Dirty Girl Reviews

Master of Smoke by Angela Knight

2011-01-29T08:58:00.000-08:00

Master of Smoke
by Angela Knight
Berkely Books
Price $5.99
Urban Fantasy
Released January 4, 2011

Eva Roman co-owns a comic book store with her father, but she’s not your typical retailer – she’s a werewolf who had survived a brutal attack. So when she finds a man being tormented by another werewolf, she steps in to save the handsome Sidhe warrior. Unfortunately, the warrior has no memory of who he is or how to use his incredible powers. And he doesn’t know why teams of werewolf assassins are hot on his trail, but he and Eva must figure it out – or die.

Review:

Master of Smoke was well planned and executed by a Master Story teller. All I can say here is go team Fluffy! The attraction between the characters is cataclysmic and the characters seem to just come alive with the deep point of view. The universe Angela Knight created is filled with magic, poignant emotion and characters that feel real enough to leap off the page.

Although this story has a romance at it's heart, I wouldn't recommend it to just women. There is enough action and combat scenes to keep every man happy right alongside the chicks. Angela Knight knows what the market wants to read and I hope to read many more of her books in the near future.

5 Stars

Buy your copy here:

http://www.amazon.com/Master-Smoke-Mageverse-Angela-Knight/dp/0425239160/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1286124925&sr=8-19

Lions and Lace by Meggan McKinney

2011-01-27T07:46:00.000-08:00

Lions and Lace
by Meggan McKinney
Island Books
Historical Romance
Price $4.99
First Published 1992

Alana Van Alen has a good name in society and used to have money before Trevor Sheridan an Irish outsider vowed to take revenge on society and bankrupted them all. He couldn't bear to see the sadness in his sister's heart when no one attended her coming out party, because she was both Irish and an outsider.

Sheridan had learned early how to get the wealth and the women he wanted. An expert at games of power he played one that would destroy every famous family that snubbed him. Tricking the beautiful Alana into marrying him was his trump card

Review:

I felt the need to explore some of the old classic historical romances since I haven't seen too many lately. During the nineties readers coldn't get enough of them and publishers were begging for them so I found this one in a used bookstore and decided to take my chances. This book was good for it's time but my expectations are higher now. Constant point of view changes are distracting and it's hard to get into the story when it's written in a passive tense. I also think most of the conflict felt contrived, and forced. Miscommunication that could have been cleared up with a blunt conversation. I didn't enjoy the book as much as I could have. The basic storyline was okay but I didn't feel it was carried out well by the writer. So I just have to give a lowr rating this time.

2 Stars

Lynne's Love Triangle by Cherie Denis and Missy Lyons

2010-09-30T18:21:00.000-07:00

Lynne's Love Triangle
by Cherie Denis and Missy Lyons
Siren Publishing
Price $5.50
Genre: menage, cougar, erotic romance

Lynne had to videotape the supernova hot sex the night she landed two men in her bed because she knew it would never happen again. Kurt is sweet and sexy. Troy is dominating and masterful. Both of her new lovers fulfill her better than her deepest fantasy man. How could she pick just one? Will it make a difference that they are both over twenty years younger than her? Will the flames of their desire burn out after this single night of passion is over?

And more importantly, can her new lovers pull together when it really counts and protect her from a crazy stalker trying to kill her? Only time will tell.

My Review: This book Lynne's Love Triangle was the first book in the Twisted Sex Games series. I found it to be totally enjoyable and full of adventure, love, and enough suspense to keep us on the edge of our seat to see Lynne get her happily ever after with the two loves of her life. The plot centered around some fun sexual exploration and the sex tape going viral on the internet. After falling in love with the characters in this book, I can't wait to see what Cherie and Missy have in store for us in the rest of this series.

If you enjoy sensual and explicit M/M/F romance, Elvis, and the steadfast love of good friends, you are sure to love this book.

5 Stars

>>>>

Buy your copy here:

http://www.bookstrand.com/lynnes-love-triangle

Black Male by Evelynne Fox

2010-09-25T14:39:00.000-07:00

Black Male
by Evelynne Fox
Price $2.99
Hot Tropica Publishing
Genre:

Blackmailed by a human.

And it had to be a human, because no one else would be so stupid. It seemed impossible and yet the three pictures that came with the letter clearly came from someone truly ignorant to what Alexander Kohler was or what he was capable of. Evidently his years with a blood source and his Cajun lover had made him soft as a mercenary vampire.

But after 30 days without blood and losing his lover, he was feeling just a little cranky.

Jack is working as a freelance photographer and barely scraping by, when he stumbles on a murder scene. He doesn’t know the black male dumping gasoline on the body or why he would want to hide the evidence of a murder, but he does know this man will pay a lot of money to get the pictures back. This could be the opportunity of a lifetime—or the chance to get himself killed.

My review: If you are a fan of m/m romance you must read this book. From what I understand it's the beginning of a series starring a dynamic black male. Ex-football pro Alex Kohler lives his life as a vampire that seduces his prey before pouncing on it, turning the tables on the man that would have blackmailed him. I found this short sexy read very enjoyable and think you will too.

5 Stars

>>>>

Buy it here:

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-blackmale-455195-139.html

Heart of a Cowboy by Missy Lyons

2010-09-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

Heart of a Cowboy
Missy Lyons
by Siren Publishing
Price $4.50
Genre: m/m/m

Derek is only working for a month to pay off his debt to Jessie, but not everyone likes his openly homosexual lifestyle. He knows what it feels like to be beaten to within an inch of his life so he doesn't give a rat's ass what people think.

The attraction between him and the hunky Indian Ishwar is instantly satisfying. He finds himself begging for more every second he is near him, but when he falls into the arms of a stranger, things only begin to heat up, until an unforeseen peril puts him in danger.

Derek must prove he has the heart of a cowboy, and it will take every ounce of love and strength in his heart to make it through this ordeal alive.

My Review: The threesomes characters were interesting and HOT! The Heart of a Cowboy is a must read for m/m fans. You can't help but fall for the main character Derek as you learn the hardships he had to go through in life. I enjoyed the way the author, Missy Lyons built up to the happily ever after for the three men. I am looking forward to meeting the rest of the werewolf pack and more about the characters introduced in the first book of the Riding Western style series, Cowboys Don't Dance.

5 Stars

>>>>

Buy your copy here:

http://www.bookstrand.com/heart-of-a-cowboy

Heart of Darkness by Susan Krinard, Maggie Shayne, and Gena Showalter

2009-12-29T06:24:00.000-08:00

Heart of Darkness
Gena Showalter, Susan Krinard, Maggie Shayne
Publisher: Harlequin Spice
ISBN: 9780373774319
Length: 328 Pages
Published 12/29/09
Price $7.99

Most the time when I read a collection of stories it's because one of the authors has a big enough name to draw me in. Sometimes you get lucky to find a gem, but most of the time the new authors don't have a refined voice yet and their story isn't quite as captivating as the others.

But even with that said, short is better at times such as now. When the kids are home from school and the babies are under foot. There is a lot less time to kick back with a good book, and having a good story in so few pages can still emotionally satisfying. So sit back, take your shoes off and read. The Christmas decorations will still be there next week. They can wait to be put away.

Here's some tidbits about each of the stories. I'll try not to share too many spoilers.

The Darkest Angel by Gena Showalter
Lysander is an archangel on a search and destroy mission. He is baffled when for the first time in his life he feels desire, and the overwhelming magnetic attraction is coming from his target, a harpy named Bianka that descended from Lucifer. I loved this fun twist on the never ending battle between good and evil. Gena Showalter wrote a pageturner. I could not put this book down until I finished this story and it left me with a lasting memory long after I shut the book.

Love Me To Death by Margaret Benson
David grew up with a guilty conscience. A runaway girl named Sierra, that he happened to have a crush on was staying at an abandoned house that he set on fire with a maltov cocktail. Twenty two years later he worked as a firefighter, trying to forget his pain through heroic actions. The romance in this story has a long build up, much like watching a horror movie, I kept waiting for something to break the tension, expecting that something to be supernatural. A bloodsucking vampire didn't jump out through the pages and it wasn't the ghost I had been expecting, more like love reincarnated. Huh, while interesting I found the flashbacks to be distracting and take me out of the 'now' of the story, but overall it was a good romance.

Lady of the Nile by Susan Krinard
Leo Erskine and The Dowager Duchess believes she is an Egyptian Princess reincarnated and normally aloof Leo Erskine thinks she is delusional even if she is beautiful. This romance is written more in the classic tradition of Regency romances, with all the rules of high society a very enjoyable read and my second favorite in the volume.

This anthology was like eating at a buffet, giving you a small taste of each author's style. You may not like all the stories, but you're sure to find at least one new author to enjoy. I know I did.

Happy reading,
Your friendly neighborhood dirtygirl!

Wild Wyoming Nights by Sandy Sullivan

2009-12-14T12:46:00.000-08:00

Wild Wyoming Nights
Sandy Sullivan
by Siren Publishing
Length 202 Pages
Price $5.50

I've been on a western reading kick lately, so I've been culling through my endless to be read pile and picked out a relatively new Siren author to try. It always surprises me when the main romance characters start out in a relationship, but it's not for long.

Abigail is married to a firefighter, and today's date is September 11th. Get the picture? *Sigh. Not surprisingly, newly widowed Abbigail wants to start over and leave some of the heartache in the past along with her memories of her late husband Josh. His ghost visits her and tells her to love again. She needs to heal, she needs to be happy and that's not much to ask, but she still clings to his ghost.

Abby totals her jeep in a wild snowstorm and is injured. Chase is the volunteer firefighter who is the first to respond. When she first sees him, she mistakes hi for her dead huisband. She isn't the only one with mental baggage. He lost his wife to an accident much like the one Abigail was in.

For me the devil is in the details. Even in a contemporary romance, I want all the characters fully fleshed out and researched and Sandy did her job without info dumping. I felt like I was there because of her vivid attention to detail especially with the technical and medical terminology.

At times WILD WYOMING NIGHTS was heart wrenching, and at other times it was sweet and sexy going down like a smooth hot chocolate--perfect for warming up a cold winter's night. The end delivered where it promised a deeply satisfying happily ever after. Overall, Ms. Sullivan penned a very enjoyable read.

5 Stars

>>>>

Buy Now

**Disclaimer: I did recieve a copy of the book for review purposes. Being free does not sway my opinion, and I offer this review honestly to my readers.

Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas

2009-11-23T04:41:00.000-08:00

Smooth Talking Stranger
Lisa Kleypas
St. Martin Press
ISBN-13: 978-0-312-35166-3

I have read enough of Lisa Kleypas work that I pretty much buy her books on sight now if I happen to see one in the store. She is poignant and has the ability to design three dimensional characters that seem very real.

This time I was a little disappointed. It was like reading a bad movie on the lifetime channel for women. Sure, the book was full of drama and angst, but it's just not what I am looking for in a romance book.

I was irritated when I opened the first page and found it was written in first person. I hate reading books in first person. You don't get to look at all the characters points of view, everything's one sided. It's never as fun to read the sex scenes. I usually excuse this point of view in mysteries and I decided to do my best and ignore it in this case too.

Remember, I really like this author. I want to read this book. More than anything I want to enjoy it. So I keep reading.

Ella is in a long term relationship that is safe but not really committed. She doesn't speak to family because they are just weird and it feels like she is always tryiong to be the peacemaker and fix everyone's problems. Her mother calls to tell her that her sister dropped off a baby and if she doesn't pick it up, she will be dropping it off at Social Services.

Ella's current boyfriend wants nothing to do with it and won't even let her bring it home. He is very unsupportive and it's eye opening to the reader and to all the characters around Ella, but she is oblivious. Ella takes on the child wanting to do the right thing and immediately falls in love.

Her sister is very secretive about the father and is in a mental hospital recovering from her toxic relationships. Ella. does a little detective work and comes up with a list of possible Daddies. Jack is the first guy she accuses of being the father, and it's kind of a weird place to start a romantic relationship, but the sparks are there and Ella is currently in a relationship so she denies they are there.

She goes home at some point to find she has been in an open relationship all along and she didn't know it. In the end, she has to give back the baby and she commits to
Jack. In the Epilogue, the baby goes back to Ella because her sister can't deal with him on the road during an affair with a married man.

Now, don't get me wrong, but the open relationship that she was in bothered Ella. How is she supposed to be approving of her sisters affair with her married man? Does she just shut up so she can keep the baby? Does it really matter if her sister is happy living that way when it's almost guaranteed to end painfully?

I hated this book. It did stir up emotion in me but not in a good way. I understand what the author is probably going through and possibly even getting bored with her writing. So she is pushing the envelope. It's difficult to write a romance around a baby so she had to try it. She had to try first person because she needed a change, but I don't enjoy it as much as a reader.

There were things the author thought about ahead of time, and because the main characters of the book would be having sex, she set the crib up in the living room and not in the bedroom. The characters set to have a relationship were made for each other. One is a first born and the hero is a baby or middle child with those kind of traits. It's something this author is known for paying attention to, the personality traits and I love that, but the had to go in places I didn't like. Bringing up the sexual molestation, the mother who would seduce her boyfriends, the crap no one wants to deal with wasn't necessary. I read romances to escape the traditional problems in life, not to throw my mind deeper into the trash pit of modern day civilization. The happily ever after doesn't excuse that.

So I am giving her two stars for this book.

2 stars

Hungry for Your Love by Various Ravenous Romance authors

2009-11-22T09:52:00.000-08:00

HUNGRY FOR YOUR LOVE
by Ravenous Romance Authors
Published by Ravenous Romance
Retail Price $6.99/ $4.99 on the publisher website
ISBN-13: 978-1-60777-308-5

Okay, I have to admit my curiosity was piqued when Lori Perkins the editor of HUNGRY FOR YOUR LOVE approached me to do a book review. (Yes that means I got a free copy so I could review the book, now that the FTC disclosure is out of the way, I can tell what I thought about it.) I was absolutle dumbstruck. An entire anthology of zombie romances? What's sexy about dead people? Oh wait, there's an entire sub-industry of vampire romances aren't there? Okay, I had to check it out and I was pleasantly surprised.

Anthologies are tricky to review because sometimes you don't enjoy every story the same. One may leave you with better vibes than others so I'm going to try to say a little something about most of the individual stories. Some I left out or this would be an unusually long review.

Romance Ain’t Dead by Jeremy Wagner--A first person recollection of a husband that brought his dead wife back to life after drowning in Lake Michigan. Cute and sweet in a slightly morbid way.

Revanants Anonymous by Francesca Lia Block--This one leans more towards the horror side of the spectrum. It opens in a meeting for flesh eating zombies who want to connect with what's left of their human side. This one showed the main characters connecting really well.

I Heart Brains by Jaime Saare--This was like reading something out of the Twilight Zone. A man needs to buy a new body since catching the zombie virus. He finds one that will work, but he has to meet the wife of the deceased as a stipulation to buying it. I feel like I missed out on something to miss nine months and then have a glimpse of the relationship at the 'I love you' stage.

Everyone I Love is Dead by Elizabeth Coldwell--Elizabeth has integrated the undead with the living and they have jobs and eat animal body parts so they don't have to eat human brains. Mark comes back after being dead four years and dates the woman he used to love. It was enjoyable and kind of sweet in a morbid way.

Through Death to Love by S.M. Cross--This starts out in a speech therapy session for zombies but does turn into a date.

Later by Michael Marshall Smith--The hero loses his girlfriend suddenly in an accident but is able to bring her back later. It's written using telling and not showing in some places and I was disappointed in the ending, but this story does overcome death sharing just how much the hero loves his woman.

Overall, this was a good read. It may have been started on a double dog dare, but HUNGRY FOR YOUR LOVE was good enough to start a cult following. I can see zombies being the new vampires of romance. Which is good, because I was getting a little tired of fangs.

Buy your copy today here:

http://www.ravenousromance.com/fantastica/hungry-for-your-love-an-anthology-of-zombie-romance.php

Cowboys Don't Dance by Missy Lyons and Cherie Denis

2009-11-14T13:30:00.000-08:00

This book was given to me by one of the authors for the sole purpose of reviewing it, and I was happy to pick up something different to read for once. A western romance always catches my attention and who could ignore that cowboy on the cover? Certainly not me.

Cowboys Don't Dance
by Missy Lyons and Cherie Denis
Published by Siren Publishing
Price $3.99

Cowboys Don't Dance has more than a sexy cowboy on the cover to offer readers. Even though he is oddly disconcerting and mesmerizing, I tore my eyes away long enough to read the ebook.

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

It had a slow start for the first few pages, but then the story takes off suddenly with Jesse returning home after years on the rodeo circuit. Angela is his best friends baby sister and she secretly loved him while he could have any woman he wanted. He seems to be engaged, but it turns out Linda has jumped the gun, announcing the engagement before she bothers to tell him. The breakup was kind of funny actually.

Jesse shows up to the dance lessons, because he feels obligated and he likes Angela as a friend, while she thinks he is there for his fiancee. One thing leads to another and well, let's just say things get pretty hot and heavy there in that little dance studio.

The sex scenes between Jesse and Angela are emotionally charged and full of heat. Just the way I like them. The story over all was extremely well written and layered with action and more drama than a daytime soap opera. The romance wasn't as predictable as some other stories I have read recently from bigger name authors. I can't wait to see what comes next from this writing duo, and what Missy Lyons and Cherie Denis have in store for us. I just fell in love with a dancing cowboy named Jesse Burke after reading this story. Cowboys Don't Dance comes highly reccommended.

5 Stars

>>>>

Buy Now:

http://www.bookstrand.com/product-cowboysdontdance-15894-212.htmll\

Pure Magic by Anne Sorgeson

2009-11-11T10:29:00.000-08:00

Just to get the new FTC regulations out of the way, I did receive a free copy from the author to review the book.

Pure Magic
be Anne Sorgeson
Red Rose Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-60435-175-0
length 47 pages

blurb:

Is there more than magic in the air?

Cassie and Harold have worked together for a long time. Hearing about a great opportunity to do a nude magic show, Harold is all for it but knows that Cassie will need to be too.

Cassie has kept her feelings to herself for so long, now she finally sees her chance to let him know how she really feels but will she regret it or will it be Pure Magic?

My opinion might be a little prejudiced because I am not overly fond of the "we were friends forever but we suddenly turn lovers books". This story has a cute premise, and the two main characters are to perform naked together in a magic act, but it still left a few unanswered questions for me. Why would they suddenly begin to kiss all the time if they never had before? Two naked people not having sex until the end of the book felt like there was tension trying to be added that just wasn't really there. It just felt unnatural. Anne Sorgeson was at times funny and the idea of the magic being real was rather cool, but the relationship of the characters left me flat. Even the tension between the sisters kind of just fizzled. The conflict was resolved without anything happening.

This rated three stars:

If you are still interested you can buy your copy here:

http://redrosepublishing.com/bookstore/product_info.php?products_id=193

Dirty Diana by Lexie Davis

2009-08-24T19:57:00.001-07:00

Dirty Diana
By Lexie Davis
Siren Publishing
Novella length
Heat level 5 cherries
5 Stars
$4.99

Dirty Diana is the stage name of a porn star who is getting burnt out in the business. She wants to retire and settle down in a serious relationship.

After she finishes up filming her last movie, she is kidnapped. She barely manages to escape her captors and the local sheriff takes her in. His three brothers offer her plenty of hospitality and security. Country style. She’s happier than she ever thought she could be in this nontraditional relationship.

Lexie writes with a pleasing voice, her lighthearted voice, makes her main characters likeable and makes the reader really worry for Diana’s safety when she is abducted and her ex-husband is after her. The characters feel three dimensional and did I mention the sex? Dirty Diana is one hot read but it's Diana's search for love in all the wrong places that kept me turning the pages.

5 Stars

Buy here:

http://www.bookstrand.com/product-dirtydiana-14861-200.html

Sex Games by Natalie Acres

2009-08-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

Sex Games
Series: Cowboy Sex 2
Natalie Acres
By Natalie Acres
Siren Publishing
Novel length
$6.99
Heat 5 cherries

Vick Little is having a hard time settling down for one man in this book. She has the hots for not one, not two, but three men, and when they turn out to be brothers, she is as surprised as anyone.

This is the second in a series so you get to revisit old favorites and meet some new ones. A few cays were killed in the making of this book. The combined sex and the threat to the characters made this a really hot read and oh yeah, the sex was good too.

Natalie Acres made this menage romance look easy, when not all writers are able to make the relationships between the characters feel so natural.

5 stars

Buy here:

http://www.bookstrand.com/product-sexgames-14373-200.html

Deadly I llusions by Chester D. Cambell

2009-02-27T12:19:00.001-08:00

Deady Illusions
A Greg McKenzie Mystery
By Chester D. Campbell
Published by Durban House Books
Price $12.95

While I don’t usually read first person stories, let alone mysteries, I enjoyed this one. It’s one of a series of books about a married retired couple working as a pair of gumshoe detectives. Stumbling on mysteries and solving murders. Just like in real life then have more than one case they are solving at the same time. Some more important than others.

Molly Saint hires the detective agency to find out more about her husband and then mysteriously disappears. Not soon after, Greg is drawn into the murder of the Federal Reserve Board Chairman.

What I really found fun to read was the detailed snippets about Nashville. The author is local and sets the book here. It was packed full of fun tidbits that allowed me to travel to those places without leaving my armchair.

5 stars

Infidelity by Debbie Gould

2009-02-19T03:46:00.000-08:00

Infidelity
Debbie Gould
Red Rose Publishing
Long

Lainie was pregnant and in a violent relationship. Luke was there with her brother when he came to rescue her. He heard the call that detailed her abuse and I tore at his heart. He blamed himself for not staying with her when he was younger. She wouldn’t have married the abusive husband if he did. But now he had his own demons from his past to fight. He wasn’t emotionally ready for a relationship again and the only thing he could offer her was friendship.

Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster. Lainie loses her baby and is in an abusive relationship both mentally and physically and from there things just go downhill fast. Or at least they seem to. Yet the romance is very heartwarming, between two battered souls. Infidelity is just what I want in a romance book, it carries me away into fantasy and touches my heart. The mystery of who is still after her, even after her husband’s death keeps the reader interested.

As a side note, I got a little hung up as a reader when it came to the medical issues. I want to hear to hear the technical terms, like compound fractures instead of a detailed description of the fibula sticking out of the leg. I also got hung up on her taking a bath immediately after having a cesarean with staples. The hospital would have told her not to immerse herself in a bath until her next doctor appointment. Stupid, I know, but those kinds of things throw me off.

Otherwise it’s an excellent book, and it explores the side of life most of us don’t want to talk about. Abusive relationships have been around for years, and it helps to be reminded of the warning signs, so we can recognize it with those we love. It’s a shameful secret hidden in many closets, but this helps to bring some of those details of a battered woman’s life to light. Debbie Gould is a rising star among ebook authors and she is going to be on my autobuy list if she continues to write such interesting books.

4 Stars

Buy your copy at:

www.redrosepublishing.com

Market For Love by Jamaica Layne

2008-12-30T16:51:00.000-08:00

Title: Market for Love
Author: Jamaica Layne
Publisher: Cheek Virgin Books
Heat Level: Mucho Caliente
Genre: Contemporary Erotica
ISBN: 13:978-0-352-34203-4
10:0-352-340103-X
Length: Novel

Review:

Caution: Make sure to use oven mitts when reading this book, because the sex scenes are hot enough to sear your fingers right off the pages.

Our heroine, Miranda is strong and intelligent, and despite every obstacle she comes out fighting. She’s easy to identify with, when her bad day goes from bad to worse. Losing eight million dollars is bad, but then to find out she just had casual sex wit her boss? Having her period is only icing in the cake.

Max is our sexy hero and tries his best to do the right thing, doing everything in his power to protect the woman he loves. Even if that means never seeing her again. He has been blackmailed for years, but now his vengeful ex has the ultimate weapon at her disposal, a sex tape of him and Miranda, that she threatens to make public.

Jamaica Layne knows what a romance reader wants and she gives it to them from the very first page. Market for Love kept me glued to my seat until the very end. The couple meet quickly, allowing the book to focus on the relationship. The sex scenes are sizzling and never slow down after the first time. It only gets hotter. I highly recommend this one. Once you read Jamaica Layne, she will be on your auto-buy list.

5 Stars

Buy Here:

http://www.amazon.com/Market-Love-Jamaica-Layne/dp/035234203X

Thorn of Ebon by faith Bicknell-Brown

2008-12-10T13:54:00.000-08:00

Thorn of Ebon
By Faith Bicknell-Brown
Publisher Freya’s Bower

This book is part of a series, based on three daughters, half human, half fairy. While each book seems to be a standalone title, I would recommend reading the books in order so you have a full understanding of the character’s personality and references to past events.

I really enjoyed this book. It was not only well-researched, but well written. Faith managed to (once again) take us on an adventure into the past, to a time where humans and magic coexisted. A time where the Norse gods had more power and when things went wrong we blamed it on the god of mischief, Loki.

Freya’s favorite of the three daughters, Loilati was sent on a quest to seek out the Thorn of Ebon, and prevent the Fae races from being killed.. She rides out on a warhorse bred by Thor himself, and in the company of elves and other magical creatures. Along the way, she discovers her hidden power is fire and learns how to control it. This book made me laugh out loud several times, and is packed full of surprises. If you are a fan of fantasy or mythology, you won’t want to miss the Thorn if Ebon.

5 stars

Buy now at:

www.freyasbower.com

Dare to Dream

2008-12-04T11:31:00.000-08:00

Dare to Dream
by Leigh Ellwood
Phaze Books

Book Four of the Dareville series.

While this is a standalone title and can be read seperately, I would recommend reading the other books first to understand the characters better.

Claire Walker is publically humiliated by her company and is forced to return home to Dareville and start over. J.J. is there waiting for her and just attracte to her as he ever was. She comes up with a plan to make a list of things that she wants to do before she dies. A few items on that list require sexual exploration that J.J. is more than willing to help out with.

Dare to Dream was a great escape and novel length so you didn't have to let go of the characters any sooner than you wanted to. The characters came to life with her realistic dialogue, but most importantly, the sex was H-O-T! Hot!!

5 Stars

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

2008-11-29T16:04:00.000-08:00

This was a fantastic read.

I have to admit I wasn't enthusiastic as I should have been when I started reading this one. All I could think of was, what another vampire book? How long are we going to be on this vampire trend anyway?

But the author really surprised me. It was like visitng another world. A supernatural place where magic still existed alongside of my own mundane reality. It was not filled with graphic violence, or sex and it still managed to keep my attention by giving me insightful new details about the undead race.

When you read this book you will see what the big is all about and exactly why they made a new movie. The glittery thing kind of threw me, but it does explain a lot of things, like why we don't see vampires during the day. The level of emotion between the characters is intense and the dialogue is fabulously realistic. Whis lends itself to being a movie even easier.

All I want for Christmas is Edward. Yummy!

5 Stars

This book is available for purchase at all major bookstores and Amazon.com

Honeysuckle and Wild Roses by Zinnia Hope

2008-11-21T05:34:00.000-08:00

Honeysuckle and Wild Roses
By Zinnia Hope
Length: Sensual Novella

Honey is having erotic dreams visited by a devastatingly sexy lover who pushes her into the throes of passion every night, but she doesn’t know who he is and it really doesn’t matter. He is merely a dream lover and she is betrothed to another man whom she does not love, but it will save her family from financial ruin. Honor and loyalty, will make her go through with the marriage despite her heart’s desire.

It is said that the seventh daughter carries a bit of magic in her, and that it is from the blood of the green people in her. The Green man is the last of his kind and wants to replenish his kind. He is attracted by the smell of honeysuckle and wild roses, and flowers that is put off by these special daughters and to protect them, their mothers go through a ritual on their birthday lining the house windows and doors in honeysuckle.

This is an interesting take on a very old fairy tale. Honeysuckle and Wild Roses has fully developed side characters as well as main characters. Which I loved. It made the entire story really come to life. Zinnia Hope keeps the reader guessing, throwing in unexpected twists and turns, until the very end. Although I have to admit the brother thing threw me off a little, she made the entire book a real page turner.

4 Stars

Available at Freya’s Bower
www.freyasbower.com

A Celtic Lover's Magic by Lisa Alexander-Griffin

2008-11-18T07:45:00.000-08:00

A Celtic Lover’s Magic
By Lisa Alexander-Griffin
Length: Short and sensual
Genre: Paranormal Irish Romance

Liam inherits a run down mansion in the middle of the Irish countryside. Upon his arrival, he realizes everyone has been expecting him and knows his name. A sense of déjà vu hits him in the house, but the most startling of all is the mysterious red haired woman that appeared only to him. After some research he discovers there’s some truth in the old fairy tales and that the sidhe really do exist and one of his long dead ancestors had promised to protect them. If he renews the promise, he will also be granted his heart’s desire.

For an author’s debut single title, this was very good. A Celtic Lover’s Magic was an extremely entertaining story, sweeping you into a world where magic des exist and dreams do come true.

Available December 9, 2008 at www.freyasbower.com

4 Stars

Buy now : Freya's Bower

One Touch, One Glance

2008-11-15T06:49:00.000-08:00

One Touch, One Glance is a collection of sweet romances that is sure to lift your spirits this holiday. The official release date is December 8th, 2008, but I got a sneak peek at this and just had to share. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and there was enough different styles to please everyone. I am not going to grade every story individually but I will tell you a little about all of them and give the entire book an average grade.

5AM on Sunday Morning by Gwen Hayes
Ryan is finally ready to tell Kelsey how he feels about her after being best friends since college. This was a great friends story and as for Ryan, he could play doctor with me any day.

I heard you, You know by M.E. Ellis
What an unusual beginning t a love story, with a heroine who can’t flirt and is arrested for shoplifting. I was wondering where the author was going at first with this one, but it was written with a snarky voice with a cute ending. Very lighthearted and humorous.

New Love by Maryann Miller
Seniors need love too. Love can be even better the second time around in this love story, proving there can still be love in your life after the age of 40. MaryAnn Miller shows us wine isn’t the only thing that gets better with age in this delightful story.

A Ride to Remember by Adelle Lauden
Another grandma love story. I may make fun, but I really like these kinds of stories, because I find the characters have more depth and are more realistic. Adelle Laudan is a very talented romance author that can make even the most hardened biker romantic.

Sweet Tea Maggie by K. Starling
Bed and Breakfast hotels are intimate settings, where romance blossoms, but with a pig farmer? Yes, I was surprised too, but it worked. Mrs. Starling can make anything romantic.

Tuesday’s Affair by Trinity Blacio
Second chances at love are never easy, especially when we are nurturing a broken heart. Trinity Blacio weaves a sweet tale reuniting two lovers from the past.

Lavender Heart by Debbie Gould
Beautiful lavender eyes, hidden behind physical scars. He told her to walk away, but she couldn’t and he couldn’t forget the one woman who saw past his hideous exterior to the colors within. Debbie Gould will make you believe in magic again, with this modern Beauty and the Beast story.

Forever Found by Debbie Gould
A single mom, who had been burned by men in the past found it hard to trust any men. Jason is going against the odds to even try, but he needs to help her believe in love again, if they can ever be happy together. As a soldier, he isn’t one to give up without a fight. This is a fast paced romance, but it is certain to tug at your heartstrings.

Waking Up by Ava James
Waking up is a military romance, with a wounded soldier, who has more than physical pain, his heart needs healing too. Ripping out the catheter would have caused excruciating pain and damage, but after I got over that forgotten detail I has found this a really enjoyable romance. That’s what I get for having a medical background, I can’t read the medical romances not written by someone with experience in that field. Ava James is an extremely talented author and I can’t wait to see what she has planned next. I do love men in uniform.

Under the Christmas Stars by Faith Bicknell Brown
Sometimes we find the wrong guy before we can find Mr. Right. Who needs mistletoe when you have the Christmas stars to kiss under. Faith Bicknell-Brown will chase away the cold on a frigid winter night with this sweet romance. She is a very talented editor and author.

He’s on the Menu by Savannah Chase
Yummy! If he’s on the menu, can I have a bite? Jessie is a waitress that crashes her car into the tour bus of rock star, Ian Knight. Savannah Chase has a real winner here with this modern day love story.

Unexpected Gift by Lisa Alexander-Griffin
A Christmas miracle helps two people with broken hearts to love again after they each suffered devastating losses. I didn’t know it was possible to pack that much action and suspense in such a short story. I hope that Lisa Alexander-Griffin continues to surprise me in her writing, and I look forward to reading more of her work.

Whispers in the Wind by Kensana Darnell
I always love a good cowboy story. Mitch has a painful past he wants to forget. Allison still has a little growing up to do. Love takes patience, trust, and time to build, but it doesn’t hurt to be on a ranch, under the stars, or taking a horse ride out into the country together.

Musician’s Monsoon by Brieanna Robertson
Every artist needs a muse, and Zane finds his music again after seeing a face in the crowd. Sophie didn’t expect to get noticed, but she felt a connection to his music, and felt sorry for him after her cousin assaulted him with her chest, so of course she goes back to his hotel. Musician’s Muse was laugh out loud funny, and one you won’t want to miss.

Little Cowgirl by Nicolette Zamora
Nan and Greg meet up at her party, and her costume is a sexy pink cowgirl number that no one could ignore. It was off to a great start and then a little miscommunication causes a little friction between the couple, but it ends with a sweet phone call and a promise for more.

Forever Guy by Jambrea Jo Jones
Samantha believes she found her forever guy in her longtime friend and childhood crush, Jack. Changing a friendship to a romantic relationship can be touchy and it takes a little bit of work to make a believer out of him.

When Time Stood Still by Kathleen MacIver
Mathew is learning blacksmithing weapons in the Scottish highlands. Rhianna fascinates and intrigues him, but the ending to this story has surprising twist. I loved this story.

Wounded Hearts by Missy Lyons
Healing a broken heart takes time and patience. In this touching story, a little girl finds her voice, and two single parents find the other half of their heart.

This anthology really touched my heart, which is why I am giving it a four star rating. It was an above average read, focusing on the emotion and romance not the physical side of love. So it was very satisfying to read.. Not only do I recommend you buy this for yourself, but also for your loved ones. It’s a romance book that won’t make you blush when you hand it to your mother-in-law. The book is sure to leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside after you are through reading.

4 Stars

Buy Now Link:

http://www.freyasbower.com

Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2008-08-19T05:37:00.000-07:00

Acheron
Sherrilyn Kenyon
Price: $24.95
ISBN 13:978-0-312-36215-7
ISBN 10:0-312-36215-3

I hate to give away too many details and throw too many spoilers out, so I am going to be a little unconventional in this review.

I can simply say that I loved this book. It was the long awaited story of the Atlantis god, Ash. We knew he had a terrible past and we knew that he was tormented by one of the greek goddesses, but this is how it was all brought together. How he became the leader and the trainer of all the dark hunters.

It was an emotional read, poignant and tear wrenching in some places, and highly sensual in others. It also had enough backstory that this would be a good read even for those who have not read the rest of the series. Acheron is a highly recommended read. Sherrilyn Kenyon is now on my autobuy list for her remarkable storytelling skills.

5 Stars

Buy Now Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Acheron-Dark-Hunter-Book-Sherrilyn-Kenyon/dp/0312362153/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1219149740

Sex by the Numbers by Marie Donovan

2008-07-03T11:43:00.000-07:00

Sex By the Numbers
By Marie Donovan
Published by Harlequin Blaze books
ISBN: 13:978-0-373-79407-2
Price: $4.99

Accountant Keeley Davis was asked to find out who has been stealing money from Bingham Brothers Investment Firm. She goes undercover as Cherry Smith, personal assistant to Dane.

While working in such close quarters, they become sexually involved in a very steamy relationship. As much as Keely is attracted to him, she doesn't trust him with her heart or her past. She doesn't tell him much about herself, and especially not about her days supporting herself as a stripper. She isn't ready to let her heart go and get broken so easily and experienced too many critical judgements from others.

Marie Donavan keeps the heat on throughout the entire book with witty banter, and characters so lifelike they could walk off the pages. The story was well researched, and extremely realistic. She proves women can be smart and beautiful in the same package. Her hero was handsome but could be protective and caring. Sex by the Numbers was packed with emotion, but the heat is off the scale in this page turner.

5 Stars

Buy Now Link:

http://www.eharlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=17226&cid=192

Bound to Please by Hope Tarr

2008-07-02T04:27:00.000-07:00

Bound to Please
By Hope Tarr

ISBN: 13:978-0-373-79411-9
Publisher: Harlequin Blaze Historicals
Genre: Erotic Historical
Price: $4.99

Brianna MacLeod recently lost her father and was left as laird of her clan. She decided that she needed a child more than anything to secure her position, but with her husband recently killed she needs another man. So she holds the clan who she beleives did it responsible and kidnaps Ewan to use him for stud service.

Ewan Fraser is kidnapped, tied up and chained to Brianna's bed. The last thing he expected was to that she would use him in this way. Yet, the longer he spends in her bed, the more he is determined to be a man she keeps.

This story was actually quite sweet. Ewan and Brianna had met much earlier and promised themselves to one another when they were children, despite their clans being sworn enemies. If things had transpired without interference they may have married and been happy from the beginning, but years passed and there is emotional pain to overcome before they can truly be free to love again. I wouldn't say that having a femal laird of the clan would be accurate for fifteenth century Scotland, but this was a good book overall.

4 Stars

Buy now link:

http://www.eharlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=17171&cid=192

The Lady Sun Has Risen

2008-05-08T23:59:00.000-07:00

The Lady Sun Has Risen
Teresa Noelle Roberts
Phaze publishing
45 pages

Miryea is travelling to a foreign land to finish her training to become a physician and not jsut a healer. Everything is new to her an dshe is just a little curious about the rites of passion she can experience at the Equinox. Laying together with a stranger is supposed to be a blessing to Lady Sun and Lord Grain and lucky. The local men don't treat their women the same as where she was raisedm but they still intrigue her, especially a man named Adamir.

Teresa Noelle Roberts (Whew! That's a long name!) immerses the reader n her world from the very beginning. This makes it very easy to get drawn into the story and want to learn more. Teresa Noelle Roberts is a genius at mixing fantasy and erotica and knows how to keep the pages turning.

5 Stars

>>>>>

Del Fantasma:Latin Lover by Tina Bendoni

2008-03-21T12:18:00.000-07:00

Del Fantasma: Latin Lover
By Tina Bendoni
ISBN: 978-1-60168-095-2
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Pages: 48
Price: $2.99

Grace Ridge just got a second job as a waitress at Del Fantasma. She kicked her exboyfriend out of her life, but his loan sharks are coming to her to get paid, and she had to find a way to get the money some way. But not all the customers are human at this bar, and she has learned to be very accepting and just keep her mouth shut. One night a vampire name Eduardo comes into her life and turns everything upside down. Eduardo is determined to help rescue Grace from the mess she is in whether she wants the help or not.

Who knew the story could center around a drink? There's a great recipe at the end of this for a Latin Lover. How cool is that? Heck, I would buy this book just for the drink recipe, but I was glad to see a great story come with it. Latin Lover, was a good rescue me story. Her prince charming is the not so usual vampire who makes everything better, and seems to know when she is getting herself into trouble. This was the perfect lunchtime read.

3 Stars

Buy now:

http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/new-releases/del-fantasma-latin-lover/prod_132.html

The Learning Curve by Christy Gissendaner

2008-03-21T05:37:00.000-07:00

The Learning Curve
By Christy Gissendaner
Aspen Mountain Press
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Sexual Content: Sensual
Price: $4.99

What's a budding romance author to do if they are still a virgin? How could they possibly write that sizzling hot bestseller when they haven't experience what it's like to make love for themselves yet? That is why Sadie turns to her lifelong friend Jason for his bedroom experience, but she can't help entangling her heart in their business relationship.

Sweet and sensual is the words I would use to describe The Learning Curve in the beginning. Although Sadie would have to be extremely naive and innocent to have remained a 25 year old virgin and still be completely clueless to when guy is interested in her, enough so to have to have another woman point out the signs to her. I know that there are older virgins out there, but how could she be that naive to not even pick up not so subtle body language?

It was so unbeleivable that it was funny. You must read The Learning Curve for a refreshingly sweet romance. It was fun lighthearted and not all about the sex, even if Sadie wanted it to be.

3 Stars

Buy Now:

http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/new-releases/learning-curve/prod_72.html

Masks of Emotion by Claire Thomspson

2008-03-21T04:42:00.000-07:00

Masks of Emotion
Claire Thompspn
Aspen Mountain Press
ISBN: 978-1-60168-090-7
Length: Novella
Price: $4.79

Alex and Richard have sparks fly almost immediately when they first meet. Alex fell in love during the few months they spent together, but he soon realizes that Richard is controlling, domineering, and as if that is not enough he is cheating too. Alex isn't sure he likes being in that kind of relationship anymore.

Alex and Julian have never really gotten over an almost fling that happened in Sri Lanka six years ago. Six years later, he meets the man who has been monopolizing his dreams at a costume party.

I was disappointed at the lack of creativity at first, meeeting up at a bar has been done so many times now, but after reading the first chapter I was drawn into the story by the complexity of the characters and their lives. After seeing Alex hurt, you want to see him find happiness, and this time a real happiness, not an infatuation with a man who doesn't love him back. This one's short, sweet, and satisfying. If you are into m/m you should enjoy it too.

4 Stars

Buy now:

http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/in-the-spotlight-/masks-of-emotion/prod_115.html

Neptune's Lair by Dorothy McFalls

2008-03-12T07:16:00.000-07:00

Title: Neptune’s Lair
Author Name: Dorothy McFalls
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publishers Website: www.whispershome.com
Type of Book: eBook
Rating: Hot

Brendan Cromerty is a man who sees visions and he knows he has to rescue Dallas St. John. He is not quite human, and the woman he needs to rescue isn't either. The darkness has a desire to take Dallas and is hunting her. Brendan becomes her rescuer and introduces her to a part of the world she doesn’t understand and has never seen before and her secret heritage.

The story is packed full of sexual tension, and lined with danger. The characters are well developed and the reader is pulled into their world, as they grow and learn to love and overcome their painful past. Dorothy McFalls is very good at what she does, and I feel like she should keep writing these passionate characters.

4 Stars

Forget the Mistletoe by Lizzie Leaf

2008-02-10T12:35:00.000-08:00

Forget the Mistletoe
By Lizze T. Leaf

ISBN: 978-1-60168-078-5
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Genre: Paranormal Contemporary Romance
Price: $3.79

Marta Holt works as an assistant manager to a large retail establishment, but she has a bad attitude when it comes to Christmas. Santa feels like he is personally to blame and gets involved in the matter. So he sends his head elf, Claude in to help.

Linc Randolph is her new very hot boss and he doesn't understand her sour attitude at all sincee he loves the holidays. Claude and Linc come up with a mistletoe program that becoems a huge hit in the community and gets blasted by the media. Throughout the store, they dangle mistletoe and when a member of the opposite sex gets under it, an employee will kiss them on the cheek. This also gives Linc and Marta the opportunity to kiss. A snowstorm helps things move along much faster, when they get stuck in a hotel room together for the night. A little romance can go a long ways to changing a scrooge attitude around.

Lizzie inserts a comical swing to this fun erotic story. I really thought it was cute to have teh parents traumatize her for life by dancing around the tree naked on her sixth birthday. This is a must read Christmas story and if you feel like Christmas went by too quickly this year, it's not too late to get in the Christmas spirit by picking up a copy of Forget the Mistletoe.

Click here for link to book:

http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/more-hot-reads/forget-the-mistletoe/prod_113.html

4 Stars

The Loved Dog by Tamar Geller

2008-01-15T21:08:00.000-08:00

The Loved Dog
by Tamar Geller
ISBN: 976-1-4169-3814-9
$24.95

The Loved Dog isn't a romance, but I thought I would throw this review in for fun, because I am an animal lover. There are many methods to training your dogs, and this method works. It makes teaching your dog, fun, and it's not as violent as some methods. Tamar has worked with dogs of many well known celebrities successfully. Her stories will make you laugh and cry.

This book equates many of the other teaching methods to abusive, and why should we use violence, when there are other methods that work just as well? It was a great book to read and comes highly recommended.

To buy or find out more, click here:

http://www.amazon.com/Loved-Dog-Playful-Nonaggressive-Behavior/dp/1416938141/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1200460865&sr=8-1

5 Stars

Dream by the Fire--Authors from Freya's Bower

2007-12-09T21:08:00.000-08:00

Dream by the Fire: Winter Magic
Authors from Freya's Bower

Anthologies are really a nice way to get to know new authors and get to taste of the flavor of an author's work. This is a holiday collection of stories ranging from hot to mild. Something to satisfy everyone in this group of stories.

A Love Rewritten by Esmerelda Bishop--Ever wonder whatit would be like if the romance novel you were reading came to life? Well, I haven't but here it is. Our lucky heroine falls into a story unfolding that she has just read. It was cute, and fun, and short.

Mistletoe Magic by Lanie Fuller--Starts with a forbodeing note, a promise of danger.
Hannah dreams her husband Jacob was hit by a car. This was a sweet romance--and very enjoyable. The story held a certain amount of suspense and left the reader wondering what was going to happen, a good story overall.

High Maintenance by Jamie Hill--A Ski vacation is nearly ruined when Deidre gets in an accident and breaks her leg. Luckily a maintenace man comes to the rescue...It's lust at first sight--ok well they fall in love but you get the picture. A very sweet story and thoroughly enjoyable read.

Einmal nach a Modresnach by Emily Ryan-Davis--The title may be tough to pronounce but this was a great story. The senses come alive with the Christmas magic. This was an interesting tale wove with magic, and wonder and a promise for the future. Emily is a very talented writer and left me wanting more.

Click here to buy or read excerpts or to buy:

http://www.freyasbower.com/content/view/326/77/

4 Stars

Babes in Toyland II

2007-12-09T14:17:00.000-08:00

Babes in Toyland II
Author: Anderson, Barrack, Delight, Glisan, Greenough, Hasker, Montgomery, Sinclair
ISBN: 978-1-60168-074-7
Genre: Winter holiday stories
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Publication Date: 11/30/2007

Who Offed Holiday Spirit? by Wayne Greenough
Christmas Ink by Skylar Sinclair
Devon Falls: Sticky Magic by Raine Delight
Festival of Lights by Melissa Glisan
Christmas Belle by Dawn Montgomery
Heart's Desire by Michelle Hasker
The Game by Jeanne Barrack

Click for more info or to buy:

http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/new-releases/babes-in-toyland-ii/prod_103.html

Labyrinth by Emma Wildes

2007-12-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

Labyrinth by Emma Wildes
Siren Publishing
73 Pages
$3.50

Adam has only been able to argue with Brittany despite his attraction to her It seems all they do is argue. He has kept his desire for her hidden for a long time now, but he is finding it harder and harder to ignore her seductive curves and when she sneaks into his tent one night and offers herself to him, he can't resist the sexy invitation.

Brittany is the daughter of a Viscount and on an archeologist dig to find the Minotaur's Labyrinth. She has some psychic abilities which have aided her father in finding ancient relics int he past and her visions give her a direction to find the Labyrinth as well.

This book was a perfect lunch time read, and although it was short, it was very satsfying. The dialogue was witty, the heat was so hot between the characters you could feel it. The plot was new and fresh, and the book kept my interest the entire way through it. I must read more of Emma Wildes work.

5 Stars

Click here to buy book:

http://sirenbookstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=69

Manifest Destiny by Gracie C. McKeever

2007-10-22T05:40:00.000-07:00

Manifest Destiny
Gracie C. McKeever
Siren Publishing
ISBN #1-933563-43-5
Paranormal Romance

This book was written to stand alone but is part of a trilogy. I would still recommend reading the others first so you understand how things develop and that this particular family is psychic. It seems Angela is determined to see all of her sisters happy in love whether they want the help or not. She is a psychic matchamker. With a little help from the wise Fair Elf.

Gracie's writing is very well developed with her characters and her dialogue. The world building is wonderful. I was hooked after the first couple of chapters and will be going back to read the rest of the series now. It did take me a little while to undestand what was going on since I had not read the other books yet, but her characters were so vivid and both Evelyn and Jason were so very different, there were immediate sparks. The story was fresh and drew me in quickly.

You want to see the couple get together, and neither seems to have any hope left, with failed relationships and ghosts in the past that still haunt them. I love seeing stories that show there is life after 40 and this is one of those. I think this is a must read and would reccommend it to anyone of my friends who love a sxey cowboy story...

4 stars

Buy Now link:

http://www.sirenpublishing.com/graciecmckeever/md.asp

Dragon Lord by Kaitlyn O'Connor

2007-09-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

Dragon Lord
by Kaitlyn O'Connor
Published: New Concept Publishing
Length: 411 pages
ISBN #: 978-1-60394-008-5
Paranormal Romance

I decided to just trust that if so many other people liked Mrs. O'Connors work that I should too. She has been known for her menage stories, with multiple partners and she writes many novel length erotica stories. Which is unusual in this genre. So I am hoping she has a little more to her stories than the typical do me again baby, and doesn't use sex just as a filler, but makes it meaningful.

This is Raina's first stint as a housekeeper, and she isn't sure she likes all the rules or the odd people that live in the mansion. There is a mystery around everyone but especially Mr. Simon Draken. Well we have quite a bit of backstory dumping as his brother Audric tells us what a tortured soul that Simon Draken is, but it works to establish why he deserves to have a beautiful woman dumped in his lap. Although isn't it funny that Raina has no idea she was hired for her sex appeal?

Poor thing.

Hmm...I am also not sure whether I should be spelling her name like Raina or Riana--as I saw it both ways in the story... However I am guessing it is Raina since I saw it more that way.

Then we have the usual alpha males fighting over the buxom woman who doesn't even know she is beautiful. There were fun scenes in here, the water pipes breaking and the situations set up were interesting, overall I still enjoyed the story--but I didn't feel like it was ready to publish in it's current condition. I hope the print book is in better shape than the ebook.

3 stars

Buy Now link:

http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/dragonlord.htm

The Pirate's Booty by Shelli Stevens

2007-09-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

The Pirate's Booty
by Shelli Stevens
Publisher: Cobblestone Press
Length: 105 pages
ISBN #: 1-60088-021-5
Contemporary Romance

Renee is in dire financial straits, but her family has passed along a diary for generations that contains a secret about a pirate's treasure. She decides to steal back a brooch that was stolen years ago from her relative by a pirate. The descendant will be throwing a party, so Renee throws together a slightly rash plan to go after the jewelry.

It was kind of fun to read the cat and mouse play. I loved the basic idea of the plot. He knew she wanted something, but what? She thought she was getting away with stealing a brooch, but at what cost? Besides that, everyone was having sex, in every manner possible throughout the story. I enjoyed the story but thought it ma have been overdone just a tad on the sex. That's pretty bad for me being the dirty girl on the web, but by the end, I was tired of hearing the characters say do me again, harder, and I have never been with someone with a nine inch cock before...

I just wish this story was more story and less sex. Overall not a bad read.

3 Stars

Buy Now Link:

http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/piratesbooty.htm

Blind Devotion by Lucynda Storey

2007-09-10T09:41:00.000-07:00

Blind Devotion
By Lucynda Storey
Publisher Aspen Mountain Press
Length: 193 pages
Fantasy Romance

Azari our heroine who has unwittingly awakened two mythical beasts that seems determined to find her and hunt her down. She runs as fast and as far as she can and hides in a cabin in the woods which belongs to our hero Tor.

Tor is a preist who is on a retreat from the rest of the world. He is surprised when he encounters the girl hurt and bleeding in his sanctuary. He tells her that the dragon and cevere will chase her down until they find her, knowing she is the virgin they had scented, and when they are through, she will neither be a virgin or living when they are done.

Now why does the dragon have to be evil? Sure it chases innocent young virgins, but they are so yummy to eat, how can he possibly help himself? Silly virgins wandering alone in the woods deserve to be eaten... Just kidding, but certainly a virgin would know what kind of sacrifice she would have to make to stop being chased, and being the most handy man around, it looks like Tor is perfect for the job of removing her maidenhead--until he opens his mouth. Then both people realize how difficult it will be to get along with each other. She is independent and has a sharp tongue that cuts, and he is a high preist who is used to being refused nothing. How can people so opposite possibly get along? It also unfolds that it's not quite as simple as taking Azari's virginity, because the beasts won't stop hunting Azari until she is dead or they are.

Well this was fun to read, a book full of sorcery, mythical beasts, enchanted rings, and destinies intertwined. A fantasy world lined with erotic and romantic notions. It was laughable at times and yet had some tension between the characters which I really like to see in a romance. Lucynda Storey has an exceptional skill in world building, making you feel as if this time and place are real. Blind Devotion was well worth reading.

5 stars

Buy Now Link:

http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/more-hot-reads/blind-devotion/prod_63.html

Bitter Harvest by Aurora Black

2007-09-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

Bitter Harvest
by Aurora Black
Publisher: Phaze
Length: 58 pages
ISBN #: 1-59426-931-9
Paranormal Romance

This story has an ominous and foreboding start, it should be lined with happiness in the middle of a wedding but instead it starts off with a chlling sensation that something very dark is about to happen, and even when it does finally happen and Claire is in the middle of the graveyard about to use a dark magic I was still on the edge of my seat just hoping that she would stop playing with such a dangerous fire. She seems to have found the answer to win the war against death in the tattered pages of a very old book, but is the price worth it in the end?

I was so excited to read this, and in the perfect time of year when anything magic can happen. Halloween is here and this is a great book to get you in the spirit of things. Aurora weaves a tale that makes you wonder what will happen next and seems to be making a name for herself in the dark romance genre. With great stories like Bitter Harvest, I expect to see great things come of her in the future.

5 Stars

Buy Now Link:
http://www.king-cart.com/Phaze/product=Bitter+Harvest+by+Aurora+Black

On Again by Jenna Allen

2007-09-10T05:42:00.000-07:00

On Again
by Jenna Allen
Publisher: Phaze
Length: 24 pages
ISBN # 1-59426-462-7
Contemporary Romance

Paul is a detective and Kayla is a counselor, they have a broken marriage and are miserable without each other, and the memories are hauntingly painful. But will a second chance just mean more pain, or they can finally come together as a couple? Will either one will be willing to make the life sacrifices and change? Or will this mean more broken hopes and dreams?

On Again was a quick read, filled with emotion and passion. Unfortunately it was realistic too. 75% of all married police officers get divorces. It's a stressful job, and most cops don't learn to not bring their work home with them. It was touching and enjoyable. Perfect for a lunch hour read.

4 Stars

Buy Now Link:

http://www.king-cart.com/Phaze/product=On+Again+by+Jenna+Allen

Kiss of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning

2007-09-09T12:58:00.000-07:00

Kiss of the Highlander
by Karen Marie Moning
Publisher: Dell Historical Romance
Length: 396 pages
ISBN #: 0-440-23655-X
Paranormal Romance

Well with today's rainy afternoon, I decided to re-read one of my alltime favorites. Ms. Moning has a talent for creating vivid life like characters. Every one of her books has made it onto my keeper shelf and this one was so powerful to read, I could feel my own chest clench with emotion as I saw the story unfold.

Ever read the story about Sleeping Beauty? Well this is the story about sleeeping hunk. Drustan MacKeltar was put to sleep for centuries and awoke by an American tourist that he can't help but think is his destiny. All he wants is his kiss from Gwen and she is the only woman able to refuse his charms in centuries... Heck--I don't know how she does it, beacause I couldn't have refused the man!

The story gets more complex with each page as we realize that Drustan must make it back to his own time to save his clan and he now needs Gwen to save him as well. With twists and turns in the plot, you never know what to expect with this book.

This book was funny and yet there were times it pulled my heartstrings. Karen Marie Moning is truly a master storyteller. Enjoy.

5 stars

Buy Now Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Highlander-Karen-Marie-Moning/dp/044023655X

Fire in His Eyes by Stella and Audra Price

2007-09-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

Fire in His Eyes
by Stella and Audra Price
Publisher: Tease Publishing
Length: 172 pages
ISBN #: (13) 978-1-934678-12-1
Paranormal Romance

Char is a fire elemental dragon who falls in love with a succubus, Alcyone Sterling. He starts his love affair with flowers and a secret meeting, but when the others of his race get involved he is forced to make a rash decision in the name of love. Can he choose a demon for his mate when they had been at war for centuries now? Char's race was dwindling due to the decree that Fuerety, the King of the Fire Demons had made, demanding the death of all dragons despite their loyalty.

This is the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet all over again. How can a love so deep and so passionate be wrong? They are forced to love in secret because their families are enemies. Alas, what is forbidden, only makes the desire grow stronger. So our two young lovers are destined to be caught up in a maelstrom of emotions that can only seemingly lead to heartbrake when the rest of their two races discovers what they have done.

I loved this story. The price sisters have created a unique world and characters that come alive. The dialogue has a fresh banter to it, and feels natural. The story immediately draws you in to their world. It had me rooting for Char and Alcyone to come together in the end. Stella and Audra Price are a fresh new voice in the paranormal world. I look forward to seeing what other stories they bring to us in the future.

5 stars

Buy Now Link:

http://www.teasepublishingllc.com/Fire.aspx

Dark Seduction by Brenda Joyce

2007-09-09T09:47:00.000-07:00

Dark Seduciton
by Brenda Joyce
Publisher: HQN
Length 372 pages
ISBN (13) 978-0-373-77233-9
Paranormal Romance

Malcolm of Dunroch is a master of time, who is seduced by his darker side, each day he fights the urge to take power from the innocenets he is sworn to protect. For years, he fought the urge successfully, until he felt pleasure in Claire's arms.

Claire is being hunted and is taken out of her own time by a medieval sexual warrior. All she wants to do is to give in to her body's craving for him and yet fulfilling his desires could very well be the death of her.

This was an excellent book, original and yet I always question the undeniable immediate attraction. The characters have humanlike flaws that make you love them. Malcol's guilt over the woman he killed haunts him. All I want to do is to see Claire heal his pain.

Over all a very enjoyable read.

5 stars

Buy Now Link:

http://www.amazon.ca/Dark-Seduction-Brenda-Joyce/dp/0373772335

Sugar and Sin by Stella and Audra Price

2007-09-09T06:30:00.001-07:00

Sugar and Sin
by Stella and Audra Price
Publisher: Tease Publishing
Length: 238 pages
P-ISBN (10) 1-934678-11-2
Paranormal Romance

The Price sisters have not only come up with a whole other world, but an entire universe which they call the Eververse. Filled with demons and deception, every page is lined with magic. This particular story is complex and the characters of Sugar and Sin have a depth to them that make them feel real. Welcome to a world where bargaining for your soul can mean power and riches beyond your wildest dreams.

Astrid is witch who used to be lovers with Fallon a teleport demon, and when he comes back into her life she can only hope it will mean a second chance. She loves him, but can a demon love her or even be faithful?

There are quite a few characters introduced in the very beginning, so it can be a little confusing at first, but over all I really enjoyed the story. It was very imaginative, and yet carried the erotic undertones we all enjoy reading. There was a lot of action happening in the beginning, but when demons go out to play they seem to like to get into trouble don't they? That's half the fun in this story.

5 Stars

Buy Now Link:

http://www.teasepublishingllc.com/Sugar%20and%20Sin.aspx

Arianrhod's Bracelet by Rita Trevalayn

2007-09-09T06:08:00.000-07:00

Arianrhod's Bracelet
by Rita Trevalayn
Publisher Silk's Vault
Length 116 pages
ISBN #: 1-934055-75-1
Paranormal Romance

Okay, can someone please tell me where I can find a magic braclet just sitting around a pawn shop? Please, because I would love to pick one up... This isn't your typical godess loses her bracelet story. It was fun and lighthearted and easy to read. I enjoyed it mostly because the storyline was fresh.

Danica is our impoverished Cinderella heroine in the typical rags to riches story, this bracelet of hers allows her to receive 3 wishes. She also happens to be a real life witch so watch out boys! I almost expected her to take her ex-husband back in the story and work it out, but our heroine is too strong for that. She finds a totally new hunk of burning love to play with.

The story begins to get complex when our bad guys use the internet to try and get Danica's child to obtain the bracelet from Danica.

Dylan is the knight in shining armor who rescues our maiden from her distress,and whips her up into the life of luxury. This is a true dream man. He treats her to lobster, has his own personal driver to escort them around. Geesh, I could fall in love with him. Talk about sexy!

This story was a nice escape and I did enjoy reading it, and hope you do too.

4 Stars

Buy Now Link:

http://silksvault.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=75

Reynardine by Lucynda Storey

2007-09-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

Reynardine
by Lucynda Storey
Length: 202 pages
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Paranormal Romance

Well this story has gotten a lot of praise by other reviewers so I was looking forward to it. Lucynda has a unique voice and the story starts off with the suggestion of a kidnapping getting the readers attention right away and who can resist the sexy accent of Scottish men? Certainly not me. I love the stories lined with magic that take place in Ireland or Scotland. Those countries are where magic is born.

Reynardine is the hero and can he help it if women fall at his feet? No, and there might be times he feels a moment of regret as he uses them for a single night of pleasure, but our hero is mysteriously cursed and alas is destined to pass along the curse to his children as well. So these nights of pleasure with no strings attached were for the best, right?

Agnis Fitzgerald is our supersmart heroine that has had her nose buried in her research and her studies too long to notice men and been jilted by the ones she let too close to her heart, so she is a tad bitter. I want to watch her love again and her heart be healed by a man who deserves someone so passionate and alive.

These are the kind of stories that I love to be swept up and away with. From the very beginning you become enthralled with the characters and their lives, wanting to know every detail of what makes them tick. What will Reynardine do when he meets his mate? What will Agnis do when she learns the man is more beast than man? You will have to read more to find out.

5 Stars

Buy now Link:

http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/paranormal/reynardine/prod_19.html

Beyond the Vision of Dreams

2007-09-08T16:05:00.000-07:00

Beyond the Vision of Dreams
by Stella and Audra Price
Publisher: Forbidden Publications
Length: 66 Pages
Paranormal Romance

These twin sister have done it again. Whoever could imagine making a shape shifting snake sexy? Certainly not moi. This is the first book in their were snake series. The long awaited sequel to the was the second book Surrender in the Moonlight.

It starts out with a bang in the middle of a sex scene, which leaves us wanting more. Only to find the hero waken from a dream. The were snakes live in a compound for proection and he soon meets the newest member who arrives with just a few things of her own. He was surprised when he realized that he had been dreaming of her all these nights.

It's common for a snake to take a mate and have red hot sex-but our heroine Chrissy wants more. With her kind becoming near extinct, she has been encouraged to take a mate, but she wants to feel loved and appreciated and more than a breeding machine. It was partly because of the lack of pressure to mate that she chose to come to the New York Nest in the first place.

This was a great read--and I hope you look into it if you are into shape shifters you will enjoy this one too. Even I found the snakes sexy, and I don't even like snakes.

4 Stars

Buy now Link:

http://www.forbiddenpublications.com/book_pages/surrender_in_moonlight.html

Bound by Desire by Missy Lyons

2007-09-08T15:48:00.000-07:00

Bound by Desire
by Missy Lyons
Publisher: Phaze
Length: 71 pages
ISBN #: 1-59426-748
BDSM Contemporary

Well this book seems to be for the intelligent woman who enjoys erotica. The characters were passionate and the dialogue was natural and easy to read but best of all, the sex was hot! It's not just another sex book with no plot. It was easy to get caught up in the story. If anything, my only complaint was that the book ended too soon.

The heroine is a strong woman in the FBI who cracks open a kidnapping case. She falls for her boss, Victor and is swept up in a passionate affair after accepting an invitation to attend his BDSM party. It unlocks desires in her to explore this part of her that she has always craved.

If you want a great introduction to BDSM this is the book for you. I can't wait to see what else this author Missy Lyons comes up with in the future.

5 Stars

Buy now link:

http://www.king-cart.com/Phaze/product=Bound+by+Desire+by+Missy+Lyons

Parallel Attraction

2007-06-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

Parallel Attraction
Deidre Knight
ISBN 0-451-21811-6
Print
$6.99

This epic romance started back when Jared Bennet and Kelsey Wells were just teenagers. They each wander away from the adults they are with and meet. Jared is an alien king and part of the uniqueness to his species is that they mate for life. They form a connection so deep it touches the soul of their mates, and they mate for life. A mating bond is something that should be made with the utmost care, as it is difficult if not impossible to break once made.

I have to say I found this story intriguing. It was a page turner from the very first page, and Mrs. Knight has a way of getting the words just right. If you read nothing else this summer, you should read one of Mrs. Knight's warrior series. I have discovered her to be one of my new favorite voices in paranormal romances.

Rated 5 Stars

2007-06-27T18:30:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Dirty Girl Reviews! A place where you can see books get reviews both good and bad. Honest opinions are given here about books that I have read. Some are in print and some are available only as an ebook. Check back often, because the reviews will change as often as the authors.

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