Sizzling Hot Book Reviews

A Stranger’s Touch by Roxy Boroughs

noreply@blogger.com (Beverly) — Mon, 28 May 2012 18:25:00 +0000

What would you do to help you forget, for just a little while? To feel connected to someone, even fleetingly? Would you take comfort in A Stranger’s Touch?

Single mom, MAGGIE HOLMES, is a by-the-book Calgary cop, until her seven-year-old asthmatic son, Davie, is kidnapped. Frantically grasping at any hope, she turns to STAFFORD WEBB, a psychic who retrieves information through his sense of touch. Stafford is reluctant. Unbeknownst to Maggie, he helped with the Tommy Hutchinson kidnapping case six months earlier, but didn’t get to the child in time. Haunted by images of the boy, Stafford retreats inward and focuses on his other private obsession: finding the killer, James Ryan Morley – the man who also murdered Stafford’s older sister when she was sixteen. But the desperation in Maggie’s eyes is too great for Stafford to ignore. Following his visions, they set off on a journey through the rugged terrain of the Northwest Territories – and along the jagged line between faith and reason.

Maggie Holmes is a mother and a cop. Stuck at a crime scene, directing traffic, she is ten minutes late to pick up her seven year old son from school. When she gets there, she finds every mother’s nightmare. Davie is gone, kidnapped. She finds his backpack in the road with tire tracks over it. Guilt eats away at her. If only she had been on time. If only she had been a better mother. Her ex-husband blames her also. He wasn’t willing to pick up Davie that day when Maggie had asked, he had been too busy. Filled with grief and guilt, kept from the investigation, Maggie doesn’t know what to do.

Stafford Webb is a psychic. He does not do child kidnappings. The emotional toll is too hard to bear. His sister had been kidnapped and murdered, and no one believed him. He was unable to save the last child he was called in to help. Now, he does bombings and items that are not emotional. Called to the police station, reluctantly, he does a reading. His initial impression is that the boy is dead, drowned. He goes to leave and is grabbed by Maggie. As he loses control from her touch, he says that the boy is not drowned, it is asthma, giving hope that Davie is alive. He doesn’t get emotionally involved. Stafford is too used to being labeled a freak and having no one believe in him. He wistfully wishes that Maggie would trust him, believe in him.

Maggie says she would take Stafford home; it would give her something to do. Instead she takes him to the crime scene and then heads off on what appears to be a wild goose chase to find Davie, keeping Stafford with her. As they locate clues and Stafford understands more of the impressions he got from the crime scene, they head north, hoping they are on the right trail. As they spend more time together, Stafford holds back his desire for Maggie. Maggie, distraught, needs the comfort of another body to feel alive. Stafford is there and though he holds back, he finally breaks down and gives in to their mutual desire. A Stranger’s Touch is all Maggie wanted, to feel alive. What she gets is more. Stafford finds himself falling for Maggie, but he knows he will only be hurt. He knows Maggie doesn’t really trust him. Maggie, her feelings growing toward Stafford fights it off. She has no time for anything other than finding Davie, hurting Stafford in the process by her words and actions.

A Stranger’s Touch is a tale of trust and belief. Words can wound and do. A Stranger’s Touch brings love into Maggie’s life at the worst time of her life. Maggie is a strong character, but she has her flaws and the loss of her son brings them out. Stafford is leery, scared of being hurt. His whole life no one believed in him. It is hard to break habits made for self-preservation. I really enjoyed Stafford’s character. I felt for him, the poor guy, such a hard life, filled with so much grief. I enjoyed A Stranger’s Touch, read it all the way without putting it down. Gritty and realistic, A Stranger’s Touch is a book not to be missed.

Sterling's Reasons By Joey Light

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Powell) — Sun, 27 May 2012 20:02:00 +0000

If you are looking for a novel that is sure to take your breath away, then look no further then Sterling's Reasons, by Joey Light. With a passionate pair of characters, an astonishing plot, and a love like no other, I can guarantee that Sterling and Joe's tale will be one you will never ever forget.

When a wounded hero seeks solitude from the world, only a determined woman can save him from a lifetime of anguish and isolation. All it took was one moment for Police Officer Joe McDaniels's life to change forever. A bust gone bad has resulted in the death of his partner--and the bullet was from his gun. Cleared of all wrongdoing, Joe nevertheless blames himself for the death of his best friend. Hiding from the world, he retreats to an isolated beach house on the Maryland shore. When Sterling Powell finds Joe, she can see behind his cynical facade to the wounded man below. Day after day, she forces him to participate in daily life--jogs on the beach, regular meals and conversations. And when she sees a spark of desire in his eyes, Sterling thinks of nothing but giving in to their mutual attraction. But she is supposed to be there to help him, and love was definitely not part of the plan.

Sterling Powell is on another mission to make things right for yet another lost and devastated soul. To have a job that makes an actual difference in someones life, is all that Sterling herself needs to continue on, especially after suffering from a deep loss of her own five years prior. What Sterling doesn't expect to find though, is actual completion in her own life with the man she's supposed to be healing and helping herself.

Former police officer, Joe MacDaniel doesn't want to be found. He's perfectly content to live out the rest of his life in misery, guilt, and self pity. He doesn't want to feel again; he just wants to live with the anger and self-loathing that he's been dealing with since the accidental death of his friend and partner Red. It was his gun that killed him, and no matter what anybody says to try to ease his guilt, Joe will forever blame himself for the incident. So when the quirky, yet sexy Sterling shows up next to his beach house, he realizes that life may have a happily ever after planned for him, even if he's totally against the idea.

It doesn't take long for a sort of camaraderie to form between Sterling and Joe. With Sterling's persistence advances, Joe realizes that maybe his heart can feel again after all. The same goes for Sterling, and she realizes that no matter what Joe says or does in response to her forwardness, she's definitely not going to give up on him. He starts as a job for her, but winds up being her very own completion, that is if he can open his heart just wide enough to let her in.

Poor Joe broke my heart about a million times during Sterling's Reasons. He has to be the most tortured soul I have ever read about. He was so hard on himself, and his broodiness ruled through out the entire length of the Sterling's Reasons, but I didn't give up on him, just like Sterling didn't give up on him either. Joe was stubborn and strong willed, but underneath all that hard facade, was a man that held a vulnerability that was so sweet, it made me fall in love with him a little bit more every chapter. Sterling was a tortured female heroine and that was very unique to me. Most novels anymore seem to feature only the tortured male, so to see this in Sterling was completely surprising and touching as well. Sterling felt like my own personal best friend throughout this story. She was an absolute joy and her positive aura made me smile through the entire length, even if it was through tears at times. I love that she was so fierce and powerful when it came to Joe; I was constantly on edge to see what smart mouth, yet fantastic retorts came out of her next. Sterling has to be a definite new favorite character of mine.

I had to stop and take a deep breath at the end of Sterling's Reasons, due to the fact that I was that that swept up into the story line. I felt as if I was living the journey of these two characters and I didn't ever want it to end. The entire story was set back in time a little ways, the early nineties in fact. It didn't bother me though; if anything, I found myself picturing this story as if it took place only yesterday. The details in Sterling's Reasons, were so exquisitely written that there was never a moment I couldn't picture. Every touch between the characters, every run they took on the beach, to every meal they shared was written as if I was actually experiencing it. I more than recommend Sterling's Reasons, due to the details alone. I also highly recommend it to anyone needing a love story that is sure to cause pain in your cheeks from smiling so hard. Sterling's Reasons is an the perfect romantic story, with heart, soul, and wonder mixed in throughout. You will not regret it, I promise.

Skin Deep by Pamela Clare

noreply@blogger.com (Beverly) — Sun, 27 May 2012 19:03:00 +0000

Nathaniel West was a Marine, back now to his roots as a cowboy. Returned from Afghanistan due to injuries from an IED, it had been two years since the blast. He still had to work on strengthening his muscles. His face, chest and leg were as healed as they would get after twenty operations and multiple skin grafts. He didn’t like going out in public too much due to the stares. It had been even longer since he had been with a woman, most couldn’t look at him. He ignored them for the most part, except he did look for the redhead that worked at the community kitchen when he donated the beef there. She was tall with creamy skin, bright green eyes and long wavy red hair. He hadn’t talked to her, but he would like to.

Broken on the inside Megan Hunter has worked hard to get back on her feet, leaving the nightmare of her teenage years behind. The last thing she wants or needs in her life is a man. But when she is attacked by someone from her past, a scarred stranger intervenes, saving her life and that of her little girl. Looks can be deceiving, for despite the man’s rough appearance, she feels safe with him. And for the first time in her life, she knows the stirrings of desire. Broken on the outside Nathaniel West paid a high price serving with the Marines in Afghanistan. He returned to his family’s ranch in the Colorado mountains to heal—and be alone. Disfigured as he is, he has put all thoughts of sex and romance aside. But something about Megan brings him back to life, heats his blood, makes him feel like a man again. As danger pursues her, and the truth about her past is revealed, he vows to protect her—and to heal her wounded spirit. But confronting the past is never easy—especially when it’s carrying a gun. Megan will have to learn to trust Nate to survive and to claim a passion that is much more than … Skin Deep.

Megan Hunter was rebuilding her life. She had been jailed as a teen and become the victim of multiple rapes from the guards. Saved by her brother, she ended up on the streets again when her brother took the rap for a murder she committed. Hooked on drugs, pregnant, it took jail and the birth of her daughter to get her straightened out. Megan got Emily when she was one, a whole year gone. She has been cleaning up her life since. But, her old life is back,a ghost from her past is after her. Her former drug dealer Donny knows she came into money and he wants it. He finds her and threatens to hurt her daughter.

Nate is a hero. He just can’t seem to help it. He sees a man beating on Megan in her car and hauls him out. The car that is blocking her in starts shooting and he fires back, saving Megan, but the man gets away. She doesn’t trust any man but her brother and his partner Julian. She is guarded by them while they search for Donny. Needing a break, Megan and Emily head for Nate’s ranch. She is uncomfortable around men, but Nate is different. Megan knows she is not good enough for Nate. She looks, but knows it can go nowhere. Snowed in together, they get to know one another. Nate starts to teach Megan that the touch of a man doesn’t need to hurt.

Skin Deep is a I-Team series novella. This is the first one I’ve read, and I’m going to have to get the rest. Skin Deep was way too short. I loved the patience of Nate. His experiences helped him help Megan. Megan was strong enough to change her life and be able to hope for something and someone better. Skin Deep showed that whatever showed on the outside, had nothing to do with what was in their hearts. Skin Deep is definitely worth the time to read.

Desire and Deception by Sharon Buchbinder

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara Hoffa) — Sun, 27 May 2012 17:28:00 +0000

Desire and Deception was a hot erotic thriller. But, as I try to always be honest in my reviews, I have to let you know it was not the book I expected. The blurb for Desire and Deceptions doesn't do the book justice. I would NOT classify Desire and Deception as a romance novel. While it does contain some romance, I would say primarily it is a mystery/ thriller.

Pampered princess and daughter of a Mexican crime boss, Isabel (Izzy) Ramirez is a newly appointed assistant professor working toward tenure and promotion. Driven by voracious desires, including ambition for advancement in the legitimate world and lust for her boy toy, Izzy’s house of cards is threatened when the department chair confronts her about a major transgression. Izzy’s take no prisoners approach means she makes sure her boss can never expose her deceptions. Graduate assistant and guy-on-the-side, Sean Richards wants Izzy to leave her sleazy husband. If she would only get away from that crook, he’s convinced that he can bring out the better woman who exists beneath Izzy’s tough sex siren exterior. He adores his hot blooded Latina and will do her bidding--up to a point. Despite the mind blowing sex, he can’t and won’t murder for her. As Izzy’s nosy parker friend and colleague doggedly follows an obscure trail of clues about the department chair’s death, Izzy is forced to choose between reverting to the ways of her unredeemable father--or becoming the extraordinary woman she sees in Sean’s loving eyes.

Desire and Deception follows two very different woman, I hesitate to call them heroines, because while I would say Sarah is a heroine, Izzy is definitely not heroine material. The plot is complex and suspenseful and you never know what is coming next. Desire and Deception grabs you from page one and takes you a wild ride to an ending that will leave you gasping. Sharon told me that her inspiration for the story was Body Heat, and I think she did a great job of creating a story as erotic and tension filled with Desire and Deception.

Isabel Ramirez is he daughter of a Mexican Cartel kingpin. She comes from a life where power means everything and people are pawns to be used and discarded. Izzy is a very hard character to like. While I feel sorry for the life Izzy had growing up, I can't abide the decisions she makes in the present. Izzy is a murderer. Yes, you heard me right. Izzy is not someone who has killed in self defense, or protection of others, she is a straight up killer. I don't consider this a spoiler, because Izzy kills her boss basically on page one of Desire and Deception, so I am not spoiling anything of the story. Izzy tried to overcome her past and create a new future. She is a professor at a leading University and is trying to make it in the "straight" world. But, she falls back on her upbringing when challenges come her way. That's not to say Izzy doesn't have her redeeming qualities. Izzy is beautiful and funny. In her own way she is a loyal friend. But, overall she is a hard character to feel any empathy for.

On the other hand, Dr.Sarah Wright-Rosen is a heroine I really enjoyed. While the book blurb describes Sarah as a "miss goody two-shoes" I didn't find this description accurate at all. Sarah has a good moral compass. She always tries to do the right thing, but she is not without her faults. Nor does she always succeed in curbing her baser instincts. I loved Sarah's strength and loyalty. She defends her friends in the face of overwhelming evidence against them. She supports her husband through some really difficult times, and she doesn't back down from what she thinks in right, even at the risk of her own life.

Desire and Deception is not a novel for the faint of heart. It deals with some really difficult subject matter: Human trafficking, adultery, child abuse, rape, drug abuse, and of course murder. Desire and Deception is a gritty, complex novel. But, wow, what a ride! If you're in the mood for an erotic journey through the dark side of humanity, with a side order of unconditional love and romance give Desire and Deception a read. You won't be disappointed.

Defensive Zone by Bianca Sommerland

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:00 +0000

Defensive Zone is the second book in the Dartmouth Cobra’s series and while it can be read without reading Game Misconduct, I highly, highly recommend reading them in order. I don’t think you will be disappointed!

Silver Delgado has gained control of The Dartmouth Cobras—and lost control of her life. Hockey might be the family business, but it's never interested Silver. Until her father's health decline thrusts responsibility for the team he owns straight into her hands. Now she has to find a way to get the team more fans, and establish herself as the new owner. Which means standing up to Dean Richter, the general manager and the advisor her father has forced on her. The fact that their 'business relationship' started with her over his lap at his BDSM club shouldn't be too much of a problem. Their hot one night stand meant nothing! But how can she earn his respect when he sees her as submissive? Can they separate work and the lifestyle she's curious to explore? Balancing her new life away from Hollywood, living among people who see her as the selfish Delgado princess, has her feeling lost and alone until Landon Bower, the Cobras new Goalie slips into her life and becomes her best—and only—friend. The time they spend together makes everything else bearable, but before long his eyes meet hers with more than friendship, reflecting what she feels. Which could ruin everything. Two Dominant men who see past her pretty mask and the shallow image she portrayed to the flashing cameras. A gentle attack from both sides that she can't hope to block unless she learns how to play. But she's getting the hang of the game.

Silver has been thrust into the role as owner of the Dartmouth Cobras hockey team while her father is recovering from medical issues. The problem? Silver knows nothing about hockey! Based on what the reader learns about Silver from Game Misconduct, I wasn’t sure I would like her. But, she really grew on me after awhile. In the end, I loved her. She has her issues, but she is a good person that has a lot of great qualities.

Silver has to deal with two very dominant men in her life. While Landon and Dean are very similar in many ways, they are very different in a lot of ways as well. I have to admit, I fell in lust with Dean before Landon, but he didn’t disappoint me either. If you like alpha males, you will loves these men. They are strict but perfect for Silver.

Defensive Zone sucked me in right away and I have to admit I stayed up later than normal to finish just one more page – and then was a little late for work the next day because I just couldn’t put it down. Ms. Sommerland creates characters that feel like they are right there with you. There are so many twists to Defensive Zone that it’s easy to forget you are reading a book because everything feels so real.

I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series to see what happens with other characters we have met. I highly recommend Defensive Zone if you are looking for a story that you can get lost in. Defensive Zone is great for anyone who enjoy a mixture of things – it is full of hot hockey players, BDSM, ménage and a great plot to keep you turning page after page without feeling like the story loses it’s focus.

The Real Mason by Julia Devlin

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Sat, 26 May 2012 19:09:00 +0000

Anna has a lot to learn about The Real Mason if she wants her relationship with him to continue on. While they love each other, he still has some secrets to share that could destroy what they have together.

Anna is blindsided when her adoring boyfriend dumps her after six seemingly perfect months. Especially since they made sweet, tender love right before he dropped the breakup bombshell. It just doesn’t make sense. Mason doesn’t want to make sweet, tender love to Anna. He wants to take her hard and fast, to push past her sexual boundaries until she’s writhing with pleasure and screaming his name. The problem? He has no idea how to tell innocent and old-fashioned Anna that he likes to dominate women in the bedroom. What if she rejects him, unable or unwilling to be his submissive? When Anna demands answers, Mason shows her with one intense, toe-curling kiss exactly how much of himself he’s held back. The thought of being submissive terrifies Anna as much as it turns her on, but she’s willing to try anything if it means discovering the real Mason…and keeping him by her side for good.

Anna is a first grade teacher and the typical good girl. She isn’t worldly and doesn’t do a lot of experimenting. The last few months with Mason have been great and she is shocked when he shares his secret. Anna really isn’t sure she can handle to other side of Mason, but she is curious. I give Anna a lot of credit for being willing to try new things that Mason suggests. Even though she thinks its wrong, it is exciting.

Mason has tried to be a simply boyfriend and ignore the side of him that enjoys being dominant in the bedroom. But, he can’t do it anymore, Anna calls to him and he needs to explore her submissive side or let her go. So, he tries to let her go, not sure she has a submissive side. I loved Mason and his willingness to be honest with Anna and let her make the decision to be with him on her own.

The Real Mason is a great story that shows how important communication is in a relationship. The fact that Mason and Anna were able to explore new things together was great. The only disappointing this to me was that we didn’t learn as much about Anna’s struggles and how she overcame her fears as I would have liked. The Real Mason just kind of skipped over those moments and jumped to the next bits.

Otherwise, I would recommend The Real Mason if you are looking for a sexy story that has a great message. The Real Mason has characters that you feel like you might meet on the street or who might be your best friend and a plot that you can really get involved in because it could be you.

A Patch of Darkness by Yolanda Sfestos

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Sat, 26 May 2012 17:19:00 +0000

A Patch of Darkness is a great story that starts a series that I think will be addictive. If you like the paranormal, urban fantasy type of story, don’t miss out on the debut of the Sierra Fox series.

In a perfect world, Sierra Fox would have stayed away from the Council she left years ago. But in this world—where spirits have the right to walk among the living—it’s her job to round up troublesome spooks and bring them before that very same Council. Though her desk is piled high with open cases, she can’t resist an anonymous summons to a mysterious late-night meeting with a bunch of other hunters, each of whom seems to have a unique specialty. The news is dire: something is tearing at the fabric of the universe. If the hunters can’t find who or why in time, something’s going to give in a very messy way. As current cases, family secrets, new clues and her tangled love life slowly wind themselves into an impossible knot, Sierra finds herself the target of a power-sucking duo intent on stealing her mojo. And realizing she holds the key to the last hope of sealing the widening rift.

Sierra Fox is a spook catcher – she catches ghosts who are breaking the rules. While successful at her job, she is learning that she has more powers than she knew about and she needs to harness them in order to avoid a very messy situation. I liked Sierra, she has a developed ability and uses it well. Yet, she faces a lot of day to day issues that most ‘normal’ people face as well which makes her easy to relate to.

I have to admit that I never got bored reading A Patch of Darkness. There is a lot of character development and background as this series takes off yet I never once felt like it was too slow. A Patch of Darkness introduces so many twists and turns that Sierra has to face it keeps the reader turning page after page wondering what might happen next.

The supporting cast of characters in A Patch of Darkness will also leave you wondering what is to come. There is a nice variety of characters with different talents and I can’t wait to learn more about them. A Patch of Darkness is a must read if you are looking for a new series with ghosts, werewolves, demons, witches, and more unexplainable creatures.

Undone Dom by Lila Dubois

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Fri, 25 May 2012 20:39:00 +0000

Undone Dom, while second in the Undone Lovers series, is a stand alone story that doesn’t require reading of the first one to thoroughly enjoy it. And I think you will enjoy Lulu and Alton as they learn about themselves within these pages.

Alton is the ultimate Master. An expert Dom, he believes BDSM is a lifestyle and trains women to serve in every way. He recognizes Lulu’s submissive nature but his instant attraction is unexpected and unnerving. He vows to take and train her. Lulu has been curious about BDSM since her friend met and fell in love with a Dom. When Alton comes looking for her, Lulu indulges her greatest fantasy. In Alton’s BDSM training rooms she’s bound, disciplined and above all pleasured, experiences wilder than even her fantasies. But when she goes home at night, she dreams of Alton, not the whips. Alton’s whole life has been turned upside down. A Master must live by his rules, but with Lulu he’s breaking every one. The Dom who swore that romance had no place in BDSM has to take a crash course in wooing if he’s going to keep the sub who’s got him in knots.

Lulu is a wonderful girlie girl. I loved that she likes the vintage clothing and style. While a successful businesswoman, her fantasies definitely don’t star her in a take-charge role. She is very interested in BDSM yet very terrified of it and her attraction to Alton. Her best friend has warned her about him and he just might not be what she needs.

Alton trains submissives for others but when he met Lulu, something called to him. He isn’t cut out for a romantic relationship with a submissive. He feels like that is detrimental to their status. But, Lulu and her reactions teach him things that really surprise him. She is feisty and challenging which he never expected from her.

I really enjoyed the power struggle between Lulu and Alton in Undone Dom. There are a lot of things that Alton learns about himself and relationships. Even though he is considered an expert, it’s nice to see that he doesn’t know everything. Undone Dom took my breath away as these two struggle to find the right place for themselves with each other.

Undone Dom explores a couple that has very different levels of experience and shares the communication it takes to even out the playing field. There are a few gaps in Undone Dom that I wish had been filled in to make it more in depth, but once you start you won’t be able to put this one down. I highly recommend picking up Undone Dom and grabbing a tall glass of something cold to keep your body temperature down!

Secrets and Spells by Jessica Jarmin

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Powell) — Fri, 25 May 2012 19:18:00 +0000

Secrets and Spells, by Jessica Jarmin, is a quick story filled with lies and love, all rolled up into one little small town package.

Anxious for a change and wanting to learn more about her late mother and where she came from, Thalia Wells accepts a job in the small town of Parrish. As she settles into her new life, she begins to notice unsettling oddities about her new home. Gray is used to secrets. Being a witch and living in a town of people with magical abilities means living with secrets. But keeping Thalia in the dark kills him especially when it brings her pain. Thalia doesn't believe in magic and had given up on happily ever after, but can she find both with Gray?

Gray Parrish has lived in his families founding town of Parrish for as long as he can remember. It was built for one reason alone, and that's to protect the secret of his fellow citizens, for they are all witches. Then when a deceased witches daughter moves back into the area, Gray realizes that she's, number one, very unaware of her heritage and number two, the absolutely perfect match for him.

Not too long ago, Thalia Wells learned that she had relatives on her dead mother's side, living in the small town that her mother grew up in. She's drawn to the area, especially now that she knows that it's connected to her mom, and she moves back there, intending to get to know her mother's heritage. What she doesn't intend on doing though, is falling in love with sexy and very persistent, Gray Parrish.

Thalia though, is entirely unaware of who she is and what she's capable of, thanks to her overprotective father. But with the help of Gray, can the truth of who she really is be exposed? Or will the lying only draw her away from him and her new found family members?

Thalia and Gray were not the most well thought out characters in my opinion, but I did enjoy reading about their story. Thalia was a good positive character, with a sweetness to her that made me smile, she's also an empath, which means she has the ability to feel what others feel. Gray was a protective man with a healing ability. He wanted nothing more than to take care of Thalia and then make her his forever. I found them both to be positive characters for sure, but for some reason, I just couldn't attach myself to them.

Overall I found Secrets and Spells to be a read that was good, but yet maybe a tad too predictable and rushed. I did find the the premise of Secrets and Spells intriguing though, especially in the paranormal world of witches, which just so happens to be a favorite genre of mine. I thought the author did a great job with the descriptions, but I would have liked to seen it Secrets and Spells slightly expanded just in the length. So in my opinion, I would recommend Secrets and Spells, especially to someone in need of a quick read to pass with an ample about of steamy sex mixed in. But honestly, if your looking for something with a lot of depth and drama, than Secrets and Spells just might not be for you.

Plastered in Stonington by Rosemary Goodwin

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Fri, 25 May 2012 18:38:00 +0000

Plastered in Stonington is the third book in the Kate Bart Mysteries Series. It can be read prior to reading the first two, I do recommend reading them first to get a better understanding of Kate and Dutch.

The new skill decorating Kate’s resume—licensed PI—officially qualifies her to be Dutch’s partner in crime fighting. Unofficially, their personal relationship has grown well into serious territory. Both halves of her life are called into service when Kate is hired to redesign the tasting room at Fiona and Cameron MacPherson’s winery. It doesn’t take long to figure out all is not sunshine and roses at Goose Pond, and Dutch agrees to look into some serious safety issues that have led to a string of mishaps. When another incident results in a death, and it’s clear that this time it’s no accident, Kate and Dutch dig deeper to zero in on who’s responsible. The neighboring vintner who covets Goose Pond’s winery? The tasting room totsie seen skulking about with the MacPhersons’ sulky son? As their investigation comes closer and closer to bearing fruit, the bullets start flying—and it seems that whoever’s pulling the trigger wants them all to pay the piper—in blood.

Kate is an interior decorator and a private investigator. When she is hired to help redecorate the tasting room at a local winery, the job turns into much more. Kate and Dutch end up trying to find out who is trying to kill them while people around them are suffering major injuries. Kate is a fun character that you don’t learn much about if you haven’t read the first two books.

While I enjoyed Plastered in Stonington there were times it jumped around and I felt myself pulled form the story and losing interest. Plastered in Stonington did manage to bring me back to the story she I kept going, but it may be a turn off for some readers. I do recommend Plastered in Stonington if you are looking for a mystery series with more mature characters that will make you laugh with their humor and the situations they get into.

Not Just a Fling by Christie Butler

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Harris) — Fri, 25 May 2012 17:41:00 +0000

Charlotte is spending some time on the sunning beaches of Mexico to forget about men. After being told that she falls for men too quickly and that only makes the emotions from a brake up worst. Therefore, Charlotte Brody has chosen to forget men and spend a little time with herself. If only the very handsome man sitting alone at another dinner table didn't strike her interest. After a few run-ins with said handsome man, Charlotte bends her rule. Maybe it isn't men that she needs to avoid, but emotions.

Charlotte Brody is on a mission. After a streak of bad relationships, she’s sworn off men. At least temporarily. A vacation in paradise is just the thing she needs to get her head straight. What she doesn’t need is to meet a hot, sexy hunk dooming her to failure before she even gets started. But it’s vacation, right? She doesn’t have to fall in love with the guy. Maybe they can just have a little fun together. The ocean, sun, margaritas and lots of hot, sweaty sex. Under the stars, under the table—anywhere and everywhere. Kyle Eastman is in Cabo to escape the pain of his tragic past. He’s not in paradise to fall in love, but if it happens, he’s finally ready for it. In Charlotte, he sees everything he’s been looking for in a woman. And he can’t get enough of her silky skin, her beautiful mouth, her long, long legs… Now he needs to convince her to give them a chance, because he wants more than just a fling one-night-stand hurt?

Kyle Eastman is in Mexico to get away from passing that place, at that time. He isn't laying in the sun to forget about romance but to remember it. When he sees a lovely redhead sitting by herself at dinner, she give him the brush off. After giving her name as Charlotte, she insists that she doesn't want romance just one night together. Kyle complies to her wishes, but he is looking for the closeness that comes with a relationship. Kyle tries to convince Charlotte that she is looking for the same thing but he will not push her in fear of pushing her away completely. Kyle wants Charlotte to see that he is not just a fling.

Not Just a Fling is about a steamy, seductive, vacation fling. After Charlotte gives into Kyle there really isn't much to the story other than the bedroom. The two of them can barely make it through a nice dinner without flashing some skin. There is an emotional connection that Kyle feels and Charlotte fights. Not Just a Fling was a fun read but I didn't feel much of a connection myself. I felt so caught up in the physical elements of the story that the emotional elements weren't getting to me, but some readers won't mind that. If you like your romances more on a physical level, then Not Just a Fling might be more than a fling to you.

Pirate's Wench by Myra Nour

noreply@blogger.com (Beverly) — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:39:00 +0000

Sarah had a fantasy. She wanted to be captured by a pirate captain. She even went to see the River Goddess to ask for her heart’s desire. Now, somehow, it looks like it did. There she stood, on a ship, watching the most handsome pirate, battle to take the ship she was on. Somehow, it seemed too real. Sarah hadn’t counted on watching men die, being splattered with blood. She was frightened. Still, she was excited just watching the pirate. She could hardly wait to get her hands on him and his on her. What a dream she was having.

William is captivated by Sarah's beauty from the moment he discovers her aboard a ship he has pirated. Her joy and expertise in sex thrills his body, while her sweet personality wins his heart.

William Drake was a privateer. Few people knew this. He was a pirate, but got papers to help the war effort. He reported ship movement, and contributed part of his booty. He started as a cabin boy with the Navy, but was on a ship that was captured by a pirate, and continued his career. Will learned more of the sea with the pirates than he would have in the Navy. On this ship, he had a bonus. A lovely lady he would enjoy when the ship was finally conquered.

Sarah was escorted to the Will’s cabin by the captain himself. Then left alone! That didn’t match her fantasy. When Will returned, he was drunk and amorous. Too drunk, he passed out on the floor. The next day, however, things changed. A half-dressed Will entered the cabin. Excitement whirled in Sarah. She was hot and horny just watching him brush his teeth. From the sight of his erection, he wanted her just as much. Once Sarah slid her hand over his erection, nothing would stop the fiery erotic encounter that they both wanted. Once would not be enough.

Pirate’s Wench was an erotic fantasy. Sarah knew what she wanted, fantasized, but never figured it would come true. William took what he wanted, but never thought of a woman like he did Sarah. Was it just a dream? Or was it real? Read the erotic journey of Sarah and Drake and decide for yourself. Pirate’s Wench was hot and steamy, an erotic encounter on the high seas. I could happily put myself in Sarah’s spot, in Will’s arms. How many of us have not fantasized about being a Pirate’s Wench?

Guest Blog: A Creative Disaster by Sarah Ballance

noreply@blogger.com (MDOBSON) — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Nope, not me. This time I'm talking about my kids—the three youngest (of six). Last night one of them discovered some finger paint, which I confiscated before they could open it. I put it on a high shelf. High, as in even if someone dragged a chair over, not one of those little buggers could reach it. Not even on a phone book. Not even … oh, you get it. It should have been foolproof.

Problem was, it wasn't kid proof.

I don't want to dwell on how my monsters managed to get the paint down from the shelf (which is actually the top of a cabinet with closed, locked doors—in other words, no built-in ladder). I don't want to know why they got up so early, and I don't want to revisit my first thoughts this morning when I heard a frantic "Mom's coming!" (If you don't happen to be a parent of a toddler or beyond, suffice to say those words are seldom harbingers of good news). That said, the worst disasters here are rarely news-worthy. Why? Because my house is overwhelmingly child proofed. We have locked cabinets, a couple of well-placed safety gates, and, well, with six kids pretty much everything that can be broken or destroyed has been. We learned a long time ago not to have valuables (snort!) and there really isn't anything with which they can hurt themselves should they decide to get up extra, extra early one morning (read: before me), let my toddler out of her room, and … repaint the house.

Yes, folks, I saw green.

Our hardwood floors were green. The walls were green. The coffee table was green. Two of the three sofas we bought new about 13 months ago were green. There were green handprints on the woodstove and more on the fireplace brick. The children were green. There was even some green on my white berber carpet in the next room.

And right in the middle of the mess were two lovely pieces of artwork—flowers, painted as birthday gifts for my toddler's big day this weekend.

Lovely. Just lovely.

I didn't say anything. I couldn't. Instead, I waited until they were in the other room (scattered by a Look), scrubbing paint from their scrawny little limbs, to take a few pictures of the mess. For posterity, of course.

I'm sure one day I'll look back on this and laugh. (My husband, from the safety of his cell phone several miles from home, actually did laugh. Already.) And maybe I'm smiling a little, even if the sofas still boast an odd green haze in some spots. Because life is about those handprints, wherever they end up.

Even the green ones.

Blurb:

A devastating secret. A shocking betrayal. A deadly obsession.

Haunted by three unsolved murders, Detective Holden Whitlow is stunned when his cold case takes a heated turn. Julia Cohen, his ex-lover, is back in town, and in the face of a brutal attack she's ready to run. No matter how tightly she holds her secrets, for Holden, turning away from the woman he's spent a decade trying to forget isn't any more an option than walking away from his job . . .even when it threatens to cost Julia her life.

Julia is still reeling from a past she can't bear to face. When she becomes the target of a killer, fate throws her back into Holden's arms, but she's yet to recover from a truth that has stripped her of everything—and everyone—she loves. Will she tell him the secret that will destroy him, or will her lie destroy them both?

Buy Links: Noble Romance / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah and her husband of almost fifteen what he calls "long, long" years live on the mid-Atlantic coast with their six young children, all of whom are perfectly adorable when they're asleep. She often jokes that she writes to be around people who will listen to her, but her characters aren't much better than her kids. Fortunately, her husband is quite supportive, having generously offered to help her research "the good parts" . . . and she's never had to ask twice.

Website / Blog / Amazon / Twitter / Facebook

Kelly Gendron Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Powell) — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Please tell the readers about yourself and the books you write?

I love paranormal romances. I've written a few, there's a few snuggled up against each other on my bookshelves and I have quite a few downloaded in my Kindle. There's just something about vampires and demons those mysterious and seductive immortal beings that lurk in the darkness. With that being said, I must tell you my new release, Satisfying The Curse, it sounds like a paranormal romance... but it is not. It hails from my other love— Romantic Suspense. There's also something to say about an alpha mortal equipped with a gun, trained for anything risky and lethal, dripping with dominant authority. And that's what you'll find in the mortal agents in my NESA Books.
Tell us about your latest book. Do you have anything new in the works and can you tell us a bit about it?

Juliana:

For years Juliana Pratt has ignored her fate, but after having just one nibble of the scrumptious Agent T. Ryker, her hungry "curse" will no longer go unnoticed- it's famished and it wants to be fed!

Ryker:

NESA Agent T. Ryker prides himself on his discipline-that is, until his new assignment, the prim and proper Juliana Pratt, puts that discipline to the ultimate test! When Ryker finds out that Juliana was the masked woman who drugged and handcuffed him to the bed in his hotel room, he also discovers her true identity. Ryker agrees to satisfy Juliana's incongruous curse, but he has his own reasons for doing it, and it's not just to give Juliana's body what it craves... for there is something else Agent T. Ryker wants from Juliana Pratt.

The Collision:

So, what happens when something pure collides with something tainted? Agent T. Ryker—the spawn of a rapist— believes his blood is contaminated. Juliana Pratt for years has been hidden away from the malice of society. When these two lives collide, craving disregards the diversity of their worlds. Like wildfire, their fervent passion grows, taking over everything around them...
What inspired you to write Satisfying The Curse?

It's my second NESA (National Elite Security Agency) Book. I had so much fun with the first one, The Risqué Target, I just had to write another. The Character's are new, the story is different, but the agency remains the same. NESA will stop at nothing to get the job done. No one is safe, including the agent assigned to the case.

How do you describe your writing style?

It's somewhat dark. It can be humorous, heart wrenching, and a little hot but it's always drizzled with a great love story. For those few hours that I have them, I want to touch every emotion in my reader. Make them gasp, clench, and swoon— all in a single breath.
When writing who is in charge you or your characters? How do you deal with bossy characters?

Oh, my characters love to take over, well, at least try to. It's a constant tug of war. But I have no problem instigating them until they've exhausted their overbearing attributes, have surrendered, and are ready to give to me what I need.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging about writing?

Everything, I think that's why I love it. It'll never be perfect but it sure is fun trying to achieve the impossible.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your books?

Research is time consuming but interesting. I discovered that the smell of pumpkin pie actually turns a guy on. Who would have thought that huge orange fruit, the Halloween icon, when baked, could stir a man's libido?
What advice would you give to writers just starting out?

Always welcome rejection with a smile, refuel frequently with patience and persistence, and don't even think about reaching for that towel! You're not allowed to toss it in! There's no giving up!
Now for a fun question, what is in your TBR pile?

I'm a big fan of JR Ward/ Jessica Bird and she has some new books coming out that I can’t wait to get my eyes on.
When did you know that you wanted to be a writer? Was your family and friends supportive?

There's a box down in my basement full of stories, poems and things, I've been collecting since I was in my late teens. I didn't realize they were the beginning. I thought they were just the scribbles of a young woman trying to expel all of her feelings onto some paper. I wrote my first book in my early thirties. It's in the dungeon, in that box. Now, just turning forty, I can proudly say that I have three stories that never made it to the infamous box. They've been published, and set free into a world that is filled with romance readers.

My support system is my two tolerant boys—my Hubby and my beautiful son.

Who (if anyone) has been instrumental in inspiring you as a writer?

I can't really say anyone inspired me. I mean, I've read some amazing stories written by some pretty awesome authors. But this journey, I started all on my own. And when I decided to take my writing seriously, I didn’t tell anyone besides my boys, and my immediate family. I kept it a secret until my first book was released. In fact, saying, "I'm an author" is still so surreal. But, I can tell you one thing; I no longer wish to go it alone and the people who've joined me in my journey, they are the ones who inspire me now.
What are you currently working on? Anything you can share regarding your current Work in Progress?

I've been scribbling, dabbling, and playing with a couple of paranormal romances (one is a series) and I am currently working on a contemporary romance.

Don't forget to give us links to your website etc.

Thanks for having me here today on your wonderful site! It was an honor to be invited! And I'd like to thank the followers of Sizzling Hot Book Reviews and, all and any of you who stopped by for my visit today!

You can find me in my little nook of the Web World at...

Website: www.kellygendron

Blog: http://kellygendron.blogspot.com/

Imperfect Beauty by E.A. West

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Powell) — Thu, 24 May 2012 18:01:00 +0000

Is beauty truly in the eye of the beholder? Well, what would happen if said beholder was without his actual sense of sight? In the touching quick read titled Imperfect Beauty, by E.A. West, readers will sure to have their hearts touched by and emotional story that tells such a tale.

A visit to the Highland games goes awry for Alasdair Buchanan when his cousin abandons him in the crowd. His guide dog is terrible at describing the sights, but he does a great job of finding the river. Too bad Alasdair has no clue where that river is in relation to his cousin’s apartment. When Trisha Wright stops to speak with him in her angelic voice, Alasdair is certain his cousin did him a favor by abandoning him. Trisha loves the Scot’s flirtatious ways and basks in his compliments, but she can’t shake the fear that he’ll hate her when he learns the truth about her—a truth everyone can see but him.

Alasdair is on a journey away from his native Scottish homeland. He's come to America, Fort Wayne Indiana in fact, to visit his cousin and family. While visiting a festival called the Highland games in this Indiana town, his cousin leaves him alone to fend for himself, while he goes traipsing off with his girlfriend. All Alasdair is left with is his seeing eye dog Foster, and an innate sense of not knowing where he is. You see, Alasdair is blind; has been since a rock climbing accident that occurred four years prior. Unintentionally, Foster leads him to the river, which is where Alasdair meets the sweetest sounding voice of a woman who has to be near his age. Her name is Trisha Wright, and almost immediately, these two form a connection. She winds of giving him a tour of the festival, and he winds up giving her his heart.

Alasdair falls head over heels for this mysterious beauty, even though he has no idea what she looks like. As a matter of fact, he finds himself not caring at all what Trisha looks like, because nobody has ever made him feel the way Trisha does and no matter what, he's always going to be drawn to her. Trisha though, has a secret about her looks and she's completely insecure, even with a blind man as her companion. So with trust and love and possible heartache in the making, can Trisha really give her mind, body and soul to this gorgeous black haired Scot, or will her own insecurities keep her from finding true happiness in her life.

I adored the characters of Alasdair and Trisha. They are perfect in an imperfect way. Alasdair was blind, sure, but his wit and charm out weighed everything! I loved Trisha too. She was so sweet and caring, someone with whom I'd have a fast friendship with, if she wasn't in fact a fictional character.

So take it from me, a lover of sweet and irresistible romance novels; Imperfect Beauty should not be missed. I didn't think a quick book such as this one could touch my heart on such an emotional level. With the overall genuine and positive message, the heart felt characters, and the chance for a happily ever after though, Imperfect Beauty made me feel very emotionally satisfied.

Just Sex by Heidi Lynn Anderson

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Powell) — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:21:00 +0000

There's so much more than Just Sex in this novella by Heidi Lynn Anderson. There's fear of the unknown, a heroine with a tragic past, and of course, the sexy hero who will definitely make your heart ache with love.

When J.J. stumbles upon his conservative client in the throes of a self-induced climax, his desire to have Kat’s curvy body beneath his reaches the breaking point. At that moment, J.J. knows she needs someone to tend to more than just her yard. Now to convince Kat that he’s the right man for the job. Judging by her pristine yard, Kat already knows J.J. is good with his hands—and she’s more than willing to put those hands to better use. The man fulfills her every lusty dream, and Kat never thought a sex-filled fling would change her life for the good. Too bad it can’t last…

It's been ten long years since thirty-five year old Kat Henderson hasn't had the pleasure of a man. Sure, she was married and recently widowed six months ago, but is it wrong that she doesn't miss the man with whom treated her as nothing more than a business partner one minute and then slept with his secretary every other minute? The only positive thing she got out of her marriage was their now eleven year old son Sam. So when her hot as sin, much younger gardener comes around showing her some major attention, she ends of finally getting the pleasure she couldn't always receive with her vibrator.

J.J. Adams only agreed to become Kat's gardener and lawn maintenance man because the drop dead, gorgeous woman before him seemed to need him. Although she was married, he wished that she needed him for duties that go way beyond professional. So six months after her husbands death, he decides it's time to make his move, whether she seems to oblige or not. J.J is tired of meaningless, and emotional free sex with random women. He wants Kat for so much more; sex is just going to be an added bonus to his equation.

So after a lot of convincing on J.J's part, he finally gets Kat to give him a chance, in and out of the bedroom. Kat is both thrilled and torn because she finds herself falling fast for J.J., but she doesn't feel that she can give him everything a twenty-five year old man may want someday. She's unable to have anymore children, due to a terrible incident with her pregnancy and birth with her son, so she feels like that alone should be a deal breaker with this much younger man. Also, her father wants her her and Sam to move from Florida to Maine to take over the family business. That's definitely another strike towards a happily ever after with this man. J.J. though, is more than convinced that Kat is the only one for him, and the other issues are just water under the bridge to him. Can J.J. keep his dream woman forever, or will insecurities and tragedies only get in the way of a true happily ever after?

I loved the character of Kat. She is a true and real woman full of longing, past tragedies, and tons of insecurities. She was determined to make everyone around her happy and content, making her one of the most selfless characters I have ever read about. J.J. is a very determined and extremely yummy character. He will make all woman over the age of thirty want their own younger and sexy lawn man! He was very genuine and loving too, something that made me instantly fall in love with his character as well.

Overall, this sexy story blew me away. Honestly, Just Sex was one of the only cougarish stories I have read, and I can guarantee that this idea is definitely now one of my favorites in books. Just Sex was tear worthy at times, and steamy at others. The characters were realistic, the story line flew by smoothly, and the overall premise was just plain awesome. So I recommend Just Sex, highly, especially to those who love an erotic story with a real and genuine heroine who gets that sexy younger man!

Her Forbidden Hero by Laura Kaye

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara Hoffa) — Wed, 23 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Her Forbidden Hero is the first novel in a new contemporary romance series by Laura Kaye. As you all know I a a major fan girl for Ms Kaye, and I have to say she did it again! I absolutely loved Her Forbidden Hero. I love man in uniform stories and especially the ones with "broken" heroes.

She's always been off-limits... Former Army Special Forces Sgt. Marco Vieri has never thought of Alyssa Scott as more than his best friend's little sister, but her return home changes that...and challenges him to keep his war-borne demons at bay. Marco's not the same person he was back when he protected Alyssa from her abusive father, and he's not about to let her see the mess he's become... but now she's all grown up. When Alyssa takes a job at the bar where Marco works, her carefree smiles wreak havoc on his resolve to bury his feelings. How can he protect her when he can't stop thinking about her in his bed? But Alyssa's not looking for protection—not anymore. Now that she's back in his life, she’s determined to heal her forbidden hero, one touch at a time...

Marco Vieri is a former special forces soldier. His last mission went FUBAR, three of his men were killed and Marco was inured severely enough that his Army carrier is over. But, the scars on the outside aren't nearly as bad as the scars on Marco's soul.

Alyssa Scott has had a crush on Marco Vieri since she was twelve years old. Marco took care of her when she was a child, protecting her from her abusive father. Alyssa is all grown up now and she is determined to make her childhood dreams of a relationship with Marco a reality. But, Marco is a different man than the one she knew. Can Marco overcome his past to make a future with Alyssa?

Alyssa Scott was a warm and sweet heroine. The kind of girl who would definitely be a "best friend". I loved how supportive Alyssa was of all her friends, and Marco in particular. I liked how Alyssa was able to overcome her upbringing and still be an open and receptive person, even though she had a crappy childhood.

Marco was a great portrayal of a soldier with PTSD. Marco is consumed by guilt and nightmares. He feels like all his plans have been derailed and he is a failure at life. Yet, regardless of his own insecurities, Marco is still protective of Alyssa. Just like Alyssa, I just wanted to hold Marco in my arms and tell him everything would be alright.

Her Forbidden Hero was a wonderful love story about overcoming a painful past and embracing life. I enjoyed watching Marco and Alyssa's relationship evolve from friendship to love. I believe all true love stories begin with friendship and Her Forbidden Hero exemplified this scenario. I don't want to print any spoilers, but let me just say there is a wonderful "make you cry happy tears" scene that makes Her Forbidden Hero a hit in my book. I highly recommend Her Forbidden Hero.

Spring Break by Kathy Kulig

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Harris) — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:33:00 +0000

Mariko Maguire isn't in Fort Lauderdale to experience spring break or so she tells herself after she meets the charming Justin Watkins. Justin is on spring break but he is only in town to keep an eye out for his college students. Spring break can make a young adult do thing that they wouldn't normal do and most of those cases involve something dangerous. Justin knows this only too well. A chance meeting brings them together and when an adult club called TropiX is mentioned, Mariko can only hope to have the spring break she missed out on.

Spring break beyond your wildest fantasies? If Justin Watkins can stop watching over his college students like Big Brother, he might convince the prim-and-proper Mariko Maguire to be his sex partner at the invitation-only adult club called TropiX. Mariko is in Fort Lauderdale on business, trying to secure new clients for her PR firm. Abandoning prior commitments for one wickedly lustful evening—a one-night stand of kinky sex—was not on her agenda. Carter Bosworth is looking for an evening of sex games during his layover in the tropical playground. He’s a regular at TropiX and always open for a new thrill. His plans are sidetracked, but it may be to his benefit after all when he meets the beautiful Mariko. The potent heat developing between Justin and Mariko tempts her into shedding her inhibitions, and an exploration in eroticism beyond her imagination develops at the fetish club

Mariko is in town for a conference and not only does she skip out on the spring break actives taking place she also takes her drinks virgin. She notices a card with the name TropiX on it that sparks her interest and wonders what exactly it is. After a few interesting events brings Justin Watkins to sit next to her, he and his friends bring up the same club she was just thinking about. Apparently, Justin would be interested in escorting her only to party the night away. Mariko thinks about the spring break that she never had and thinks that this is her second chance but Mariko will almost always put business before pleasure.

Justin Watkins is a professor and only comes to Fort Lauderdale during spring break to watch over his students and all the other college aged kids that come looking for fun and find a nightmare. When he sees Mariko Maguire through all the college goers, Justin can only think about getting her to go to TropiX with him and his friends. After he finally get permission to sit next to her at the bar, he extends an invite to the exclusive club. Marko tells him she has a business dinner but if she can get away she will try to make it. Justin can only hope that Mariko is true to her word.

Carter Bosworth is looking forward to an evening with his girlfriend at TropiX during a layover in Fort Lauderdale. Unfortunately, a pilot’s unpredictable schedule can ruin a relaxing weekend and his girlfriend is called back into work. Even though Carter's plans have been, for the most part, cancelled, he goes to TropiX alone. There he meets the intriguing, naive, and beautiful Mariko.

Spring Break is deliciously sweet and steamy. After all, there should never be a dull moment at spring break and Kathy Kulig doesn't disappoint. Even before Mariko is introduced to TropiX, Carter provides a few heated scenes with his girlfriend. If you are looking for more of an emotional bond, Justin and Markio provide a connection with each other that seems to mean more than just a great night at TropiX. Spring break is known for its heat, spontaneous adventures and showing skin and you will get all of this in Kathy Kulig's Spring Break as well.

Goalie Interference by Emily Cale & Angela S. Stone

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Keir) — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:18:00 +0000

Hockey is a game for some, but for others it is a national pasttime. TJ (Tarah) Elliot has worked hard her entire life to be taken seriously for her skills on the ice as a goalie. She needed to be seen as one of the guys rather than the beautiful woman she is. But as a buddy for a bunch of guys, she lacks a love life until Madame Eve and the 1 Night Stand Dating Agency step in.

Hockey goalie Tarah 'TJ' Elliot is too busy stopping pucks to go looking for love. When her friend Natalie sets her up through Madame Eve's 1 Night Stand service, she grudgingly agrees to go. Her ultimate fantasy comes true when Scott Alarid, one of the top scorers in the league, shows up at her hotel room. Hockey player TJ can't possibly spend a night with him, but Tarah certainly can. Scott's tired of dealing with women who only like him for his all-star status. After his teammates arrange a date for him using the 1NS website, he's delighted to find a woman who doesn't know a thing about the sport. But, will the truth force them to put their relationship on ice?

Scott Alarid is a famous hockey star that is tired of the puck bunnies who are always trying to snag a famous player. When his friends set him up for a one night stand, he doesn’t have a clue that the beautiful woman is also a hockey player.

Goalie Interference is a fun read filled with sexy characters and smoking hot sex. I really understood how Tarah felt about being treated like a woman. Most women love to have a strong man who can treat them like fragile and delicate or precious and cherished. As a woman in a man’s world, Tarah always needed to be strong. She couldn’t show her feminine side for fear that the men wouldn’t treat her in a fair way or that they would harass her, trying to date her. Because Scott didn’t know she was a hockey player, he was able to treat her like an ordinary woman. He was also able to appreciate her as a woman and not another puck bunny.

Tarah keeps her job as a goalie secret even after a wonderful night together. I don’t think I could have been able to keep quiet when faced with my dreamboat. I would have wanted to share that connection we shared. But she keeps quiet. This mystery leads to a wonderful connection between Scott and Tarah. When Tarah’s coach calls her, she leaves Scott without explaining about who she is, hoping that he would never find out. Having the two characters find out the truth in a harsh way, leads to another misunderstanding but also leads to a stunning reconciliation. Goalie Interference is a romantic sexy romp through the world of hockey, fun for hockey fans and fans of romance.

Amanda's Blue Marine by Doreen Owens Malek

noreply@blogger.com (Beverly) — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:18:00 +0000

Amanda Redfield was scared. She had a stalker. Working as an attorney in the DA’s office, it could be any of the criminals she helped put away as part of a team. Amanda had been sheltered growing up, due to her high profile parents. Her dad was friends with Lt Manning; he had seen her grow up. She went to him for help. The police checked the evidence and she was assigned to a detective. They didn’t think her stalker was a joke. Seeing that the police were on the job, and her stalker appeared to be laying low, her fiancée flew off to take care of business in China. Lucky for Amanda, she hardly noticed. Detective Kelly, handsome, sexy, Detective Kelly had all her attention.

When Amanda Redfield, an assistant district attorney from a wealthy and prominent Philadelphia family, is being harassed by a mysterious stalker, she meets Brendan Kelly, the police detective assigned to her case. Smart and capable but deeply troubled, Kelly protects Amanda while he works to find her tormentor, but his disturbing presence and rogue behavior disrupt Amanda‘s settled life. She is helplessly drawn to the sexy and charming but barely controlled cop, and as their passion grows she must choose between her prosperous and settled past and an uncertain future with a man whose own life is spiraling out of control

Detective Brendan Kelly had a few problems. His dad had been a drunk, abandoned the family when Kelly was young. Kelly wouldn’t admit it, but he was suffering from PTSD from his tour as a Marine in Iraq. He had a chip on his shoulder about the well to do, and now he had to walk Adam Redfield through a stalker issue. Imagine his surprise when Adam turned out to be Amanda, a gorgeous, sweet redhead. As he got to know her, he was drawn to her more and more.

Amanda and Kelly got to know each other as they searched for her stalker. The more time they spent together, the harder it was to stay away from each other. But Amanda was engaged to Senator Henderson, even if he was fifteen years older. Kelly, he was professional. He would go after Amanda when her stalker was caught, not before. He would give the senator a run for his money. After all, Henderson didn’t appear to be too worried about Amanda; he flew out and left her alone. Kelly made sure he was available whenever Amanda needed him. She became more than an assignment to him. When the stalker struck again, and escalated the stakes, Kelly was the one Amanda could count on. The one who made her feel safe. He could and would do anything to protect her.

Amanda’s Blue Marine continued through twists and turns, snobby parents and a love so deep it changed their lives. Amanda’s Blue Marine was a heart wrenching story of love and perseverance. Amanda’s and Kelly’s love was deep enough to withstand any and all trouble that they faced. And they had plenty of trouble. Amanda’s Blue Marine made me want to hug myself in joy. The characters seemed so real. Amanda’s Blue Marine should be put to the top of your to be read pile, so read and enjoy.

A Scent of Longing by Cara Bristol

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Keir) — Tue, 22 May 2012 20:35:00 +0000

What if you became a vampire against your will? Would you be able to trust a vampire again?

Lily Dansen refuses to date vampires. The last time she trusted a one, he turned her. She agrees to a date arranged by 1 NightStand, believing that a quick tryst is all that’s left for her. A 376-year-old half-vampire, half human Luc Fortier can’t continue to satisfy the vampire fantasies of young ladies while his dreams go unfulfilled. He vows to bedazzle one last date before he calls it quits. Neither Luc nor Lily expect more than an evening of passion, but they haven’t counted on Madame Eve’s superior matchmaking skills.

Lily Dansen was turned into a vampire from a night of sex with her ex-boyfriend who only left her a phone number when he ran out on her. She didn’t really believe in vampires and then she became one. I found her determination to continue with her life interesting. She met up with Vampires Anonymous and learned about how to survive. But she vows to never trust another vampire again.

Luc Fortier is not a typical vampire. He is a born half-breed vampire. He was born of a mating between a human and a vampire. His half-breed status labels him as an outcast so he never dreams or hopes of meeting a vampire mate. He settles for spending one night stands with human women who want a vampire experience. Luc is very caught up in his heritage. He feels that everyone will push him away because his blood isn’t pure. He jumps to conclusions about other people so he won’t get hurt when they push him away.

A Scent of Longing is a sexy sweet tale of true love. The vampires in A Scent of Longing are refreshing in the genre of paranormal. They don’t sparkle nor are they monsters. But they are more like humans with human feelings and uncertainties. They doubt themselves and their worth as well as seek love and acceptance.

Author Cara Bristol writes a steamy sexual story. Luc is smoking hot and would make any woman drool, even if he isn’t the classic beauty that vampires are portrayed as. The sex scenes in A Scent of Longing will leave you breathless and wanting a cold shower. I read the story in one sitting and couldn’t put it down. If you love a passionate story filled with exciting characters who aren’t afraid to show their desires, you are going to love A Scent of Longing.

Dom for Sale by Christine d’Abo

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Tue, 22 May 2012 19:11:00 +0000

Dom for Sale is a fairly quick read that is sizzling hot and manages to be heartwarming at the same time. I highly recommend taking time to join Liz as she takes a jump and tests the waters of being a submissive.

My name is Liz, and I’ve always had a thing for dominant men. But I’ve never met anyone I felt comfortable enough with to explore that side of myself, so I’m not even sure if it’s a real need or if it’s just the idea of being dominated that gets me hot. Then I laid eyes on Master Gareth, and I knew he’d be the one to show me. Not only is this my chance to see if I really am a submissive, but there’s something more in the way he looks at me. Something dangerous, forbidden. For one glorious night, I’ll be his to control completely. At his mercy, bowing to his every desire—and I can only hope he’ll make all my fantasies come true. My only fear? That I won’t want to return to reality when the night’s done…even though I know I can’t stay.

Liz is a fun character. She is nervous about BDSM and not sure she even wants to try it. But when she ends up at a charity auction, she figures this might be the right time to see if she gets as turned on by the real thing as she does her fantasies. I liked Liz and her willingness to try something new. She is understandably nervous and makes mistakes, but she is still open to exploring her fantasies.

Dom for Sale is told from Li’s point of view so we don’t learn a lot about what Gareth is thinking. That doesn’t mean we aren’t given enough to fall for him. He shows a very caring side as he introduces Liz to things she has only dreamed about. Liz and Gareth work very well together as they spend one night exploring her fantasies.

No one expects them to spend more than this one night together nad it’s really all either of them wants. But, will Liz realize this actually turns her on or go back to her fantasies?

Dom for Sale is a great BDSM introduction as you get to experience things with Liz. It will also make you laugh and Dom for Sale is touching in its own way as these two realize new things about themselves and each other. If you are looking for a story that is sexy, hot, funny, and romantic don’t miss Dom for Sale.

Training Party by Cheryl Dragon

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:38:00 +0000

Training Party is a cute, sexy, humorous story. It is the fourth book in the Lucky Springs series and if you haven’t read the first three, you will want to after reading Training Party!

Deeply involved with a carton of Ben & Jerry's, Angie is caught cheating on her diet. Her sexy friend Tucker has no choice but to take action. Uncovering all her secrets, Tucker loves her curves and submissive tendencies. Ang still wants to look good for a big wedding so Tucker puts her on a strict diet of satisfying three hot men and attending some secret parties with them. Burning calories is the last thing on her mind when Angie realizes all the fun she's been missing by being a good girl. Food is no substitute for love but after amazing sex, splitting a pint four ways is much better than eating alone.

Angie is trying to diet so she looks good for an upcoming wedding. She has enlisted the help of her friend Tucker to keep her on track and when he catches her cheating, her life is going to change. I loved Angie. She is good girl with a very wicked side that hasn’t come out to play yet. But, when it does everyone better watch out.

Tucker has wanted Angie for a long time but he wasn’t sure she would fit into his lifestyle. But, once he goes searching her house for candy, he finds a few of Angie’s hidden secrets and is ready to make his feelings known. Tucker is a great character. He’s funny, sweet, dominant and very sexy!

Training Party is one hot read and will surely spice up your summer. For those readers firmly against any male/male action, you might not like Training Party. Although, I don’t read much male/male, this was very well written and flows right in with the story. There is a great plot in Training Party with strong characters that will leave you breathless and laughing.

Born to be Wild by Elle Kennedy

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:05:00 +0000

Bree and Jake couldn’t be more different. Yet, they are both Born to be Wild and the town of Paradise better watch out.

Being bad never felt so good…Welcome to Paradise, Book 3 Bree Lockhart was always the good girl—on the surface. During her senior year of high school, however, her inner bad girl was lured out to play by reckless, carefree Jake Bishop. Her parents’ worst nightmare, and the man she’s never forgotten. Twelve years later, she’s home for a charity event and up for auction. The highest bidder? Jake. This time around, he wants more than a wild ride—he wants it all. But she’s not about to risk her heart on another fling that’ll just leave it in pieces. Jake once reveled in showing Bree how good it is to be bad. But convincing her he can be good for her is going to take some very special tactics… Product Warnings This book features a bad boy soldier determined to chip away at a good girl’s resistance with hot sex, hot sex, and…more hot sex.

Bree is the good girl and dutiful daughter of an influential family. But, deep down, she has her bad girl side and she is ready to let it shine. Bree was an interesting character. She exhibits a lot of strength and bravery as she embraces what she wants instead of doing what her parents want her to do. I really liked her willingness to put herself out there for criticism and ridicule for her choices.

Jake is one of the town’s bad boys and he plays it up every chance he gets. Thanks to his father and the fact Jake acts like he doesn’t care what anyone thinks, people have prejudged him before getting to know him. Home from the military, he takes a chance when he sees Bree again. Jake had his issues, but over all is a really great guy. I liked how he grew up as the story progressed.

Bree and Jake are two opposites that really work. Born to Be Wild is a humorous romance that will leave you smiling as these two face some hard decisions together. Born to be Wild is the third book in the Welcome to Paradise series, but you don’t have to read the others first. Although, I think after reading Born to be Wild, you’ll want to go find the others and read them as well. I don't think this is the best book in the series, or by Elle Kennedy, but it is very enjoyable. I can't pinpoint why it doesn't live up to others by Ms. Kennedy only that it fell a little flat. Overall, if you like small town romance, with a lot of passion and reunited lovers, pick up Born to be Wild and enjoy!

Quintet by Melyssa Jay

noreply@blogger.com (Beverly) — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:46:00 +0000

Nicole has always had a fantasy. She was hesitant to mention it to her boyfriend. Kenny fulfilled her every desire, but she still wanted this fantasy. She wanted four cocks at once. When she finally did ask, she was overjoyed to have him agree, but with a caveat.

Nicole has a lifelong fantasy -- a sexual quintet. Her boyfriend, Kenny, agrees to help her fulfill her fantasies, but there's a catch. Kenny has a fantasy of his own -- one that involves handcuffs and just a little bit of pain

Kenny was willing to do as Nicole asked. He had a fantasy too. If he made sure she had the four cocks, she would be handcuffed and at his mercy. He knew what sensory deprivation and dirty talk did to Nicole. Now he wanted a bit of bondage and pain added. It was all about compromise.

Quintet was a glimpse into a tryst between lovers. It was a short, hot fantasy comes true with a twist. Quintet was peek at lovers exploring a fantasy together and how they were willing to give and take to keep each other happy, not to mention hot, hard and filled in this enjoyable erotic quickie.