Marissa's Top Five Books of 2010

Marissa's Top Five Books of 2010

#5 

Styx's Storm by Lora Leigh

You can read my review here

#4

Two To Serve by Jennifer Campbell

You can read my review here.

#3

Through Her Eyes by Janet Eaves

You can read my review here

#2

Eat Prey Love by Kerrelyn Sparks
You can read my review here.

#1

Raeliksen by Renee Vincent

You can read my review here

Vicky's Top Five Books of 2010

Top Five of 2010 for Reviewer Vicky

#5

Branded Sanctuary by Joey W. Hill

#4

Strange Neighbors by Ashlyn Chase

Review here

#3

Rough Riders Series by Lorelei James (12 books, 1 free as ebook), whole series

#2

Pleasure of a Dark Prince (Immortals After Dark, Book 7) By Kresley Cole

#1

Love In The Afternoon (Hathaways, book 5) by Lisa Kleypas

Monthly Reading List Recap

December 2010

Night Ranger's Moon by Tara Nina
4 Hearts

Through The Wall by Keri Ford
3 Hearts

The Holiday Triplets by Jacqueline Diamond
5 Hearts

Stocking Full of Coal by Amanda Feral
3 Hearts

The Naughty List by Kyann Waters
5 Hearts

A Fireman for Christmas by Piper Denna
5 Hearts

Alex’s Christmas Wish by Corinne Shaw
5 Hearts

Wolf Fever by Terry Spear
5 Hearts

Snow Job & Christmas Lights by N.S. Howard
2 Hearts

The Sleigh Maker by Candace Sams
3 Hearts

Santa Knows I'm Naughty by Tessa Rae
3 Hearts

Daughter of Darkness by V.C. Andrews
2 Hearts

Christmas Past by Roni Adams
5 Hearts

Alpha Males by D.J. Manly
5 Hearts

With This Kiss by Marianne Evans
4 Hearts

Falling For Grace by Maddie James
5 Hearts

Tangled Tinsel by Vivian Arend
5 Hearts

The Heartbreaker by Maddie James
4 Hearts

Rawhide and Roses by Maddie James
3 Hearts

Mistletoe Everywhere by Linda Banche
5 Hearts

Unmasking Zorro by Darah Lace
5 Hearts

Secret Santa 4 U by Paisley Scott
3 Hearts

Mystical Seduction by Dorothy McFalls
4 Hearts

Christmas Angel by Johanna Riley
3 Hearts

Only Angels by Giselle Renarde
2 Hearts

Star Gazer by Shannon Rouchelle
5 Hearts

A Christmas Stalking by Donna Dalton
3 Hearts

Vampire Kristmas by Donna Michaels
2 Hearts

The Stalker by Shannon Rouchelle
2 Hearts

You're All I Want For Christmas by Arleigh Bish
4 Hearts

The Soul Dealer: Redemption by Yolanda Sfetsos
4 Hearts

Love Bites by Scarlet Blackwell
2 Hearts

Next Door Santa by Tamelia Tumlin
2 Hearts

A Night for Miracles by Cheryl Pierson
4 Hearts

Sweet Sacrifices by Gloria Davidson Marlow
5 Hearts

Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas
5 Hearts

Hot Holiday Houseguests by Cheryl Dragon
5 Hearts

Erotic Brits 2: Sexy Scotland By Jacqueline Applebee
3 Hearts

All She Wants 4 Christmas by Jessica Lee
4 Hearts

Bachelor Auction by Darah Lace
4 Hearts

A Perfect Bride for Christmas by Daynn Love Barr
5 Hearts

Mistletoe Seductions by Patti Shenberger

5 Hearts

Jingle All the Way by Becca Dale
3 Hearts

Mount Up by Melissa Ecker
4 Hearts

Finding Mrs. Claus by Shannon Rouchelle
4 Hearts

Night Rangers Moon by Tara Nina

Night Ranger's Moon is book two in Tara Nina’s The Lykoians series, but a stand alone story. This is a group of wolf shape shifters based on and tied to the Lykoian clans (Greece and Turkey areas). More than just a paranormal romance, there is mystery and suspense to keep us entertained as well.

Weylin Anthropos is a Lykoian with anger issues and a demon in his past that haunts his soul. He's a Night Ranger, one of the elite protector's of the Lykoian clans. Without the backing of the council, Weylin sets out to find his brother. The trail leads him to Mississippi and a village that many Lykoians would rather forget. Ghosts of the past linger on these hallowed grounds but are disturbed by an intruder...an enemy from his ancestry. One he must face and defeat if he is to survive and find his brother.
Long and lethal, a charcoal gray wolf from an unfamiliar clan interferes in his surveillance. Her presence toys with his mind, body, and soul. Where did she come from? How did she find him? And most of all, what did she want?

The Lykoians are wolf shape shifters, shifting at will and self control vs. werewolves controlled by the moon. Night Rangers are their protector group; that is their job, their purpose. Warriors of the highest skill taught to protect their kind, family members and the clans. But even having a group of protectors didn’t stop the massacre that happened thirty years ago in the village in Mississippi. And anyone being in this long dead village can upset everything. This is where the clues lead two such warriors on different searches but connected purposes.

Weylin Anthropos is the captain of the Night Rangers for his clan. But the leader of his clan tribal council had been going against him for some time and recently sent his younger brother, Nick, on a secret mission. Now his brother was missing and the council had refused any search and rescue. So now Weylin was out looking on his own against council orders. He didn’t know what Nick had been doing but everything led him to Mississippi, where thirty years ago Weylin had witnessed the massacre at the age of nine.

Zeva Kynthiakis is the Night Ranger captain for the Lukanthropian tribe of a hidden island by Greece. Raised by her father to be the best warrior and to never back down, she has become the first woman of her tribe to be captain of their Night Rangers (and intimidates many of the men). When an old man arrives at the island that no one but clan members should be able to find, alarms go off. He turns out to be a long lost Ranger assumed dead at the massacre. And he tells Zeva that Leopold still lives. Her clan has decided an investigation is called for and sends her.

Leopold is the Lykoians version of a boogieman. He seems to be truly immortal, unlike the rest of these shape shifters. He is also power hungry. He has many stories and legends told about him and the truth is lost in time. But some things are known: he created an army of true werewolves from attacking humans and controlled them afterwards. He used the creatures at the Mississippi Massacre hoping to wipe out the Likoians and caused the remaining clan member to scatter and go into hiding. And his body was never recovered, so it is possible that he is still alive and a danger to all.

Thus both Weylin and Zeva are led to Mississippi. They encounter each other and their wolves recognize the other as mates even if the human part does not want a mate, being too independent and Rangers. There is obviously something around the old village, something evil. They find themselves having to work together to solve both their mysteries. And encounter something everyone thinks has been extinct for centuries, what seems to be a vampire. And Weylin also recognizes Leopold, even if he doesn’t know what Leopold is doing back in the area. Now not only are they looking for Weylin’s missing brother, but they have an evil immortal and a young vampire doing strange things around this old site. Are two top Rangers, even if they give into the mating, able to handle this challenge?

Night Ranger's Moon is a great paranormal. The characters are strong and well written. I loved that Zeva is just as strong and skilled as Weylin and almost wins against him in ‘battle’ (still think she would have if he wasn’t just bigger being a man). Even the bad guys are evil and really ‘fun’ to hope they get it in the end. There really isn’t much mystery here since we do get some of Leopold’s point of view, so we don’t get to solve anything. But that doesn’t really detract from Night Rangers Moon’s enjoyment at all.

Night Ranger's Moon creates a good alternate shape shifter myths. I personally am fond of shifters that can control themselves, not slaves to the moon. And I really liked the new (to me at least) group introduced in this ‘world’ and the Rangers’ protectiveness as well.

Although Night Ranger's Moon is second in a series, it is a stand alone book. I have not read anything else by this author and was able to enjoy the book just fine. I do look forward to her other work, especially in this series.

Through The Wall By Keri Ford

Keri Ford has a new series based around Apple Trail, Arkansas. Through The Wall is the first story of this series featuring two people from the auto shop falling for each other.

She doesn’t want wild and raunchy, just a little spice…

Stephanie Faulkner listens to her neighbor’s nightly sexcapades through her bedroom wall. What used to make her blush now has her reaching for her vibrator. But she’s had enough self-fulfillment and now wants the real thing.

He wants commitment and long-term, not a quick roll…

The only woman Parker Madison ever wanted for long-term was Stephanie...but she's off-limits. He’s tried to find a substitute but there just isn’t another woman like her. Now that she's available, if he gives her time to get over her ex-husband...will he finally get his long-desired chance?

Short-term doesn't lead to long term. Or does it…?

But when Stephanie digs up the courage to ask Parker for something a little exciting and spicy, he nervously rejects her. Still, she sets out to get what she wants—a little sexcapade of her very own. No commitment. It's just sex, right? Parker knows he could never be satisfied with having Stephanie temporarily.

But as she continues to tempt him and he finds it harder to resist, he begins to think short-term might be better than nothing at all. Unless he can convince her into more.

Stephanie Faulkner is living in the apartment that shares walls with Parker Madison. He is almost her everything: her best friend, her boss at the auto shop, and the man fueling her sexy dreams at night. He was with her last year when she walked in on her husband having sex with her then best friend. And he even defended her when her ex-husband tried to justify the cheating. He stood by her and supported her through the divorce and helped her get set up on her own. Now she has realized her sex life has always been boring and plain; especially after listening to all the sounds coming thru the walls from Parker’s place. Between these sounds and her long time attraction to him, Parker seems like the best option for her to try something a little wilder.

Parker Madison has known Stephanie since she started dating her ex, his childhood friend. And he has wanted her just as long, but knew she was off limits being his best friend’s wife. Now he is best friends with her, looking out for her, and waiting his time for her to recover from the divorcee and betrayal of his friend’s cheating. He knows she is the only one for him, but he doesn’t want to just be a rebound, a hit and dump, guy.

Stephanie’s offer of “dirty” sex floors Parker. His refusal hurts her feelings but he is scared to tell her his feelings for fear she will turn him away or pull the ‘just friends’ card on him (maybe even not believe him). He even tells her that they can’t have a “not strings affair” because it would change things between them no matter what and she is confused by this. When she starts to seduce him, he just about looses his mind. When she gets a burn and he helps ‘care’ for it, he looses the battle. So he decides to try to win her from inside the bed vs. on the friend fence.

Through The Wall is a short story about long term friends falling for each other. I enjoyed it well enough, but wasn’t especially moved. Stephanie is written as the ‘girl next door’ (literally) with limited experience. She manages the office and finances of Parker’s auto shop just fine but can’t date or ask for what she wants in bed? Being a short story, Through The Wall has only told us that Stephanie’s caught her ex-husband cheating the once, which seems a little lacking to cause her to be inhibited. Parker, on the other hand, knows what he wants and (at least tries) to stand up to get it. When it looks like one method is failing, he is even willing to change tactics to get his girl. His attitude about wanting to be gentile and tender with Stephanie is sweet and when he becomes “overcome” with passion, you feel he really loves her.

Through The Wall is decent for a quick read. This is the first in a six story set from Keri Ford and will be interesting to see who she introduces us to next.

The Holiday Triplets by Jacqueline Diamond

The Holiday Triplets caught my eye with the three beautiful babies on the cover, and after reading the blurb I knew I had to read it. I enjoy medical romances, and since The Holiday Triplets was also a Christmas read it was doubt the thrill.

Mark Rayburn always admired Samantha Forrest's fierce dedication, even if it often caused heated disagreements between the two doctors. But making a lifetime commitment to three babies without a moment's thought? Unbelievable, even for Sam. None of her professional pediatric experience would prepare her for real-life motherhood—Mark knows Sam is in over her head.
Though he thought he swore off fatherhood years ago, Mark steps in to help Sam, and quickly falls in love with the adorable triplets. The former rivals make a great team, and soon Sam and Mark are giving off enough sparks to keep the whole town lit up through New Year's Eve. But when Sam's impulsive nature puts both their careers on the line, they find themselves fighting again…only this time, they're on the same side.

Doctor Samantha Forrest was full of life and dedication. I loved her temper, and that she stood up for what she believed in. Samantha over come a lot of things her life, and things always seemed to work out. She was blessed with the triples, and she made a wonderful mother.

Doctor Mark Rayburn was also a character with spunk and dedication. I loved watching Samantha and him fall in love, and how his whole outlook changed from not wanting to get married and have children, to having a ready made family with Samantha and the triples.

Overall I loved The Holiday Triples, it was a romantic holiday read. The Holiday Triples had a cast of wonderful characters that were full of life, and were down to earth. When I first started reading The Holiday Triples I was unaware that this was the third book in the Safe Harbor miniseries. Even with this being the third book I didn't feel lost or confused, and thought the minor characters were really brought to life. I look forward to reading the other books in the Safe Harbor miniseries.

Stocking Full of Coal by Amanda Feral

Stocking Full of Coal was an interesting read. The blurb caught my attention and I wanted to read it. However I am not sure it lived up to what I expected.

Justine Crenshaw is accident-prone. On purpose. It’s the bruises…she can’t live without them, without the pleasure and pain that closely bind her sexuality to her secret obsession. She chooses men who accept her fetish, who seek it out for their own dark designs, even if they don’t understand it. She accepts that. Justine doesn’t need them for anything but a little bruise pressure during down-and-dirty sex.
Then she meets Nathan, and her heart starts demanding more than her compulsions provide. She can’t hide her body from him forever, can’t keep him in the dark, literally. But no “normal” guy could possibly understand her multi-colored kink…could he? It might be time for Justine to shine a light on her fetish and find out.

Justine was different then most, some would call her accident prone, but really she did her 'accidents' on purpose. She believed the bruises made her whole. It was somewhat like the people that cut themselves to release the pain. I found Justine bruising herself to be odd, but yet interesting. It added some character to her.

I liked Nathan, especially since he didn't take off running after he found out about Justine's fetish. He was very understanding, maybe more understanding then most people. I found him to be just what Justine needed.

No matter what I thought of the bruising fetish, in Stocking Full of Coal, Amanda Feral is a talented author and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

The Naughty List by Kyann Waters

The Naughty List was a complete shock to me. Normally I am not one for M/M romance stories, but reading the blurb for The Naughty List I was intrigued.

T’was a week before Christmas and Mrs. Claus conspires. Proposition Jack Frost to give Santa his greatest desire…
The deviant Dominant Jack Frost can be good…very good. But for being so good at being so bad, Santa keeps him on the naughty list. What would Jack do to get on the good list? Kidnap Santa? With the help of Mrs. Claus, Jack could force Santa’s submission and give him the one thing he’s always wanted—to be on the naughty list himself. Then Jack could show Santa just how very good he can be.

Even though The Naughty List is more of a M/M romance, Mrs. Claus pays a big part in it. She is the mastermind behind setting up Santa for his Christmas wish. Santa is not your average santa, this guy is toned, and sexy, under his outfit.

Jack Frost has always been on Santa's naughty list, and up until this Christmas Santa never knew how good it was to be on the naughty list. I enjoyed Jack. He was a great character, and helped bring the story together. If it was anyone else The Naughty List wouldn't have had the same affect. Now Jack's workshop is a fantasy for all BDSM lovers, and is decked out with all the toys needed.

Santa at the mercy of Jack Frost is sure to melt some ice, and keep you warm on a cold winter night. The struggle in Santa between what he wanted from Jack, and staying on the good list was a great addition. The Naughty List was a hot and spicy story.

A Fireman for Christmas by Piper Denna

A Fireman for Christmas is a delicious read that is sure to keep you warm on a cold winter night. I have always had a soft spot for firemen, and Clay in A Fireman for Christmas didn't leave me down.

One more Christmas lusting after her older brother’s best friend? Timi might lose her mind. Fed up with family holidays, she rents a cabin for one, planning a Christmas escape her drawings. But after numerous sketches turn out to be her rendition of Clay in the Hottest Firemen Calendar poster, she realizes location is just a technicality.
Fireman Clay can’t imagine spending Christmas without Timi around to ogle. Hearing she’s holed up in a lovers’ retreat, he can’t resist seeking her out. This year, he’s determined to start a fire and claim the gift he’s always wanted. 

Timi was a character that many readers will be able to relate to. She wasn't a character that had the perfect life, she had struggles and problems like everyone else. When she was a teenager she tried to kill herself, and still to this day her family won't let her forget it. I really enjoyed Timi's character and loved that she was quick on her feet with comebacks, and was spunky.

Clay was sweet and his heart belonged to Timi. This Christmas Clay was determined to make his move on Timi, to show her how he felt. I loved Clay. I enjoyed that he was somewhat unsure of himself around Timi and things didn't always go as planned for him. That to me really brought him alive.

A Fireman for Christmas was a great Christmas read that will keep you warm all evening long. The characters in A Fireman for Christmas are well rounded and full of life. I enjoyed how everything came together for Timi and Clay at the end.

We need your help...

As some of you might have noticed from my facebook and twitter announcement, I will have another story published. This time it will be in the Valentine's anthology from Turquoise Morning Press. I am very excited about this, and will be in the company of some talented authors. This leads me to me asking for your help. We are having a little contest over at Turquoise Morning Press blog which is allowing you, the readers, to vote on the cover for the anthology. Would you please stop over to cast your vote.

There is something in it for you.... On January 1st, TMP will draw two winners. One will win a paperback copy of the Valentine's Day anthology, and the other will will an ebook copy. To be entered to win you must leave a comment on the blog post over at TMP's blog and enter the poll which will be on the right hand side of the blog.

Head on over and vote. There are some wonderful stories that will be in this anthology and you won't want to miss it.

We have a Winner!!!!

We have a winner for the Melissa Ecker contest.

The winner for Pull The Trigger by Melissa Ecker is...

 

Jasmine1485

 

Please email me at marissa@sizzlinghotbooks.net within 48 hours of this post to claim your prize.

If you didn't win make sure you check out our other contest and there will be more coming soon

We have a Winner!!!!

We have a winner for the Teresa D'Amario contest.

The winner for a holiday canniser of Fannie May Fie Chocolates is...

 

Stacey

 

Please email me at marissa@sizzlinghotbooks.net within 48 hours of this post to claim your prize.

 

If you didn't win make sure you check out our other contest and there will be more coming soon

Cover Love

I don't know about you but I am really looking forward to Darkness Descending by Devyn Quinn, so when Devyn emailed me the cover I just had to show it off. I love the cover. Very eye catching and the spider web on her back is interesting. The blurb for Darkness Descending, found below, promises us an interesting read. Mark August 2nd, 2011 on your calendar because you won't want to miss this book.

The first seal has been broken, signaling the end of days. Fallen angels in the form of vampires are infecting humans one by one, creating an army fit for Armageddon. Of the few who survive the infection, one stands alone above all others…

For one year, Jesse Burke has been suppressing the beast within, driven by vengeance to destroy the vampiric fallen angels terrorizing New Orleans. But a war of biblical proportions is too much for one girl to handle, and she must turn to slayer Maddox deValois for training, though it threatens her fiercely-guarded independence. But the sinister demon Queen Amonate is doing everything in her power to lure Jesse to her side to fulfill her destiny as the mother of the devil’s child.

Before this war is over, everyone will learn that hell hath no fury like a woman possessed....

Christmas Giveaway Winners

Christmas Giveaway winners are....

Prize Package 1:

Hockeyvampiress

Prize Package 2:

Tommi

Prize Package 3:

Mindy

Prize Package 4 & 5:

(Two winners same item)

Chrysa & Cindy P.

Prize Package 6:

Kelly M.

Prize Package 7:

(Large Swag)

Wanda

Prize Package 8:

(small swag)

Christy

Prize Package 9 & 10:

(Surprise book package)

Jenni A. and Jennifer Johnson

Please came your prize within 48 hours by emailing me at marissa@sizzlinghotbooks.net