More Than Machines #1)
Author: Eve Langais
Genre: Science Fiction, Romance
Length: Novella
Reviewed by: Jasmyn
Rating: 4 - Really liked it. Don't pass it up.
Sexual: 3 - Sexy hot with details

Machines aren't supposed to feel, but this cyborg can't help falling in love.Assigned as a
specimen collector for a captured cyborg, Chloe is intrigued by the machine disguised as a man. Kidnapped during his daring escape, he shows her that despite the chip in his brain, his humanity is not completely lost.Formerly known as unit X109GI, Joe is on a quest to discover his origin. While he doesn't find the answers he's looking for, he does discover that affection and lust aren't just for humans. But when it comes to a battle between logic and love, which side will the cybernetic organism-once a man-choose?Evaluating his feelings will have to wait though because the military isn't done with Joe. But their threats against him pale in comparison before the shocking discovery of project C791, the revelation of which stuns the rebel cyborgs-and ignites a fury for vengeance..

My review:

I was one of those nerds that always thought Data from Star Trek was cute - I loved his struggle with emotions vs. logic, and Eve Langlais's cyborg series seems to hit that science fiction bug inside me just right.  That, combined with her snarky humor and amazing characters made this one close to a home run.  X109GI, Joe (hahaha...I just got that), is one of the first cyborgs to break free of his programming and rebel against the humans that controlled him.  He and his brothers are on a mission to find out more about how they are created and if they can create more like them.  Joe's struggle with the emotions and thoughts that he encounters along this journey are great.  His internal debates about what is logical and what isn't were well thought out.

On the other hand, I wish I could have seen more about Chloe earlier on.  I can't say too much about her here because there's a really big secret involving her.  Where Joe was very dynamic - especially considering he's part machine - Chloe didn't strike me as a very great character until almost the very end.  Other than being cute, I didn't quite see what Joe saw in her at first.

C791 was an amazing start to the series, and laid the groundwork for a lot more action and sexiness to come.  The world is very well written - especially for a novella where there isn't always a lot of time to develop the surroundings.  My inner sci-fi geek is feeling quite well treated after this one.