Wicked Sexy by RG Alexander

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Genre: Paranormal Romance, Red Hots!

ISBN: 978-1-60504-887-1
Length: Novella
Publication Date: January 26, 2010
Cover art by Tuesday Dube
 
Something magic this way comes…

Wicked ³, Book 1

Callie has always known the Abbotts were different. Witches, though they call themselves “Magians”. They are her second family. Harrison Abbott has been her best friend since they were children. Tucker Abbott, her life-long crush. And their brother, Tyghe? A magical pain in her backside.

When the Abbotts need her human perspective to solve a mystery, she doesn’t hesitate. Especially since it means getting everything she ever wanted. A chance to be one of them, to have magic, even if it’s only temporary.

Someone is attacking young women at Triune, a ritual that helps Magians find their perfect threesome—the match that will complete their magic and their hearts. Callie expected to be dazzled by her first glimpse into the Magian world, but the bone-melting desire between her and the Abbott brothers isn’t part of the plan.

Nor is the decades-old secret that makes her the target of a killer…

My Thoughts:

I came across this amazing set of ladies, The Smutketeers, over the weekend through Samhain Cafe (Yahoo Group).  I joined their Yahoo group and joined in on some of the conversations. I realized that I had not yet read anything by any of the authors. Having had a difficult time with my last book I went scrolling through my Kindle to find something by a familiar author when I ran across the name R G Alexander. What do you know...this lady happens to be one of the Smutketeers and I have at least two of her books unread. So I opened up this novella with my coffee in hand started reading.

I couldn't stop reading! My hubby is none too happy as I was suppose to finish pressure washing the deck which completely slipped my mind while I wrapped up with the Magians. I can not possibly tell you any more about the plot of the story than the blurb that I grabbed from Samhain already does without giving too much away so unfortunately you will have to suffer listening to me rambling away about how I feel!! LOL

Those of you that have followed me for a while know that I don't like Anthologies and Novellas are not that high on the list either, however I was pleasantly pleased with this one. When I finished I felt fulfilled. Other than wanting to know what happens next for Harrison and getting glimpses into Callie's Happily Ever After I wanted for nothing when I turned the last page. You know what I mean... so often when reading a novella I feel like things are rushed and I am left wanting more, not a sequel but more story... the author just didn't pull it off for me kind of thing.  Wicked Sexy was the exact opposite, everything progressed smoothly without being rushed. There was enough background information leading up to the romance to make you feel like "this is right!"

The mystery that needs solving opens up doors for Callie that she never thought possible. It also lands her slap dab in Tyghe's arms, something she almost dreads. Tyghe has been the bane of her existence since she met Harrison as a child. Tyghe tormented her, cast spells on her bike, and just made life a little more interesting. It seemed only right that Tyghe and Callie would have this strong attraction to each other after the spell was cast. Problem being that Tyghe is highly jealous of Callie's long time infatuation with older brother Tucker, who is thankfully away on a one man hunting trip.

To top off a wonderful page turning plot, RG can write some explosive love scenes! Ladies bring your fans when reading Wicked Sexy.

Rating: 5 stars

LOVER MINE by JR Ward

I really don't think that I need to include the blurb for this book! Everyone has jumped on this bandwagon and knows that the latest Black Dagger Brotherhood novel is all about John Matthew and Xhex. This long awaited for romance definitely did not disappoint! It captured me from the very first page. I finished LOVER MINE over a week ago, but have been so wrapped up in trying to get some books read, which I only accomplished one, playing Mafia Wars, and joining new yahoo groups that I have been very bad in not getting my thoughts on my blog.

I have not always been a big fan of Xhex, but I have to say that she does make the perfect mate for John Matthew. LOVER MINE keeps you on an emotional roller coaster that has you loving to hate Xhex and breaking your heart not only for JM but for Blay and Qhuinn as well. I think that for content alone this one has just become my favorite BDB book...I still have my ranking of the Brothers and JM has never been number 1, but I loved his story! I kept waiting for Xhex to figure out that JM was not Darius's son but Darius himself, but of course it never happened.

I really didn't get why JR Ward deviated so far south to the Plantation and the investigation of ghosts. I understand now that she needed a way to leave an opening for the next book, which unfortunately won't be Blay and Qhuinn's story... because these Brothers really need to get their Happily Ever After!!

Rating: 5 stars

The Magic Knot by Helen Scott Taylor

HE'S A BIKER WITH AN ATTITUDE

What woman wouldn't be attracted to Niall O'Connor's soft Irish brogue and dark good looks? But Rosenwyn Tremain must find her father, and she isn't going to let a sexy, stubborn Irishman and his motorcycle distract her. Rose's intuition tells her he's hiding something, a secret even the cards cannot divine. Her tarot deck always reads true, but how can one man represent both Justice and Betrayal?

SHE'S A WOMAN ON A MISSION

Magic. Niall's body tingles with it when he finds the woman snooping in his room. Rosenwyn might believe she's a no-nonsense accountant, but her essence whispers to him of ancient fairy magic that enslaves even as it seduces. Her heritage could endanger those he'd die to protect, but her powers and her passion, if properly awakened, might be the only thing that can save both their families, vanquish a fairy queen bent on revenge, and fulfill a prophecy that will bind their hearts together with... THE MAGIC KNOT

My Thoughts:

All I could remember when I finally purchased this book was that I wanted to read it. I didn't know anything more about it than that. I didn't read the back of the book and I hadn't read any reviews on it. I have seen the author on a few blogs, and all I can remember from those interviews are Fairies and that the author has a quiz on her website that will tell you whether you are Earth, Fire, Water, or Air. So needless to say I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I finally started reading The Magic Knot last week.

Rosenwyn has no idea who she really is. She does not think too fondly of her mother, who always criticized  her for being too plain. Now that her mother is dead and she has a promising career Rosenwyn is headed to the one place her mother always said to never go, Cornwall. She is determined to finish the business of telling Michael O'Connor that he is in default of his loan and the bank is going to take the company so that she can move on to her other agenda... finding her father.

Niall O'Connor has a way with money, which is good for him because he is going to need to bail his brother out once again to keep the nosy Rosenwyn from delving to far into the business and digging up information that is better left alone.  He is also using his "Midas touch" to pay one creepy little man to provide the much needed protection spell to keep his brother and sister hidden from an vindictive Fairy Queen.

Rosenwyn has buried her past so deep that she does not remember that she is not a normal human being but a Cornish pixie. Her father wants her only to finish the job he started years ago with her mother. She unknowingly creates a very strong bond between her and Niall when she runs across his magic knot. Now Niall must keep her safe which means trying to keep her from finding out who her father really is.

The Magic Knot was an excellent story filled with all sorts of mystical people. It was a great start for a new series, and the second book (Phoenix Charm)  is available now.

I loved learning about the pixies, leprechauns, and Night walkers. The bond that is created between Niall and Rose is kind of reminiscent of the bond that you will find in the couples from the Black Dagger Brotherhood, however there is no comparison in the stories. Rose is such a strong willed woman and Niall is of course just as strong and stubborn. He will not allow himself to get close or allow another person to get close to him for fear of the danger he puts the people around him in, and a deep emotional scar. A sweet romance!!

Sweet Restraint by Beth Kery

SWEET RESTRAINT
Publisher: Berkley Heat
ISBN-10: 0425227693
ISBN-13: 978-0425227695
Genre: Contemporary
Release Date: July 7, 2009
Format: Trade Paperback

From Beth Kery's Website

This time, he’ll never let her go…

Chicago Special Agent Shane Dominic was in love with Laura Vasquez until the day she left him and married another man. Thirteen years may have passed, but Laura’s never disappeared from his fantasies, or destroyed his desire to learn the truth about why she left him. When her husband, the criminal mastermind behind an international ring of thieves, is murdered, Shane knows this is his one last, desperate chance to learn Laura’s secrets. And he’s not above using their scorching hot passion for one another and a little domination to do it.

One look at Shane, and Laura’s own memories come back to haunt her. Her feelings run deep, but she’d never divulge her secrets—a desperate vow that’s compromised when Shane stuns her by taking her as his captive to a secluded cabin. Here, she will finally belong to him, be subjected to his every torturously erotic whim, and be forced to trust him with a shocking truth she’s hidden for so long—one that will expose them to a danger closing in on the both of them.

My Thoughts:

Shane has never gotten over Laura. Their six month relationship ended abruptly when Laura eloped with Huey Mays. Shane has done his best to move on, he has a great career in the FBI and is engaged to a beautiful woman. His position in the FBI has put him right in the middle of the investigation of corrupt cops and Huey Mays is at the top of the list. He hopes that his past relationship with Laura remains hidden so he can finally end the investigation and get the top man in charge. When Huey is found dead, Shane has reason to worry for Laura's safety.

He takes matters into his own hands and risks everything to try to find the truth behind Laura's involvement in this corrupt ring of cops before it is too late. He takes her to a cabin to slowly break down the barriers between them. He executes his plans with white hot passion. Apparently Laura is not so good at hiding the fact that she still burns for her former lover.

Laura has her secrets, ones she must keep hidden or risk the lives of everyone she loves. She learned years ago that she cannot go against what has bound her and determined the path that she has taken. Her husband's death has changed nothing, except maybe putting her in more danger than she has ever been before. Now she has to contend with Shane's domineering need to have her submit and trust him to carry her burdens. This is the last thing she needs, or so she thinks.

Sweet Restraint was smokin' HOT! There is just no other way of putting it. Beth Kery wowed me with Wicked Burn, gained a loyal follower with Daring Time, and Sweet Restraint has me shouting from the roof tops. This author does amazing things!!! Her stories while wickedly hot and push you to the very edge with the sexual tensions and play have a great story with well developed characters that you can fall in love with and a story that will surely pull you in making you turn those pages nonstop and having you begging for more. Not to mention that she always has amazing covers, the Cover Gods must love her! I mean look at this cover... don't you love that those ties are in reach to where she can untie herself if she wants.

Rating: 5 stars

Laird of Desire by Paula Quinn

Paula Quinn
Book 1
August 2005

He Is Every Woman's Fantasy...
Darkly handsome and sensual, Lord Brand Risande--known as "The Passionate"--is temptation incarnate. But his prowess on the battlefield and in the bedchamber hides a bitter secret: the betrayal that has sealed his heart. Now as this most feared warrior rides out to possess the lands he has won in war, he engages his most formidable enemy ever.

And One Woman's Destiny.
Lady Brynnafar Dumont is prepared to do anything to protect her people--even seduce the savage Norman knight who defeated her father. Prepared to face down a cold-blooded beast, she instead confronts a wickedly attractive scoundrel who wants nothing to do with her. It's enough to sting a lady's pride...and strengthen her resolve. Innocent as she is, now she must use all her charms to defeat Lord Brand in the only battle worth fighting--the one for his love.

My Thoughts:

I read Laird of the Mist last year. After reading that one book, I fell in love with Paula Quinn's works. She definitely did not disappoint me with her earlier work, book 1 in her Laird trilogy, Laird of Desire.

Brynna is feisty little women. She inherited her mother's passion and her father's will to fight. When the livelihood of her home is threatened by Lord Brande she vows that she will do what ever it takes to stay in her childhood home and allow no harm to come to her people. Little did she know that the man that was riding in to take her home was the same that she had been dreaming about for almost two years. This Lord Brande however was completely different, he lost his passion for life and instead of warmth he brings the cold.

Vowing to never love another woman again, Lord Brande would rather face another battle than to marry Lady Brynna. In order to keep the land that he rightfully won by defeating Lord Richard those are his only options. In taking the daughter as a wife he will avoid a war and make William of Normandy happy. But at what cost?

Brynna is just the woman to put the life back into Brande. I so enjoyed reading about these two. I could not put this one down and I look forward to reading books 2 and 3

Knight of Desire by Margaret Mallory

KNIGHT OF DESIRE
1st Book in All the King’s Men Series
by Margaret Mallory

ISBN-10: 0446553395
ISBN-13: 978-0446553391
Publisher: Grand Central
Release date: July 2009

FEARLESS IN BATTLE

His surcoat still bloody from battle, William FitzAlan comes to claim the strategic borderlands granted to him by the king. One last prize awaits him at the castle gates: the lovely Lady Catherine Rayburn.

TENDER IN BED

Catherine risked everything to spy for the crown. Her reward? Her lands are declared forfeit and she is given this choice: marry FitzAlan or be taken to the Tower. Catherine agrees to give her handsome new husband her body, but she’s keeping secrets and dares not give him her heart. As passion ignites and danger closes in, Catherine and William must learn to trust in each other to save their marriage, their land, and their very lives.

My Thoughts:

Knight of Desire is the first book in a while that I literally could not put down. I sat here yesterday reading all day. I got through about 75% of the book before my son got home and I HAD to put it down. I was drawn into the story immediately. Catherine's first meeting with William was sweet and heartbreaking. You get a glimpse into Catherine's courage and William's desire to protect and do his duty from the very beginning.

Learning to trust is a whole other ball game. Neither of these two know how to do it. Catherine has already proven that she would betray her husband, so how is William to trust that she would be loyal and honest with him after being forced to marry him on the very day her first husband was murdered. Catherine having already experienced one brutal marriage is now suppose to believe that her knew husband will be any better than the tyrant she had before. Watching these two brought joy to my heart while setting flames to my temper. How could they not see each other for who they really were. How could William allow his friend to keep putting the bug in his ear that his wife was unfaithful. Lady Catherine experienced a lot of hardships due to her first husband and must live down the choices she made, the very ones that saved her life.

Rating 5 stars

Midnight Awakening by Lara Adrian

MIDNIGHT AWAKENING

Midnight Breed Series
BOOK 3

Dell Books ~ 416 pages
ISBN: 978-0-553-58939-9
First Printing: December 2007

Available formats:
Mass Market Paperback
Bookclub Edition Hardcover
E-book

From the back cover:

HE HAS RESISTED TEMPTATION FOR CENTURIES, A STONE-COLD WARRIOR WHOSE FROZEN HEART REFUSES TO THAW--UNTIL HER . . . .

With a dagger in her hand and vengeance on her mind, Darkhaven beauty Elise Chase prowls Boston's streets in search of retribution against the Rogue vampires who took from her everything she cherished. Using an extraordinary psychic gift, she tracks her prey, well aware that the power she possesses is destroying her. She must learn to harness this gift, and for that she can turn to only one man--the deadliest of the Breed warriors, Tegan.

No stranger to loss, Tegan knows Elise's pain. He knows fury, but when he slays his enemies it is with ice in his veins. He is perfect in his self-control, until Elise seeks his aid in her personal war. An unholy alliance is forged--a bond that will link them by blood and vow--and plunge them into a tempest of danger, desire, and the darkest passions of the heart . . .

My Thoughts:

I have to agree with Lea, this is most definitely my favorite of the series thus far. After reading the first two books of the series, Kiss of Midnight and Kiss of Crimson, I was really anticipating Tegan's story. Tegan is exactly what the description from the back cover says... A stone-cold warrior. He is the most feared, the most aloof, and to this point the most damaged (if you would call it that).

Tegan suffered the loss of his Breedmate five centuries ago. The loss so consumed him that he almost went Rogue. ***this is not a spoiler for this book, you find out about this in the first book*** Lucan saved him through a long struggle, but Tegan would not allow himself to feel or get close to anyone ever again. He blamed himself for Sorcha's death, as it was his responsibility to keep her safe from all dangers. Reading about Tegan in the previous books you get the sense that there is no emotion what so ever in Tegan. He is a warrior first and foremost. He is a loner.

So when his path crosses Elise's in Kiss of Crimson, he is shocked that he feels anything at all for this lovely Breedmate who has experienced so much. It is four months after Kiss Of Crimson that their paths intercept again. This time Elise is dealing out her own kind of vengeance, which is liable to get her killed. Tegan wants nothing to do with her, but yet for some reason he feels responsible for her wellfare. After a hellacious night he returns to Elise's apartment to check on her only to find that she is suffering from a severe migraine.

He soon finds out that he is not the only one interested in Elise's daily activities. He is now dragging Elise back to the Compound to keep her safe and to share some much needed information she has retrieved.

The emotional rollercoaster that Elise had been on drove her to some really dangerous actions. Her psychic abilities were no less of a danger for her. Knowing Tegan had similar capabilities, Elise basically throws herself on the little bit of mercy one might think to find in Tegan. When this didn't work she finagled her way to Berlin with him.

In Midnight Awakening you see that Tegan is not so emotionally detached as he would like to be especially when it comes to Elise. He tries hard to treat her callously to push her away, and at every turn she is still right there pulling him in deeper. I loved their story!!!

Now in my last little review of the Midnight Breed I mentioned how I was jonesing for Rio's story as well. He surprises us and makes a come back in Midnight Awakening. He is still very volatile but there is nothing that is going to keep him from fighting this war on the Rogues. So up next is Rio's story!

Rating: 5 stars

Stolen Fury by Elisabeth Naughton

STOLEN FURY
Elisabeth Naughton
Book One
Release Date: December 30, 2008
ISBN: 978-0-505-52793-6


Blurb: To unearth a centuries-old secret, an archaeologist must team up with the rakish thief who's stolen both an ancient relic and her heart...

Oh, is he handsome. And charming. And sexy as all get out. Dr. Lisa Maxwell isn’t the type to go home with a guy she barely knows. But, hey, this is Italy and the red-blooded Rafe Sullivan seems much more enticing than cataloging a bunch of dusty artifacts.

After being fully seduced, Lisa wakes to an empty bed and, worse yet, an empty safe. She’s staked her career as an archaeologist on collecting the three Furies, a priceless set of ancient Greek reliefs. Now the one she had is gone. But Lisa won’t just get mad. She’ll get even.

She tracks Rafe to Florida, and finds the sparks between them blaze hotter than the Miami sun. He may still have her relic, but he’ll never find all three without her. And they’re not the only ones on the hunt. To beat the other treasure seekers, they’ll have to partner up—because suddenly Lisa and Rafe are in a race just to stay alive.

My Thoughts:
Dr. Lisa Maxwelll has been hunting for the Furies for fifteen years when she finally stumbles across the second one in a cave in Jamaica. The night before she is to fly to Greece to have Alecto authenticated it is stolen right out from under her nose.

Having a detective for a brother can come in handy in times like these. She is quickly able to track her sexy Latin thief, Rafe, down in Florida.

Rafe needs Lisa's help to find the third Fury so he can fulfill promises made. He completely expected her to track him down, just not so quickly. He convinces Lisa to work with him, while still holding on to her relic.

Neither Lisa nor Rafe were anticipating the sparks that would fly . There seemed to be a magnetic current that pulled at these two and denying each othe soon became a foolish thought. Together they must run for their lives and find Tisiphone before it is too late.

Stolen Fury wasn't extremely fast paced but it sure did move at a speed that kept you turning the pages and kept you on your toes. The steamy romance between these two was nothing less than electric! A totally awesome story that I highly recommend to anyone that loves a great adventure and romantic suspense. I can't wait to delve into Elisabeth Naughton's newly released sequel, Stolen Heat!

Rating: 5 stars

Causing Havoc by Lori Foster

Description:Sexy, sculpted extreme fighter Dean "Havoc" Connor has knee-melting good looks-and thick skin. But not from his brutal sport's enclosed rings. Orphaned and torn from his sisters as a boy, he has no family. That is, until he gets a letter revealing how much the once-little girls want him back in Harmony, Kentucky.
To stop his sister from marrying a man as sleazy as he is wealthy, Dean finds himself teaming up with her pretty-but-smart-mouthed friend Eve — who's heard of "Havoc's" reputation and doesn't need some hunk trampling on her heart. Now all Dean has to do is protect his sisters, win Eve over, and expose a devious criminal.
And he thought winning the heavyweight cage fighting belt was hard.

My Thoughts: Cindy has done it again! She sent me a book to read saying that I would love it... and Yes I absolutely loved Causing Havoc. I don't know how she does it, always finding really great books and authors and sending them my way at just the right moment.

Dean heads to his childhood home after receiving a letter from his long lost sister. In the letter his sister seems desperate and full of hope, hope that catches Dean and sends him to find out what she needs. Arriving in Harmony, Dean finds anything but harmony. He has just walked into a mountain load of family problems and can't seem to shake the desire to help out the sister that he thought lost to him forever. It helps that Eve, sister's best friend, is one hot little ticket that he can't keep his hands off.

I really loved how the family dynamics just kicked into gear full force. The interaction between the three siblings reminded so much of my own life with my siblings. You have to have at least one smart ass and a mother hen... which definitely describes me and my sister. I would like to think that my brother would have continued to be a smart ass and the big over protective brother that Dean wound up being.

Then we have the hot and heavy romance between Eve and Dean. These two were perfect for each other. There time together was definitely electrifying!!

I can't wait to get to the rest of this series!

Rating: 5

Deeper by Megan Hart

Megan Hart
Publisher: Spice (July, 2009)

Some lovers never leave you...

Twenty years ago she had her whole life spread out before her like a mesmerizing map. She was Bess Walsh, a fresh-scrubbed, middle-class student ready to conquer the design world. And she was taken. Absolutely and completely.

But not by Andy, her well-groomed, intellectual boyfriend who hinted more than once about a ring. No. During that hot summer as a waitress and living on the beach, she met Nick, a dark haired, local bad boy. He was, to put it mildly, not someone she could take home to Daddy.

Instead, Nick became her dirty little secret; a fervent sexual accomplice who knew how to ignite an all-consuming obsession she had no idea she carried deep within her.

Bess had always wondered what happened to Nick after that summer, after their promise to meet again. And now, back at the beach house and taking a break from responsibility, from marriage, from life, she discovers his heartbreaking fate--and why he never came back for her. Suddenly Nick's name is on her lips...his hands on her thighs...dark hair and eyes called back from the swirling gray of purgatory's depths.

Dead, alive, or something in-between, they can't stop their hunger.

She wouldn't dare.

My Thoughts:

I have heard many great things about this author and her books, but having not read anything by her I jumped at the chance to borrow Deeper from an online friend. I will definitely be purchasing books in the future by Megan Hart.

The first chapter moved a little slow, maybe I wasn't in the mood for this particular book, but I was sorely tempted to set it aside and try it later. However, it being a borrowed book I wanted to get it read quickly so I could send it back, so I pushed through. Once the story got really going I could not put the book down. The unrecognized love that Bess and Nick shared was heart-breakingly sweet and only such a love could hold the spirit to this world and allow it to come back to right the mistakes from the past.

Deeper moves between now and twenty years past. Bess has moved back to her grandparents beach house in Bethany while dealing with a marriage on the rocks with a divorce coming soon. Coming to the beach and this house stirs her memories of a summer love, memories that were never forgotten and never far from the surface. Young Bess and older Bess are dealing with the same relationship issues with Andy.

Twenty years ago: Bess is living in the beach house while working at Sugarland to pay for college. She has been in a relationship with Andy for three years and suspects him of cheating on her. He has become distant and is not answering her calls or calling when he is suppose to. She meets Nick at a party when she says she "sort of" has a boyfriend.

Nick has a bad rep and Bess has been warned away from him on several occasions by several of her friends. This does not stop Bess's desires. She keeps it on a friendly level until she decides that she has had enough of Andy's antics. Bess and Nick's relationship progresses pretty quickly, moving from a roll in the sack to being unseperable over night. Neither one of them are willing to put a name to what is going on between the two of them. They won't admit their feelings for one another.

Present: It has been twenty years since Bess has been back in Bethany. She has not seen or heard from Nick in as long. With her marriage falling apart she takes herself to the beach and is comtemplating her life and the summer love that she shared with Nick, when out of the blue he is there. She thinks it must all be a dream until he shows up at her door the next morning soaking wet and smelling of the beach and summer. Thing progress very quickly again. This time everything is different. Bess wants to know why Nick never came for her but is afraid the answers will send him away again.

The time that they share in the present shows a different side of Nick. He can't answer where he has been only that he wanted to come back to Bess. And until Bess said his name that fateful night on the beach he couldn't reach her. With the time that they have together, Bess and Nick are more honest with each other about their feelings and what happened in the past.

Deeper had tears stinging the backs of my eyes and my heart melting over and over again. The love shared between Bess and Nick was a love that would stand the test of time and bring them together again. I truly loved this story.

5 stars

The Commander's Desire by Jennette Green--Review

Paperback: 312 pages
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press (October 24, 2008)
Jennette Green

Blurb:

Princess Elwytha wants revenge on the monster who murdered her brother. In a false exchange for peace, she offers herself in marriage to the enemy Prince. The plan? Kill the Prince’s battle-scarred Commander—the man who ended King Thor’s life with one filthy sword thrust through the back.

To her horror, the Commander agrees to take Elwytha as his bride. Worse, the wedding date will be sooner than expected. Not all is lost, however. Now she has more opportunity to be alone with him--and exact justice.

But the deed is not so easy now. Fighting her innate sense of honor, she begins to see the ironclad integrity of the man behind the scars. And with this knowledge comes doubt. Did he slay her brother? What exactly is the new king's plan? Whom can she trust?

Elwytha must decide well, for more than her life is at stake. Soon she must betray either allegiance to her kingdom--or the man who is quickly claiming her heart.


My Thoughts:

I have had The Commander's Desire sitting in my TBR pile for months now. I first heard about this on Keta Diablo's blog several months ago and I have absolutely no idea why I waited so long to read it.

Elwytha's favorite brother Thor was stabbed in the back. Now she will follow her brother Richard's devious plan to offer peace by way of marriage to the Prince. Only the Prince is not looking to wed and gives her to his right hand man, the Commander. Her hatred for these two men cloud her warriors judgement at every turn.

The Commander is tired of warring and ready to live in peace for once. He desires a wife to spend his life with, he thought any woman would do. He soon finds out that he is wrong in these thoughts. He finds his perfect mate in Elwytha's spirited form. He must find a way to make Elwytha respect him and want him as he wants her, though treachery is afoot.

I could not get enough of this story. The outcome of Elwytha's turmoils and battles were pretty obvious, and I had the feeling of deja vu but I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Commander's Desire. There is just something about a story involving a big honking man who does not fit the stereotypical good looking character and is more fittingly described as a monster that shows his softer side that just makes my heart melt. If you have not had the pleasure of reading this very sweet book, I suggest making some time to do so.

Rating 5 stars

Highland Dragon by Kimberly Killion--ARC Review

A desire that defies all limits…
and a love that was meant to be…

Scotland 1502. Akira Neish has been raised as a peasant, her belly often empty and her family subject to the cruel whims of her clan's laird. To the clan’s children, the horned shaped birthmark she bears means she is a witch. But she is neither peasant nor witch—and now the man who knows the truth has returned to claim her for his own.

Calin MacLeod has kept Akira's secrets and to avenge his father, the sensual young laird must marry her. He is more than a match for the fiery nature of the woman he adores. Yet the passion they share—and truths that can no longer remain hidden—could rip all of Scotland apart...

When Ms. Killion emailed me and asked me if I would be interested in reading her ARC Highland Dragon. I jumped at the opportunity. This is my first experience reading a book before it has been released. I think I probably would have read any book for the chance to read my first ARC, however Highland Dragon was a perfect book for me. I can only hope that I can do this book and Kimberly Killion justice.

My Thoughts:

Ms. Killion is a "New To Me" author, so I went over and checked out her site and read the blurb on Highland Dragon. Yes I was in Heaven. Highland Dragon is set in Scotland, has a very Hot Laird, and a feisty heroine, three of my favorite items in a book. I could not wait to get home from vacation so that I could transfer the files to my Kindle (no using Hubby's computer for my addictions). Between after vacation stuff, school starting, son's football practices, and just everyday stuff I was ready to pull my hair out. I couldn't wait to really delve into this book.

Akira is one feisty little woman. She has an angelic look about her coupled with the temper any Scots woman would be proud of. She has known since childhood that she is promised to her benefactor, she just doesn't know who her benefactor is. This causes her some embarrassment, which I found quite endearing, after she finally meets Calin.

Calin has sworn an oath to himself and his deceased father to seek revenge on the very man who murdered his father and to unite the clans. He has lived a determined life with that one goal in mind. Why he has taken so long to retrieve Akira is cause for some hard feelings and questions of loyalty to the allegiance.

Calin and Akira let the sparks fly. There is a tension between the two from the very beginning. I love how sweet and gentle Calin is with Akira; and how demanding (undemanding) Akira is of Calin. I found myself laughing out loud with one particular demand and the reaction received by all of the men. Akira definitely is a heroine I won't soon forget. The passion she displays towards everything is something to be admired.

Young Andrew really stole the show for me on several occasions. His sweet little body and his highhandedness toward Calin during the games was hilarious. Andrew's love for Akira shined through and brought something special to the book. On several occasions I wanted to get up and smother my son in hugs and kisses.

I hate comparing books and authors, but for some reason I feel I just have to with Highland Dragon and Ms. Killion. I would have to say that any fan of Lynsay Sands historical romances will love this book. Highland Dragon brought to mind one of my favorites, The Brat.

Highland Dragon is a definite must read for 2009.

Rating: 5 stars

Daring Time by Beth Kery

He sees her, wants her, needs her…

Chicago Detective Ryan Daire has many secrets: a love for Shakespeare, an appreciation for the all the finer things in life, and an absolute lack of restraint in the bedroom. Now he has an even bigger secret. In every shifting shadow of the sprawling mansion he’s recently inherited he can see her—tempting, ethereal, and untouchable. Hope Stillwater inhabited that mansion in 1906. Raw desire has formed a conduit between these two passionate souls who are separated by the barrier of time.

Now he has to have her.

Intoxicated by each other’s presence, Ryan and Hope are closer than ever to crossing that inviting boundary between two worlds. But there is one grave danger: Ryan’s job has put him on the trail of a depraved criminal in an investigation that’s risking Hope’s eternal fate and happiness. Now he must do whatever it takes to change history, protect Hope from harm, and set his own desires free.

My Thoughts: This was a wonderful book. I was chomping at the bit to finally get my hands on it and start reading. I put everything else aside and dived in.

Ryan is one hunky cop who has just been gifted a mansion. He is tossing around the idea of selling it until he goes in to see it for the first time. He is hit with visions of a beautiful woman from a past era. He partner and friend Rodriguez says the house is haunted, that the woman Ryan keeps seeing is a ghost. Ryan can't explain it but he knows she is not dead.

Hope a beautiful strong willed woman from 1906 has had the shock of a life time... she sees Ryan standing in her mirror, but he is no where in her bedroom. There must be some explanation... her wanton thoughts must have conjured a vision of a God.

Beth Kery did a superb job in introducing us to both Ryan and Hope, bringing them together and battling slavery in both time periods. I was completely pulled into the plot as well as the passion and love experienced between Ryan and Hope. Ms. Kery was the first author to introduce me to BDSM, she takes the dirty out of it and creates something special, allowing you to feel not only the excitement between lovers but the feelings they are experiencing as well. After reading Wicked Burn in March, I knew that Ms. Kery was going to be putting out A+ novels. I an anxiously anticipating her up coming release of Sweet Restraint, look for it July 7!

Dust and Moonlight by Keta Diablo

Blurb: Balion, Prince of Locke Cress, waited a long time for the forest nymph with lavender eyes to come to him. The dreams told him it was just a matter of time. What they hadn’t told him was that he’d lose his heart to the strange creature from another world.

After the serial killer attacked Kira, she awoke in a strange land. Now, she’s running for her life from wild boars, wizards, and sorcerers, not to mention a Prince that makes her body melt in all the wrong places. Facing extraordinary circumstances as the evil plots unfold, Kira fights for her life, and for a love that neither time nor distance can ever dispel from her soul.


Keta out did herself! I had the pleasure of reading Land of Falling Stars several months ago and knew instantly that I had found an author that was going to be on auto buy. This is actually the third book I have read by this author and it just keeps getting better. I have yet to be disappointed.
In Dust and Moonlight, Keta brings Kira to another world in another time. A land where her father was summoned from. She has traded one battle for another and is faced with the chance at a love that will know no bounds. Her desire to go home is at battle with the desire to stay wrapped in Balion's strong arms of love.
Dust and Moonlight is a definite 5 star read that I highly recommend to any one with a love for romance, fantasy, and time travel

Lover Revealed by J R Ward

Rating: 5 stars
Published 2007
480 pages

Synopsis: Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard-living ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world-to engage in the turf war with the lessers. His heart belongs to a female vampire, Marissa, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. And if he can't have her, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers.

But fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, he's found by a miracle, and the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back, though even her love may not be enough to save him.

Review: I am completely amazed! How do I do a review on this book, any of the BDB books, without putting in lots of spoilers. Who am I kidding with the fan base that this series has, I am probably one of the last people in the world to have started reading it.

Butch, the human cop, is feeling out of place and wants to help the Brotherhood more. He knows the battle against the Lessers is not his, yet he feels that he must help. When he happens to see a civilian getting chased down an alley by a couple of these slayers he jumps into Hero mode and tries to save the day. He winds up being tortured for information and lands in the hands of the Omega. Returned to the Brothers with something dark inside him, Butch is taken to the vampire clinic under strict quarantine.

Marissa knows something is not right when she sees a couple of the brothers leaving the vacinity of her brother's lab. Eventually she ends up in the room with Butch without proper protection. Everything comes to a head with her feelings for Butch and his for her. Concerned for her safety Butch pushes her away. Then Havers gives her the boot...what a great brother than one is!!!

There is a twist that comes in and new information is revealed, This Human is definitely not going anywhere!

I enjoyed Butch's story. Butch was so sweet and gentle with Marissa. I love how they finally came together.

Going to start Lover Unbound soon. I can't wait to read Vischous's story, it aught to very interesting!

For the first four books this is the order of my favorites:

1. Lover Awakened (book 3)

2. Lover Eternal (book 2)

3. Dark Lover (book 1)

4. Lover Revealed (book4)

None of the stories lacked in anyway, I just seem to be partial to Z and Rhage. From what I am hearing from everyone I am sure that V's story is going to be somewhere at the top. Can't wait!!

Lover Awakened by J R Ward

Rating: 5 stars

Published 2006

464 pages

Lover Awakened is the third book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood. This was Zsadist's (Z) story. I love how J R Ward doesn't just give you one brother's story. You know who the story belongs to, but there is so much more given. She doesn't just tease you with glimpses, all the brothers get a significant amount of face time in these books.

Z is the most tortured brother. I say the most because I really think that all of them have their own little private hell that they are faced with, Tohr being the only exception to this point. In Lover Awakened you are privy to Z's private thoughts and memories; learning what he went through as a blood slave, how he was rescued, and how he survived. You see Z for the broken vampire that he is, understanding where the anger and isolation comes from. I loved watching Z grow in this book and really understanding what he was battling on the inside.

This series is really working on becoming the best one that I have ever read!!!

Wicked Burn by Beth Kerry

Wicked Burn was my first choice to kick off my reading list for the Readers of Romance Spring Challenge. This book came highly recommended by one of the fellow members, Cindy W.

Niall has a very troubled past and has been a member of the "walking dead" for the past three and half years. When accosted by her date in the hallway outside of her apartment her HOT neighbor comes to her defense. Vic and Niall go to his apartment for a drink one thing leads to another and you are faced with some really hot sex scenes.

Vic has awakened Niall's body, heart, and soul with the mix of his rough and gentle touches and bossy ways. She is still struggling with the tragedy of her past and a present that could ultimately destroy this erotic world that Niall and Vic have created around them. Vic has been burned once and now doesn't trust women enough to become emotionally involved, however there is something about the sadness in Niall's eyes that reaches towards him. Can Vic get over his past hurts in time to see just how much he and Niall need each other?

Wicked Burn started at high speed and maintained it throughout the entire story. Ms Kerry weaved passion and love between these two characters while pulling you in deeper and deeper. I really sympathized with Niall and everything that she endured only to come out of a cocoon and shine. It is a real page turner that will keep you sweating! I am going out and buying myself a copy to put on my keeper shelf for future reading. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading Wicked Burn, I highly recommend you Run, don't walk, out right now and buy it!!

Sojourn With A Stranger by K. Celeste Bryan

Winter ROR Challenge #8. Title with four words
Rating: 5 stars

Blurb:

Penniless when she arrives in Norfolk , her mother and father drowned at sea, Raine Brinsley would give anything to return home to her grandfather in Maine . When Derek Stafford, owner of a large plantation, offers a solution to her dilemma, she’s stunned, if not outraged. She’d prefer to fulfill the contract to have his child and forget about him and his self-serving scheme. But she hadn’t counted on the decadently-delicious passion he’d awakened in her.

Derek’s only desire was to father an heir for Stafford House, thus securing his future. He didn’t count on the Scottish lass with dark green eyes to interfere with his well-laid plans. But after one night in her arms, guilt, not to mention the loss of his heart, became his penance. Now he’d do anything to get her back, anything to quench the hunger and passion tormenting his soul.

My Thoughts: ***Sigh*** What can I say... this was such a good book! K. Celeste Bryan did a superb job in this story!!! I was immediately pulled into the story of Raine and Derek.
Raine is a young woman full of Scottish blood... and we all know how stubborn those Scots can be! When faced with the tragic loss of her parents she finds herself stranded in Norfolk without a penny and refusing to write to the only relative she has left. She will not except Derek's offering to pay her way home, willing only to work in his employ to save money to make her own way home. Derek comes up with another plan... a very selfish one at that. If Raine agrees to Derek's schemes she will have enough money to get home, take care of her Grandfather, and never worry about money again.
Bryan makes you love, hate, and pity Derek. He was selfish and selfless. He blames himself for his late wife losing her mind, that and the decisions he has made since Raine showed up on his doorstep sends him running from Stafford Hall when Raine needs him the most.
I didn't want the story to end. It was another late night of reading...
There was love, loss, mystery, and ghosts in this book. It is a must read that has landed a permanent spot on my shelf under favorites!!

Broken Wing by Judith James

ROR Winter Challenge #15. Title with a "W"

440 pages

Rating: 5+++

Judith James has created two characters that will be remembered for years to come. Broken Wing is the story of a very wounded young man and a very caring and giving young woman who find friendship out of hardship and love out of friendship.

Gabriel has suffered at the hands of some very cruel and sick people. All that keeps him going is the promise he has made to himself to keep young Jaime safe from the same fate that he has experienced. Gabriel doesn't not relish the idea of Jaime's family finally coming to retrieve them both after five years. Why would this well to do family want him knowing what he is.

Sarah sees Gabriel in a different light. She wants to help him mend and get past his tortured upbringing and life. They forge a friendship through astronomy, meeting at night in Sarah's room. Sarah has become a safe haven for Gabriel and his tormented past. The friendship blossoms into a very strong love, one that neither is willing to let go of. Gabriel leaves Sarah, his safety net and love of his life, to make a fortune and return to her. Circumstances prevent an immediate return. Can their love hold through this estrangement?

I think I experienced every emotion possible while reading this book. It has been a journey of torment, friendship, healing, forgiveness and love! I am in total awe as I write this review. To witness such love blossom between two people in this way, to witness the healing process that Gabriel had to face, and the difficulties life dealt this couple comes without words to describe. I am utterly speechless and so overcome with awe. I now understand why Cindy said that she could not pick up another book for a few days. I didn't want the story to end! Broken Wing has surpassed so many of my expectations when reading a romance novel, well any novel at all. I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone I know.

My Lord and Spymaster by Joanne Bourne

#9. Military or Civil Servant
Rating: 5 stars
324 pages

Back Cover: Raised as a poor but cunning pickpocket, Jess Whitby may have grown into a wealthy young woman, but now she must once again rely on her guile. Her father's been wrongly accused of selling secrets to Napoleon, and he is going to hang-unless Jess finds the real traitor in the London underworld. She never dreamed her search would begin by waking up naked in a rude captian's bed. Or how little she'd mind...
When Captain Sebastian Kennett prevents a kidnapping on the London docks, he takes the headstrong would-be victin home. He's infatuated with her courageous spirit. She's enthralled by his commanding strength and the sexy spark in her eyes. The she discovers something else about the spellbinding seaman: He could be the traitor she's hunting, the man whose next move could determine her father's fate- and her future as well.

Review: My Lord and Spymaster was a great follow up to The Spymaster's Lady. The secondary characters, Adrian and Doyle, from The Spymaster's Lady made appearances here as well.
Jess has set her mind to figuring out who Cinq, the traitor selling information to France, and freeing her father before it is too late. Bastard Kennett is number one on her list of suspects. Her attempt to lift any information Kennett may be carrying on his body is foiled when a group of Irish men attempt to abduct Jess from Katherine Lane. She has now fallen into Sebastian's clutches and Adrian has requested that Sebastian protect Jess from Cinq and herself.
There is an immediate spark between these two, the tension is electric. You could feel Jess and Sebastian coming together...see Jess fighting it. It was sweet the way Sebastian took his time with Jess and seemed to know exactly what to do. He knew when Jess's mind was up to something that was going to get her into trouble and he always knew just what to do to help her. I was totally engrossed in My Lord and Spymaster from the very beginning, there was always something happening. Cinq' identity took my by surprise, I was not expecting it at all.
After reading Nicholas, this book seemed PG-13. I definitely recommend reading both My Lord and Spymaster and The Spymaster's Lady, and no they do not need to be read in order. There is actually a third book to this series, but unfortunately it is out of print.