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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Mirage Beyond Flames 

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.  

Add it to your TBR 
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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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Book Tour Review: Thomas's Muse by Kris Austen Radcliffe

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

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

Rating - 3
Sexual - 4

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

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

She needs color. She needs art.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12/30 Excerpt Little Bit of Spice

12/30 Guest post Cindy Vine

12/31 Review My Kindle Fever

1/6 Interview & Guest post The Pen and Muse 

1/7 Excerpt Kelly's Thoughts On Things

1/7 Excerpt Kristy Centeno

1/10 Review You Had Me At Free Book!

1/15 Review Roxy's Reviews

1/16 Review Bitten by Romance

1/17 Guest Post  Pure Jonel

1/20 Review Crystal's Many Reviewers

1/21 Review Harlies Books

Best of 2013 - the Last Hour of Gann by R. Lee Smith

Title: the Last Hour of Gann
Author: R. Lee Smith
Genre: Sci-fi Romance/Adventure
Length: Novel (600pgs)
Reviewed by: CaroleDee

Rating- 5
Sexual- 4

Amber Bierce had nothing left except her sister and two tickets on Earth’s first colony-ship. She entered her Sleeper with a five-year contract and the promise of a better life, but awakened in wreckage on an unknown world. For the survivors, there is no rescue, no way home and no hope until they are found by Meoraq—a holy warrior more deadly than any hungering beast on this hostile new world…but whose eyes show a different sort of hunger when he looks at her.

It was his last year of freedom:

Uyane Meoraq is a Sword of Sheul, God’s own instrument of judgment, victor of hundreds of trials, with a conqueror’s rights over all men. Or at least he was until his father’s death. Now, without divine intervention, he will be forced to assume stewardship over House Uyane and lose the life he has always known. At the legendary temple of Xi’Matezh, Meoraq hopes to find the deliverance he seeks, but the humans he encounters on his pilgrimage may prove too great a test even for him…especially the one called Amber, behind whose monstrous appearance burns a woman’s heart unlike any he has ever known.

From R. Lee Smith, author of Heat and Cottonwood, comes an epic new story of desire, darkness and the dawn that comes after The Last Hour of Gann.

The Last Hour of Gann caught my attention while I was waiting for the newest Tracy St. John book to release. I thought, 'Well, I'm waiting for a sci-fi romance, so I'll pick this one up to pass the time.' Little did I know that my random book buy was going to take me on one of the most thought provoking, odd, and memorable rides of my life. EVER.

It's f
uture earth and the population is out of control. After her mother's death Amber and her sister are being evicted from their home. Their resources and choices are limited.
They can:
1. Prostitute themselves
2. Sign up for the country's welfare system, where they'll work for menial wages and be housed in dorms with 100's of other women.
3. Be part of the first voyage to a new planet to colonize.

Amber makes, what she thinks is the best choice, and signs her sister and herself up to be pilgrims to a new world. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned and the ship crashes on an unknown planet. (Thus starts the 'human' story in this saga)

Uyane Meoraq is a certified bad-ass ordained by God. (No joke. The guy gets to kill people based what he feels is 'god's word') The whole planet are religious to the point of being zealots. It hasn't always been that way. There are ruins of cities and towns much like the Earth that Amber and her fellow humans left. An unknown amount of years ago the sin and debauchery of his people brought on the 'Wrath of God'  heralding in the Hour of Gann. After seeing a great fire in the distance Meoraq sets out on a pilgrimage to the holiest of cities. (where he's been told he will actually get to speak to God in the flesh)
Along the way he meets up with Amber and the other human survivors. When he sees the strange, flat face, hair covered beings he decides it's God's will that he take them along on his pilgrimage.
It's a long, and arduous journey that the modern day humans are NOT prepared for. Lack of food, stress, disease, and *really evil* raiders are  a few of the things they encounter along the way.

That's where I'm going to end my summary. Honest truth? That's not even a 10% of what happens in this book.

So where do I start on my actual review?
I LOVED this book. It's been a week since I finished. I wasn't going to write a review, BUT The Last Hour of Gann dug it's way into my subconscious. I just kept thinking about it. If a book can resonate with me like that I feel like it needs to be talked about.

It's not an easy book to read. There are far more unhappy moments than there are happy. (I do want to say right now that there IS a HEA! So don't be afraid!)  BUT getting to it? WOW!

Let's start with the humans:
UGH, Amber couldn't have been stuck with a weaker, more annoying, and conniving lot. She and Meoraq worked their butts off for them, but they never showed a smidgen of gratitude. The best I can figure is that it is a representation of the extreme entitlement that everyone seems to have acquired over the years.

Amber and Meuraq's relationship:  It's VERY slow to build. And heck, it should be. They're alien to each other, literally. Neither one finds the other attractive. But there is a spark that slowly builds. When it finally culminates you can tell it's actually love. Not lust. And it's a beautiful thing.

The setting: Fairly early on I started to realize that the planet used to be much like earth. The cities are almost identical with their towering structures and robots . After the Wrath of God, it's forbidden to live in the cities or to use the machinery, but they are still there. Ghost towns (today) are creepy enough, but imagine that on a city scale with half-functioning robots roaming around. Very scary

The raiders: I'm not going to throw punches. These guys are EVIL! They work outside of the word of God. They rape, kidnap, and murder. This book is realistic. The main characters are not shielded from these evils. It can be hard to read, but is necessary to the story.

The end: I'm not going to spoil anything, but once again I want to point out that there is a bitter-sweet HEA. I don't think it could have ended any better than what the author gave me. I was on pins and needles for the entire book to find out what the holy city and the 'meet up' with God was going to be like. It was just as amazing! Definitely not something I will forget for a long time.

So, obviously, I loved this book. While thinking of writing this review, though I started to have doubts if everyone would share my optimism. I'm going to sum up my thoughts easily enough so you can make the choice:

Pros:
Fantastic world building

Wonderfully written characters. Whether you love them or hate them you will feel something for these people.

Thought provoking plot. (No way you'll walk away from this without questioning our way of life)

Great romance

Realistic circumstances (It's a hard world and that's not hidden)


Here are the cons that I think might turn some people away :

Length: This book is LOOONG. I read fast. I usually devour a 350 page book in a day. The Last Hour of Gann took me four days to read.

Content: Scenes of rape and violence.
And, obviously, there is different species sex going on. While similarly built there are differences that may be a bit shocking to some.

Religion: There are many questions and answers about religion in this book. Let me clarify it is not 'preachy', but it is there and a very large part of the story.


The best summary I can think of is that this is a very heavy book. Metaphorically and literally (if I had this sucker in hard back it would probably be big enough to knock someone out with. lol)
This isn't a 'light beach read'.
It does not fall in the erotic 'mars needs women' troupe.
I can honestly say The Last Hour of Gann stands by itself.
I've never read anything like it and I doubt I will again for a long time.
Simply put: It was absolutely wonderful.

Review: Ancients of Light Series by Heather Fleener

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

Rating - 3
Sexual - 2

In the beginning...there were Vampire.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rating - 5
Sexual - 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rating - 4
Sexual - 3

The Light’s Duty to Protect

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/HeatherFleener

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

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