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Review Date: 9/16/2011
"Act Like We're In Love by Christi Barth is such a fun read. Linnea and Luke are the perfect match for each other but every time things seem to be going their way something happens to knock things off course.
Linnea loves the theater more than anything and she is concerned when her father brings in a ringer for their production of Guys and Dolls to drive up ticket sales. Times are tough all over and Linnea's family theater is suffering like everything else. She has some ideas to help revenue but her father doesn't want to hear her ideas, he has everything under control.
After taking some time off to care for his mother, things have been "off" for Luke since he came back to the acting world. It doesn't hold the appeal it once did for him. He doesn't know what's wrong and wants time to figure out what is bothering him. He gets his best friend/business manager to book him a stint working at a local theater so he can get back to his roots.
The characters are complex and interesting. Linnea is a diehard theater actress trying to save her family's business. She and her best friend have a pact that they won't date actors and she is determined to stick to it, even though Luke is very tempting. She loves her family but feels like her father doesn't trust her with the theater and won't listen to her ideas. Luke comes across as a playboy, love ‘em and leave ‘em type but there is definitely more to him than meets the eye. The chemistry between Luke and Linnea is instant and the sexual tension is evident from the beginning.
The supporting characters are a hoot. I love Ingrid and Wes too. They have great chemistry and play off of each other well. Ingrid is a free spirit that is just the right medicine to loosen Wes up and he makes her crazy because he doesn't succumb to her like all her previous boyfriends. The scenery is fun too. I love the theater and the descriptions of everything tied to it. The back story is appropriate; it gives you enough information but doesn't overload the story with past events.
One of things I loved about this story is that every time Luke and Linnea try to get together, something happens to mess it up, whether it's a photo op for a politician or a conniving stalker. One of my favorite scenes was the scene at the ballpark when they are in the box. It's the point Linnea realizes that she is falling in love with Luke and is willing to fight for him.
One thing that distracted me a little, but didn't really take away from the story was the fact that there is more or less a sub story going on at the same time with Wes. He and Ingrid are really as much a part of the main story as Luke and Lienna and sometimes it was a little too much going on. I would like to see what happens to them after he starts his own agency, will she finally loosen him up and get him out of his high dollar suits?
Overall I really enjoyed Act Like We're in Love and give it 4 flaming hearts."
Linnea loves the theater more than anything and she is concerned when her father brings in a ringer for their production of Guys and Dolls to drive up ticket sales. Times are tough all over and Linnea's family theater is suffering like everything else. She has some ideas to help revenue but her father doesn't want to hear her ideas, he has everything under control.
After taking some time off to care for his mother, things have been "off" for Luke since he came back to the acting world. It doesn't hold the appeal it once did for him. He doesn't know what's wrong and wants time to figure out what is bothering him. He gets his best friend/business manager to book him a stint working at a local theater so he can get back to his roots.
The characters are complex and interesting. Linnea is a diehard theater actress trying to save her family's business. She and her best friend have a pact that they won't date actors and she is determined to stick to it, even though Luke is very tempting. She loves her family but feels like her father doesn't trust her with the theater and won't listen to her ideas. Luke comes across as a playboy, love ‘em and leave ‘em type but there is definitely more to him than meets the eye. The chemistry between Luke and Linnea is instant and the sexual tension is evident from the beginning.
The supporting characters are a hoot. I love Ingrid and Wes too. They have great chemistry and play off of each other well. Ingrid is a free spirit that is just the right medicine to loosen Wes up and he makes her crazy because he doesn't succumb to her like all her previous boyfriends. The scenery is fun too. I love the theater and the descriptions of everything tied to it. The back story is appropriate; it gives you enough information but doesn't overload the story with past events.
One of things I loved about this story is that every time Luke and Linnea try to get together, something happens to mess it up, whether it's a photo op for a politician or a conniving stalker. One of my favorite scenes was the scene at the ballpark when they are in the box. It's the point Linnea realizes that she is falling in love with Luke and is willing to fight for him.
One thing that distracted me a little, but didn't really take away from the story was the fact that there is more or less a sub story going on at the same time with Wes. He and Ingrid are really as much a part of the main story as Luke and Lienna and sometimes it was a little too much going on. I would like to see what happens to them after he starts his own agency, will she finally loosen him up and get him out of his high dollar suits?
Overall I really enjoyed Act Like We're in Love and give it 4 flaming hearts."
Review Date: 9/30/2008
11 member(s) found this review helpful.
"This book is a must have for any fan of the WARDen's Black Dagger Brotherhood series. She starts the book off with a brand new novella about Z, Bella and Nalla then she follows that up with dossier's of each brother she has written a book about. She shares her craft secrets with you about how each story came about. She has included reader question and answers, a section for writers, and even the original proposal she submitted.
This book is extremely well put together and a great addition to my bookshelf.
Heather"
This book is extremely well put together and a great addition to my bookshelf.
Heather"
Review Date: 3/29/2010
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
"This is book 7 in the Psy-Changeling series. This series is set in the future and centers around Humans, Changelings (shifters) and Psy (experience no emotions and have psychic abilities).
Blaze of Memory takes us into the world of the Forgotten, a portion of the Psy race that chose not to be conditioned for "silence". They maintained their emotions and developed their own "shadow net" that links them all together. Most of the forgotten were either killed over the years or have married humans and their abilities have almost vanished. New powers are showing up in children that are decedents of the forgotten and it's Dev Santos job as director of the Shine Foundation to find and protect these children.
Katya, a Psy that worked in the labs that were destroyed, was presumed dead but instead had been kidnapped, stripped of her memories and programmed to kill. She was left on Dev's doorstep as a Trojan horse. She doesn't have any memory of who she is or what she has done but she does know that she could be very dangerous to Dev and Shine.
In the beginning Katya is trying to escape from Dev because she is afraid of what she has been programmed to do but at the same time something is pulling her toward the North. She doesn't know why just that she has to go. Later she tries to leave because she fallen for Dev and she thinks that‘s the only way she can protect him. She doesn't seem to mind his Alpha male dominance to a degree and as she gets stronger, she gives as good as she gets.
I enjoyed her character, she was a strong female lead that even though she had been locked within the prison of her own mind, she was learning how to stand on her own two feet. I think she was a good fit for Dev. He was so cold and hard at the beginning, like the metal he draws to him but it was nice to see him softening as she got under his skin.
The story is good but there are some slow parts in the middle. The main characters have an instant attraction to one another that is sometimes not believable but they are both endearing and have some heartwarming scenes between them. It was nice to see previous characters making an appearance but not taking over the story. One of my favorite scenes was when Judd visits the young boy, it was very heartwarming.
Although I didn't enjoy this book as much as I have the previous books in this series, I would still highly recommend it and give it 4 Flaming hearts."
Blaze of Memory takes us into the world of the Forgotten, a portion of the Psy race that chose not to be conditioned for "silence". They maintained their emotions and developed their own "shadow net" that links them all together. Most of the forgotten were either killed over the years or have married humans and their abilities have almost vanished. New powers are showing up in children that are decedents of the forgotten and it's Dev Santos job as director of the Shine Foundation to find and protect these children.
Katya, a Psy that worked in the labs that were destroyed, was presumed dead but instead had been kidnapped, stripped of her memories and programmed to kill. She was left on Dev's doorstep as a Trojan horse. She doesn't have any memory of who she is or what she has done but she does know that she could be very dangerous to Dev and Shine.
In the beginning Katya is trying to escape from Dev because she is afraid of what she has been programmed to do but at the same time something is pulling her toward the North. She doesn't know why just that she has to go. Later she tries to leave because she fallen for Dev and she thinks that‘s the only way she can protect him. She doesn't seem to mind his Alpha male dominance to a degree and as she gets stronger, she gives as good as she gets.
I enjoyed her character, she was a strong female lead that even though she had been locked within the prison of her own mind, she was learning how to stand on her own two feet. I think she was a good fit for Dev. He was so cold and hard at the beginning, like the metal he draws to him but it was nice to see him softening as she got under his skin.
The story is good but there are some slow parts in the middle. The main characters have an instant attraction to one another that is sometimes not believable but they are both endearing and have some heartwarming scenes between them. It was nice to see previous characters making an appearance but not taking over the story. One of my favorite scenes was when Judd visits the young boy, it was very heartwarming.
Although I didn't enjoy this book as much as I have the previous books in this series, I would still highly recommend it and give it 4 Flaming hearts."
Review Date: 9/16/2011
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Blood the Rose takes us back to King Henry VIII's court where he is facing a new threat. Rosalind is called back to court to aid her cousin in his task of protecting the King. She is reluctant to go because she doesn't want to face her betrothed Lord Christopher Ellis.
Christopher is not any happier to see Rosalind than she is to see him. They are angry at each other because of the lack of communication over the last year but discover the reason or person behind it. Both families have decided not to break the betrothal and use it (them) to their advantage.
Rosalind is upset to see that Anne Boleyn has worked her way into the King Henry's heart and taken the place of Queen Katherine. She suspects that Anne is a Vampire and is concerned about who else is involved. She can't share her concerns with the King so she warns him to be careful and trust no one.
Anne seems to be interested in Christopher too and this doesn't sit well with Rosalind. She becomes part of Lady Anne's court so she can keep an eye on her and at night goes Vampire hunting with Rhys. She is determined to find a way to stop Anne from turing the King and keeping both him and Christopher safe from the Boleyns.
I loved the setting for this story and wanted to be there. The descriptions used to set the scenery were perfect and allowed you to see Rosalind getting lost in the hedge maze or them strolling through the rose garden. We were not overloaded with back story but instead treated to bits and pieces as they were needed, like Christopher's history with the Boleyns.
The chemistry between Christopher and Rosalind is obvious from the beginning. The sexual tension between them has built over the last year, they are both on edge and ready to explode. They manage to find time together but have to be careful and not let Anne find out. I love the banter back and forth between them, Rosalind is not afraid to give as good as she gets. They argue and fight like an old married couple, it's plain to see they care about each other.
The secondary characters are interesting and add just the right touch to the story. I like that Rhys' love for Rosalind wasn't just glossed over. He still cares for her and is very protective but is starting to move on. New characters are introduced that are important to the story and I hope to see in future books.
This book combines some of my favorite things, the story of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII time period and vampires how could it go wrong? It didn't, I loved this book even more than the first one and can't wait for the next one to come out.
I give Blood of the Rose 4½ Flaming Hearts."
Christopher is not any happier to see Rosalind than she is to see him. They are angry at each other because of the lack of communication over the last year but discover the reason or person behind it. Both families have decided not to break the betrothal and use it (them) to their advantage.
Rosalind is upset to see that Anne Boleyn has worked her way into the King Henry's heart and taken the place of Queen Katherine. She suspects that Anne is a Vampire and is concerned about who else is involved. She can't share her concerns with the King so she warns him to be careful and trust no one.
Anne seems to be interested in Christopher too and this doesn't sit well with Rosalind. She becomes part of Lady Anne's court so she can keep an eye on her and at night goes Vampire hunting with Rhys. She is determined to find a way to stop Anne from turing the King and keeping both him and Christopher safe from the Boleyns.
I loved the setting for this story and wanted to be there. The descriptions used to set the scenery were perfect and allowed you to see Rosalind getting lost in the hedge maze or them strolling through the rose garden. We were not overloaded with back story but instead treated to bits and pieces as they were needed, like Christopher's history with the Boleyns.
The chemistry between Christopher and Rosalind is obvious from the beginning. The sexual tension between them has built over the last year, they are both on edge and ready to explode. They manage to find time together but have to be careful and not let Anne find out. I love the banter back and forth between them, Rosalind is not afraid to give as good as she gets. They argue and fight like an old married couple, it's plain to see they care about each other.
The secondary characters are interesting and add just the right touch to the story. I like that Rhys' love for Rosalind wasn't just glossed over. He still cares for her and is very protective but is starting to move on. New characters are introduced that are important to the story and I hope to see in future books.
This book combines some of my favorite things, the story of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII time period and vampires how could it go wrong? It didn't, I loved this book even more than the first one and can't wait for the next one to come out.
I give Blood of the Rose 4½ Flaming Hearts."
Review Date: 7/8/2010
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Blood Song by Cat Adams
* I received a copy of this book from Tor Publishing in exchange for an honest review*
Blood Song is the first book in a new series by Cathy Clamp and CT Adams. We are immersed in a world of supernatural that contains "bats," werewolves, clairvoyants, and telepaths just to name a few. It's set in California and is centered around Celia Graves.
Celia is a bodyguard for the rich and famous. She has a degree in paranormal studies but she thinks she's just a plain vanilla human. She is armed with holy water, bespelled knives, special made clothing, and guns when she heads out to do a job. Her latest job is to guard Prince Rezza along with a handful of other bodyguards while he is visiting California. She feels uneasy about the whole job from the beginning and is justified when they are ambushed outside a club.
Celia wakes up in the lab at the University to find out that she was attacked by a vampire and is now an Abomination, part human and part vampire. Throughout the book she is struggling to learn her limitations, dealing with her mother issues while trying to find out who wants her dead.
There are several attempts on her life and she is determined to live. With the help of her friends and ex-boyfriend Bruno, she uncovers a political struggle for Rusland. The King visits Celia and asks for her help to determine which son is involved.
Celia may be tough with a take charge attitude but she had a rough road to get there. She has very serious mother issues that she is having trouble getting past. Her mother was really never there for them when she was a child and she had to depended on herself and her grandmother to take care of her. She finds out from her grandmother that she is part siren and is shocked to the core. Now not only is she dealing with being an Abomination but add her siren blood to the mix and she's even more confused.
There are a lot of interesting characters introduced that add a lot to the story. Kevin is her best-friend and he is a werewolf, her ex-boyfriend is a mage and her best friend is a clairvoyant. The relationships between Celia and her friends are complex and interesting. They help add depth to the story and make you want to keep reading to see what is going to happen next.
The story itself is very interesting. It's a different twist on the normal paranormal world and includes mystery, intrigue and political espionage. It's very fast paced but stays on focus even though there are several things going on concurrently. It is very different from the Sazi series that CT Adams and Cathy Clamp also write but no less enjoyable.
I really liked this Urban Fantasy story and can't wait to read Siren Song the second book in the series. I give this book 3 1/2 flaming hearts."
* I received a copy of this book from Tor Publishing in exchange for an honest review*
Blood Song is the first book in a new series by Cathy Clamp and CT Adams. We are immersed in a world of supernatural that contains "bats," werewolves, clairvoyants, and telepaths just to name a few. It's set in California and is centered around Celia Graves.
Celia is a bodyguard for the rich and famous. She has a degree in paranormal studies but she thinks she's just a plain vanilla human. She is armed with holy water, bespelled knives, special made clothing, and guns when she heads out to do a job. Her latest job is to guard Prince Rezza along with a handful of other bodyguards while he is visiting California. She feels uneasy about the whole job from the beginning and is justified when they are ambushed outside a club.
Celia wakes up in the lab at the University to find out that she was attacked by a vampire and is now an Abomination, part human and part vampire. Throughout the book she is struggling to learn her limitations, dealing with her mother issues while trying to find out who wants her dead.
There are several attempts on her life and she is determined to live. With the help of her friends and ex-boyfriend Bruno, she uncovers a political struggle for Rusland. The King visits Celia and asks for her help to determine which son is involved.
Celia may be tough with a take charge attitude but she had a rough road to get there. She has very serious mother issues that she is having trouble getting past. Her mother was really never there for them when she was a child and she had to depended on herself and her grandmother to take care of her. She finds out from her grandmother that she is part siren and is shocked to the core. Now not only is she dealing with being an Abomination but add her siren blood to the mix and she's even more confused.
There are a lot of interesting characters introduced that add a lot to the story. Kevin is her best-friend and he is a werewolf, her ex-boyfriend is a mage and her best friend is a clairvoyant. The relationships between Celia and her friends are complex and interesting. They help add depth to the story and make you want to keep reading to see what is going to happen next.
The story itself is very interesting. It's a different twist on the normal paranormal world and includes mystery, intrigue and political espionage. It's very fast paced but stays on focus even though there are several things going on concurrently. It is very different from the Sazi series that CT Adams and Cathy Clamp also write but no less enjoyable.
I really liked this Urban Fantasy story and can't wait to read Siren Song the second book in the series. I give this book 3 1/2 flaming hearts."
Review Date: 3/29/2010
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
"3 Sisters are brought together by one ranch, the Bar M in which they all have equal ownership of. Valerie ran away from the ranch and her husband to become a Doctor. Brea ran away to Tulsa where she is a freelance programmer/analyst. Jolene has been running the ranch the past few years.
Valerie has been running from love since their parents were killed in a car accident when they were teenagers. Every time she gets too close to someone or something she gets scared and leaves. Mason hopes to change her mind and show her why they belong together. Circumstances pull at her heart while she is home on the ranch and this time she might just stop running.
Brea is more comfortable hiding behind her books and baggie clothes. She lacks self confidence and is inexperienced when it comes to men. She loves reading steamy romances and dreaming they are about her. She can't believe that the sexy ranch hand, Gage is interested in her. She decides for once to take a chance on what she wants and go for it.
Jolene knows what she wants and she goes after it. She has been running the Bar M ranch and has turned it into a successful cattle business. She now has set her sights on Walker but he refuses to get involved with his "boss". Walker has a secret that he is worried will affect Jolene and the Bar M ranch. She is worried that he sees her as one of the guys until things heat up between them. Who will win this battle of wills between them?
I loved all three of these stories. Each of the heroines had some quality that I could relate to in my life. Valerie was the one that took care of her sisters when their parents died, Jolene isn't very confident in herself or appearance and would rather hide behind her books and Jolene was the one left at the ranch to take care of it when they both left. I take care of everyone in my family, hide behind my books and am left to clean up any mess there might be.
The stories had plenty of sizzling sex in some very unique places, which made it very entertaining. All three of the stories are separate reads but I like the fact that they all flow together and you get to find out how things are going for the others as the book progresses.
I highly recommend it and give it 4 flaming hearts."
Valerie has been running from love since their parents were killed in a car accident when they were teenagers. Every time she gets too close to someone or something she gets scared and leaves. Mason hopes to change her mind and show her why they belong together. Circumstances pull at her heart while she is home on the ranch and this time she might just stop running.
Brea is more comfortable hiding behind her books and baggie clothes. She lacks self confidence and is inexperienced when it comes to men. She loves reading steamy romances and dreaming they are about her. She can't believe that the sexy ranch hand, Gage is interested in her. She decides for once to take a chance on what she wants and go for it.
Jolene knows what she wants and she goes after it. She has been running the Bar M ranch and has turned it into a successful cattle business. She now has set her sights on Walker but he refuses to get involved with his "boss". Walker has a secret that he is worried will affect Jolene and the Bar M ranch. She is worried that he sees her as one of the guys until things heat up between them. Who will win this battle of wills between them?
I loved all three of these stories. Each of the heroines had some quality that I could relate to in my life. Valerie was the one that took care of her sisters when their parents died, Jolene isn't very confident in herself or appearance and would rather hide behind her books and Jolene was the one left at the ranch to take care of it when they both left. I take care of everyone in my family, hide behind my books and am left to clean up any mess there might be.
The stories had plenty of sizzling sex in some very unique places, which made it very entertaining. All three of the stories are separate reads but I like the fact that they all flow together and you get to find out how things are going for the others as the book progresses.
I highly recommend it and give it 4 flaming hearts."
Review Date: 11/26/2011
"Elena has been living with her aunt and uncle for the last seven years, ever since her parents were killed in a car accident. Life has been hard but at least her aunt and cousin made it bearable. Her cousin has run off and Elena is now alone with her uncle. He has been making passes at her for awhile but now things are even worse. He is determined to marry her and make her his but the thought is repulsive to Elena. The night she ran away was the beginning of the rest of her life.
Lord Drake Sherrad is growing tired of his life. His father has been pressuring him to return to the fortress and take his rightful place on the council and fulfill his marriage obligation to the family. He just wants to live his life in peace at his favorite residence, Wolfram estate. He never anticipated that the beautiful woman asleep on his couch would turn his life upside down.
Elena has had a hard life but she is still a strong person. She is afraid of the prospect of being on her own but she is more terrified of her uncle. Wolfram estate and Drake become her sanctuary until she realizes what Drake is. She is devastated when their marriage is annulled by his father but soon realizes that Drake and his brother's have a bigger plan in place.
The story takes place in Transylvania and is full of romance. Drake and Elena are good together and seem to fill a void in each other. They love each other deeply and Drake would do anything in the world to keep her safe and happy. I felt sorry for Liliana, she truly loved her husband but their marriage didn't provide her with what she truly needed, Rodin's love.
The story may have been set in modern time but the settings seem to be lost in the past. The castle didn't have any modern conveniences and most of the furniture had been there for years. Even though the fortress had every modern convenience you could imagine, Rodin, King of the fortress, still believed in the old ways and laws of their people and refused to move forward. Both Elena and Drake helped move the castle and the fortress into the future.
Overall I enjoyed this story and can't wait to read Kaitlyn's story. I give Bound By Night 4 Flaming Hearts."
Lord Drake Sherrad is growing tired of his life. His father has been pressuring him to return to the fortress and take his rightful place on the council and fulfill his marriage obligation to the family. He just wants to live his life in peace at his favorite residence, Wolfram estate. He never anticipated that the beautiful woman asleep on his couch would turn his life upside down.
Elena has had a hard life but she is still a strong person. She is afraid of the prospect of being on her own but she is more terrified of her uncle. Wolfram estate and Drake become her sanctuary until she realizes what Drake is. She is devastated when their marriage is annulled by his father but soon realizes that Drake and his brother's have a bigger plan in place.
The story takes place in Transylvania and is full of romance. Drake and Elena are good together and seem to fill a void in each other. They love each other deeply and Drake would do anything in the world to keep her safe and happy. I felt sorry for Liliana, she truly loved her husband but their marriage didn't provide her with what she truly needed, Rodin's love.
The story may have been set in modern time but the settings seem to be lost in the past. The castle didn't have any modern conveniences and most of the furniture had been there for years. Even though the fortress had every modern convenience you could imagine, Rodin, King of the fortress, still believed in the old ways and laws of their people and refused to move forward. Both Elena and Drake helped move the castle and the fortress into the future.
Overall I enjoyed this story and can't wait to read Kaitlyn's story. I give Bound By Night 4 Flaming Hearts."
Review Date: 3/29/2010
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"This story was very enjoyable and a very fast read. The characters are very appealing and pull you into the story. I love Lily's character, she is so strong. She has been through a lot and has practically been on her own since she was a teenager. She wants nothing more than to provide a better home for her son than she had growing up.
Nico's character can be demanding and bossy when he is in the "crown prince" mode but when he is alone with Lily and Danny he is a totally different person. Lily sees him as a man not a Prince, like everyone else does.
The story is a typical Harlequin Presents with a happy ending but Lily and Nico have to work to reach their happily ever after. Both have been hurt too many times and neither is willing to reveal their true feelings. Nico makes some poor decisions along the way and decides to give Lily the ultimate gift, her freedom. In the end, in true Fairytale style, the Prince rides in to rescue his Princess.
This was a great sophomore book by Lynn Raye Harris and I give it 3 ½ Flaming Hearts"
Nico's character can be demanding and bossy when he is in the "crown prince" mode but when he is alone with Lily and Danny he is a totally different person. Lily sees him as a man not a Prince, like everyone else does.
The story is a typical Harlequin Presents with a happy ending but Lily and Nico have to work to reach their happily ever after. Both have been hurt too many times and neither is willing to reveal their true feelings. Nico makes some poor decisions along the way and decides to give Lily the ultimate gift, her freedom. In the end, in true Fairytale style, the Prince rides in to rescue his Princess.
This was a great sophomore book by Lynn Raye Harris and I give it 3 ½ Flaming Hearts"
Review Date: 1/3/2011
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Crux by Moira Rogers
* I received this ARC free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Crux is the first book in the Southern Arcana series by Moira Rogers. The reader is slowly pulled into this new world as the intricate details are revealed. The story contains intrigue, magic, shifters and love.
Mackenzie has been on the run for the last few months from a psycho that wants her to have his babies. He turned her world upside and she just wants to get back to a normal life. She ends up in New Orleans and starts considering a permanent life there.
Jackson agrees to do a favor for Nicki and immediately realizes that the issue is a lot bigger than she suspected. He is drawn to Mackenzie and wants to help her but she doesn't trust anyone.
In the beginning, Mackenzie's character is very timid; she stays shut within herself and tries not to draw attention to herself. She is scared to death and has to always look over her shoulder. She immediately feels at home with Nicki and her friends but doesn't want anything to happen to them because of her. She is drawn to Jackson from the first time she sees him talking to Nicki in the bar. Can he be her knight in shining armor?
Jackson wants Mackenzie and tries really hard to be a gentleman with her, even though she doesn't make it easy on him. He wants her trust more than anything and is determined to prove to her that he plans on sticking around. The sexual tension between these two runs throughout most of the book, making the love scenes well worth the wait.
One of the things I loved about this book was that even though it started out a little slow, it picked up pace and I was done before I knew it. The world had to be set, that couldn't be helped but it was handled in such a way that most of it blended right into the story.
The book also had a great cast of characters. I enjoyed meeting them all and can't wait to see what the future holds for them, especially Mahalia she deserves some happiness. The cast of secondary characters are interesting and complex, with secrets all their own.
Overall I enjoyed Crux and can't wait to read the next installment, Crossroads. I give Crux 3 ½ Flaming Hearts."
* I received this ARC free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Crux is the first book in the Southern Arcana series by Moira Rogers. The reader is slowly pulled into this new world as the intricate details are revealed. The story contains intrigue, magic, shifters and love.
Mackenzie has been on the run for the last few months from a psycho that wants her to have his babies. He turned her world upside and she just wants to get back to a normal life. She ends up in New Orleans and starts considering a permanent life there.
Jackson agrees to do a favor for Nicki and immediately realizes that the issue is a lot bigger than she suspected. He is drawn to Mackenzie and wants to help her but she doesn't trust anyone.
In the beginning, Mackenzie's character is very timid; she stays shut within herself and tries not to draw attention to herself. She is scared to death and has to always look over her shoulder. She immediately feels at home with Nicki and her friends but doesn't want anything to happen to them because of her. She is drawn to Jackson from the first time she sees him talking to Nicki in the bar. Can he be her knight in shining armor?
Jackson wants Mackenzie and tries really hard to be a gentleman with her, even though she doesn't make it easy on him. He wants her trust more than anything and is determined to prove to her that he plans on sticking around. The sexual tension between these two runs throughout most of the book, making the love scenes well worth the wait.
One of the things I loved about this book was that even though it started out a little slow, it picked up pace and I was done before I knew it. The world had to be set, that couldn't be helped but it was handled in such a way that most of it blended right into the story.
The book also had a great cast of characters. I enjoyed meeting them all and can't wait to see what the future holds for them, especially Mahalia she deserves some happiness. The cast of secondary characters are interesting and complex, with secrets all their own.
Overall I enjoyed Crux and can't wait to read the next installment, Crossroads. I give Crux 3 ½ Flaming Hearts."
Review Date: 7/8/2010
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Dane Satyr has returned from Elseworld to join his brothers in Rome. He has won their olive grove back in a card game and plans to restore their grove to its former state before it was taken from his family years ago.
Dane is one of the best Elseworld trackers and he has left without their permission. The only way they are willing to let him go, is for him to marry a human and produce heirs. He seeks out Eva, an Elseworld marriage broker with secrets of her own.
From the beginning Dane and Eva are drawn to each other. Eva is tiring of the shimmer skins during moon full and she longs to have someone take the control from her. Dane retreats within himself during moon full and Dante takes over. Dane has never experienced a true Satyr mating until Eva.
Both characters are complex, with their own secrets that are slowly revealed throughout the book. They feel a bond with each other, even though Eva knows that they can never have life together. She continues to find a human bride for him but works out an arrangement for them to be together once a month on moon full. Eva is looking for a human husband and knows he won't be able to satisfy her Satyr needs.
What they don't realize is that they both have some powerful enemies that will stop at nothing to get them and the olive grove back. They are pulled into a world of sacrifice and greed that could prove deadly for them.
This book has something for everyone, romance, sex, drama and intrigue. The Satyr series has grown since it began with more complex storylines. The characters are deeper with multiple layers of insecurities like everyone else has. Eva is hiding her true nature and Dane is hiding behind his other personalities based on events in his past.
I love this series and definitely recommend it to everyone. Dane can be read as a standalone without any confusion but for the full effect, The Lords of Satyr series is best read in order. I give Dane 4 ½ flaming hearts."
Dane is one of the best Elseworld trackers and he has left without their permission. The only way they are willing to let him go, is for him to marry a human and produce heirs. He seeks out Eva, an Elseworld marriage broker with secrets of her own.
From the beginning Dane and Eva are drawn to each other. Eva is tiring of the shimmer skins during moon full and she longs to have someone take the control from her. Dane retreats within himself during moon full and Dante takes over. Dane has never experienced a true Satyr mating until Eva.
Both characters are complex, with their own secrets that are slowly revealed throughout the book. They feel a bond with each other, even though Eva knows that they can never have life together. She continues to find a human bride for him but works out an arrangement for them to be together once a month on moon full. Eva is looking for a human husband and knows he won't be able to satisfy her Satyr needs.
What they don't realize is that they both have some powerful enemies that will stop at nothing to get them and the olive grove back. They are pulled into a world of sacrifice and greed that could prove deadly for them.
This book has something for everyone, romance, sex, drama and intrigue. The Satyr series has grown since it began with more complex storylines. The characters are deeper with multiple layers of insecurities like everyone else has. Eva is hiding her true nature and Dane is hiding behind his other personalities based on events in his past.
I love this series and definitely recommend it to everyone. Dane can be read as a standalone without any confusion but for the full effect, The Lords of Satyr series is best read in order. I give Dane 4 ½ flaming hearts."
Review Date: 7/8/2010
"The Darkest Passion is the fifth book in the Lords of the Underworld series. I have only read a couple of books in this series and was pleasantly surprised that I wasn't too lost. With that said, it is much better if you read this series in order.
I fell in love with Aeron's character way back in The Darkest Night, the first book in this series. He is keeper of Wrath, able to see the sins of others and punishes them in the same way. He carries the burden of guilt with him because the pleasure he gets when he unleashes Wrath. He cares deeply for his friends and his "demon daughter" Legion but doesn't think he needs anyone else in his life. When Olivia shows up, he tries to push her away while Wrath wants to keep her.
Olivia is a fallen angel. She was ordered to kill Aeron and refused so she was cast out of Heaven and sent to Hell. She managed to crawl her way up from Hell with sheer determination because she had to get to Aeron. She had been watching him for awhile and along the way she fell in love with him. She wants him to keep her even though he keeps trying to push her away. She's even willing to deal with Legion to stay with Aeron.
There are so many wonderful moments in this book it's hard to pick a favorite. It is funny and sad sometimes. I loved seeing Olivia learn how to be human and how she grew as a person throughout the book. She isn't afraid to go after what she wants, even though he keeps pushing her away. She becomes invaluable to Aeron providing him with information regarding the hunters and other Lords. The whole time Aeron is fighting with his internal demon Wrath trying to convince him they can't keep her.
I didn't like Legion that much when she was first introduced but as the book progressed, she "grows up" a little bit. She realizes that she can never have what she truly desires and regrets putting Aeron in the position she has.
It was also nice to see the other Lords and their ladies. Gideon and Paris intrigue me and I can't wait to see where they are going to take us. I like the story line with the Hunters but at times it distracted from the main story line.
The ending definitely surprised me but I can't really say much without spoilers. Let me just say it wasn't what I was expecting. I was also heartbroken for one of the characters at the end.
Overall I truly enjoyed this book and thank Gena for sharing a copy with me. It was my favorite so far in this series. I give this book 4 flaming hearts."
I fell in love with Aeron's character way back in The Darkest Night, the first book in this series. He is keeper of Wrath, able to see the sins of others and punishes them in the same way. He carries the burden of guilt with him because the pleasure he gets when he unleashes Wrath. He cares deeply for his friends and his "demon daughter" Legion but doesn't think he needs anyone else in his life. When Olivia shows up, he tries to push her away while Wrath wants to keep her.
Olivia is a fallen angel. She was ordered to kill Aeron and refused so she was cast out of Heaven and sent to Hell. She managed to crawl her way up from Hell with sheer determination because she had to get to Aeron. She had been watching him for awhile and along the way she fell in love with him. She wants him to keep her even though he keeps trying to push her away. She's even willing to deal with Legion to stay with Aeron.
There are so many wonderful moments in this book it's hard to pick a favorite. It is funny and sad sometimes. I loved seeing Olivia learn how to be human and how she grew as a person throughout the book. She isn't afraid to go after what she wants, even though he keeps pushing her away. She becomes invaluable to Aeron providing him with information regarding the hunters and other Lords. The whole time Aeron is fighting with his internal demon Wrath trying to convince him they can't keep her.
I didn't like Legion that much when she was first introduced but as the book progressed, she "grows up" a little bit. She realizes that she can never have what she truly desires and regrets putting Aeron in the position she has.
It was also nice to see the other Lords and their ladies. Gideon and Paris intrigue me and I can't wait to see where they are going to take us. I like the story line with the Hunters but at times it distracted from the main story line.
The ending definitely surprised me but I can't really say much without spoilers. Let me just say it wasn't what I was expecting. I was also heartbroken for one of the characters at the end.
Overall I truly enjoyed this book and thank Gena for sharing a copy with me. It was my favorite so far in this series. I give this book 4 flaming hearts."
Review Date: 7/8/2010
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Demon Hunts by CE Murphy
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Joanne is struggling to understand all of her Shaman powers. She has grown stronger in power as well as self confidence over the last few months. She still has a lot of internal conflict that she is having problems overcoming.
Something is killing people in Seattle and it is up to her and her partner Billy Holliday to try and stop it. They are sure it's something from the spirit world but they have never seen anything like it. When it attacks a friend of Holliday's for trying to help, it becomes personal to Joanne.
Coyote, her Navajo teacher she thought was dead, arrives to help her defeat the monster. They are determined to free the lost spirit that has been wondering the Lower World trying to find its way home. When another murder turns up in a mountain park, Joanne, Coyote, and Gary head up there to try and stop it. Along the way she gets help from a former friend, who is now a local FBI agent and a TV reporter that is more concerned with getting her story than her own safety.
It takes Joanne entering Lower World on her own, armed with a wooden spear given to them by the tree God, her drum and her spirit animals. Once the creature has been defeated, Joanne has some hard decisions to make about her future. Will she stay in Seattle, follow Coyote or go home to her dad in North Carolina?
This is the 1st book I've read in this series. I was a little lost at first but there is so much internal dialogue from Joanne that you are quickly gotten up to speed. I had a hard time at the beginning getting into the book because it leans primarily toward urban fantasy. I enjoy the genre but for me it didn't have enough action at the beginning to catch my attention.
The further I got in the book though, the more I enjoyed it. I became invested in what was going on and I had to keep reading to find out what happened. I probably won't go back and read the earlier stories but I will definitely pick up the next book in this series.
Overall I enjoyed the book and give it 3 flaming hearts."
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Joanne is struggling to understand all of her Shaman powers. She has grown stronger in power as well as self confidence over the last few months. She still has a lot of internal conflict that she is having problems overcoming.
Something is killing people in Seattle and it is up to her and her partner Billy Holliday to try and stop it. They are sure it's something from the spirit world but they have never seen anything like it. When it attacks a friend of Holliday's for trying to help, it becomes personal to Joanne.
Coyote, her Navajo teacher she thought was dead, arrives to help her defeat the monster. They are determined to free the lost spirit that has been wondering the Lower World trying to find its way home. When another murder turns up in a mountain park, Joanne, Coyote, and Gary head up there to try and stop it. Along the way she gets help from a former friend, who is now a local FBI agent and a TV reporter that is more concerned with getting her story than her own safety.
It takes Joanne entering Lower World on her own, armed with a wooden spear given to them by the tree God, her drum and her spirit animals. Once the creature has been defeated, Joanne has some hard decisions to make about her future. Will she stay in Seattle, follow Coyote or go home to her dad in North Carolina?
This is the 1st book I've read in this series. I was a little lost at first but there is so much internal dialogue from Joanne that you are quickly gotten up to speed. I had a hard time at the beginning getting into the book because it leans primarily toward urban fantasy. I enjoy the genre but for me it didn't have enough action at the beginning to catch my attention.
The further I got in the book though, the more I enjoyed it. I became invested in what was going on and I had to keep reading to find out what happened. I probably won't go back and read the earlier stories but I will definitely pick up the next book in this series.
Overall I enjoyed the book and give it 3 flaming hearts."
Review Date: 9/16/2011
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Demon Song picks up right where Siren Song left off. We are transported back into Celia's world where we've come to expect the unexpected. Celia is still struggling with the task of figuring out why Vicki left all that money to Mick, while keeping her friends safe and running her business.
The demons have taken over the California State Paranormal Treatment Facility, aka "the zoo." The head demon has plans to destroy Celia unless she can get rid of him first. She is tired of having to look over her shoulder every time she turns around. She is doing the best she can to keep her friends safe but unless they can close the rift, there won't be anyone left to protect.
Throughout the book we can catch glimpses of favorite characters from previous books and several new, interesting ones. The characters add to the story but do not overload the reader with too much information. They are interesting and provide an added layer of depth.
With each book Celia grows stronger and stronger. She is learning to control her Siren and Vampire abilities, while managing to hang on to her humanity. She refuses to give in and drink blood and continues to drink her protein shakes and blended up meals.
This book is action packed and flows smoothly. Demon Song has more romance than the first two books in the series. Both Creede and Bruno make an appearance, along with our paramedic friend Gaetno. Celia is worried that her Siren blood is calling the men to her whether they are really interested or not. She comes up with a way to give the men and herself the assurance that the attraction is genuine.
I loved the climax of the story, it had me literally sitting on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put the book down. I felt bad for Celia and the sacrifices she and her friends had to make to close the rift. The very end left me wandering how long we are going to have to wait for the next book.
I really liked this book and think it's the best one so far. I can't wait to see where Cat Adams is going to take us next. I give Demon Song 4 Flaming Hearts."
The demons have taken over the California State Paranormal Treatment Facility, aka "the zoo." The head demon has plans to destroy Celia unless she can get rid of him first. She is tired of having to look over her shoulder every time she turns around. She is doing the best she can to keep her friends safe but unless they can close the rift, there won't be anyone left to protect.
Throughout the book we can catch glimpses of favorite characters from previous books and several new, interesting ones. The characters add to the story but do not overload the reader with too much information. They are interesting and provide an added layer of depth.
With each book Celia grows stronger and stronger. She is learning to control her Siren and Vampire abilities, while managing to hang on to her humanity. She refuses to give in and drink blood and continues to drink her protein shakes and blended up meals.
This book is action packed and flows smoothly. Demon Song has more romance than the first two books in the series. Both Creede and Bruno make an appearance, along with our paramedic friend Gaetno. Celia is worried that her Siren blood is calling the men to her whether they are really interested or not. She comes up with a way to give the men and herself the assurance that the attraction is genuine.
I loved the climax of the story, it had me literally sitting on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put the book down. I felt bad for Celia and the sacrifices she and her friends had to make to close the rift. The very end left me wandering how long we are going to have to wait for the next book.
I really liked this book and think it's the best one so far. I can't wait to see where Cat Adams is going to take us next. I give Demon Song 4 Flaming Hearts."
Review Date: 3/29/2010
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Garden gnomes are mean & evil just ask Eddy Marks. Calm, conservative & level headed Eddy can't believe her eyes when she finds one of her garden gnomes attacking a naked man in her shed.
Dax, an unlikely hero, was sent to Earth to battle his fellow Demons that have escaped from the vortex. He only has seven days to complete this impossible task with the help of Eddy, her dog Bumper, Willow and a Lemurian that turned his back on his world to help save ours.
The story takes place in the quite town of Evergreen, California and centers around Eddy and Dax. All over town ceramic statues are coming to life and attacking the citizens. The attacks are becoming bolder and more dangerous; it's up to this fallen demon to stop them.
Dax was given a human body to use for seven days, his demon powers are contained in a snake tattoo that starts on his chest and winds down his body to his leg. The snake tattoo has a mind of its own and wants to break free. Eddy is the only one with the power to sooth the snake and keeps it from killing him.
I loved this story, it's the classic tale of good vs evil. The characters are intriguing and have you rooting for them to win. I loved Eddy's character because she has such a strong personality. She thinks her dad is crazy for believing in all this paranormal stuff when she knows it's not real. Then she meets Dax and all that changes; through it all she develops a new respect for her dad.
Dax's character is very enduring. He's been a demon for so many years then he's thrown into a human body where he has to learn how to do everything for himself. I loved watching him go through that learning process all the while falling hopelessly in love with Eddy.
There are parts of the story that are a little slow because this is a new series that has to have the world set up for it. The battle scenes are a little repetitive but each one is set up differently, whether it's the location, who is involved in the battle or how the statues are attacked. I loved the little glance we got into Lemuria we got because it helps to set up Hellfire the next book in the series.
Overall I loved this book and was honored that Kate chose me for one of the ARC's. I can't wait for this book to come out. I highly recommend it and give it 4 flaming hearts."
Dax, an unlikely hero, was sent to Earth to battle his fellow Demons that have escaped from the vortex. He only has seven days to complete this impossible task with the help of Eddy, her dog Bumper, Willow and a Lemurian that turned his back on his world to help save ours.
The story takes place in the quite town of Evergreen, California and centers around Eddy and Dax. All over town ceramic statues are coming to life and attacking the citizens. The attacks are becoming bolder and more dangerous; it's up to this fallen demon to stop them.
Dax was given a human body to use for seven days, his demon powers are contained in a snake tattoo that starts on his chest and winds down his body to his leg. The snake tattoo has a mind of its own and wants to break free. Eddy is the only one with the power to sooth the snake and keeps it from killing him.
I loved this story, it's the classic tale of good vs evil. The characters are intriguing and have you rooting for them to win. I loved Eddy's character because she has such a strong personality. She thinks her dad is crazy for believing in all this paranormal stuff when she knows it's not real. Then she meets Dax and all that changes; through it all she develops a new respect for her dad.
Dax's character is very enduring. He's been a demon for so many years then he's thrown into a human body where he has to learn how to do everything for himself. I loved watching him go through that learning process all the while falling hopelessly in love with Eddy.
There are parts of the story that are a little slow because this is a new series that has to have the world set up for it. The battle scenes are a little repetitive but each one is set up differently, whether it's the location, who is involved in the battle or how the statues are attacked. I loved the little glance we got into Lemuria we got because it helps to set up Hellfire the next book in the series.
Overall I loved this book and was honored that Kate chose me for one of the ARC's. I can't wait for this book to come out. I highly recommend it and give it 4 flaming hearts."
Review Date: 3/29/2010
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Divine Misdemeanors is the 8th installment in the Merry Gentry series and is best if read in order. You miss out on a lot of character information and backstory if you pick this series up in the middle.
Princess Merry and her group have returned to LA and are working for the Grey Detective Agency. There have been some Fey murders and the LAPD need the help of Merry and her gang to solve them. We are introduced to Glinda the Fairy Godmother of LA and new members of Merry's royal guard. The guys are all back and as protective as ever of Merry.
This book starts out good with the fey murders. The group is called in to assist the LAPD and see if they can figure out who is killing the fey. Merry feels responsible for the fey that are in LA but Glinda , the fairy godmother thinks that Merry is "stealing" her subjects away from her. I loved Glinda, she is what every little girl thinks of as a fairy godmother, complete with all the sparkling clothes and the magic wand. Merry seems to grow a little as a leader in this book with the help of Barinthus. He is angry with her and challenges some of the choices she makes. One of my favorite scenes involve a lot of reporters and a plate glass window.
As the story progresses, it gets weaker and weaker. It seems rushed and thrown together and was very choppy to read. A lot of back story was used as filler, we are reminded of the abuse that Merry suffered at the hands of her Aunt and Uncle over the years multiple times. There are references that something bad is going on in the Unseelie court but they never carry that story forward and one of her guards acts totally out of character going off the deep end.
In the Merry books you come to expect a lot of sex and you do get a fair amount in this book. The purpose of all the sex is for her to get pregnant with an heir to the throne of the Unseelie court before her cousin does. She is still having sex with random men and bringing out unique abilities in them and at one point she has sex with 2 of the guards to prove that she is not "crazy" like the rest of her family.
Overall I liked the mystery of the fey murders and enjoyed seeing all of the characters we have grown to love throughout this series. I would suggest this book to anyone that is a fan, just be aware that there is a lot of sexual content in this series. I give this book 3 flaming hearts."
Princess Merry and her group have returned to LA and are working for the Grey Detective Agency. There have been some Fey murders and the LAPD need the help of Merry and her gang to solve them. We are introduced to Glinda the Fairy Godmother of LA and new members of Merry's royal guard. The guys are all back and as protective as ever of Merry.
This book starts out good with the fey murders. The group is called in to assist the LAPD and see if they can figure out who is killing the fey. Merry feels responsible for the fey that are in LA but Glinda , the fairy godmother thinks that Merry is "stealing" her subjects away from her. I loved Glinda, she is what every little girl thinks of as a fairy godmother, complete with all the sparkling clothes and the magic wand. Merry seems to grow a little as a leader in this book with the help of Barinthus. He is angry with her and challenges some of the choices she makes. One of my favorite scenes involve a lot of reporters and a plate glass window.
As the story progresses, it gets weaker and weaker. It seems rushed and thrown together and was very choppy to read. A lot of back story was used as filler, we are reminded of the abuse that Merry suffered at the hands of her Aunt and Uncle over the years multiple times. There are references that something bad is going on in the Unseelie court but they never carry that story forward and one of her guards acts totally out of character going off the deep end.
In the Merry books you come to expect a lot of sex and you do get a fair amount in this book. The purpose of all the sex is for her to get pregnant with an heir to the throne of the Unseelie court before her cousin does. She is still having sex with random men and bringing out unique abilities in them and at one point she has sex with 2 of the guards to prove that she is not "crazy" like the rest of her family.
Overall I liked the mystery of the fey murders and enjoyed seeing all of the characters we have grown to love throughout this series. I would suggest this book to anyone that is a fan, just be aware that there is a lot of sexual content in this series. I give this book 3 flaming hearts."
Review Date: 5/21/2012
"Fallen Angel (Club Burlesque #2) by Logan Belle
* I received a copy of this book from Kensington in exchange for an honest review*
Mallory has been drawn to the world of burlesque ever since she was drug on stage by Bette Noir on her birthday. Now dancing as Moxie, she is quickly becoming a favorite at The Blue Angel club. However, she is having trouble balancing her two worlds and dreads the day her boss Gavin finds out her secret; she can't afford to lose another job.
Mallory is a strong female that knows what she wants, now if she can just keep her worlds from crashing. She enjoys her work as a paralegal and she is good at it but she also loves the thrill she gets while on stage performing. She decides it's time to make some changes in her life, will she choose a legal career or continue to dance as Moxie.
Alec and Mallory have an interesting relationship. He wants them to be open and to try new things together, even include a third person into the equation. Things don't go as planned and he catches her and Violet Offender in a compromising position. He begins questioning Mallory's commitment to their relationship.
Mallory's boss at the law firm, Gavin begins making passes at her confusing her even further. She is attracted to him and things are on the rocks with Alec so she gives him a chance. She never would've guessed that he liked everything "vanilla".
The characters seem to jump right out of the pages at you. They are all interesting and complex with extreme depth. The book focuses on Alec and Mallory but the secondary characters add so much to the book like Violet Offender, Bette Noir, Justin and Martha Baxter and Billy Barton. The characters are all larger than life and they made the book all the more interesting.
The world of burlesque is becoming more and more popular. This book gives the reader a look inside a burlesque club, the dancers, costumes and the music. Ever since I watched the movie Burlesque I fell in love with this world and this series was icing on the cake.
I started the series with this book. There were a few times I was a little lost but overall it can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed this book so much that I bought the first one, Blue Angel. Naked Angel continues the story and looks to be even better. I loved Fallen Angel and give it 4 Flaming Hearts."
* I received a copy of this book from Kensington in exchange for an honest review*
Mallory has been drawn to the world of burlesque ever since she was drug on stage by Bette Noir on her birthday. Now dancing as Moxie, she is quickly becoming a favorite at The Blue Angel club. However, she is having trouble balancing her two worlds and dreads the day her boss Gavin finds out her secret; she can't afford to lose another job.
Mallory is a strong female that knows what she wants, now if she can just keep her worlds from crashing. She enjoys her work as a paralegal and she is good at it but she also loves the thrill she gets while on stage performing. She decides it's time to make some changes in her life, will she choose a legal career or continue to dance as Moxie.
Alec and Mallory have an interesting relationship. He wants them to be open and to try new things together, even include a third person into the equation. Things don't go as planned and he catches her and Violet Offender in a compromising position. He begins questioning Mallory's commitment to their relationship.
Mallory's boss at the law firm, Gavin begins making passes at her confusing her even further. She is attracted to him and things are on the rocks with Alec so she gives him a chance. She never would've guessed that he liked everything "vanilla".
The characters seem to jump right out of the pages at you. They are all interesting and complex with extreme depth. The book focuses on Alec and Mallory but the secondary characters add so much to the book like Violet Offender, Bette Noir, Justin and Martha Baxter and Billy Barton. The characters are all larger than life and they made the book all the more interesting.
The world of burlesque is becoming more and more popular. This book gives the reader a look inside a burlesque club, the dancers, costumes and the music. Ever since I watched the movie Burlesque I fell in love with this world and this series was icing on the cake.
I started the series with this book. There were a few times I was a little lost but overall it can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed this book so much that I bought the first one, Blue Angel. Naked Angel continues the story and looks to be even better. I loved Fallen Angel and give it 4 Flaming Hearts."
Review Date: 6/3/2011
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Feel the Heat by Lorie O'Clare, PJ Mellor & Lydia Parks
Feel the Heat is a collection of three novellas about very hot firefighters and the women in their lives. In all three stories, the main characters each have their own scars that they need to overcome before they can be happy.
In Fight Fire with Fire, after a tragic accident Mary is determined to live life to the fullest. She decides it's time to go after the man she wants, no matter how dangerous his job may be. Mary & Nate have amazing chemistry and it's obvious they belong together. All it takes is for them to take a chance on love and trust in each other.
Heat Wave was the second story in the anthology. It had moments where it had me laughing out loud. It reminded me of a Stephanie Plum novel, everything that could go wrong for Summer does. I loved Summer and Thorne and really enjoyed this story. They are amazing together and the sex scenes are hot. In the end, they are able to overcome all the obstacles in their way and let love conquer all.
In Smoldering Lust bad boy Lee Evans is back in town as the new fire chief. He can't believe his eyes when he sees Hannah after all these years. She has been the girl of his dreams ever since junior high but they come from two different worlds. She is a strong, independent woman that has worked hard to get where she is in life. She has managed to maintain her loving and compassionate side and only sees Lee as he is today, not for what his father did years ago. She is not afraid for people to know they are in a relationship, except where her job is concerned (she's responsible for how the budget is divided).
I have a friend that is a firefighter so this book holds special meaning to me. I think all three stories were well written with characters that were interesting, even with their flaws. They were set in small towns where everyone seems to know everyone else, which helped add character to the stories.
Overall I enjoyed Feel the Heat and give it 4 Flaming Hearts."
Feel the Heat is a collection of three novellas about very hot firefighters and the women in their lives. In all three stories, the main characters each have their own scars that they need to overcome before they can be happy.
In Fight Fire with Fire, after a tragic accident Mary is determined to live life to the fullest. She decides it's time to go after the man she wants, no matter how dangerous his job may be. Mary & Nate have amazing chemistry and it's obvious they belong together. All it takes is for them to take a chance on love and trust in each other.
Heat Wave was the second story in the anthology. It had moments where it had me laughing out loud. It reminded me of a Stephanie Plum novel, everything that could go wrong for Summer does. I loved Summer and Thorne and really enjoyed this story. They are amazing together and the sex scenes are hot. In the end, they are able to overcome all the obstacles in their way and let love conquer all.
In Smoldering Lust bad boy Lee Evans is back in town as the new fire chief. He can't believe his eyes when he sees Hannah after all these years. She has been the girl of his dreams ever since junior high but they come from two different worlds. She is a strong, independent woman that has worked hard to get where she is in life. She has managed to maintain her loving and compassionate side and only sees Lee as he is today, not for what his father did years ago. She is not afraid for people to know they are in a relationship, except where her job is concerned (she's responsible for how the budget is divided).
I have a friend that is a firefighter so this book holds special meaning to me. I think all three stories were well written with characters that were interesting, even with their flaws. They were set in small towns where everyone seems to know everyone else, which helped add character to the stories.
Overall I enjoyed Feel the Heat and give it 4 Flaming Hearts."
Review Date: 1/3/2011
"Four Play by Maya Banks and Shayla Black
* I received this ARC free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
This was a great pairing of two fantastic authors of erotic fiction. Both stories center around a group of four friends, 3 male and 1 female and their exploration into the unknown.
In Pillow Talk Zoe and Chase share their secret fantasies with each other. As they embark on a quest to fulfill each other's fantasies, one will take it too far and jeopardize the budding relationship that has begun.
Zoe and Chase have been together for several years and each is secure in their relationship. They live with their best friends Brody and Tate, who are also secretly in love with Zoe. Zoe is comfortable with her body and wants to please Chase so she enlists the help of their roommates to fulfill Chase's fantasy. He is stunned to realize that his girlfriend would actually consider his fantasy and wants to give her something in return. Zoe is excited when she realizes her most secret fantasy is about to come true.
Zoe is extremely worried about how their roommates will react the next day though, but things seem normal, even better. Things get complicated when another is added to the mix and feelings get hurt. Chase realizes that some things are better left in the bedroom between him and Zoe.
Zoe loves Chase and knows that their relationship is secure but she also cares very deeply for their roommates, Brody and Tate. Their situation is complex because it's not the standard relationship. They have needs that can only be met when the four of them come together. The story flows well and the build up to the fantasy is well worth the wait. I think the scenes with the four of them were beautifully written and extremely HOT. I enjoyed this story a lot.
In Her Fantasy Men Kelsey has been enjoying a nightly fantasy featuring her best friend, her boss and her neighbor. When she has the opportunity to make that fantasy a reality she doesn't know what to think, she knows her men and worries that she is making the biggest mistake of her life. She can't turn down the chance of being with all three of them at once but she knows her men and knows they don't share well. She loves them all and can't choose between them.
Tucker is her best friend and confident. They have been friends forever and she has loved him since they were kids. Jeremy is her boss and is a dominant. When he dominates her at work, it makes her Hot. She never knew she needed to be dominated before she met Jeremy. Rhys is her neighbor and savior when something breaks. They watch football together and he makes her laugh. She has fallen in love with each one of them and when she realizes they love her, she knows that she can't choose between them.
They come up with a plan to try and make things work but all it does is make everyone miserable. Kelsey can't stand hurting any of them so she takes off. Everyone is miserable, including her. She finds out something that could shatter their world and plans to see them once last time to share her news. They surprise her with a solution to the problem that will make everyone happy.
Kelsey is a strong character that has taken care of herself. She is not used to bouts of crying and that's all she's done since she slept with her men. She wants them all badly and she wants them all at the same time, this is her ultimate fantasy. Once that happens, she can never go back.
This is a story about discovering who you are and learning give and take when the issue is important. Rhys, Jeremy and Tucker have to learn to check their egos at the door where Kelsey is concerned. She needs something from each of them to make her complete.
Overall I enjoyed this book and give it 4 flaming hearts."
* I received this ARC free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
This was a great pairing of two fantastic authors of erotic fiction. Both stories center around a group of four friends, 3 male and 1 female and their exploration into the unknown.
In Pillow Talk Zoe and Chase share their secret fantasies with each other. As they embark on a quest to fulfill each other's fantasies, one will take it too far and jeopardize the budding relationship that has begun.
Zoe and Chase have been together for several years and each is secure in their relationship. They live with their best friends Brody and Tate, who are also secretly in love with Zoe. Zoe is comfortable with her body and wants to please Chase so she enlists the help of their roommates to fulfill Chase's fantasy. He is stunned to realize that his girlfriend would actually consider his fantasy and wants to give her something in return. Zoe is excited when she realizes her most secret fantasy is about to come true.
Zoe is extremely worried about how their roommates will react the next day though, but things seem normal, even better. Things get complicated when another is added to the mix and feelings get hurt. Chase realizes that some things are better left in the bedroom between him and Zoe.
Zoe loves Chase and knows that their relationship is secure but she also cares very deeply for their roommates, Brody and Tate. Their situation is complex because it's not the standard relationship. They have needs that can only be met when the four of them come together. The story flows well and the build up to the fantasy is well worth the wait. I think the scenes with the four of them were beautifully written and extremely HOT. I enjoyed this story a lot.
In Her Fantasy Men Kelsey has been enjoying a nightly fantasy featuring her best friend, her boss and her neighbor. When she has the opportunity to make that fantasy a reality she doesn't know what to think, she knows her men and worries that she is making the biggest mistake of her life. She can't turn down the chance of being with all three of them at once but she knows her men and knows they don't share well. She loves them all and can't choose between them.
Tucker is her best friend and confident. They have been friends forever and she has loved him since they were kids. Jeremy is her boss and is a dominant. When he dominates her at work, it makes her Hot. She never knew she needed to be dominated before she met Jeremy. Rhys is her neighbor and savior when something breaks. They watch football together and he makes her laugh. She has fallen in love with each one of them and when she realizes they love her, she knows that she can't choose between them.
They come up with a plan to try and make things work but all it does is make everyone miserable. Kelsey can't stand hurting any of them so she takes off. Everyone is miserable, including her. She finds out something that could shatter their world and plans to see them once last time to share her news. They surprise her with a solution to the problem that will make everyone happy.
Kelsey is a strong character that has taken care of herself. She is not used to bouts of crying and that's all she's done since she slept with her men. She wants them all badly and she wants them all at the same time, this is her ultimate fantasy. Once that happens, she can never go back.
This is a story about discovering who you are and learning give and take when the issue is important. Rhys, Jeremy and Tucker have to learn to check their egos at the door where Kelsey is concerned. She needs something from each of them to make her complete.
Overall I enjoyed this book and give it 4 flaming hearts."
Review Date: 1/3/2011
"Hellfire – Kate Douglas
* I received this ARC/book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Day by day the demons are getting stronger. No longer are they restricted to inanimate objects, they are now able to take over animals. Dax, Eddy and Alton knew they were in trouble when store mannequins started walking but they never expected what they would face next.
Alton is obsessed with Eddy's best friend Ginny and can't get her off his mind. He sent her to Sedona to get her away from the battle but to his surprise, he had sent her straight into the heart of it. Ginny Jones can't remember why she decided to visit her family in Sedona, one she has little contact with, but she finds herself in the middle of the twilight zone.
Alton is beside himself when he realizes that Ginny is in danger because of him. He is drawn to her like no other. He can't stop thinking about the kiss he gave her to erase her memory. He doesn't want to admit it but it meant more to him than it should have. He is adapting to Earth but he misses his home in Lemuria and his best friend Taron. He has been exiled but he can't think about that right now. If they don't stop the demons and the demon king, the world and all dimensions will change forever.
Ginny can't stop thinking about Eddy's college friend. She's only met him once but she is instantly drawn to him. She doesn't understand everything that is going on around her and she is having a hard time letting go of the cage around her heart. She is an independent woman that makes her own decisions and provides for herself. She is determined not to fall in love but if she did, Alton would be the perfect man for her. He is caring, doesn't try to stop her from joining the fight and wants him to stand beside him, not behind him.
When Alton and Ginny go to Lemuria, they are both in for a few shocks. Ginny finds out some things about her true heritage and she is granted a crystal sword of her own to help in the battle, Dark Fire. Alton is arrested and is brought before the Council of Nine but the outcome is not what was expected. They are on their own to save the world, With the help of Dax, Eddy and Bumperwillow they set out to defeat the demon king.
It's interesting to see what Demons are going to do next because they are getting smarter every day. I love that you can only see the demons true form in the light of Ginny's sword, Demon Fire. The missing warrior women of Lemuria added a nice twist and I can't wait to see the story behind it. The Council of Nine can't continue to hide their head in the sand and act like nothing is changing when in truth everything around them is changing.
The story is well paced and provides you with tidbits about Lemuria and Lemurian society along the way. You are not overpowered with it and it doesn't take away from the current battle on Earth. The tidbits give you insight to who Alton is and where he came from. They help you to understand his character and what he is going through himself. Both Alton and Ginny have issues and they almost let those issues keep them apart. They realize that they are better together than apart and that each day is precious and you have to live life as if each day could be your last.
The final battle is exciting and well written. I enjoyed it a lot. I was pulling for them and worried when things started getting out of hand but in the end Ginny came through with the help of Demon Fire and Hellfire. Overall I enjoyed Hellfire and give it 4 flaming hearts."
* I received this ARC/book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Day by day the demons are getting stronger. No longer are they restricted to inanimate objects, they are now able to take over animals. Dax, Eddy and Alton knew they were in trouble when store mannequins started walking but they never expected what they would face next.
Alton is obsessed with Eddy's best friend Ginny and can't get her off his mind. He sent her to Sedona to get her away from the battle but to his surprise, he had sent her straight into the heart of it. Ginny Jones can't remember why she decided to visit her family in Sedona, one she has little contact with, but she finds herself in the middle of the twilight zone.
Alton is beside himself when he realizes that Ginny is in danger because of him. He is drawn to her like no other. He can't stop thinking about the kiss he gave her to erase her memory. He doesn't want to admit it but it meant more to him than it should have. He is adapting to Earth but he misses his home in Lemuria and his best friend Taron. He has been exiled but he can't think about that right now. If they don't stop the demons and the demon king, the world and all dimensions will change forever.
Ginny can't stop thinking about Eddy's college friend. She's only met him once but she is instantly drawn to him. She doesn't understand everything that is going on around her and she is having a hard time letting go of the cage around her heart. She is an independent woman that makes her own decisions and provides for herself. She is determined not to fall in love but if she did, Alton would be the perfect man for her. He is caring, doesn't try to stop her from joining the fight and wants him to stand beside him, not behind him.
When Alton and Ginny go to Lemuria, they are both in for a few shocks. Ginny finds out some things about her true heritage and she is granted a crystal sword of her own to help in the battle, Dark Fire. Alton is arrested and is brought before the Council of Nine but the outcome is not what was expected. They are on their own to save the world, With the help of Dax, Eddy and Bumperwillow they set out to defeat the demon king.
It's interesting to see what Demons are going to do next because they are getting smarter every day. I love that you can only see the demons true form in the light of Ginny's sword, Demon Fire. The missing warrior women of Lemuria added a nice twist and I can't wait to see the story behind it. The Council of Nine can't continue to hide their head in the sand and act like nothing is changing when in truth everything around them is changing.
The story is well paced and provides you with tidbits about Lemuria and Lemurian society along the way. You are not overpowered with it and it doesn't take away from the current battle on Earth. The tidbits give you insight to who Alton is and where he came from. They help you to understand his character and what he is going through himself. Both Alton and Ginny have issues and they almost let those issues keep them apart. They realize that they are better together than apart and that each day is precious and you have to live life as if each day could be your last.
The final battle is exciting and well written. I enjoyed it a lot. I was pulling for them and worried when things started getting out of hand but in the end Ginny came through with the help of Demon Fire and Hellfire. Overall I enjoyed Hellfire and give it 4 flaming hearts."
Review Date: 7/8/2010
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Arranged marriages are so last year, at least that's what Blu Masterson thought until her father arranged for her to marry Creed Saint-Pierre. She is expected to marry a long tooth, a mortal enemy of the werewolves in a quest for peace. This marriage is supposed to bring both factions together and stop the wars between them.
I love Blu, she is smart, very sarcastic and not afraid to go after what she wants. She is a rare, female werewolf who hides behind brightly colored wigs and outlandish clothes. She has endured years of abuse from members of her pack and had to developed defense mechanisms to survive. She is the total opposite from her "long tooth" husband.
Creed is over 900 years old and loves the finer things in life. He drives expensive cars, wears designer clothes and is the local Tribe leader. When Blu moves in, she teases him that he is boring. As the book progresses you see him start to loosen up and enjoy life again. He enjoys her quirky behavior and will do anything to see her smile.
I like Creed and Blu as a couple. They complement each other, even though they are complete opposites. I love how they both changed their view of the "enemy" as the book progressed. Creed calmed Blu down and she loosened him up. They worked together when they realized that their marriage was no longer a farce.
This story is part of the Wicked Games series but can be read as a standalone. I read it before I read other books in this series and enjoyed it so much that I had to read the rest of the stories. It was nice to see how some of the other characters ended up together.
I loved this book. The romance between the leads is strong and the underlying political issues don't distract from it. Ms. Hauf weaves it into the story in a way that draws you in and makes you want to know more. The ending was a nice surprise. The book is fast paced and I didn't want to put it down. I read it in one day.
I highly recommend this book and invite everyone to stop by next Friday, April 9th and visit with Michele Hauf. I give this book 4 ½ Flaming Hearts."
I love Blu, she is smart, very sarcastic and not afraid to go after what she wants. She is a rare, female werewolf who hides behind brightly colored wigs and outlandish clothes. She has endured years of abuse from members of her pack and had to developed defense mechanisms to survive. She is the total opposite from her "long tooth" husband.
Creed is over 900 years old and loves the finer things in life. He drives expensive cars, wears designer clothes and is the local Tribe leader. When Blu moves in, she teases him that he is boring. As the book progresses you see him start to loosen up and enjoy life again. He enjoys her quirky behavior and will do anything to see her smile.
I like Creed and Blu as a couple. They complement each other, even though they are complete opposites. I love how they both changed their view of the "enemy" as the book progressed. Creed calmed Blu down and she loosened him up. They worked together when they realized that their marriage was no longer a farce.
This story is part of the Wicked Games series but can be read as a standalone. I read it before I read other books in this series and enjoyed it so much that I had to read the rest of the stories. It was nice to see how some of the other characters ended up together.
I loved this book. The romance between the leads is strong and the underlying political issues don't distract from it. Ms. Hauf weaves it into the story in a way that draws you in and makes you want to know more. The ending was a nice surprise. The book is fast paced and I didn't want to put it down. I read it in one day.
I highly recommend this book and invite everyone to stop by next Friday, April 9th and visit with Michele Hauf. I give this book 4 ½ Flaming Hearts."
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