Review: Out of the Gate by E.M. Lynley + Excerpt

Out of the Gate by E.M. Lynley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excerpt from Out of the Gate; Chapter 1

“I see exactly what you're doing.”Wesley Tremayne put down his binoculars and turned around to see Vanessa Vandermere wagging a long pink-and-black fingernail at him. Best not to reply. He willed his heart—beating like a jackhammer—to slow as he pasted the perfect, innocent grin on his face. Years of acting—onstage and off—had taught him to dissemble.“Think you can spot the winners before they even get to the ring?” Vanessa continued, her tone teasing, cheerful, not accusatory. “Or were you checking out the shapely blonde leading the third horse?”He inhaled slowly when he really wanted to gulp in much-needed oxygen. He’d overreacted. No, he'd responded just in time to what could have been a disaster. As much as he was enjoying the day out at the racetrack with his friends, he was restless. He’d been the center of too much attention, and he was fraying at the edges.
“You caught me,” Wes replied, playing up his right dimple.“Oh, Jules, good thing you're here.” Vanessa grabbed onto Julia Compton’s arm. “You need to keep Wes on a shorter leash. He’s got a wandering eye.”
Julia gave Wes an appraising look, then turned back to Vanessa. “Vee, I’m not worried Wes will run off with another woman. I trust him completely.” She slid an arm around Wes’s waist and he gave her a suitably adoring look. “Only we’re not a couple. How many times—”“You can fool some people, but not me. You two are the worst-kept secret in Hollywood, honeybuns.” Vanessa gestured as she spoke, and Wes wondered how she didn't poke her own eye out with her outrageously long fingernails.
“Think what you like.” Julia let go of Wes and took the binoculars from him. She held them to her face and trained them on the track.“I'm heading down to watch them saddle the horses so I can decide which one to bet on.” Vanessa gave them a dangerous wave of her talons and left them alone in the private grandstand box.
Julia gave the glasses back to Wes. “He’s gorgeous.” She winked.“Which one do you like?” Wes asked, again looking through the binoculars.“I thought we were talking about which one you like?”“Number four.” Wes glanced down at Julia’s head. She was a good six inches shorter, and it was the view he often had to settle for.“Oh, really? I thought you'd go for one. Or at least his trainer.” She gave a silvery laugh and put her arm around his waist again.
Wes kept the glasses focused on runner number one’s trainer as he reached up to adjust the horse’s bridle. His navy sport coat rode up, giving Wes—and anyone else looking—a nice view of his arse in well-fitting dark-blue jeans. Wes held in the smile the sight induced and resigned himself to admiring the good-looking man from a distance. His light-brown hair fell in wavy curves and the full-lipped smile made Wes want to lick his own lips. Something about the chiseled chin and the shape of the man’s nose twigged a hazy memory Wes couldn't quite bring to the surface.
“Let’s go down to the saddling ring so you can get a closer look, Wes.” Julia tugged his hand, then gave an encouraging squeeze.He didn't know what he'd do without Julia Compton. She'd gone from costar to friend to lifesaver in the space of a year. He followed her down the steps and into the sunshine as the runners for the third race at Santa Alamita were saddled up. Wes pulled the baseball cap out of his back pocket and settled it onto his head, a moment too late.
“Look, is that Wes Tremayne?”“Wes! Hi Wes!”“Go ask him for his autograph.”“He’s with Julia Compton. I told you they're dating!”
Wes smiled and waved, but didn't stop for autographs. By the time they reached the paddock, the hot horse trainer was gone. Probably just as well; someone might have noticed if Wes paid him too much attention. There was a limit to his acting abilities, but so far he'd fooled everyone. Some days he fooled himself, but during lonely nights he wished away the talent and fame he'd achieved.
If he hadn't upped sticks and made his way from the London stage to Broadway and then to Hollywood, he might be living a boring, settled life with a man he adored. He’d chosen a career he loved over a private life.
But Julia was tiring of her role as Wes’s love interest. When she quit the production, he'd have some tough decisions to make. For now, he replaced his mask and took Julia’s hand and kissed it.
The audience should love that performance.

My Review:

All that glitters is not gold... in fact, it's often just rubbish that's been polished in an attempt to fool the gullible and naive.

After experiencing immense success on the British and American theater scene Wesley decides to reach for his dream of becoming a movie star and make his break in Hollywood. After a few moderate successes he is cast in a television series that becomes a hit almost overnight. Suddenly recognizable wherever he goes; the cost of success becomes more apparent. Unable to risk his budding career by revealing his sexual orientation he instead chooses to mislead his fans by allowing them to draw their own conclusions about his relationship with his good friend and former co-star, Julia. Willing to allow the misconception for reasons of her own, Julia still encourages Wes to be true to himself, but without a good reason to make a stand Wes continues to go with the flow.

All that changes, however, when he meets he quiet and sexy Evan. It's obvious from their first encounter that there is darkness in Evan's past; in fact, the man barely seems to tolerate Wes's presence in his life. In spite of his reservations, Evan finds himself irresistibly drawn to the honesty and genuine caring that Wes shows him. He has never experienced such a strong attraction towards another man's heart; for the first time, he wants to give his heart away, but Wes isn't gay... or is he?

Life on the horse racing circuit can be a murky experience; with owners who demand that you push the horses just a little harder, performance enhancement tricks that vary from shady to downright illegal, and trainers who are willing to risk everything to achieve a win, Evan is a trainer who always puts his horses first. Able to communicate with his animals with ease, he barely tolerates most owners; that's why it's such a surprise when he suddenly finds himself thrust into the middle of a scandal. It threatens to take away his horses, his livelihood, and everything he's worked so hard to achieve since leaving the hollywood scene himself years earlier. The long term boyfriend who should be standing beside Evan is distant, controlling, and wants nothing to do with Evan's troubles. Surprisingly, it's Wes who comes to the rescue.

When demons from Evan's past begin to surface, Wes must decide if he's willing to risk everything he's worked for or continue to live the lie and risk losing his relationship with Evan, the one man who might be ever so much more than just a friend.

I LOVED this story! Lynley's gift of writing reached out and grabbed me from the very first page. Drawing me in to the world of horseracing, which I'll admit I knew next to nothing about prior to reading this book, and keeping me guessing as to what would happen next. The push and pull chemistry between Evan and Wes is delightful and engaging. Her supporting cast of characters made me laugh, cry, and occasionally want to reach out and just smack them upside the head! Containing drama, intense emotions, and an adventurous story line with mystery and suspense that slowly builds towards breathtaking, I couldn't swipe the pages fast enough!

My first reading experience with this author, I'm going to be coming back for more!

A copy of Out of the Gate was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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I'd like to thank E.M. Lynley for generously providing a copy of her book and the excerpt!

Want to read more?

Buy Links for Out of the Gate:

Dreamspinner Press:  http://bit.ly/Qppvdv

Amazon: http://amzn.to/RGnwmf

B&N: http://bit.ly/1hoKEu3

ARe: http://bit.ly/1i68yj0

Review: Secrets and Sins: Raphael by Naima Simone

Secrets and Sins: Raphael by Naima Simone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When the past and the present collide, doubts and old insecurities surface; gear is a demon that feeds on such emotions. When Raphael and Greer are forced to face their separate pasts, will they find the strength to overcome, or will the danger that's looming drive them apart for good?

Raphael is an intense and irresistible mixture of power and sensuality. His long hair, piercings and intricate tattoos accentuate the lethal energy his toned body exudes. Raised by a single mom on the rough side of town, he built walls around his heart at an early age, designed to protect him from the pain of betrayal. He does not give his trust easily, but will defend those he considers family to the death.

Greer came from a wealthy background, nothing was more important than protecting her family's social status and perfect image. The vivacious beauty is determined always be honest with herself, and has no desire to lose her identity to the twisted example of love her parents set for her as a child.

When Raphael and Greer meet for the first time, the physical attraction each feels for the other ignites a sensual chemistry that neither has experienced before. It quickly becomes clear that one night isn't going to be enough to burn through their passion, but a series of devastating events keeps them apart.

When Greer turns to Raphael and his security firm for protection, they quickly realise that neither has forgotten their previous encounter. Even the most amazing sexual experiences don't always lead to balanced relationships, and the emotional cost of their previous experiences causes them to hesitate to reach for more. Greer feels cared for and protected by Rafael, and he admires her strength and determination. Will they be able to overcome the past and open their hearts to each other?

Secrets and Sins: Raphael, is a fast paced and well written romance that packs a punch. The complexity of the main story line was expertly developed. A host of supporting characters added additional layers of depth to an already memorable storyline. I was invested in this story from the very first sentence. Third in the series, it can be read as a stand alone story, but well loved characters from previous books do make brief appearances that fans will enjoy. A sensual and breathtaking adventure, this is an example of Naima Simone's story telling is at it's best!

A copy of Secrets and Sins: Raphael was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Shifting Sands by Joy Lynn Fielding

Shifting Sands by Joy Lynn Fielding
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bryce is surrounded by happily mated wolves and has no desire to find his own mate. Fate, however, has other plans.

Tom wanted to be an Air Force pilot for as long as he could remember, but when a routine screening trampled those dreams he eventually moved on. Now he's working in Washington DC as a trusted aid to the most powerful woman on the National Council of Shapeshifters. When the existence of a rare Argent wolf is confirmed, Tom is dispatched to Colorado to prepare for the Council members' arrival. Emotionally battered and sexually disinterested following a nasty breakup with his long term boyfriend, the last thing Tom expects is to be captivated by a pair of dark blue eyes paired with an easy smile. Tom quickly realizes that Bryce's good looks are just icing on the cake, and a complement to his genuine honesty, unmistakable intelligence, and easygoing nature.

Bryce is up front with Tom from the beginning; he's hoping to get lucky but only with the clear understanding that there will be no strings attached. Tom's wicked grin, lithe form and focused strength showcase a dangerous edge, but his genuine goodness makes Bryce feel safe in his arms.

While thoroughly enjoying each other's company, neither man is looking for more, but when the realization dawns that they are mates, Tom feels like he couldn't have been given a better gift. When Bryce refuses to accept the bond, Tom is devastated. When dangerous circumstances draw the two men back together, they must face their true feelings or risk losing each other for good.

Another well written and fast paced adventure, SHIFTING SANDS is the fourth book in Joy Lynn Fielding's Strength of the Pack series that focuses on the Elk Ridge wolf pack members. Best read in sequence due to recurring characters and a continually developing story line, SHIFTING SANDS is action packed and emotionally engaging. Her Alphas are strong and sensual, an erotic combination that is sure to win every time!

OFFICIAL REVIEW written for The Romance Reviews.com
http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...

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Review: Incubus by Amanda Meuwissen

Incubus by Amanda Meuwissen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nathan and Jim are as different as two brothers can be, but as twins, they still share a special bond. Each is willing to sacrifice anything for the other, but when a bad situation becomes desperate, the brothers turn to an eclectic group of friends for help.

Nathan has been protecting his twin brother since they were boys. Constantly on the run due to James' unique status as a changeling, they are hunted by both dark and light fae alike. This time, however, Nathan has gone too far; his attempt to rescue Jim just may end up costing him his life.

Sasha is an incubus in disguise. The orphan son of a succubus and human hunter-turned-fae, he is able to hide in the human world but is truly welcomed by neither. Openly bisexual, the depth of his instant attraction to Nathan is unusual for his kind, and one he hopes will lead to a deeper bond. Unfortunately for Sasha, Nathan's human nature and distrust of all beings fae are not the largest obstacles standing in their way.

While I enjoyed the overall storyline of INCUBUS, there were several elements that I struggled with. The overall tone is meant to be one of adventure, danger, romance and drama, but the plot development struggled to maintain a consistent pace and I found myself losing interest during the slow periods. I believe that this was largely due to the episodic structure of the book.

The story line also lacked a distinctly fluid nature, frequently jumping forward or backwards in time. While this occasionally served to build suspense, it more often left me with the sense that I was missing an important piece of information or block of time.

As the story itself is solid, a thorough editing would solve most problems. The issues were significantly less noticeable about halfway through, and once the extensive backstory had been told. The pacing became more consistent about that time as well.

The story is enhanced by several well developed supporting characters, most memorably the irrepressible Wade, Nathan's mysterious Spirit Guide Walter, and an adorable little girl named Kitty. I'm glad I took the time to read INCUBUS, because even though the reading process was difficult at times, I am willing to give Amanda Meuwissen's storytelling another chance.

OFFICIAL REVIEW written for The Romance Reviews.com
http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...

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Review: A Hunter's Passion by Gwen Knight

A Hunter's Passion by Gwen Knight
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ryker and his brothers have been hunting the creatures of darkness their whole lives. Sanctioned by the church, they are assigned to terminate vampires, shifters, witches and the like. All evil beings who use their powers to enslave or destroy humans. It's not a job with a long life expectancy, but hunting is a family calling that goes back generations. The light in his world of darkness is Jenna, the very human woman he loves, but when she disappears suddenly and without a trace he spends the next two years focused on his hunting; trying to understand her betrayal and recover from his broken heart.

Jenna loved Ryker with all her heart and probably always will. Leaving him wasn't a choice she wanted to make but one she was forced to when a deeply hidden family secret came to light that would have changed the foundation of their relationship forever. Rather than hurt Ryker with her dangerous secret she chose to protect them both by running and never looking back. Life is lonely without him but she believes the her pain is a small price to pay for their lives.

When Ryker learns that another hunter has targeted Jenna he knows it must be a mistake and throws himself into finding the woman he once lived for and for whom his heart still longs. Time has changed them both but the fires of passion still burn between them. When Jenna's secret comes out, Ryker must make the choice between listening to his mind or his heart. The list of people they can trust is growing shorter by the minute and with their lives in danger, having a future together may not be a choice they are going to live long enough to make.

A passionate and well written novella length paranormal romance that shows readers that when darkness and light collide, sparks will fly! I was drawn into the emotional challenges the two main characters faced as they lost one another and then were given the opportunity to fight for a second chance. This was my first book by author Gwen Knight; I will be coming back for more!

A copy of A Hunter's Passion was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Jon by Hollis Shiloh

Jon by Hollis Shiloh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A touching and romantic novella!

Govan is from the north. He doesn't approve of the slavery that goes on around him and has no desire to ever own another man. When he sees Jon being beaten by his owner, Govan can't help but feel a pull towards the waiflike slave.

He longs to free Jon but at the same time, Govan's attraction to the man is so strong he can't imagine ever letting him go.

Damaged by his past, Jon doesn't understand Govan's kindness but can't help but feel safe around the gentle innkeeper.

With a world of differences between them, will Jon and Govan find their way to love, or will Jon's vengeful owner destroy their chance at happiness?

Jon is a well written short story with characters that pulled at my heartstrings from the very first page. Another wonderful tale from one of my favorite authors; I always enjoy Hollis' imaginative worlds and happy endings!

Adult themes including physical abuse and descriptive sexual encounters make this story appropriate for adult audiences only.

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Review: Bear Biker Love by Harper Ashe

Bear Biker Love: A BBW Shifter Romance by Harper Ashe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Standing before the Council of Paranormal Creatures, the young Guardian is given her first task. Take one scarf, add a sexy alpha were-bear, mix in one spunky brunette and watch the chemical reaction create true love! It sounded like an easy assignment; the Council failed to mention that her charges are headstrong, stubborn, and have a band of hunters hot on their trail.... what's a Guardian to do???

Alex is a half-breed bear with nothing to live for.

Nina thinks she's a human with nothing to lose.

Together they have a passion that burns like fire!

Bear Biker Love is a well written paranormal romance novella with action, adventure, a hunky bear, a curvy girl, and a loveable spirit Guardian whose halo is slightly tarnished.

The perfect pick-me-up romance for a rainy day, this one made me smile!

A copy of Bear Biker Love was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Midnight Terrors by Crimson Sterling

Midnight Terrors by Crimson Sterling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

IxBryn has suffered more tragedy in her life than most at the hand of vampires but she doesn't hold it against them. She even enlisted in an experimental program that transformed her into a Knight Blood, but something went horribly wrong and now she is alone and on the run. She is determined not to let her past experiences trap her and is ready to start living her life in the future.

Zarrod is an Ancient Vampire, over a thousand years old, more powerful than most. His long life has made him cynical. He's handsome, self assured and refuses to bow to the whims of the Order that tries to contain him.

Midnight Terrors is the first book in Crimson Sterling's Knight Blood series. It begins with a brief and slightly terrifying Prologue that immediately set me on edge.

The writing style of the first seventy-five percent of this story is a unique and captivating narrative style; told from varying character perspectives, it is highly descriptive and entertaining to read. The chapters are presented as windows in time; very well written and with a flow that is easy to follow.

The story line is complex, with heavily veiled sub plots and multiple supporting characters, each with their own agenda. This is a series that must be read in order so start at the beginning! I finished this book fully invested in the Convergent Universe that Sterling has created. A mix between past and present with elements of magic, this paranormal series is one I will be following.

Not for the faint of heart; expect to have your intelligence challenged, adventurous spirit engaged, and curiosity piqued. With an ending that resolves certain issues but leaves most questions unanswered; I was pleasantly surprised by Knight Blood and am looking forward to more!

A copy of Midnight Terrors was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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COVER REVEAL! One True Thing by Lynne Jaymes!

 

Title: One True Thing

Author: Lynne Jaymes

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Release Date: May 22, 2014

Cover Designer: Helen Williams at AllBookedOut.com

   

Can one true thing save a love built on lies?

 

Synopsis

  “That was all before…” Jolene waves her hand in the air, but we both know what she means. Before I touched her in the most intimate places. Before I felt her shudder under my tongue. Before she tasted the salt on my skin. Before I promised a lot more than I could deliver. Ty Branch has wanted one thing his entire life—to play professional baseball. When he gets a chance to move from San Francisco to play at Texas powerhouse Garvin State University, he's willing to do whatever it takes to make his dream come true, even if that means hiding his past. But when he meets dance major Jolene Taylor, the chemistry is so strong his single-minded quest begins to weaken. As he gets to know her quirky, small-town family, he falls more deeply in love, but becomes even more sure he can never tell her the truth about his family. When a surprise visitor blows his past wide-open, Ty is forced to come to terms with his secrets. But is the damage already done with Jolene or can he find a way to sacrifice everything he's worked for in order to win back the heart of a once-in-a-lifetime love?    

Excerpt

“Thank you,” Jolene says, as I hold the door open for her, the soft Texas twang in her voice making my heart beat faster as she brushes by me, her dark brown eyes fixed on the ground. Jolene Taylor. Dance major, sophomore, comes from somewhere outside of Abeline—way outside according to Jessie, one of those towns that has only four stoplights and a Dairy Queen with a sign that congratulates the FFA on their livestock win. “No problem,” I reply, following her through the door. We approach the stairs to the second floor together, but I slow my pace so that she can get ahead of me, hoping that I don’t look like a stalker and that she doesn’t notice that I’m sneaking looks at her ass as she walks up the steps. And it is a perfect little ass. Jolene has a way of moving that’s more like gliding than actual walking, her feet turned out just slightly in that way that dancers have. She’s wearing baggy sweats that sit at the place where the two dimples on her lower back meet her spine and a workout top holding her small, perky breasts that leaves little to the imagination. I can see the muscles in her back move as she walks and that turns me on more than anything, so I shift my eyes up to the expanse of bare skin on the back of her neck, covered by a few dark tendrils of hair that escape from the messy bun on top of her head. Even at her messiest, Jolene is perfection. But I can’t talk to her, there’s no point. There’s too much I’d have to say, too much I’d have to give up to make it real. I want her to look back as I approach the door to my apartment, nosily fumbling for the keys to try to get her attention, but she stares straight ahead, her back tall and her thin, muscled arms gripping the laundry basket as she heads for her apartment at the end of the hall. I sigh as I take one last look at her and swing my apartment door open. Gotta keep my eyes on the prize. Jolene Taylor is just one more thing I shouldn’t be messing with this year.  

About the Author

Lynne Jaymes is a life-long reader and accidental writer living in Northern California. She writes contemporary fiction that is sometimes funny, sometimes sexy and always from the heart. Although this is not her first venture into writing – Lynne is traditionally published in another genre under another name – she loves the indie world for the freedom it gives her to write the stories that call to her, the ones that mean the most and the ones that editors have said would never sell. ONE TRUE THING is the adaptation of the first book she ever wrote and the story is one that is close to her family and has lived deep in her soul for years. She is also the co-author of the second book in the UNFILTERED Series, UNFILTERED & UNKNOWN. Keep up with Lynne at www.lynnejaymes.com, on Facebook and Twitter.  

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Review: Undying Desire and link to Blog Tour Schedule!

Undying Desire by Jessica Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jessica Lee's best work to date!

I'm a fan of Jessica's books so I started Undying Desire expecting to enjoy the characters and story line. What absolutely blew me away was the deep emotional reaction that I had to the characters and their situation. This is NOT your typical erotic/paranormal romance. The characters are flawed, conflicted, emotionally raw and very, very real.

Eve is a female dominant. As a vampire, she has lived a long life, but her unique mixture of human and vampire genes makes her a prize hunted by many. Her mother taught her early to protect her self and trust no one lest she be manipulated and betrayed. She hates her father for abandoning her as a child and is internally conflicted about her own self worth. At first I had a hard time believing her character was a true sexual dominant because of this, but then I pulled back a step and separated her internal dialog from the external persona that she portrayed. It was a "light-bulb" moment for me because when I recognized that the duality enhanced her strength, I then understood that immersing herself into the scene and focusing on caring for her sub, was how she calmed herself doubts and regained her mental equilibrium. She wasn't hiding her insecurities under a mask of strength; her dominance meets her own needs as well as her submissive's. She's not bad or broken, she's complex!

Guerin is a warrior, second in command to one of the oldest vampires alive. He is the picture of strength, perseverance, intelligence and tenacity. He made a promise to himself, years ago, to never give his heart or his submission to a Mistress again. While his soul craves the release of letting go, his mind is tormented by memories of the past. His trust was once abused, and he fears he will lose himself forever should he submit again.

Undying desire offers two of the most complexly written characters I have ever read, combines them with an intricately developed story line and continues to build on the story line presented in earlier books. It made me gasp, brought me to tears, shocked me, touched me and just when I thought it couldn't get any better, I would turn the page and another WHOA moment would catch me by surprise. You can read this as a stand alone book but is awesome as the latest addition to the Enclave family of stories!

A copy of Undying Desire was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
(Honestly, I feel like I owe JESSICA for the privilege of reading this book!)

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Congratulations Tracey, you won!

I recently registered my little blog with Bloglovin' and

Tracey Parker

was the very first to follow me. 

She won a free e-book of her choice.

You go girl!

Shout Out! Binding Spell by Jay Di Meo

Binding Spell by Jay Di Meo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this novella length story. Mador is a fallen angel turned demon who once knew love but now is tortured by a demon prince in hell and only knows pain. Jay is the desperate son of a priest who is willing to do anything to save his family, even make a deal with the devil. When he summons Mador from hell Jay learns that binding a demon is not anything like what he expected it to be.

An intensely erotic M/M paranormal romance, Binding Spell is a well written novella length story with a surprising ending.


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Review: Dirty Deeds

Dirty Deeds by S.E. Jakes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



It blew my mind!

Cillian works alone because he loves to be in control. He's spent years tracking the same killer after missing an opportunity to take him out long ago, but always seems to be one step behind his illusive target. When his informants suddenly start turning up dead it sends his memories spiraling into the past; once again he beings to feel the threads of control slipping from between his fingers and he's afraid the mistakes long buried in the past may be coming back to haunt him.

After surviving a brutal attack that stole his ability to speak, Mal became a ghost operative who is a force unto himself. Strong, silent and deadly; he has been tailing Cillian from the sidelines for awhile without ever seeing his face. When the two men meet unexpectedly in the dark corner of a seedy bar, it triggers a chain reaction that neither man expected. It's possible that damages that drove both men into their solitary lives are also pulling them together.

In the world of intrigue nothing is as it seems; sexual attraction does not equal emotional compatibility, and trust must be earned the hard way. Cillian and Mal may be two wrongs who make a right... if they don't end up killing each other along the way.

A fast paced and erotic adventure with raw sexual scenes that depict D/s situations; this is a dark and tantalizing story that caused shivers to run up my spine! Exceptionally well written and edited, DIRTY DEEDS is the first in a series that features spin off characters that were previously introduced in the immensely popular Hell or High Water series. I strongly recommend that you read CATCH A GHOST and LONG TIME GONE prior to starting this series, as they contain valuable backstory and introduce characters that are present in this series as well. Fair warning: the ending is a cliffhanger and subsequent stories build on the previous ones.

A copy of DIRTY DEEDS was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.



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Review: Seth

Seth by Eve Langlais

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



A passionate adventure!

Seth is a rare breed of cyborg. Designed to blend into the human world as a spy, he was allowed to retain more of his humanity than most. At first, the relished his uniqueness, but when his wife left him it broke his heart and at times he wished that the pain of losing the only woman he ever loved could be programed away.

Anastasia never fully recovered from her husband, Seth's betrayal. Forced to seek him out to assist on a delicate covert operation she is once again face to face with the one man she was never able to fully forget. Even though she's involved with someone else now, the spark of passion Seth once ignited still burns.

When a second chance at happiness presents itself, Seth is determined to win back his wife's heart, but the determination and focus that once brought them close is now keeping them apart. As their mission uncovers previously hidden treachery they discover that the cause of their relationship's disintegration may have resulted from an even deeper betrayal, one that affected them both. As they begin questioning their own memories and attempt to separate truth from lies, the chemistry that made them an unstoppable force reignites the passions lying dormant in both their hearts.

A fast paced and well written adventure from the pen of Eve Langlais; SETH, 5th book in the Cyborgs: More Than Machines series, does contain characters from previous books but can be read as a stand alone novel without too much trouble. This passionate Sci Fi romance keep me on the edge of my seat from start to finish and left me wanting more!

A copy of SETH was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.



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Exciting updates; my blog is growing!

I'm a baby blog that's dreaming big!

As of TODAY (whoot, whoot!) my pages are current with all my recently written reviews. That means that when you visit my Contemporary, M/M, or Paranormal pages you will find links in alphabetical order by the author's last name.  

I'm tinkering with the formating a bit, and still have a backlog of about 200 reviews written I've written in the last year, so it's going to be... *a while* before all my content can be found here, but I'm super excited to be current from this point forward.


Works in progress.....

I am working on getting my author listings linked to their primary websites, blogs, or facebook pages. Some of these are already completed but not all, so followers, please continue to be patient with me. :) Because all of my reviews are linked to my Goodreads site, I am using the main site listed on the author's Goodreads page as their primary link here as well. 

*If you are an author I've reviewed and would like to have a different site listed, please contact me and I'll make the change.


Coming Soon!

1) I'm thrilled be participating in several upcoming author events such as blog tours and cover reveals and I've added a page that lists currently scheduled events!

2) Shout Outs! are coming soon. These are going to be short blurbs on books I've read, not full reviews, and will have their own page.

                     Thanks for stopping by to check out what's up!

                                                                                        Carly~

Review: Nomad Kind of Love - Prairie Devils MC Romance

Nomad Kind of Love: Prairie Devils MC Romance by Nicole Snow

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Passionate and deadly; a sharp story that's sure to entertain!

June's spirit has been badly damaged by the MC gang her father belonged to. They have stolen her family and her freedom, turning her into a plaything; forced to display her body for the pleasure of men. Trapped in an unforgiving world, she has all but given up hope on ever escaping and instead focuses her remaining strength on survival.

Maverick grew up in the MC 1% way of life. He embraces the violence along with the freedom; being president of the Nomads gives him the respect of his men and their very souls belong to the mother charter. When he is asked to start a new charter near rival territory and expand their business routes Maverick relishes the challenge that's sure to turn bloody.

The very first night he sees June something in her brokenness calls to him. Suddenly he is torn between two purposes, serving the MC and capturing the spirited woman he senses buried deeply inside June. Nothing in life is ever easy, but brutal and bloody is the MC way. Nothing and no one will stop him from owning June, but the more time June spends in his bed and under his body, the more he wants. Feeding the flames of desire are not enough any more, and Maverick finds himself wondering if the time may be right to claim an June as his Old Lady and start looking towards a future he's never contemplated before.

The dark and deadly world in Nomad Kind of Love is full of passionate extremes. Living the MC life is not for the faint of heart. Nicole Snow builds a world with her words that draws readers in, tempting and teasing readers with her Alpha male characters and the women who stand at their sides. Well written and executed, with only minor editing errors that do not significantly detract from the story-line, Nomad Kind of Love is an adventure from start to finish!

A copy of Nomad Kind of Love was proved by the author in exchange for an honest review.



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Review: Becoming His Mate - Douglas Mountain Shifters

Becoming His Mate: Douglas Mountain Shifters by Lillian Danté

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



A romantic adventure from start to finish!

Cole was destined from birth to be the next Alpha but instead of stepping into his father's shoes he ran. Leaving behind the pack who needed him and the woman who loved him.

Heather tried to find love again after Cole left her without a word but nothing and no one felt right after Cole. Over time, she found a measure of peace while sitting in the stillness of the community's mysterious fountain, but even then her badly broken heart wouldn't fully heal.

Nine and a half years later Cole comes back to town. He wants to claim the heart of the one woman he was never able to forget, but the mistrust that grew from his earlier actions now stands between them. With the past full of haunting secrets and an unsettling future on the horizon, it's possible that the opportunity for a second chance at love has passed them by.

A well written and edited adventure; Becoming His Mate offers sexual heat, dramatic storyline development, and emotionally engaging characters that are easy to love!

A copy of Becoming His Mate was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.



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Review: With Pride

With Pride by Megan Derr

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Stehlmore Dukes have been marrying Princes of the Blood for generations. Princes are the only soldiers in the King's Legion that are required to marry. The bond between husbands is meant to help them remember their human side. When past memories bring only pain instead of pleasure, what are two reluctantly affianced warriors to do?

Kristof, son of the High Priestess of the Temple of the Sacred Heart and current Duke of Stehlmore, lived a life dictated by duty. Groomed from childhood be a Paladin warrior, his body is scarred from the many battles he's fought against darkness. His outward calm hides the fear that threatens to overwhelm him with every demonic encounter. The physical pain their presence causes is excruciating, but he refuses to show any sign of weakness.

Kristof had planned to marry and settle on his family lands, but his elder sister's unexpected illness has altered those plans in favor of a greater duty to fulfill. Instead of the relative peace of the Northern Reach, Kristof finds himself traveling to Castle Gulbrandson to wed a Prince of the Blood. Although he dreads the pending nuptials, Kristof is determined to fulfill the contract, and hopes that he will eventually be able to forge a friendship with his future husband.

Prince Håkon has no desire to marry the haughty Duke that his King arranged for him to marry. Haunted by the death of his twin brother, the Piskie-like warrior is more demon than human and makes little effort to veil the contempt he feels towards his future mate.

With their pending union off to a rocky start, Kristof and Håkon's wedding is postponed when a series of demon attacks reveal a dark plot that threatens to destroy the foundation of their temples and casts a shadow of suspicion within their own ranks. As they work together to unearth the sorcerer who's wielding dark magic, the unwilling couple discovers that first impressions can be deceiving. A fragile bond begins to develop as the secrets of their pasts are slowly revealed. Understanding leads to a grudging respect that ignites into sexual attraction and the unexpected potential for love.

Fate seems to be conspiring against them as the powers of darkness grow steadily stronger. Separated during battle, Håkon disappears and finds himself trapped behind a wall of magic. Kristof refuses to believe the man he was beginning to care for is gone. For the first time in his life, he deliberately defies duty in order to follow his heart.

WITH PRIDE is a fast-paced adventure with an intricately woven storyline and intense emotions. The delicate line between darkness and light that the characters walk is a hallmark of Megan Derr's writing style that fans will easily recognize. Fans of paranormal romance won't want to miss this title!

The second title in her Princes of the Blood series, WITH PRIDE actually takes place before the events in book one and can be read out of sequence.

OFFICIAL REVIEW written for The Romance Reviews.com
http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=13402



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Review: Captive Heart

Captive Heart by Adriana Hunter

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Captive Heart Delivers Jungle Heat!

For the past seven years Gideon has worked alone. As a soldier for hire, he keeps his emotions behind a wall of stone and every movement he makes radiates with barely restrained intensity. Broken by his past, exhausted and alone, Gideon is ready to retire; but doesn't have any idea what he would do if he wasn't on a job.

Lainey is desperate for a miracle. Her brother was kidnapped while in South America. Turning to her ex-boyfriend, Detective Scott Navarro, is the last thing she ever wanted to do, but Lainey is willing to do anything to help bring her brother home. Scott swears that Gideon is the best in the business, and Lainey believes him... but Aiden is her responsibility and she isn't about to be left behind.

Gideon is a total mystery to Lainey, but their sexual chemistry is undeniable. Lainey's body lights a fire in Gideon like no other, but it's her tenacious spirit that keeps drawing him back like a moth to a flame.

Opposites attract in this passionate story about two broken hearts thrown together in the most unexpected of ways. Well written and edited with complex characters and a fast paced storyline, Captive Heart will leave you feeling the heat!

Caution: Unprotected sexual encounters of an adult nature, for mature readers only.

A copy of Captive Heat was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.



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Review: Top 100 Reasons to Love: Boxed Set of Bestselling Romance

Top 100 Reasons to Love: Boxed Set of Bestselling Romance by Adriana Hunter

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This group of authors is amazing; someone over at Zirconia Publishing, Inc. should get a medal!

I had already read about half of the books in this set prior to it's release. Since I enjoyed all of those titles, I had been anticipating this bundle's release. I had a feeling the rest of the stories would be equally entertaining.

My expectations were greatly exceeded!!!! Every title I've read has taken me on a delightfully well written journey. I still have a couple left to read but as of right now each story has been complete from start to finish. There have been no cliffhangers and no half-told stories slipped in as fillers.

With a wide variety of writing styles, genres and heat levels from sweet to spicy; the combined skill level of these authors will blow you out of the water! I received this set as a gift from a friend and I owe her a great big thank you! I guarantee that this set contains something for everyone!



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Review: Shifting Fates

Shifting Fates by Nadia Simonenko

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Powerful emotions and engaging characters; a must read!

I loved this one! It kept me on the edge of my seat from the very first page. The urban setting is amazing; ghetto Manhattan, WOW! Because it's written in monthly installments the cliffhanger ending shouldn't have surprised me but still did. I fell in love with Bindi right away. She's trying so hard to do the right thing and hang on to part of her humanity while suppressing her own desires. Cage is a really complicated character as well; he's put himself into a pretty impossible situation and I can't wait to see where the next book takes them! I'm glad to hear that the heat level is going to be turned up a bit in future books as well because the potential sexual for chemistry between these two is awesome! This is a well written new series that's going to the top of my Must-Read list!

A copy of Shifting Fates was provided by that author in exchange for an honest review.




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Review: Cold Moon Rising

Cold Moon Rising by Sarah Mäkelä

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



An action packed short story that's hot, hot, hot!

A case of mistaken identity and Kelly suddenly finds herself kidnapped and caged by military scientists who are hoping to create super soldiers by studying and genetically altering shifters. She doesn't have any family to speak of, and despairs that anyone will even notice she is missing.

Her only hope lies with Jacob, her college study partner. She had hoped that their relationship romance bound, but since her last encounter with him ended in an argument, there is a chance that he won't notice her absence either.

Kelly has no idea that Jacob is a wolf shifter who has been attracted to her from the very beginning. He is willing to do what ever it takes to save the woman he believes is his mate. Unfortunately, his plan of action backfires, and lands the star crossed lovers caged and at the mercy of zealous scientists bent on exploitation.

This fast paced novelette is fraught with danger. As the two uncover government secrets they also discover unexpected truths about each other. Irresistibly drawn together, the sexual chemistry between Kelly and Jacob sparks like a live wire.

This is an entertaining story with a cliffhanger ending that will leave you breathless! Fair warning; it does contain editing and grammar errors that are noticeable, but do not significantly detract from the overall story line.

A copy of Cold Moon Rising was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.



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Review: To Love An Alpha

To Love An Alpha by Adriana Hunter

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



A must read for paranormal/werewolf romance fans!

If you only buy one boxed set this year, To Love An Alpha is the one to buy! Adriana Hunter excels at writing alpha wolves that are strong and seductive. Her female characters are sensual and resilient; willingly doing whatever it takes to stand beside the who love them as equals.

The first two books, Taming The Alpha and Claiming The Alpha, are the first two books in the Wild Obsession series. Together they tell the complete story of Jax, a conflicted Alpha who is struggling to keep his pack together while under attack, and Nikki, a curvaceous beauty who has experienced nothing but the darker side of life. Their story, as they fight for their love and the survival of Jax's pack, is a fast paced adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish!

In Better Mate Than Never, we meet Paige, who has loved Caleb since high-school. If it wasn't for the smoldering look that appears in his eyes when he thinks she isn't watching, Paige's heart would have given up on Caleb long ago. As eventual successor of his pack, Caleb is forbidden to take a human mate, but when Paige's life is endangered he's willing to do anything... even if it means revealing his wolf heritage and losing Paige's friendship, the only contact he is allowed to have with her, forever.

All American Wolf, is the action packed finale that will make you want to howl! Detective Serena Daniels is investigating a baffling murder and Brody Sullivan is her prime suspect. Her instincts tell her that he's a man of integrity but the evidence she gathers is telling a different story. When a second stranger arrives in town, claiming to be a hunter of nightmares, will Serena choose to believe the facts in her head or the love in her heart?

Four books; three unforgettable alphas. With well developed story lines that contain action, adventure, sizzling sexual chemistry and true love, this exceptional bundle has it all!

A copy of To Love An Alpha was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.



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Review: Love Rising

Love Rising by Piper Vaughn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Francis Holland got lucky once; and it was the only time in his life that anything had ever really gone his way. Somehow, he ended up living on the Isla Sagrario, one of the few places in early 1700 that a gay man could live openly. This was a very good thing for a man who had never been skilled at keeping secrets.

He's settled into his small cabin near the ocean, works hard cooking at local inn, has a few friends (an even fewer number of casual lovers), and knows that he should be satisfied with his life. Before arriving at the island his life was full of poverty, hardship and pain. He can't help but dream of "If only...." You see, his bed is awfully lonely at night, and his heart longs for a love to call his own.

So time passes, until one day a most unexpected thing occurs. He finds a merman, unconscious, on the beach and rescues him. Taking care of his guest until the next moonlight night when he releases him back into the ocean. They didn't speak each other's language, could barely communicate at all, but somehow Francis' heart still longed for Wick long after he had returned to the sea.

That's how the man without any secrets finds himself keeping the biggest one of all! He knew it was foolish to hope for more, because everyone knows that loving a mythical creature will only end up breaking your heart. Wick seemed to be different, at least that's what Francis thought at first, but nothing is ever exactly as it seems.

A very short but well written story; Love Rising tells a magical "tail" of a human and a merman who fall in love. How do you solve the problem of a human who can't live under water and a merman who can't live on land? This romantic fairy tale has more than one surprise in store for its readers to enjoy!

A copy of Love Rising was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.



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Review: The Strength of a Man

The Strength of a Man by Sara Winters

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This is the poignant and romantically told story of two young college aged men. Both on the swim team, Kurt's performance is suffering. When James, the team captain, is asked by the coach to offer Kurt some pointers one-on-one, sparks begin to fly. It's immediately apparent to Josh that Kurt is carrying some pretty significant emotional damage from past relationships. His recent coming out has estranged him from his friends and family, who didn't take his announcement well at all.

James has been attracted to Kurt since day one, but his ongoing reluctance to engage in more than heavy petting is putting a strain on their new romance. James is willing to wait as long as he needs to for Kurt to open up to him physically, but his reluctance to trust James with his heart and emotions just might be what breaks them apart.

A well written novella length story, the honestly portrayed emotions and flawed human behaviors is what makes this story as engaging as it is heart-wrenching to read. Love, like life, is a journey that can be harrowing at times. It's who we choose to take with us on that journey that will make or break us in the end.

A copy of The Strength of a Man was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.



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Review: Shattered Web

Shattered Web by Crista McHugh

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Sexta is the most powerful and feared Madam in the Deizian Empire, but not by choice. She inherited the business from her mother, whose penchant for blackmailing Deizian nobles. The secrets she guards are what what keep her safe, but they also trap her inside the cold stone walls of the pleasure house she calls home.

Marcus has been in love with Sexta for years, but despite recent changes in the empire, is unable to convince Sexta to leave her business behind and allow him to love and protect her instead. His status as a powerful nobleman and warrior, along with his close friendship with the Emperor, assures Marcus that no one would dare to challenge his choice of wife. Sexta keeps her heart well guarded; instead only offering precious stolen moments of passion and tenderness that are few and far between.

When a dangerous plot to overtake the empire begins to emerge Marcus is shocked to discover that Sexta, the woman who broke his heart and believed to be forever lost to him, is now suspected of committing treason.

Will Marcus ever be able to convince her that they were meant to be together forever, or will he learn that the honest character of the woman he loves is instead an intricately woven lie to cover the heart of a traitor?

A well written and developed adventure, Shattered Web, the fourth in Crista McHugh's Deizian Empire Series can be read as either a stand alone novella or part of the ongoing saga. The passion that ignites between Sexta and Marcus burns brighter than the stars that light the Deizian Empire's sky, sure to make this a bestseller in no time!



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Review: City Girl, Country Wolf: A Paranormal Shifter Biker Romance

City Girl, Country Wolf: A Paranormal Shifter Biker Romance by Aubrey Rose

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



A sexy page-turner from start to finish!

Ruby is consumed by work. She doesn't have time in her life for dating and hasn't even considered looking for love. Heading to Nebraska to fix the mess her co-worker made of one of the most lucrative business deals she's headed in a long time isn't something she has time for, but her boss makes it clear that she has no choice.

Jason is a wolf in the middle of war. When Ruby shows up to negotiate a business deal with the leader of a rival pack, he can't deny the instant lust he feels for the curvy beauty he finds stranded in the Nebraska countryside, but he questions who she really is and if he can trust her, or his growing attraction.

Ruby doesn't understand why the handsome man who rescues her stirs her passions like no one she's met before, but giving in to her attraction isn't a priority, not when her boss is depending on her sealing the deal. When her night is interrupted by a wolf pack the wild beauty of the beasts both scares and intrigues her. When she is attacked by the CEO after their meeting, Josh again rides to the rescue. The shocking discovery that he, and the wolves who visited her last night, are more than they appear only serves to fuel her lust and attraction.

Giving in to the emotional high fueling that night is the most sexually satisfying experience of Josh and Ruby's life, but can a City Girl and a Country Wolf find a way to turn one night of passion into more?

City Girl, Country Wolf is a well written paranormal adventure from the erotic pen of Aubrey Rose. An entertaining short story, it's steamy characters are ones I hope to see more of in the future. The ending doesn't leave readers hanging, but hints at the potential for more stories to come!

A copy of City Girl, Country Wolf was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.



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Review: Through the Window

Through the Window by Hollis Shiloh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Known for sweetly romantic stories, this latest offering is different from any of Shiloh's previous books. Through the Window is a dark and emotional story that contains complex characters that have been deeply damaged by life.

I absolutely loved this story. I loved the complexity and the darkness in Alphonse’s character as well as the insecurities Luke struggled with regarding his boxing career. It was pure magic watching their love for each other grow from a dark and needy place into warmth. It could have been a disaster. They could have stumbled and never gotten back up again. It is honest and raw and real. Because of the intensity, I had to set it aside a couple of times because of how deeply the emotions impacted me. I just needed to not think about it for awhile and come back to it later..... but I was ALWAYS drawn back to the story. I couldn’t put it down completely until I had finished it. I had to alter my expectations, that were based on earlier writings, and judge this book on it’s own merits.

The story is enhanced with deliciously steamy sexual encounters and are very intense and detailed in a way that Shiloh has not written in a story before. Some people may be turned off by it, others will love it.... I know I did!

I highly recommend that you read Jude's Magic prior to starting this book as Through the Window contains many of the same characters. Jude's Magic provides lots of insight and backstory that will enhance your reading experience and understanding of the main character, Alphonse.

This is one book you don't want to miss!

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Review: Taming the Alpha

Taming the Alpha by Adriana Hunter

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Nikki lives a hard life, and not entirely by choice. Her parents never cared for her as a child, focused instead on their own selfish behavior. She never finished high-school, works as a stripper, and has had a string of failed relationships. Her heart yearns to find a man who will see through the life she lives and love her for who she is on the inside.

Jax is a werewolf who is struggling to find his way. The tragic and unexpected death of his parents thrust him into the position of pack Alpha. He knows that they depend on him for stability and leadership, but the strain the changes have put on his relationship with his younger brother and lack of a mate to share his burden is starting to show.

Nikki and Jax are instantly drawn to each other. Jax heart tells him she is his mate, but she is human and is unaware of the existence of wolves. He worries that the pack won't accept her as his mate as it goes against every tradition they have long held sacred.

A rash of unexplained murders near Nikki's club put her life in danger, and Jax is willing to do anything to protect her. Even if it means running the risk of revealing his wolf side and losing the woman he loves.

A well written and emotionally engaging paranormal romance with complicated characters and a complex storyline, Taming the Alpha is a fast paced erotic romance that left me howling for more!

A copy of Taming the Alpha was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.



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Review: Angel's Power

Angel's Power by Erin M. Leaf

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



When darkness enters the angelic world once again, only those with powerful secrets of their own are able to stand against the oncoming destruction.

Suriel's angelic marks are imbibed with the powerful magic granted only to a sorcerer. He can speak to the wind and sees terrifying glimpses of the future. Despite his angelic status, he experiences flashes of power and disturbing premonitions that are unstable at best and overwhelming when at their worst. He has spent the last years hidden away, working tirelessly to gain control of his powers, but now feels compelled to travel to Castle Archangel and assist in the escalating fight against their Demon enemies. While his mother encourages him to look for a mate during his time away, Suriel would never risk the life of his most beloved by binding her to his treacherous powers.

Ariel serves as a trusted advisor to her brother, angel Alpha Gabriel. Her ability to maintain order amidst the haughty and self-serving attitudes displayed by the ancient angelic council is invaluable. No one suspects that her delicate body bears a disturbing secret--her angelic marks are slowly changing. Dark blues and faint silver hues now mottle the formerly luxurious brown marks. Since these changes are also mirrored in her wings, she fears the changes may be a sign of illness.

Suriel's unexpected arrival at Castle Archangel could not have come at a better time. There are disturbing shifts in the very foundation of the ancient castle's magic, but even more upsetting is the unexpected impact that Suriel and Ariel have on each other. As the demonic influences grow they are forced to work together to protect their people. The continued proximity only adds fuel to the simmering flames of their growing attraction. When tensions between the two finally reach a breaking point, their individual secrets are exposed and the explosive outcome is beyond their wildest imaginings.

ANGEL'S POWER, the second book in Erin M. Leaf's Angel Shifters series, is a fast paced and well written example of paranormal erotic romance at its best. With emotionally complex characters, an adventurous storyline and tantalizing sexual chemistry, this novella-length story engaged my attention from start to finish!

OFFICIAL REVIEW written for The Romance Reviews.com
http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=12410



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Review: Stone Cold: An Iron Tornadoes MC Romance

Stone Cold: An Iron Tornadoes MC Romance by Olivia Rigal

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Lisa has dedicated the past two years to her law studies. Between that and her waitressing job, she hasn't had time for love.... not that she's been looking either. She gave a part of her heart to Brian, her brother's best friend, years ago and has never gotten it back. Even though she hasn't seen him in years that small spark has never died.

The day she get's the call that her brother, David, has been murdered all her priorities shift. She walks away from her job, school and a coveted summer internship to support her mother who never emotionally recovered from her father's death years before.

David has been taking care of their mother these past years but when she arrives home, there are more shocking adjustments to make than the loss of her older brother.

Brian is back, but he's not the man she remembers and loved. Taller, broader, sexy as sin and running with the baddest bad boys in town, the Iron Tornadoes. His new forceful attitude and the coldness in his eyes both attracts and repels her. Is it possible he still carries tender feelings for her after all these years or have the mysterious changes in his life permanently altered his once gentle heart?

A well written and fast paced adventure full of mystery, romance and drama; Stone Cold is the first book in Olivia Rigal's Iron Tornadoes series. It introduces readers to Lisa's confused heart and Brian's dark secrets, building the foundation with a well developed and emotional storyline. The dramatic ending left me hungry for more; this series is addicting from the very first page!

A copy of Stone Cold was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.



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Review: Damaged by Sky Corgan

Damaged by Sky Corgan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Complex and emotional!

Tara started her life thinking that she was a princess, loved by all. Then she started kindergarten and found out that the world is full of bullies and those who aren't actively cruel are more than willing to follow the crowd. The day she met Darren Jones everything changed. He's an intellectual prodigy whose wealthy parents are grooming him for better things than their small town. Content to be alone with his books, Darren protects Tara from the schoolyard bullies and a lifelong friendship develops. Damaged is the story of Tara's life. As she grows from her awkward childhood into a beautiful young woman, Darren's friendship is constant, but when he makes it clear that he wants more from her than friendship, the idea of loving him as more than a brother changes the course of their lives in unexpected ways.

A never ending surprise from start to finish; every time I thought I'd figured out what was going to happen next, Sky Corgan added a plot twist that threw me! An intricately woven story line with well developed characters whose life journeys showcase human nature at its fallible best. Full of love and hate, betrayal and forgiveness, dreams and heartache; Damaged was an emotional journey that I'll not soon forget!

A copy of Damaged was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.





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Review: Breaking the Ice

Breaking the Ice by Jessica Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An impressive literary adventure; five out of five stars!

Mikah Malloy is a lion in hiding. Considering that his parents had both attempted to assassinate his pride's leader for being gay, it could be said that he was lucky the pride even let him stay. Tormented by the knowledge that he had caused his mother's death by protecting his leader from her hatred, Mikah was steadily drinking his way along a path towards self-destruction.

Along with the weight his own guilt, he also carried the secret of his attraction to other men. He'd been keeping that particular secret for most of his life, knowing his parents would have considered him an abomination and cast him away. He was tired. Tired of others looking at him with a mixture of suspicion and fear. Tired of hiding his true feelings from his pride. Mostly, he was tired of always feeling alone, but who would want to mate with the son of traitors? It was a taint he wasn't willing to pass on to his worst enemy, let alone someone he loved. Most days Mikah wished for death, because without the ability to love and no end in sight, what was there left to live for?

Gideon Haven, eldest of his pack alpha's twin sons by minutes, would give anything to escape the isolated environment of their Alaskan home. Restlessness consumes his spirit and is the driving force behind his infamous temper and reckless disregard of his own safety. More than willing to secede leadership of the pack to his more diplomatic twin brother, Gideon dreams of shaking the snow off his paws and exploring the world.

Determined to save Mikah from himself, his pride leader brings him on an Alaskan vacation in an attempt to give him a new perspective on life. There Mikah meets Gideon, but the attraction they feel for each other is overshadowed by danger; wolves are being slaughtered for their pelts. Adding the desperate hunt for an escalating killer to Mikah's emotional damage and Gideon's jealous ex only complicates an already complex situation. Can two restless shifters, who want nothing more than to escape, find peace in each other's arms or will their differences drive them apart?

A well written and emotionally engaging paranormal romance, BREAKING THE ICE has a fast paced and well developed story line that I found entertaining from start to finish! Third in the Ariel Estates series, BREAKING THE ICE can be read on its own, but characters from the first two books make appearances that are sure to delight fans!

OFFICIAL REVIEW written for The Romance Reviews.com
http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...

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