The Reading Spot

Hitting the Mark by Jill Monroe

This was a very cute book. I liked the fact that the heroine was part of a shady family and used to do it herself. It makes her less of a goody two-shoes. This is one that I recommend if you want a quick contemporary read, it is not very long, but it is fun.

Book Description:
With grifters hanging from every branch of her family tree, Danni Ford was trying to do the impossible--play it straight. Until an undercover G-man played her with a few tricks of his own…

The tip-off should have been the way Eric's gaze met hers only when they talked dirty.

So Eric was using her to trap her shady relatives. He was still off-the-charts sexy--why shouldn't she get something pleasurable from this con…?

Danni's revenge is going to be very, very sweet…and it will start with tying up her FBI agent boyfriend con man to get to the truth. Before he discovers her secrets first!

Bound by Marriage by Nalini Singh

I started reading Ms Singh when Slave to Sensation came out, because I loved it so much. And as I am writing this I am realizing that I read her book, Secrets of the Marriage Bed, but apparently never wrote about it. (It was good.) This one I liked but I think that I liked Secrets better. The hero in this one bothered me. I counld not identify or sympathize with him at all until the end of hte book. He was just a stone man until then and that bugged me. She kept trying and I was telling her to giveup already. It was a good read, and it may just be my mood at the time, but that was my experience with it. I think that I am going to try it again another time.

Book Description:
How else to describe the pact Jessica Randall had made with wealthy New Zealand rancher Gabe Dumont? In exchange for marriage and an heir, he would save her family property. The agreement was calculating, completely devoid of any tenderness, just like the man himself.

Their relationship was supposed to be a simple arrangement. Instead, it was fraught with secrets and mistrust, jealousy and ultimatums--emotions that wouldn't allow her to maintain the distance she needed. Worse, the sizzling attraction between them made this marriage of convenience decidedly inconvenient.

Labels: contemporary

The VISIONS OF HEAT meme

1. Which psychic power would you most like to possess? telekenesis

2. If you could see the future, what would you like to see? a happy one

3. Imagine you woke up one day and could shapeshift - what would you shift into? a wolf or a bird

4. What kind of a paranormal creature would you invite over for dinner if there were no limits on who you could ask? a vampire, pick his/her brain on history stuff

5. Which future innovation do you wish would hurry up and get here already? i.e. flying cars, a transporter, computers with artificial intelligence, an auto chef? Transporters, then I won't be as late anymore.

This meme was begun by Nalini Singh to get the word out about her next book, Visions of Heat [http://nalinisingh.com/visions] (releasing March 6). Want to play, too, and enter to win a $50 Amazon voucher plus an ARC? Click here [http://nalinisingh.blogspot.com/2007/02/visions-of-heat-meme.html] for details.

Labels: misc

Causing Havoc by Lori Foster

I love this book and this new series. Of course, I love Lori's writing and she has continued to do very well with this book. The only thing I would have liked would have been a little more info on Cam's feelings toward Roger and Cam's background. The secondary story is great with Dean's sister, Jackie, and his friend. I am guessing the rest will be told later because the next book deals with Dean's trainor, sexy Simon.

Book Description:
Orphaned and torn from his sisters as a boy, sexy extreme wrestler Dean "Havoc" Conor gets a letter revealing how much his siblings (Cam and Jackie) want him back in Harmony, Kentucky. To stop his sister from marrying a sleazeball, Dean finds himself teaming up with her pretty-but-smart-mouthed friend Eve-who's heard of Havoc's reputation and doesn't need some hunk trampling on her heart. Now all Dean has to do is protect his sisters, win Eve over, and expose a devious criminal. And he thought winning the heavyweight belt was hard.

Labels: contemporary

Over the Moon anthology by Angela Knight, MaryJanice Davidson, Virginia Kantra, and Sunny

I enjoyed the stories that I read for the most part. I did not read Sunny's story because I have not read her other book yet and it is part of that series. I am not sure if I am going to buy this one or not, I don't think that it is a keeper for me.

The italicised is from the back of the book and then I added some of my own notes...
Angela Knight ventures to the borders of Mageverse, a land ruled by vampire knights. (Werewolf story with Lucas Rolling and Elena Livingston)
MaryJanice Davidson returns to the wicked lair of the Wyndham werewolves. (about werewolf, Burke Wolftauer and vampire, Serena Crull)
Virginia Kantra finds magic and wonder in a strange fairy kingdom. (not part of a series that i am aware of but interesting story about the sidhe)
And Sunny discovers a Mixed Blood Queen in command of a new realm.


Moon Awakening (Children of the Moon Book 1) by Lucy Monroe
I really liked this book. And I am not a big fan of medieval books. Because the treatment of women and the heroines usually annoy me. But this one I liked and I look forward to the next books in the series.

Book Description:
Emily Hamilton volunteers to marry a Scottish laird (Talorc of the Sinclair clan) in order to save her younger sister (Abigail). But she can't save herself from being kidnapped by a werewolf clan-and its wild-hearted leader (Lachlan of the Balmoral clan).

Labels: historical, paranormal, sidhe, vampires, werewolves

The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason

I really enjoyed this one. It is a historical which I am picky about and not usually in the mood for, but I liked this one. I love any book that pulls at my emotions and this one did, though it is probably just me (I was PMSing at the time and that makes me sappy. I know, TMI, but anyway...). This was pretty much a Regency Buffy. I am not a big fan of Buffy, but I liked this better than the show.

Book Description:
In every generation, a Gardella is called to accept the family legacy of vampire slaying, and this time, Victoria Gardella Grantworth is chosen, on the eve of her debut, to carry the stake. But as she moves between the crush of ballrooms and dangerous, moonlit streets, Victoria's heart is torn between London's most eligible bachelor, (Phillip) the Marquess of Rockley, and her enigmatic ally, Sebastian Vioget. And when she comes face to face with the most powerful vampire in history (Lilith), Victoria must ultimately make the choice between duty and love.

White Lies by Jayne Anne Krentz

I love her Jayne Castle books and if you enjoy those, you will love this one. It is basically a modern day Jayne Castle book. This book links her Jayne Castle, her latest Amanda Quick and this Jayne Anne Krentz books together. It does have her JAK romanctic suspense but with the added paranormal element of psychic gifts. It helps to understand this one full if you have read Second Sight by AQ because these are/talk about the descendents of the H and h in that book. But if you have not read it, it is not that hard to pick up. I did enjoy this one a lot.

Book Description:
Petite, thirtysomething Clare Lancaster is a Level Ten para-sensitive-and a "human lie detector." Over the years, she's come to accept that someone with her extraordinary talents is likely to have trouble in the relationship department. And she's even resigned herself to the fact that everyone, to one degree or another, hides behind a façade. . . .
And now it seems that meeting the half sister and family whom she never knew until seven months ago was a mistake. Her father summons her from California to play a role in his business empire, and Clare doesn't intend on making the same mistake twice. But after meeting Jake Salter, Archer Lancaster's "financial consultant," Clare is convinced that things aren't what they seem. Salter's careful conversation seems to walk a delicate line between truth and deception, revealing and resisting. Something sparks and sizzles between them-something more than the usual electricity between a man and a woman.
Caught in a dizzying storm of secrets, lies, and half-truths, Jake and Clare will plunge into an investigation that demands every bit of their special gifts-together they must overcome their mutual distrust in order to unravel a web of conspiracy and murder.

Labels: contemporary, historical, paranormal, psychic, suspense, vampires

Dangerous Games by Lora Leigh

I LOVED this book. It was great. I had not read any of Lora Leigh's books besides the ones in the Breed series, but I love this one just as much. It takes place in the Dom/sub club scene, so that different for me. This is the second in her SEALs books, the first one is in the anthology Honk if you Love Real Men. I have not read that yet, I just found out about it. The third in the series is also in an anthology called Real Men do it Better. And next year the fourth book is released called Hidden Agendas.

Book Description:
Navy SEAL Clint “Iceman” McIntire didn’t earn his nickname by being a coward. Or a quitter. Having crushed an infamous drug cartel in Colombia, Clint was nothing short of an American hero. Now he’s home, on a much-needed leave, but instead of some R&R, he finds himself neck-deep in trouble with his best friend’s little sister, Morganna Chavez, the only woman who has the power to bring him to his knees. . .

Morganna has been secretly working with the DEA to uncover a thriving date-rape drug, which leads her to a shadowy faction that is more deadly than anything her team has ever encountered. Now it’s up to Clint to keep this beautiful, determined agent out of harm’s way, even while the passion between them threatens to consume them. Soon Clint’s greatest mission will be not just keeping Morganna safe, but getting her into his arms and never letting go.

Labels: contemporary

Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur
I read this a while ago when it was in hardback before I started this blog journal and enjoyed it then. I kept an eye out and found out that the series were going to be released one a month for four months a year later, I was excited so I have been waiting for these. The first two books are good, the storyline is interesting to me, but if you have a problem with the heroine sleeping with more than just the hero you will not like this series. But I will say at this point you are not quite sure who the hero is exactly. The story is more about the heroine and the case than the romance. I am going to buy the rest because I want to see how the story turns out, I am hooked. If I were to grade them I would probably say an A-.


Book Description:
In this exciting debut, author Keri Arthur explodes onto the supernatural scene with a sexy, sensuous tale of intrigue and suspense set in a world where legends walk and the shady paths of the underworld are far more sinister than anyone envisioned.
A rare hybrid of vampire and werewolf, Riley Jenson and her twin brother, Rhoan, work for Melbourne’s Directorate of Other Races, an organization created to police the supernatural races–and protect humans from their depredations. While Rhoan is an exalted guardian, a.k.a. assassin, Riley is merely an office worker–until her brother goes missing on one of his missions. The timing couldn’t be worse. More werewolf than vampire, Riley is vulnerable to the moon heat, the weeklong period before the full moon, when her need to mate becomes all-consuming.…
Luckily Riley has two willing partners to satisfy her every need. But she will have to control her urges if she’s going to find her brother…. Easier said than done as the city pulses with frenzied desire, and Riley is confronted with a very powerful–and delectably naked–vamp who raises her temperature like never before.
In matters carnal, Riley has met her match. But in matters criminal, she must follow her instincts not only to find her brother but to stop an unholy harvest. For someone is doing some shifty cloning in an attempt to produce the ultimate warrior–by tapping into the genome of nonhumans like Rhoan. Now Riley knows just how dangerous the world is for her kind–and just how much it needs her.



Kissing Sin by Keri Arthur

Book Description:
From Melbourne’s gleaming skyscrapers to its throbbing nightclubs, Riley Jenson’s world is raging with danger and desire. A drop-dead-gorgeous werewolf–with a touch of vamp coursing in her blood–Riley works for an organization created to police the supernatural races. But when she wakes up naked and bruised in a barren alley, she knows only that she must run for her life.

Within moments Riley collides with the sexiest man she’s ever seen: steely, seductive Kade, who is fighting a life-and-death battle of his own. With old lovers and enemies gathering around her, Riley knows she is being pursued by a new kind of criminal. Because in Riley’s blood is a secret that could create the ultimate warrior–if only she can survive her own dangerous desires….

Labels: paranormal, vampires, werewolves

Eye of the Storm by Dee Davis (B-)

Everyone has skeletons in the closet, but Simone Cooper Sheridan's involve secret CIA operations in the steamy jungles of South America. Now, after years of disguising her true identity, she's finally come face-to-face with her previous life.
Reece Sheridan knows that a smart man doesn't think with his heart. After all, he is the one who divorced Simone, when their marriage just couldn't overcome her mysterious past. But he's never gotten over her.
Now Simone's secrets have captured the two of them in a deadly game with a ticking clock . . . and nothing can tear him from her side.

His Little Black Book by Thea Devine (C+)
At a swanky café in midtown Manhattan, three twentysomething gals convene to discuss how to achieve their ultimate fantasy: becoming lusciously sexy, irresistibly seductive mistresses to supremely wealthy older men. Founders of their very own Mistress Club -- Brooke, a confident brunette; Delia, a feisty blond sexpot; and MJ, an ambitious, red-haired siren -- have sworn off unsatisfying one-night stands, vowing to take control of their sex lives. And thanks to Brooke, they have a set of guidelines for becoming elegant mistresses of sin ... Despite the rules, each woman falls for a sexy man who gets what he wants -- when he wants it -- without giving anything in return. That is, until Brooke finds her way into the coveted pages of a high-powered businessman's little black book -- opening the door for her and her friends to a hedonistic world of pleasure and passion that may be more than they bargained for....


Morning Beauty, Midnight Beast by Myrna Mackenzie (B+)
A beautiful woman. . .
in need of a protector. On a wintry night on the Chicago streets, Molly Delavan unexpectedly went into labor and was rescued by a mysterious Good Samaritan who vanished before she could thank him. On the run from her greedy ex-fiancé, Molly wanted to start living her own life, on her own terms. But she owed her rescuer, Seth McCabe, a debt of gratitude. One that she was determined to repay
A dark stranger. . .
in need of redemption. Seth walked the city alone at night, a reporter who jealously guarded his privacy. He'd seen enough of what love could do and wanted no part of it ever again. But Molly just might change all that. Vulnerable and in danger, the lovely young mother needed help, and Seth found himself drawn to her, despite his determination to avoid her. Molly brought sunlight into his darkness--but could a man who had lost everything hope to reclaim his heart?

Confesions of a Wicked Woman by Susanna Carr (B)
GOOD "BAD GIRL"… This is the reason Stephanie Monroe ran away from small-town America in the first place—this insane sense of buttoned-up propriety that's managed to get her thrown in jail. It's not her fault people can't tell the difference between her haute couture and lady-of-the-evening wear! But now, after several citizen complaints, Stephanie finds herself booked by one of Mayfield's finest…and finest is definitely the word. Everything about Jack Logan, from his strong jaw to the way he wears his holster, is irresistibly appealing. And now, the biggest temptation in town—a man in uniform—is resurrecting Stephanie's long-buried, apple-pie good girl…and she needs to do something about it fast…
…MEETS "GOOD" BAD BOY It took a lot of hard work for Sheriff Jack Logan to turn away from his bad boy past and become the voice of authority and integrity in this town. So far, he's managed to keep that devilish wild streak buried beneath his badge and his duty. But the minute he looks into Stephanie's eyes, he knows he's in trouble. The big-city lady fights back with a style he admires, even if he suspects that bad-girl come-hither walk is nothing but an act. More and more, Jack can't decide whether to drag her across the city limits or into his bed. One thing's for sure—the longer she stays in town, the more ready this reformed bad boy is to shed his uniform and show Stephanie a whole new side to serve and protect…


Secrets and Lies by Selena Montgomery (B-)

She just witnessed her uncle's murder, she's running for her life, and now Dr. Katelyn Lyda is face-to-face with a breathtaking man who could be her salvation. Tall, sexy, his eyes full of mysterious promises, he seems to have the answer she needs.
It's too bad Sebastian Caine is one of the bad guys . . .
A "recovery specialist" skilled at separating prized possessions from their owners, Sebastian is after an ancient relic. But he reconsiders the job when he finds himself staring at the wrong end of a gun. The beautiful lady with her finger on the trigger seems to have everything he needs—and not just the artifact. Sebastian's conscience has never bothered him before—but then he has never wanted any woman more.
With her life in jeopardy, Kat wonders how far she can trust Sebastian Caine . . . how long she can resist him . . . and dare she fall in love?

Business or Pleasure by Julie Hogan (B)
Daisy Kincaid had finally given up. Her gorgeous playboy boss was never going to reciprocate her feeelings and turn her secret crush into a real-time love affair, leaving her no choice but to quit. Now Alec Mackenzie had asked her to work on-site with him for one last project. How could she say no? Especially with her body saying "Yes!"
Winning was everything for Alec. And with Daisy the key to his dream deal, he'd do anything to get her back. But when had his skilled assistant turned into such a seductive temptress? And how as he going to handle the weeks of working closely with her?
Alec might be playing to win, but he was in very real danger of losing his heart!

The Stranger I Married by Sylvia Day (A)
Lady Pelham could not have designed a husband more suited to her needs. The Marquess of Grayson is a dear and enchanting friend and an unrepentant ladies' man. Their union is solid; their hearts safe from one another. But every marriage has its surprises...

THEY WERE TOGETHER FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS...
They are London's most scandalous couple. Isabel, Lady Pelham, and Gerard Faulkner, Marquess of Grayson, are well matched in all things--their lusty appetites, constant paramours, wicked wits, provocative reputations, and their absolute refusal ever to ruin their marriage of convenience by falling in love with one another. Isabel knows such a charming rake will never appeal to her guarded heart, nor will she sway his philandering one. It is a most agreeable sham...until a shocking turn of events sends Gerard from her side.
Now, four years later, Gerard has come home to Isabel. But the carefree, boyish rogue who left has been replaced by a brooding, powerful, irresistible man who is determined to seduce his way into her affections. Gone is the devil-may-care companion who shared her friendship and nothing more, and in his place is temptation itself...a husband who desires Isabel body and soul and who will stop at nothing to win her love. No, this is not at all the man she had married. But he is the man who might finally steal her heart...

The Pleasure Seekers by Rochelle Alers (A-) This is not an anthology but all three women's stories are told.
Ilene is a captivatingly beautiful supermodel, Faye is an award-winning advertising executive and Alana is a brilliant editor for today's hottest fashion magazine. Now all three women are caught in the whirlwind of the super rich and famous. They find themselves the objects of the desires of every man--from movie stars, politicians, CEOs and rock stars to European royalty--men for whom there are no limits, nothing is too expensive, nothing is forbidden.

From Manhattan to Paris to Southampton, their new worlds are a torrent of sensual delights and unlimited luxuries. But ultimately they realize that there's only one thing more satisfying than money and power…love.


Take Me by Cherry Adair (A-) There is an interesting twist...they are already married, he just does not know it.
Business exec Joshua Falcon is used to getting his own way in the boardroom - and in the bedroom. And when he meets gorgeous Jessie Adams at a party, he wants her. NOW. NAKED in his four-poster. Together the two of them could have a hot sexual affair - with no commitments. She's his for the taking...
That suits Jessie to a T. Long nights of incredible sex. No ties. All she wants is a baby by the man she's always secretly hungered for...and then she's moving on. Except Jessie and Joshua share a surprising past. One that is about to take them where they never expected to go...


Shadow Dance by Julie Garwood (A)
The next in the Buchanan books (Slow Burn, Murder List, Mercy and Heartbreaker)
Jordan Buchanan is thrilled that her brother and best friend are tying the knot. The wedding is a lavish affair–for the marriage of Dylan Buchanan and Kate MacKenna is no ordinary occasion. It represents the joining of two family dynasties. The ceremony and reception proceed without a hitch–until a crasher appears claiming to be a MacKenna guest. The disheveled and eccentric professor of medieval history warns that there’s “bad blood” between the couple’s clans, stemming from an ancient feud that originated in Scotland, and involving the Buchanan theft of a coveted MacKenna treasure.
Jordan has always led a cautious life and has used her intelligence and reason to become a successful businesswoman. So she is intrigued but skeptical of the professor’s claims that the feud has been kept alive by the grave injustices the Buchanans have perpetrated over the centuries. But when Noah Clayborne, a close family friend and a man who has never let a good time or a pretty girl pass him by, accuses Jordan of being trapped in her comfort zone, she determines to prove him wrong and sets out on a spontaneous adventure to the small, dusty town of Serenity, Texas, to judge the professor’s research for herself.
Maneuvering through a close-knit community in which everyone knows everyone else’s business, Jordan never anticipates the danger and intrigue that lie in her path, nor the threat that will shadow her back to Boston, where even in familiar surroundings, her life is at risk.
A powerful thug who rules by fear, a man who harbors a simmering secret, and an unexpected romance that pierces all defenses–beloved author Julie Garwood weaves these dazzling elements into a brilliant novel of romantic suspense. Shadow Dance is a searing tango of passion and peril.

Labels: contemporary, historical, nonreviewed books, suspense

These are the paranormal books that I never got around to posting about so here is the description and grade for each one.

Dark Defender (Book 2 in the Paladins of Darkness series) by Alexis Morgan (B)
The first book is Dark Protector .

As a Paladin warrior, Blake Trahern fights and dies again and again to keep mankind safe from the Others. Sensing his humanity slipping away with each battle, he retreats from the world...until the one person who still has a claim on his soul needs his help. It's been twelve years since Blake vanished from Brenna Nichols's life, years that have turned her from a love-struck teen into a headstrong, sensual woman. He'll fearlessly give his life to protect her -- yet he dare not risk his heart.
Brenna is stunned by Blake's reappearance, and by a shocking discovery about her father. Everything she has ever believed is thrown into question -- everything except the desire that Blake still ignites. But as they search together for a traitor among the Paladins, danger looms: the next battle could tip Blake into madness, destroying his life, his soul...and the only woman he has ever loved.

Bit the Jackpot (Book 2 in the Vegas Vampires series) by Erin McCarthy (A) - funny
Book one is High Stakes . The books need to be read in order.
Politics make strange coffinfellows...
Vampire Seamus Fox is supposed to be the campaign manager for a Vampire Nation presidential candidate. Instead, he finds himself running around Vegas keeping tabs on the candidate's wife and female entourage.
Seamus has had his fill of women: a disastrous and deadly love affair has haunted him for over two centuries. Talk about baggage. But suddenly he finds himself obsessed with a mysterious stripper who dances behind a screen. The sultry yet shy Cara Kim whets his appetite for more, but leave it to Seamus to fall fangs over feet for that rarest of Vegas attractions-a good girl.
After a sudden run-in on the street, though, they may soon have a lot more in common...


Howling Moon ( Book 4 in the Sazi series) by CT Adams and Cathy Clamp (
The other books in the series are Hunter's Moon, Moon's Web and Captive Moon. It helps if you read the books in order.

He's a wolf… She's a jaguar…
Raphael is a former agent of the shape shifter secret police, forced into retirement after a very public scandal. Now he's assigned to help the victim of a hideous crime -- a woman who has been attacked by a serial killer, and accidentally turned into a were-jaguar.
Worse yet, Catherine turns out to be Raphael’s fated mate. But the serial killer is still on her trail, and perhaps even worse, Raphael’s pack wants her dead.
Caught between destiny and duty…
Raphael must make his choice -- and, in doing so, perhaps lose his pack -- in this tale of obsession, revenge, lust, pack politics, and true love.

Labels: nonreviewed books, paranormal, shape-shifter, vampires, werewolves

The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt
I enjoyed this book and thought it was a fun historical to read. I am not a huge historical fan, I usually read them for a change of pace and this one was a nice change.

Edward de Raaf, the Earl of Swartingham unknoingly hires local village widow Anna Wren to be his secretary after all his secretaries seem to leave abuptly after being in his service only a short time. He is a demanding person, but Anna takes it in stride. He is attracted to her, but is trying to deny that attraction.


Jacob (Book 1 of The Nightwalkers) by Jacquelyn Frank

This was an interesting change for the paranormals, the hero is a demon and so now we get a look into her demon culture instead of the typical vamps or weres. The book was pretty good, I enjoyed reading it. The heroine got on my nerves a couple of times, but I stuck it out and enjoyed it on the whole. The world Ms Frank has created is an interesting one and one that has a lot of potential for more stories.

Jacob is the Demon Enforcer for his people. That means that he keeps his people from harming humans. Demons are tossed into a wierd madness at the time of the full moon that tempts them to mate with humans and that is forbidden. Then Jacob saves Isabella one night and cannot let her go. She is a human and it is forbidden, but Jacob has an insatiable need to be with her. So Isabella (librarian by profession) does a little digging and finds out some interesting stuff about their history.

Labels: demons, historical, paranormal

Tall, Dark and Dangerous by Jaid Black

For some readon I had been putting this book off because I thought it was an anthology and I was not in the mood for anthologies at the time. But then I really looked at it and realized that it was a full book. Silly me. It was good. The premise is interesting, a little far-fetched, but interesting. I was doing my labels for this post and had a difficult time assigning one. This book seems to be paranormal but it is not in the usual sense, there is nothing supernatural about any of them. But it is about a society that lives totally underground (the time line is current time). They have little access to outside and do not want any. One of their gods or something told them that the people who lived on the surface were going to kill themselves off and so they went underground. Now after living there for a really long time (they say they are Vikings) they have developed their own technology and culture.

I will note, the book description says that Otar is their leader, he is one of their military leaders, but he is not their leader. I thing the leader's name is Nicholas but his story is in the Playing Easy to Get anthology.

A star in a world of wealth and privilege....
Fed up with Hollywood backstabbing, famous movie actress Madalyn Simon decided to escape the spotlight. Her new back-to-basics existence in an Alaskan cabin did take getting used to, but at least she was in control of her own destiny -- or so she thought. While snowmobiling on the frigid coast with her sister, the pair is taken hostage by a band of rough men who want them -- for reasons beyond imagining.

A captive in a world of inescapable seductions....
They are neo-Vikings from a hidden underworld, in search of women Outsiders to breed for the New Sweden clan. Their sexy leader, Otar, wants only one woman: Madalyn. Overpowered by his masculine strength and unmasked desire, Madalyn must become Otar's wife or face the marriage auction block. Now, in a world beyond dreams and as real as the hot flesh of her enticing warrior-husband, Madalyn discovers the power of an all-consuming passion -- as the fires of revolution threaten all she has come to love....

Pleasure Control by Cathryn Fox

Very good sensual read. I love the cover, it is awesome. The story was not really long, but it was fun and hot. Pleasure Prolonged comes out soon and I cannot wait to read it.

A dedicated scientist, Laura Manning has an I.Q. that's off the charts. But beneath her pristine white lab coat is a curvaceous body that craves satisfaction. She finds it hard keeping her mind on the experiment and off what's under the lab coat of her bad boy research partner, Jay Cutler, whom she's working with to develop a libido suppressant, an "antidote" for a society gone sex-mad, pumped up and over-stimulated by the miracle of Viagra.

With time running out, Jay offers to act as a human guinea pig, injecting himself with the libido suppressant. Laura's role requires lingerie, soft music and candlelight. Her job is to entice him, to determine if the suppressant tamps down his desires. Rather than cooling the flames of lust engulfing them, their "antidote" only heats them up . . . and there's only one scandalous way to deal with it!

Suddenly long days of laboratory work are giving way to sizzling nights of sensual experimentation-and a different kind of "chemistry" that leaves Jay and Laura breathless and gasping for more! Their professional careers may depend upon a successful climax-and there are dangerous competitors determined to steal their research. And maybe their pleasure games have gotten a bit out of control.

But who in her right mind would want to pull the plug on her man's libido when the loving is this deliciously hot?

Labels: contemporary

Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs
I loved this book and I am loving this series. It had a good story line and suspense in it plus all the shapeshifters. Plus an interesting secondary story with a reporter. Sam and Adam are both in this one and are still trying to find common ground when it comes to Mercy. They do find it in one way, protecting her and trying to keep her out of trouble. But I do recommend this book, but if you have not read Moon Called, read that one first. It is not imperative to this story, but it will help to follow everything.

Mechanic Mercy Thompson has friends in low places-and in dark ones. And now she owes one of them a favor. Since she can shapeshift at will, she agrees to act as some extra muscle when her vampire friend Stefan goes to deliver a message to another of his kind.

But this new vampire is hardly ordinary-and neither is the demon inside of him.

Kitty Goes to Washington by Carrie Vaughn

This is the sequel to Kitty and the Midnight Hour. Kitty is called to Washington DC to appear in a Senate inquiry. They are trying to figure out if supernatural beings really exist and what they should do if they do exist. But the Senator (Duke) that chairs the committee believes that all supernatural beings are evil and need to be destroyed, so Kitty has her work cut out for her. When she gets to town she meets some very interesting people, Alette, the master vampire for the city, Luis, a cute jaguar shape-shifter in town on business and Ahmad who owns and runs a bar where shifters hang out. She has a run in with the weird cult leader from the previous book who is targeting weres and vampires promising them release.
Plus there is a bonus story at the end where Kitty interviews a band that claims that one of their members is possessed by a demon. (The interview is mentioned in the book but no details are given about it) I would recommend this book, it is a cool paranormal. There is not a lot of romance in it though but even knowing that, I enjoyed the story and hardly noticed the lack of romance in it. I guess because there is potential for it later in the series.

Labels: paranormal, shape-shifter, werewolves

Tempting the Beast by Lora Leigh
This is the first book in her Breed series. The Breed series is also split into three categories based on the animal (Feline Breeds, Wolf Breeds and Coyote Breeds). But this is the first of them all. You can get the reading order (as opposed to the series' orders) from Lora Leigh's site. They all take place in the same world and have some interaction with each other but this one gives the background for them all.

Callan Lyons is a genetic experiment, one of six fighting for freedom and the survival of their Pride. Merinus Tyler is the reporter who will tempt him, draw him, until the fury of the "mating frenzy" locks them into a battle of sexual heat they cannot escape.

The evil Genetics Council is hot on their trail. Leaving a trail of their own of deception and blood. Callan will use his strength to try and save them both...and do all in his power to keep his woman in the process.
(description from Ellora's Cave)

Elizabeth's Wolf by Lora Leigh
This is part of the Wolf Breed series but is actually the third in the overall reading order. I loved it. It has great romance as well as some suspense in it to round it out. Great book.

She brought him back from death and made him live again.
Dash thought himself alone, a soldier, a fighting machine and no more.
Elizabeth made him realize he was a man.
Danger surrounds the woman his soul marked as his mate, death and blood and a treachery that goes beyond even his worst nightmares. But he will protect her and what she claims as her own. He was created to kill, trained to do it efficiently, and only a man bound to her, heart and soul, will have the strength to save Elizabeth and her prized possession.

He was a lone wolf. A man alone. No pack, no family, no one to call his own until one single, innocent letter awoke Elizabeth's wolf.
(Description from Ellora's Cave)

Harmony's Way by Lora Leigh
I loved this book. I am loving the whole series so far and very much recommend it.

This book comes after the book Megan's Mark (which I loved). The hero is Megan's cousin, Lance Jacobs, who is the sheriff in Broken Butte, New Mexico. The heroine is Feline Breed, Harmony Lancaster. She is an assasin and has been since she was 5 years old. She was raised in the labs and used by them to kill unsuspecting targets. When she got old enough and strog enough she killed everyone in her lab and escaped. Now she is still an assasin, but now she kills people who prey on children. But her time is up, the Breed council needs to put her on a leash while they are trying to negotiate with the government. So she is captured and given an ultimatum, she lives in Broken Butte, NM as a Breed liason and keeps her nose clean for 6 months or she is executed.

Labels: Breed, paranormal

Play with Me by Janice Maynard

This anthology was pretty good. It was a nice quick read. There are three stories in the book. The premise in the prologue is that they are three best friends that just turn 29 and have made a pact to one another, that they act out a fantasy before they turn 30.

"Still Waters"
Catherine Maderis is a shy museum archivist. Her fantasy involves hunky Phillip Trent who has been asking her out for a while but she has never had the courage to say yes.

"Skin Deep"
Kallie Bradshaw is an artist. Her fantasy involves her long time friend, Beau Donovan. She has had a crush on him for years but has been afraid to ruin their friendship.

"Party Girl"
Gina McCutchen was a reputed party girl, but it was all a farce to hid her insecurities. Catherine and Kallie coerce her into taking a romantic cruise and having a shipboard fling. But when she gets onboard and finds that Trey Lipman is also on board she feels her trip is ruined. 6 years ago she had a thing for him and he turned her down in a very blunt way that has affected her actions ever since.

Labels: contemporary

My Nerdy Valentine by Vicki Lewis Thompson

This was a cute book, but not my favorite in the "nerd series" (they are not connected so do not need to be read in order). I liked some of the other books better. I read it and finished it, but it is not one that i think I will re-read a lot if at all. Not a keeper for me, though I probably will keep it just because I have the rest of them. I hope others have a better time with it.


Amanda Rykowsky, psychology student, bartender, and intern to a sex therapist, meets nerdy stockbroker William Sloan when the bag of sex toys she has picked up for the therapist breaks and scatters embarrassing items all over the stairs. With no time for dating, Amanda has sworn off relationships. When she starts receiving progressively more alarming valentines from an unknown admirer, Will worries that a dangerous stalker is the culprit. He offers to pretend to be Amanda's boyfriend, but they can't keep their hands off each other and experience blazing sex. Delightfully busybody neighbors and kinky patients with hilarious peccadilloes add to the entertainment. (summary from Booklist by Diana Tixier Herald Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved)

Labels: contemporary, nerd

The Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop
This book is three books released as one volume, you can buy them separately (Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows, Queen of the Darkness) or as one big volume. This trilogy is wonderful. It is fantasy with some romantic elements. If you love fantasy or world building and have not read this, you must go find a copy.

The story is about a young queen (Jaenelle) as she tries to come into her power, the people who love her and are trying to protect her, and those who are trying to destroy her.

Labels: fantasy, psychic

I know that I read Twilight last month, but I just finished New Moon and figured I would post on both and try not to give many (if any) spoilers. These books are awesome!

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer




New Moon by Stephenie Meyer


Both of these books were awesome and I highly, highly, highly recommend them. They are young adult paranormal romance. You have to read Twilight first because it is part of a series. The series is about a 17-year-old girl named Bella who moves to Forks, Washington to live with her dad for the first time since she was little. She meets a family who are very different and the fascinate her, especially the 17-year-old boy named Edward. New Moon is a continuation of the story with some emphasis on the secondary character from Twilight, Jacob. These books are paranormal and deal with vampires and werewolves. If you have not read these yet you have got to find them.

Labels: paranormal, vampires, werewolves, young adult

I am so far behind on reviews so I am playing catch up. I am simply listing my December reads and the grades for them, if you want to know any more about them let me know.

Gambler's Woman by Jane Anne Krentz (A-)
The Cursed One by Ronda Thompson (B)
Mistral's Kiss by LKH (B+)
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer (A+)
Sleeping with the Fishes by MJ Davidson (B-)
Hit Hard by Amy J Fetzer (A)
Secret Nights at Nine Oaks by Amy J Fetzer (B+)
Married to the Boss by Lori Foster (A)
Retrieval by Jeanie London (DNF - could not get into it)
Drop Dead Gorgeous by Linda Howard (A+)
Luscious Craving by Cameron Dean (C-)
Heart of a Mercenary ; Sultan's Ransom; Rules of Re-engagement by Loreth anne White (A-)
Melting the Ice by Loreth Anne White (A-)
Under the Wire by Cindy Gerard (A)
Eye of Heaven by Marjorie Liu (A)
Knight of Darkness by Kinley MacGregor (A)
Unleashed anthology (B-)
Operation G-Spot by Jodi lynn Copeland (A-)
Embrace Me Sweetly by Gena Showalter (A)
Prince of Ice by Emma Holly (A)
Understood by Maya Banks (A-)
Surviving Demon Island by Jaci Burton (A)
She's No Faerie Princess by Christine Warren (A)

Labels: contemporary, historical, mermaids, nonreviewed books, paranormal, shape-shifter, suspense, vampires, werewolves

The ladies at Sanctuary's Finest are doing a book giveaway that is awesome, check it out here!!!

Labels: misc

There is a holiday giveaway going on over at Twisted Kingdom, Check it out!! Look below for some details.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Twisted Kingdom Holiday Giveaway!

It’s that time of year and you know what it means: gifts, gifts and lots of gifts! LOL. Well, your Twisted Kingdom hostesses caught the holiday spirit and have decided to give away 4 books to our lovely readers as a way to celebrate.

The four books are:

-Daughter of the Blood [Book One of the Black Jewels Trilogy] by Anne Bishop
-Ill Wind by Rachel Caine
-Archangel by Sharon Shinn
-Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder





There are two ways to enter the contest:

1.You simply copy and paste this post, including our funky little banner below, on your blog.

Or

2.Post just our contest banner with a link back to us.

Soon as you do this you then leave a comment in this sticky post so we can enter you in the drawing.

You have until Thursday December 21st so get to it and tell your friends!

Sincerely,
Dance Chica, Kailana, Mailyn and Nath...your Twisted Kingdom twisted hostesses who wish you a healthy and happy holiday season!

Labels: misc

A Bite to Remember by Lynsay Sands

This was a cute book, it was a nice light-hearted vampire book with some action in it. It was a nice mix and blend to keep me interested. If you collect this series this one is a good addition. The other books in the Argeneau series are Single White Vampire, Love Bites, Tall Dark and Hungry, A Quick Bite and then this one. The last two don't always get listed with the series because they are put out by a different publisher than the first three.

The world of Ms. Sands vampires is one of a different race that are descendants of Atlantis and are equipt with nano computers in their bodies that were created to repair dame to their bodies and then die off. Problem is that our bodies are constantly under attack from the sun and aging that the nanos never died like they were supposed to. They kept replicating but they feed off the the blood in their bodies so the nanos adapted the bodies to be able to consume the blood that they needed to do their job. Hence the creation of "vampires". I thought that that was a unique background for them so I enjoyed the books very much. For me, they are not Keepers but I would definitely check them out and i will continue to keep up with the series. The next book comes out in February called Bite Me if You Can.

Rule #1: Never get involved with someone who won't be there for you when the sun comes up.

Once bitten, twice shy, and sexy PI Jackie Morrisey wasn't going there again. Vincent Argeneau may be the hottest guy she's ever met, living or dead, but she's here to stop a killer from turning this vampire into dust, not to jump into bed with him.

Rule #2: Never kiss a vampire . . . it can be a pain in the neck.

Okay, so Vincent's had four hundred years to perfect his kissing skills, and he does look rather tempting when he runs around the house shirtless. He's also charming, protective . . . did we mention he can kiss? Jackie needs to be on her guard, or else she'll have to come up with a new rule: If you're going to fall in love with a vampire, make sure it's a bite to remember.

P.S. I forgot to say, I won books at the Writerspace paranormal Forum, I am so excited. I won galley copies (is that like an ARC?) of Extreme Bachelor by Julia London, The Burning by Susan Squires and Past Redemption by Savannah Russe. Yeah!!

Labels: paranormal, vampires

Ill Wind, Heat Stroke, Chill Factor, Windfall and Firestorm by Rachel Caine

I have seen this series around for a while but had never read them so I decided to give them a try my hubby also picked them up and started reading them too. I enjoyed them for the most part. The first book was very good , but occasionally in the books after that it seemed very drawn out like she has to add in just one more obstacle to lengthen the story. I hope that she finishes the story with the next book. The books are really good, but Armeggedon just seems to be coming forever.

The series is about a woman named Joanne (books are told in first person), she has the ability to control the weather. But it is not as unique as you might think. There is a whole bunch of people who are the same and they work together, with the help of their genies, to divert many catastrophies that the average person never knows about. She gets herself in way over her head and now has to figure out how to get out without being killed or destroying the world.

Labels: genies, paranormal, psychic

The Untamed One by Ronda Thompson

This is the second book in the Wild Wulfs of London series. The first was called The Dark One. And I just realized while writing this that I never posted about that one. I will have to go back and post about it. Well, this one was pretty good. It is a historical paranormal. The family is cursed and the brothers refuse to marry and pass along the curse. (I have heard that before, like in almost every historical shifter book I have read.) I thought the story was good but the story line itself is overused. I did like the fact that the heroine herself is also an outcast because she is a witch. So that was a nice change. So it was a decent book, but I don't think I am going to buy it, I will grab the next one from the library as well.

Running from angry villagers and the man who ravaged her, the witch Lucinda flees into the forest to have her child. But Lord Jackson Wulf hunts her down, believing her death will break the family curse that transforms him into a monster. Instead of killing the witch, Jackson is moved by her beauty and desperate plight. And Lucinda seizes the chance to find safety for herself and her babe when a bargain is struck between this outcast woman and this doomed man-and sealed by their marriage in name only...In return for his protection, Lucinda has promised that her magick can free Jackson from his torment. But this pretty witch soon finds herself in danger of being seduced by Jackson's charms and pursued by the man who would see both her and her child dead. Can she trust a Wulf with her safety and the safety of her child? Can she trust her heart to Jackson? To surrender to a Wulf is a terrible risk, for love will either unleash the beast within the man....or finally set him free.


A Reason to Live by Maureen McKade

My second book by her, but first historical I have read by her. I read her book, Convictions right after I started this blog. I thought that it was very predictable, but I know a lot of others who really liked it. I heard many people at the RT board who really liked this one so I grabbed it. It was good. I liked the story line. I loved the fact that they spent time together getting to know each other before realizing that they liked each other, they sort of grew on one another. I liked that alot it was a nice change from instant lust and in bed together and the next day declaring love for one another. So that was very nice.
I liked the premise of the story, Laurel Covey is a nurse who after the war is traveling around to the families of the boys she took care of to deliver their last words and requests. Creede Forrester is one of those fathers' who lost a son in the war. He heard what she was doing and came to see if she could tell him about his son and then stayed with her for her protection while she travelled, much to her dismay. I will keep this one for a change of pace (for me) American historical it will be a nice variety for my library.

After the Civil War, a Confederate nurse seeks to comfort the loved ones of the men she watched die. And the father of a dead soldier-a rugged, weary, ex-gunslinger-will give her the sanctuary she so desperately needs.

Labels: historical, paranormal, werewolves, western

Born in Death by J. D. Robb

Good addition to the series. Not my favorite of the series but it was a good installment. It is neat to see Roarke and Eve's relationship grow as the series continues. You never get that in the usual series because their story ends at the HEA. Even in most series (I typically read romance series which probably explains this) you might see the characters from the previous books, but they just make a small appearance and then are gone again. Eve has some issues, but she makes me laugh with her total not understanding of Mavis and the baby.

Eve Dallas has a grisly double homicide to solve when two young lovers-both employees of the same prestigious accounting firm-are brutally killed on the same night. It doesn't leave Eve a lot of leftover time to put together a baby shower for her buddy Mavis, but that's supposedly what friends are for.
Now Mavis needs another favor. Tandy Willowby, one of the moms-to-be in Mavis's birthing class, didn't show up for the shower. A recent emigrant from London, Tandy has few friends in New York, and no family-and she was really looking forward to the party. And when Eve enters Tandy's apartment and finds a gift for Mavis's shower wrapped and ready on the table-and a packed bag for the hospital still on the floor next to it-tingling runs up and down her spine.
Normally, such a case would be turned over to Missing Persons. But Mavis wants no one else on the job but Eve-and Eve can't say no. She'll have to track Tandy down while simultaneously unearthing the deals and double-crosses hidden in the files of some of the city's richest and most secretive citizens, in a race against this particularly vicious killer. Luckily, her multimillionaire husband Roarke's expertise comes in handy with the number crunching. But as he mines the crucial data that will break the case wide open, Eve faces an all too real danger in the world of flesh and blood.


Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

This was a decent young adult book. Not my favorite but not the worst I have read. For curiosity's sake, I am going to let my sister read it to get her opinion as well, from a teen POV.

Welcome to Morganville, Texas.
Just don't stay out after dark.
College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation, where the popular girls never let her forget just where she ranks in the school's social scene: somewhere less than zero.
When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life. But they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood.

The couple things that I do not like about the synopsis are that part of the reason that Claire is an outcast is that she is a genius, She is 16, a freshman in college, and taking all high level courses. She was accepted into Yale and MIT and such but her parents would not let her go that far away from home at 16. Instead they sent her to a town that is (unknown to them) run by vampires. Her roommates at the Glass house are Eve, Shane and Michael.

Labels: futuristic, paranormal, vampires, young adult

Dance of the Gods (Circle Trilogy #2) by Nora Roberts

Valley of Silence (Circle Trilogy #3) by Nora Roberts

I am going to comment about these as a whole just because I hate giving out spoilers for the most part and I already posted about the first book, Morrigan's Cross and I do not want to say anything that I did not figure out already while reading the first book. I really enjoyed the trilogy and of course we know that the good guys are going to win, but it is fun watching just how that comes about, and seeing who ends up with who and how. I would recommend them if you enjoy fantasy/vampire romances.

The gist of the trilogy goes like this:
The Goddess Morrigan has selected six people to be her leaders for her army against the vampires to save mankind: the sorcerer (Hoyt), the witch (Glenna), the warrior (Blair), the scholar (Moira), the shape-shifter (Larkin), and one that is lost (Cian). Of course, this ends up being three guys and three girls. They have three months to train before the final battle against Lilith and her army of vampires. Each part of the trilogy is one month. The first month is them finding each other and learning to work together. The second month is dedicated to training and the last month is in the land of Geall where the final battle will be, and they spend the month training the people of Geall to fight for their lives.

Labels: fantasy, magic, paranormal, vampires

Conspiracy Game by Christine Feehan

I think that I like this book the best out of the series so far . Enough so that I am debating going and buying the rest of the books (Shadow Game, Mind Game, Night Game, Conspiracy Game). I have not bought them yet because I was not sure if I wanted to collect this one, but I am definitely rethinking that decision now. I stopped collecting the Dark books because they were all starting to sound the same to me, but I haven't seen that trend in this series yet. The story line was fast paced to keep my attention and it kept me guessing as to how far the story was going to continue in this book. I really enjoyed it a lot.

GhostWalker Jack Norton is a genetically enhanced telepathic sniper on a mission to rescue his brother in the jungles of the Congo. Then he meets Briony, a beautiful rebel on a mission of her own-and hiding secrets that a shadowy enemy would kill to discover.

The back cover did not say much so I am expounding.
Briony (unique name, it is some kind of plant or flower) was one of Whitney's experiment girls who was actually adopted out to a circus family. She was diagnosed as autistic when she was a toddler because she was always crying and would not let anyone touch her or get close to her. But she is like that because she has extreme empathy that makes it painful for her to be around people. But for the love of her family she gets up everyday and performs her flying act with her brothers at the circus.
We meet Jack (and his twin brother, Ken) in the previous books and hear about his reputation as a kick-butt sniper and as a deadly quiet man.

Labels: paranormal, psychic

Sorry I have not posted in so long. The kids have had the flu and colds. Then my dh took me out for the weekend (kid-free) for my birthday (had a great time, went to the Ringling Museum in Sarasota). But he made me promise not to bring any books with me for the weekend because he wanted it to be just us and me not distracted. So it was hard, but I did it. But I have lots of other books to post that I have read in the meantime (Dance of the Gods, The Untamed One, Southern Comfort, Reason to Live). But here is the next one.

No Rest for the Wicked by Kresley Cole

Good book. I think I liked the A Hunger Like No Other better, but this one will be a buy for me. I had heard some iffy reviews of this one so I was wary but I did enjoy it. You definitely have to have read the short story from Playing Easy to Get to follow the series because a lot is explained in that story. You have a very strong heroine who has not felt emotion in centuries, is now feeling them (it is almost like a female Carpathian, but she is cursed/blessed that way instead of genetic) and does not know what to do about it. For the first time in a very long time she is unsure and second guessing herself. The Hero, Sebastian, is more of a beta hero. He is not a doormat or anything, but he is not a domineering alpha male (I am man you do what I say! type character), so that was a nice change of pace. He was willing to compromise and follow her lead in order to get and keep her and keep her happy.

A soldier weary of life . . .

Centuries ago, Sebastian Wroth was turned into a vampire -- a nightmare in his mind -- against his will. Burdened with hatred and alone for ages, he sees little reason to live. Until an exquisite, fey creature comes to kill him, inadvertently saving him instead.

A Valkyrie assassin dispatched to destroy him . . .

When Kaderin the Cold Hearted lost her two beloved sisters to a vampire attack long ago, a benevolent force deadened her sorrow -- accidentally extinguishing all of her emotions. Yet whenever she encounters Sebastian, her feelings -- particularly lust -- emerge multiplied. For the first time, she's unable to complete a kill.

Become competitors in a legendary hunt.

The prize of the month-long contest is powerful enough to change history, and Kaderin will do anything to win it for her sisters. Wanting only to win her, forever, Sebastian competes as well, taking every opportunity -- as they travel to ancient tombs and through catacombs, seeking relics around the world -- to use her new feelings to seduce her. But when forced to choose between the vampire she's falling for and reuniting her family, how can Kaderin live without either?

Labels: paranormal, valkyries, vampires

Paperback Writer issued a challenge to write an e-story and then make it a free story on your site. The challenge was taken up by many authors and here are the results, check them out here.

Labels: misc