Joanna Terrero's Blog

Playing With Graphics

2012-12-01T10:15:00.004-08:00

I used to be a graphic designer many years ago, and I still love to do it once in a while.

I made this video for the project Authors Giving Back. In the end, only a static banner I made was used, so I decided to load the video here, since it took me many hours to make it, and it's a nice Christmas decoration.

My Fair Concubine

2012-07-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

Jeannie Lin’s best book so far

When Chang Fei Long tracks down his sister, Pearl, who is assigned to be a treaty bride that should marry a lord from a neighboring kingdom. He finds out she ran away with her lover, and realizing that she wasn't kidnapped, but found refuge in someone who helped her to escape, Fei Long doesn't kill her partner. Instead, he let them both run away.

Afterward, Fei Long is devastated, knowing that the salvation of his entire household, and the honor of his family depend of this arranged marriage. He sits down on a tea house to ponder the situation and concludes that what he needs is a woman to take the place of his sister.

Meanwhile, Yan Ling, an orphaned servant, serves Fei Long tea in the very moment he mutters his need for a woman, even someone as humble as her. Yan Ling misinterprets his intentions, and throws a pot of tea at him. Because of this, Yan Ling finds herself on the streets homeless, and while trying to convince Fei Long of talking to her masters to accept her back in the tea house, he instead proposes the deal of coming home with him, and training to act as a princess in order to take the place of his sister, marrying the lord from a neighboring kingdom, in behalf of the imperial court.

During the arduous process of transmuting from servant girl to princess, Yan Ling would make new friends, visit places she'd never dreamed of before, and of course, fall in love with Fei Long, who is conflicted between his family's honor and Yan Ling.

I've read all of Jeannie Lin's historical romance books; I loved the first one in this trilogy, and enjoyed the deep emotions of the second one. Compared to the previous books, My Fair Concubine is perfect, from the development of the characters to the breathtaking ending. Never before had Jeannie Lin captured the spirit of the Tang Dynasty better. I read on the author's website that the setting is based on an alternative history she created inspired by the Tang Dynasty's true history. However, while reading My Fair Concubine, the world the characters inhabit feels authentic as well as the culture and the social system of the times.

All the secondary characters are well developed, and my two favorites are Bai Shen, Fei Long`s theatrical friend and later Yan Ling's teacher. And Dao, who serves in Fei Long's household and becomes Yan Ling's best friend.

There aren't sex scenes until the very end, and the romance is rather sweet, but the sensual tension is intense. One interesting detail I noticed, specially during the last part of the book, is that there is a lot of romance in it, built with little tender moments, that ironically are so unusual in romance books nowadays.

I loved the way Fei Long admits his feeling for Yan Ling without saying I love you. And absolutely love the ending, which I guessed halfway the book, but still loved it. I also enjoyed the beautiful way the author described the used of the Chinese calligraphy in the story. While reading My Fair Concubine I laughed until I cried, and there were moments I got really misty-eyed too.

My Fair Concubine might have been inspired by My Fair Lady, which was based on an adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion. However, in my opinion, it has little similarities with those stories. My Fair Concubine is a complete satisfying story, while the original play and the movie are kind of ambiguous about the happy ending part. Besides, there is no true romance in My Fair Lady or Pygmalion.

I think that Jeannie Lin created an original work, where the characters are all unique. I highly recommend this book if you love historical romances with diverse characters and settings.

The Psychic and the Sleuth

2012-01-18T20:26:00.000-08:00

Summer Devon and Bonnie Dee produced magic again

I've been reading these authors' individual work for years, enjoying great stories along the way. However, when they join forces and co-write a book, it's perfection. They create a sensuous dance with a magical rhythm for the protagonists.

In the Psychic and the Sleuth, the dance is like a tango between two men, who are so different from one another, as the many doubts entangling their irresistible attraction.

While investigating a fake psychic case, Robert Court is forced to experience again the last minutes in the life of his cousin Lily, for whose murder he has never found closure. Always thinking that the wrong person was executed for it. The medium under his scrutiny reveals details never released to the press. Robert's distrust increases, but soon his interest in the psychic is more than professional.

Oliver Marsh makes a successful living as an intermediary between the living and the dead, shamelessly taking advantage of the rich by comforting them about their deceased relatives' afterlife. Suddenly, while in a trance, he is catapulted into the dreadful last minutes of a girl's life, viciously cut short by a ruthless murderer. And now, Oliver can't take her off his mind, in the same disturbing, but more pleasant ways, he can't either take her cousin Robert off his life.

Robert and Oliver collaborate to solve Lily's murder and to prevent her murderer from killing again.

If I keep giving details I'll spoil the rest of the story for you, but I want to tell you that, I particularly enjoyed how well the authors portray Robert and Oliver, being a real pleasure to witness their journey toward one another. I also liked a lot the scenes when Oliver recalls the murder by channeling Lily's spirit. Those are truly touching and spine-chilling.

Gosh! I almost forgot to mention that there are many explicit sex scenes between these sexy men, and their romance has a nice happy ending. I'm taking the time to specify this, because lately, I've read some books that are only sex, or not enough sex, with a tiny plot and less character development. So, it's fair to say this book is well balanced and that reading The Psychic and the Sleuth is refreshing and satisfying. I highly recommend it.

Affordable Emergency Solar Charger

2011-11-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

Since I moved into the woods, and after hurricane Irene, I started researching to get something solar, but affordable in place. The idea is being able to have some electric energy during a power outage and/or if the roads are blocked due to a blizzard. A solar panel gets charge even when is cloudy. Smartphones and other gadgets will lose charge fast needing to be recharged often. So we must plan ahead before another emergency hit.

First, I must say is that this advice should be taken as given, without any guarantees. I’m sharing what I did to have a solar charger backup in case of another electric outage due to bad weather, but I don’t intent to replace the advice of a licensed electrician..

Solar energy usually is expensive, but for the purpose of this article, I chose the least expensive and best quality components I could find.

The basic parts of a solar kit are:

Solar panel to convert solar energy into electricity.

Solar panel charge controller to avoid overcharging the battery. Said charge controller usually includes a blocking diode to keep current from flowing back to the solar panel at night and a fuse to protect the solar panel, the battery and regulate any overload.

A battery to storage the solar panel’s energy. I prefer Sealed Lead-acid or absorbed glass matte (AGM) batteries, which are better because under regular conditions they don’t leak acid or fumes. The AGM are more expensive and have a shorter life span too.

A power inverter to convert the DC (direct current) from the battery into AC (electric current).

Most inverters can be connected to a car’s battery too. Now, my idea is to have silent, and fumes free energy. So I chose a Sealed Lead-acid, 12 Volt / 8 Ah battery rechargeable by a solar panel. My first kit is small, because I wanted to see how it works, before increasing watts on everything.

The higher the voltage the more complicated the installation becomes. For example, if one wish to get a 1100 Watt inverter, one needs to have a fuse between the positive wire going to the inverter and the battery, in case of an accidental short circuit to avoid a wire meltdown or fire. And the inverter must be grounded too. The 400 watts inverter and 8 amps battery I picked doesn’t need any of this, but it won’t power a higher demanding appliance either.

The goal of my solar set up is to keep the charge of cell phones, laptops and provide safe and free long hours of light, good enough for reading.

So this is my basic affordable solar charger kit. At the end of this article I link to every component individually from where I bought it. I made a video because I thought it was easier to see than pictures. I tested these components for more than a month.

The kit should be tested before an emergency comes. I’m using mine to recharge my cell phone daily, and occasionally use the led light to read at night. I bought two led lights, two inverters and two batteries, so one battery gets charge while the other is in use. The ideal place for the solar panel is outside in the sun, but from the sunny window it produces enough energy to keep the charge in the batteries if they are not used.

The cables between the inverter and the battery should be short in order to avoid power loss and cables getting too hot. It’s better to use an electric extension from the inverter AC outlets to the appliances. Or a USB extension with the inverter that comes with a USB outlet like mine. Always be certain that the power cable terminal connections run Negative (-) to Negative (-) and Positive (+) to Positive (+). Usually red is positive and black is negative.

Connecting inverter terminals to the battery positive connectors may cause a spark because of the electric current flowing to the capacitors within the inverter. This is a normal event which occurs usually the first time one connects a full charge battery.

All these components are only for reference. One can get the equivalent or similar in different brands or/and higher voltages.

A Daddy for Jacoby by Christyne Butler

2011-09-14T17:33:00.000-07:00

A bad boy encounters unexpected love

I read most of the Welcome to Destiny series, and so far, A Daddy for Jacoby is my favorite. Maybe I truly have a thing for bad boys. There is something deep in the story of Jacoby, and how he ends up being the responsibility of a father he barely knows. Jacoby's obsession with the pillowcase that holds his few possessions, made me teary-eyed.

After serving his time, Justin Dillon is back in town, trying of getting the stability he never had. The only disturbing element in this new life is Gina Steele, who happens to be the sister of Destiny's Sheriff, Gage Steele. Whose story we enjoyed in The Sheriff's Secret Wife. Where he had his own passionate romance with Justin's sister, Racy Dillon. During this book, we witness Racy and Gage's happy-ever-after.

Gina is a good girl, whose charm and generosity make Justin's world a little bit harder. Because she is the one woman he can’t have. After spending a night together, during which they only shared a room, in spite of the whole town thinking they shared more. Gina is resolved to get Justin for real, but he doesn't want to mess with his little hard-earned peace, besides, Jacoby's presence is not the best time to start a romance with Gina. There is a lot of sexual tension between them, and the sensual scenes are intense.

It's touching seeing their process into love, specially Justin's acceptance of deserving a happy ending too. Since most of his reactions to Gina are because he thinks that his past mistakes make him worthless. The author writes in an amazing realistic way, all characters well developed and details that made us care about their fates. So get ready to laugh, get mad, wipe a teary eye, and smile at the romantic ending.

The Sarantos Secret Baby By Olivia Gates

2011-09-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

Parenthood and passion between rivals

Aris Sarantos's toughest business rival is a man Aris secretly admires and by who, he wishes to be recognized. Sadly, the man dies without acknowledging Aris at all. Worse, somehow Aris feels affected by his unexpected departure, specially after being the last person who argued with him. Aris attends his funeral in spite of being unwelcome. He has to be there, he needs the closure too. What he finds is a way to channel his unexpected sorrow with the daughter of his bitter rival.

She always has had this crush for Aris Sarantos, and when he dares to show up at her father's funeral, Selene Louvardis confronts him. Somehow, they end up spending a passionate weekend together. One that would bring a child into their irreconcilable worlds. Selene imagines Aris doesn't want their baby, and keeps the secret, but once Aris find out of his existence, nobody can keep his child away from him. The baby forces Aris to face the demons from his own childhood, which shaped his character.

The interaction between Selene and Aris is sizzling and explosive, the kind of romance one keeps reading frenetically, because one needs to know how these two are going to work their differences. Thanks God, romance guarantees a happy ending, because there are some dramatic moments in this one. What I liked the most in the book is the author's portrait of Aris Sarantos, a memorable alpha hero. I also love that cover since the first time I saw it.

Kate Walker’s The Return of the Stranger book giveaway

2011-09-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

I’m giving away a copy of Kate Walker’s The Return of the Stranger

This giveaway is simple, in about a week, I’ll ask my daughter to randomly pick a name from a basket. Please leave your name as a comment if you want to be considered. The winner will be posted here on September 8, 2011. International participants will receive an e-book version via Amazon Kindle which can be read in many devices. Best of luck everyone.

House of Mirrors by Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon

2011-08-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

A touching romance with unusual historical settings, and forbidden erotism

I read House of Mirrors twice. First, when I got it, in a hurry to know what was going to happen next. And again this week, before writing the review. I liked it more the second time around. The authors brilliantly conveyed this story woven in human suffering, suspense, and prohibited passions.

House of Mirrors is hard to review without spoiling the storyline, so I will focus on the relationship of the main characters. Taking a moment to praise the great secondary ones, all interesting well-developed characters, and the original setting of a wandering carnival touring the American Midwest during 1902.

I'll always remember the opening of this book. It touched me to read how badly Jonah Talbot, a preacher's son, is beaten, when his family discovers his affair with Ezekiel Burns, a minister from Jonah's father's congregation, who betrays and blames Jonah when they are compromised.

Desperate, Jonah approaches a carnival trying to escape his hometown. All he needs is a job, a place to recover and a way to travel. He finds much more in Rafe Grimstone, the ringmaster and owner of the carnival. A cynical and mysterious man, who doesn't know what to do with Jonah, who seems too good to be true.

Jonah finds Rafe in the worse moment of his life, and is like love at first sight, for a man as none as he has seen before. Jonah is impressed by Rafe's looks and voice, soon learning they share a penchant for Shakespeare, poetry and forbidden, but inescapable desires.

Jonah opens the curtains of Rafe's murky staged existence, letting the light into it with his smile, sense of humor and honest love. A love capable of erasing the dark bounds in Rafe's torture past that still affects his present. Disheartened, Rafe finds hard to believe Jonah's goodwill and cheerful disposition. Thinking that their mutual passion jeopardizes their current circumstances.

Working hard, Jonah earns his place in the circus regardless of his relation with Rafe. In a short time Jonah makes close friends, but as the storyline unfolds, misadventure awaits. One of my favorite parts of the story is, when Rafe encourages Jonah's playwright talent, giving him the opportunity to adapt some of Poe's works into performances.

Jonah rebels against the doctrine he'd grew up listening to, and pushing aside the guilt, fully embraces his sexuality. Rafe guards his real self in layers of stoicism and mystery. Layers that crumble first under his desire for Jonah and later collapse completely amid the tender intimacy the younger man offers him. Jonah uses every technique he learned during his ill-fated romance to seduce Rafe. Who in spite of being older, only has the experience of illicit, but quick encounters, being easily surpassed by Jonah's avid conquest.

I love happy endings, that's why I read romance, but some are better than others, the one from House of Mirrors I enjoyed it very much. After the sorrow we endured during some parts of the book, the way the authors wrapped the story is a reason for smiling after reading its conclusion.

If you need to relax, and forget about things immersed in a journey that will make you cry and laugh, while being the voyeur in steamy love scenes, this is the book for you. Another recommended read from me.

Touch of a Thief by Mia Marlowe

2011-07-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

The lady thief touches his heart and steals his soul.

Touch of a Thief is an erotic romance with layers of suspense and paranormal in an international setting during 1857. It has three main characters without being about a love triangle. The romantic couple, Viola and Quinn. And Sanjay, whose story leads up the premise. Every one of them experienced a loss that marked their destinies. All of them know injustice, abuse and deceit. Being wronged by the successions laws of the time.

Lady Viola Preston loses everything when her father dies without a male heir, hence his title and possessions go to an uncaring relative. And she is forced to steal in order to support her mother, her sister and her niece. Viola becomes the Mayfair Jewel Thief.

Lieutenant Greydon Quinn is a British noble returning home after serving in India. He also carries a painful secret akin to being the heir of an aristocrat.

A worse fate has befallen Prince Sanjay of Amjerat, who has lost his princedom under the British rule in India, because he is an adopted son to the late prince. The loss of his principality coincides with the stealing of a rare and malefic red diamond from the temple of Shiva. The diamond must be returned to the temple where its evil powers are bridled, or the outraged people of Amjerat will be in uprising against the British authorities costing the lives of innocents. When Quinn and Sanjay learn that the red diamond is going to be added to the English Queen’s royal collection, they follow its trail of sorrow and death, intending to bring it back where it belongs.

When Lieutenant Quinn returns to England, Sanjay accompanies him posing as his Indian servant. They set a trap to catch the Mayfair Jewel Thief with the purpose of blackmailing the burglar into stealing the red diamond for them. Surprised when he discovers that Viola is the infamous thief, Quinn coerces her into helping to retrieve the evil gem in exchange for her freedom and half of his personal jewels. Quinn needs Viola’s abilities to open a safe, and other related skills of her profession, but he ignores her biggest gift of all, Viola channels gems’s chronicles into voices and sometimes disturbing visions. Which is a blessing and a dangerous gift that threatens her sanity and health. This paranormal element in the plot is one of Touch of a Thief’s strongest original appeals.

At one point in the story, Viola demands to know more of Quinn other than his body. He refuses to reveal anything personal. In her quest for the truth, she touches one of his rings, the gem reveals a grievous secret from his past. I nearly cried reading those pages. Although, the heartbreaking event will be the catalyst that unites their souls.

The sexual attraction between Viola and Quinn leaps out of the pages, their sensuality and their camaraderie gifted us with a wonderful romance. The only part I didn't enjoy was the use of Sanskrit words for genitalia during some of the love scenes. This is a personal peeve of mine, but it doesn't take from the story as a whole. I love historical romance books, and I’ve read many this year. Sadly, due to lack of time, I can only write reviews for those which I like the most. Touch of a Thief is one of the best historical romances I’ve read in years. It has everything I enjoy in a book – a great history setting, romance, suspense, drama, wittiness, eroticism, friendship and adventure. I highly recommend it.

Too Sinful To Deny by Erica Ridley

2011-04-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

Too engaging to put down.

Susan is banished by her aristocratical parents, who are tired of her misbehaving. She goes from being the darling of London to the unwanted newcomer in the gloomy coastal town of Bournemouth. The place is inhabited by pirates, smugglers, ghosts, villains, and a few unfortunate victims. There are also the town’s dressmakers, who are an interesting pair. According to Susan, the Witch and the Porcelain Doll own the Dress Shop of Iniquity.

Susan is a different kind of heroine if compared to the ones we usually encounter in historical romances. She unwillingly interacts with ghosts, besides, her witty and irreverent narrative keeps one entertained all the way to the end. Her thoughts run rampant most of the time, and since we are what we think...well, she gets into a lot of trouble.

Evan is a pleasantly mischievous hero. Yes, he is a smuggler and he is not a gentleman, but he is so charming that we don’t mind about his past. And in spite of all, he would protect Susan, even from her tendency to stumble into insurmountable danger.

Regardless of its title and the suggestive cover, the romance is more sweet than erotic in Too Sinful To Deny. There is ample sexual tension between Evan and Susan, but most love scenes are rather sensual than explicit. This, in addition to the great storyline going on, is perfectly all right with me. It would have been awkward having them engaging into extreme sex in the middle of so many uncertainties. Being gothic suspense romance, the heroine instead of feeling protected by the hero, distrusts him. Indeed, they both take turns doubting one another. Somehow, they find a way to fall in love during this nail-biting page-turner. This book will enthrall you from the first page until the very end, I highly recommend it.

Darkest Fire by Tawny Taylor

2011-04-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

A leisurely walk through the BDSM scene.

Rin and Drako are tied to their families' tradition. In Drako's case is guarding a powerful and secret object. As the leader of his generation of Black Gryffons, he is honor bound to produce sons who would follow the custodians' path, because of this, he must marry as soon as possible. In Rin's family, the tradition is the brutal practice of selling daughters to the sex trade. Trying to escape such fate, Rin studied and worked hard. However, her mother sold her younger sister, forcing Rin to work at a dubious massage place to gather the money she needs to pay for her sister's freedom.

When Drako meets Rin, he knows he seen her before, the next day he recalls where she serves up, and given her line of work, he assumes she would be happy to accept his proposition. The ultimatum from the white slaver, who has her sister, comes the same day Drako proposes a marriage of convenience. He needs a wife to birth his children, but he prefers someone who also would accept his BDSM lifestyle. Rin would get the money to free her sister and a lavish living. She doesn't have a choice, besides, her future husband is sexiness incarnate.

The arranged marriage works out perfectly for Rin. For the first time in her life, she has everything material and the freedom to enjoy it. She is helping her sister to recover and both of them start to live a normal life. Even so, there are dark clouds in her paradise. Her husband is resolved to never love her. Love is a liability for the Black Gryffons. He learned that first hand with his parent's happy marriage. Unknown to Rin, there is the serious threat of the Chimera and their dark conspiracy. The group wants to seize the Secret the Black Gryffons protect and would stop at nothing to achieve their goal.

Drako is part of a new kind of alpha hero, a more likeable one. I enjoyed when the author shared through him the insights of a Dom's mind and feelings. He is dominant in all the sense of the word, but he is a caring human being, who is tender and understanding with Rin. He doesn't questions her past or her choices, but supports her and trusts her. Rin is curious to learn more about her mysterious husband's BDSM world. A world he insists to keep away from her. Therefore, Rin has to seduce her way into his dungeon. Among rituals of dominance and submission Drako would have his own boundaries strained and tested by his wife's sensual body and unbroken spirit.

Darkest Fire is told from the point of views of Drako (I love male POV) Rin and the villain. I would have liked to learn more about Drako's brothers and Rin's sister. Sadly, the author did not spend time with any of them beyond their obvious supporting roles. I was a little disappointed to discover very little paranormal elements in this book. It could have been a great book series if the author would have written more fantasy into the plot. Instead, we got an erotic thriller with BDSM elements.

Tawny Taylor did a great rendering of the darker side of sex through the BDSM theme exposed in Darkest Fire. The book is fast pace and I recommend it if you like D/s within your erotic romance. You will be captivated.

Powder of Love by Summer Devon

2011-04-21T08:36:00.001-07:00

A lustful heirloom plays cupid

Rosalie Ambermere, an English heiress living in New York City, has her contented life turned upside down when her wicked cousin Johnny, Lord Williamsford, named her his heir. Among his vast collection of naughty objects, a dangerous aphrodisiacal powder, sought after by many.

Ignoring her lawyer’s warnings, Rosalie doesn’t take the aphrodisiac seriously until she witnesses an embarrassing incident with a shy lady who serves as her companion. Emily Renshaw indulges, under the influence of the powder, in sins of the flesh with John Hawes, Rosalie’s coachman. Their story becomes a brief secondary romance.

Convinced that the effect of the powder is real and in the wrong hands could be dangerous, Rosalie searches for the men, who her lawyer says have interest in buying the libidinous substance – Walter Clermont and Gideon Reed. Interestingly, when they visit Rosalie they never mention the powder. During that first encounter, Gideon and Rosalie are overwhelmingly drawn to each other during a simple handshake. This is before having any contact with the aphrodisiac.

Gideon Reed is hired by Walter Clermont’s family as a sort of custodian to prevent Walter’s arrest due to the debauchery he pursues. When Gideon realizes that Walter is after the powder, and that Rosalie might be in danger, he becomes her protector. A difficult task, because she is an independent woman with money and confidence. After a few incidents, Gideon and Rosalie team up to get rid of the powder in the best possible way.

Rosalie considers herself a spinster and is happy living with her servants and the occasional disruptive visit of her promiscuous mother. She doesn’t want to be like her, however, meeting Gideon and her body’s reaction to him makes her question her own wanton nature. Before Gideon, she was content, now she yearns more and more of Gideon. Her contentedness is gone along with her peace. In spite of his education, Gideon is rude when needed and exudes masculinity. The man she never dreamed.

A squire’s daughter who thought having a higher status in society than him, spurned Gideon. If he ever seeks a wife, she must be a woman from his own class and Rosalie is a lady. He wants Rosalie more than he ever desires anyone, but he would stay close to her only until he knows she is safe. After that, he plans to explore America. Because he truly cares about Rosalie, he is so protective of her, even from himself.

The powder brings them together, but the story is about how this seemingly unsuitable pair learns of one another while falling in love. There is tasteful sexual tension between them, as much as camaraderie, which foretell of the great time they would spend together in life.

Summer Devon has a unique way to core out her character’s strongest feelings while putting them through the best sex ever.

There is a beautiful and sensual exploration scene – where they discover each other's bodies. Followed by one of the most original loss of virginity I’d ever read. The author brings back the romance in erotic romance. I love books that take the time to develop a relationship before delving into the erotism. Why aren't there more historical romances like this? I had a great time reading this book. The fine writing makes Powder of Love a stimulating read. I smiled satisfied at the happy ending.

Fated by Rebecca Zanetti

2011-04-04T21:42:00.000-07:00

The excellent beginning of a dark, paranormal, and sexy saga.

In the world of Fated among the inhabitant of the Realm, there are two contending vampiric races, the Kayrs and the Kurjus. The Kayrs are honorable brave warriors, while the Kurjus are sadistic bloodthirsty monsters. The vampire species are born male, therefore to breed, they need to pick their mates from the human female population. Preferably, gifted females who could help with their never-ending feud. The Kurjus discover Cara and Janie psychic abilities, and resolve to mate the single mother and her daughter to their leadership.

Talen is a Kayrs leader, who rescues Cara and Janie just before the Kurjus took them. Talen's permanent way to protect them is making Cara his wife. A fate he welcomes as he realizes Cara is his destined mate. Talen has all the arrogance of the royalty he is. Cara's sees his rescue as kidnapping and she doesn't want to hear anything about mating him. Eventually, she would take the passion he offers, and the protection in her daughter's behalf. However, Talen wants Cara's heart as well. Their union officially breaks a peace treaty forbidding any contact with humans. The Kurjus never respected the treaty, but now the sanguineous war between the Kayrs and the Kurjus starts again.

The first ten chapters of Fated are homage to many fated-mate books. It has the fate symbol, the irresistible attraction, the bite, the telepathy, even the branding. And the coerced seduction scene, in spite of the fact that Talen asks for Cara's consent before consummating the act, it's still forceful. It would have been better, if we had witnessed as they fall in love with each other, before the mating routine. This is the main reason I'm giving it four stars instead of five.

Fated is action-packed and there are parts where it gets really bloody. The fights are explicit and Talen is vicious during the battles. While Cara often uses expletives to utter her frustration and acts like she is in complete denial of her new reality.

Besides, when I read Fated, I had the feeling of reading two different books at the same time. One, from the first chapter up to chapter ten, and another, from chapter eleven until the end. Rebecca Zanetti's fantastic storytelling begins after chapter eleven. Most books usually have the best in the first chapters, Fated it's exactly the opposite. If you start reading Fated and you feel like giving it up, please keep going, it's a phenomenal reading. Talen goes from dominant male to caring sexy hero and the steamy sex scenes between Cara and him, become deeply emotional.

I liked very much Fated's world-building, and the great secondary characters who will eventually have their own books. These are among my favorites: Jordan and Katie, Talen's shape-shifting friends. Cara's sister, Emma, who shares the trauma of an abusive father with Cara. Talen's brothers, particularly Dage, (the next book - Claimed, is his story with Emma). Zane, Janie's friend with who she only communicates during her dreams. All interesting well-developed characters, whose stories I cannot wait to read. In all, Fated is a great debut novel!

The Proud Wife by Kate Walker

2011-03-25T15:37:00.001-07:00

The fire burning beneath the ashes.

When Pietro officially ‘summons’ Marina back to Sicily with the excuse of discussing the terms of their divorce, she attends, only to have the satisfaction to tell him she wants nothing from him, but to send their short marriage into oblivion. None of them imagine the attraction that brought them together is still there. And the passion is burning hotter than ever. Unexpectedly, they are facing each other and their painful past.

A past where everything happened so fast and it was so painful that they didn’t have time to develop a relationship. The Proud Wife by Kate Walker is about finding closure for the painful experiences shared and connecting as a real couple.

My favorite part is when they finally talk about the death of their baby. The biggest misunderstanding in their relationship. Marina breaks down, Pietro gives her the sympathy and soothing he couldn’t before, and somehow they find closure. However, Pietro and Marina still have too many pending issues. Pietro’s idea of intimacy is making love. He thinks he is doing what she wants, but Marina needs much more. He has been emotionally unavailable in the past. While Marina was feeling used as a breeder to produce an heir, never truly loved and inadequate as a princess.

The Proud Wife is one of the books that I’d read where the characters’ emotions convey to the page the best. Kate Walker did a great job channeling their adversities, the emotional portion of the story is deeply touching, there were moments I was teary-eyed.

Truth or Demon by Kathy Love

2011-03-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

When Killian meets Poppy

Poppy's young sister Daisy, and her best friends, Emma and Madison, find a spell in a fiction book to summon and demand a wish from a demon. They wished a demon who could find a boyfriend for Poppy, who has dedicated her life to raise Daisy, and who deserves happiness.

Well, their wish is granted, they got their demon, straight from The First Circle of Hell. Killian, who happens to be the nicest demon I ever read about. He is handsome, kind, understanding, charming and a true gentleman.

What follows is a nice romance between Poppy and Killian. Who is forbidden to become the needed boyfriend, he has to find someone perfect for Poppy. Of course, during his matchmaking adventure he falls for Poppy.

If you have been reading heavy emotional books and you need a laughter, this is the book which would come to the rescue. I enjoy it very much. During the first chapters I have to stop a few times to laugh.

However, this is not a paranormal. I mean, the hero might be a demon and there are a few extrasensory elements in it, but don't expect your usual paranormal. Is a romantic comedy with young adult and woman's fiction elements. The sex scenes might be too erotic for young adults, but are not as explicit as in erotic romance.

Anyway, I love the book, I wish it would have had a more complex plot line, but maybe wouldn't have been as funny. It's the kind of book I would give away to friends or even read twice. I don't re-read many books, but this one is a keeper.

Blood Wicked by Sharon Page

2011-03-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

Vivienne, a naive succubus joins Heath, a cursed vampire – in a breathtaking adventure with sizzling sex scenes.

Sharon Page brilliantly blended a few sub-genres. If I were to define Blood Wicked, I would say it is an erotic paranormal urban fantasy suspense romance set in London at the end of the Regency period.

Vivienne is a retired courtesan devoted to look after Sarah, her sick adolescent daughter. All the wealth Vivienne accumulated as a courtesan is useless to restore Sarah’s health. And Vivienne would do anything to protect her daughter. Because of this, Vivienne is blackmailed by an apothecary into having intercourse with noblemen in exchange for the elixir that would heal Sarah, who is getting dangerously weaker. The night Vivienne meets Heath, she’s picking up the potion.

Heath has been assigned by the evil vampire council to hunt the succubus who’d decimated five men. However, Heath’s priority is to find his missing brother, Raine. While searching for him, he encounters Vivienne, the woman whose reflection he foresaw at an oracle pond together with Raine’s image. Heath rescues her from death and even though he suspects she’s the succubus he’s looking for, he finds it almost as hard to believe it as an incredulous Vivienne does. She ignores what a succubus is, dismayed to realize the five men she slept with are dead and doesn’t believe Heath is a vampire either.

Due to the harsh experiences endured during her youth, Vivienne distrusts all males thus her reluctance to accept Heath’s offer to cure Sarah without asking anything in return. At first, they both try to resist the mutual attraction unaware that the solutions for the many ordeals both confront rest in their union. There is a strong emotional connection between Heath and Vivienne, and it’s a pleasure to see how they trail the path toward true love. He is cursed to have a lover only once, and she has never known what being really loved and care for is. I enjoyed the tender and protecting way Heath treats Vivienne. In spite of his wickedness and his detachment, he comes across as a very caring person – hunted by the guilty feelings and memories of his family tragic end. As his feelings for Vivienne evolve, he resolves that besides searching for his bother he must protect Vivienne and Sarah while fighting enemies.

Being erotic romance the sex is extremely explicit and there are scenes that might make some uncomfortable, but the romance in this book is so well done that the raw erotism is justified. The secondary characters are also well developed. I like the most Sarah’s coming of age, Julian, a young vampire sent by the council to supervise Heath’s investigation, and Guidon, the historian of vampires – a really interesting and unexpected character. The well-woven plot is suspenseful, fast-paced, full of surprises and interesting twists.

Pride and Pleasure by Sylvia Day

2011-03-06T19:49:00.000-08:00

The heart recognizes what the reason ignores.

Passion and love undermine the best laid plans. Eliza Martin, a self-sufficient heiress, who is avoiding forfeiting her freedom and fortune to a husband, plans to retire to the country after her sixth London season is over. Suspicious incidents make Eliza wary of her suitors, thinking someone is trying to force her into a marriage for protection. She hires a runner (London pioneering police) who doesn't take her seriously, but recommends Jasper Bond’s thief-taker associate, Thomas Lynd, who cannot stand Eliza, and ends up asking Jasper to look after her security and to continue with the investigation.

Jasper is an honest thief-taker in a time most aren't. He finds what is lost and protects those in need of security. He also follows an ethical code in his trade. Jasper has worked hard to execute revenge on the family who wronged his mother, and he is closer than ever to achieve his life's goal. He doesn't want a wife, there is no place in his life for one, and he plans to move overseas once his vengeance is consummated. In spite of his traumatic childhood, Jasper is a caring human being, a decent man, and a loyal friend. Protecting Eliza and caring for her is a natural thing for him.

Eliza, being a strong woman in charge of her own life and money, is affected by Jasper's raw masculinity and handsomeness. She is mortified by memories of her mother's risque behavior that she tries to avoid repeating, and which she never understands, until she meets Jasper. Eliza rejects the notion of Jasper working for her, and finds excuses to justify why he isn't the right man for the job. Jasper, who has a penchant for mysteries is more intrigued for Eliza herself than the mysterious circumstances that compel her to ask for his services. Using his wit Jasper convinces Eliza of giving him the opportunity to prove he is worthy of the position. Jasper decides he wants her for himself, and since Eliza has made clear that she will never marry, he doesn't have any qualms in seducing her. Indeed, his resolve increases when Jasper realizes that he might lose her to the opposition, who includes his nemesis, and later in the game, even his own best friend and collaborator.

Pride and Pleasure is a satisfying reading, the characters are of the most sympathetic ones I'd ever encountered, and the love scenes are fervid. The first one between Jasper and Eliza is one of the most original and passionate, seducing the virgin scene, I'd ever read. The more they learn about one another, the more their mutual admiration and love spring up. The suspenseful subplot makes one distrusts nearly all the secondary characters until the discovery of the wrongdoer. The book is written in a prose that belongs to the period is set, and there are plenty of witty exchanges amongst the characters. That has always been my favorite part of historicals, so I fully enjoyed the beautiful and diverse usage of the English language by the author for our reading pleasure.

Deadly Games by Cate Noble

2011-02-24T14:43:00.000-08:00

Complex, well written, unconventional thriller

Deadly Games it's the third book in the Dead Trilogy series. However, I think it stands alone. The author does a great job introducing each of her characters and any background essential to their role in the current book. The Dead Trilogy is about a group of CIA operatives, their friendship, the aftermath of a mission gone wrong due to the greed and the betrayal from one of them. It focuses on the covered up alliances, that would change their lives forever.

When Dr. Rufin, the scientist who designed the most booming illicit drug, is gone missing, rumored of being held by the CIA, Minh Tran, an Asian drug trafficker sole peddler of said drug, kidnaps CIA analyst Madison Kohlmeyer. Madison briefly dated CIA operative Rocco Taylor, while they remain friends, their liaison is over, but Minh Tran ignores this, and demands Rocco's surrender for the death of Tran's youngest son, who Rocco killed during a mission. Plus a trade of Dr. Rufin for Madison.

An exchange the CIA would never agree to do, so Rocco is on his own to save Madison.

Until there it's the conventional thriller where the hero must rescue the heroine. Well, where Deadly Games becomes strikingly unconventional is that while we know Rocco is the hero, soon we learn that Madison is not the only woman in jeopardy. There is Gena Armstrong , the love of the life of Rocco, and with who he shares a brokenhearted past.

Sometimes it's like we have two heroines, but wait, there is more. We have two villains as well. Gena's vindictive sadistic ex husband, a former CIA operative gone MIA, and a traitor - Harry Gamble is lurking in the shadows, using Minh Tran's scheme to get his hands on Dr. Rufin to sell the drug formula to a South American drug cartel, and while he is at it, take painful revenge with Gena and Rocco.

So Rocco and Gena unwillingly reunite against who they really have no idea. I must stop now to avoid spoiling any of the surprising twists of this offbeat storyline. Deadly Games is an engaging story, meticulously researched and well written. For those of us who love thrillers, this is a fantastic read. It even includes some paranormal elements. I also like the sensitive insightful way the characters are developed. Above all, Cate Noble wrote Deadly Games in a way it makes its premise entirely plausible.

Simply Forbidden by Kate Pearce

2011-02-18T14:27:00.001-08:00

Absolute naughtiness . . . which I love

When Lisette Delornay-Ross meets Lord Gabriel Swanfield among other members of the London aristocracy, neither of them suspect the other true sexual proclivities, although the mutual attraction is inevitable. Unlike the previous books in the House of Pleasure series, Simply Forbidden starts as any romantic Regency historical. What makes it stand out is Kate Pearce's talent to show the strongly emotional and tumultuous inner nature of all the characters, including the secondary ones. We get to know Lisette and Gabriel simultaneously as they discover each other's real selves. And it's an unrestrained sultry path. Simply Forbidden includes some of the most sexually explicit scenes I'd ever read. And I'd read many.

Lisette is the daughter of Philip Ross, an aristocrat and Madame Helene Delornay, whose exclusive House of Pleasure caters London society's erotic cravings. Philip and Helene story is told in Simply Shameless. Lisette and her twin brother, Christian, grew up away from their parents in a Paris orphanage. While Christian expresses his rancor openly, Lisette lives a double life, being the respectable lady of the ton whose wild life is rumored, and secretly enjoying the pleasures her mother's establishment offers.

Gabriel found a way to fulfill his sexual needs at the House of Pleasure. Although he does it in a restrained way until he meets Lisette. Who turns his world upside down and force him to face the life that, inside and out of the House of Pleasure, he avoided before. Being the heir of a duke, who raped one of his maids, Gabriel has suffered by the actions of his evil father, so he decided that none of his possible children would be a bastard, and is determined to never marry, but if he ever does, he would be faithful. Naive thinking from someone with his sexual appetites.

Being both born out of wedlock and later misunderstood for their behavior, Gabriel and Lisette realize they match in more ways than the BDSM games they play.

What I like the most about this book is its realism. The author brilliantly takes on a delicate subject a few writers flirted with, but never dare to express as elaborated as Kate Pearce does - the bisexuality of a hero. I read books where the sex is explicit, while the emotions are never revealed. I was surprised by the extent of Gabriel's inner thoughts. Yes, Gabriel is bisexual, and his sexual preferences are part of his inner conflicts.

Besides the fear of public exposure, Gabriel truly prefers women. At least, this is what he tells his best friend Paul. With who he shares a strong bond developed while they were tortured and imprisoned during the war. When they saved each other's lives and became lovers. Back in England, Paul is Gabriel's emotional support, and unconditional accomplice. I like Paul's loyalty to Gabriel, in spite of their relationship changing from lovers to unrequited passion. Of course, Paul ignores Gabriel is fighting his lingering emotions for him, while making efforts to be faithful to Lisette. I would love to read Paul's story, and also Christian's book.

Gabriel's reaction surprises even Lisette, when he turns around and become the perfect gentlemanlike husband. One who isn't the man she fell in love with, but the one he thinks she would be proud of. The real conflict of Simply Forbidden is their journey as a couple, the quest to find their perfect balance while remaining true to themselves. The harder part for Gabriel is to understand that Lisette didn't want a traditional marriage, but the man she conquered at the House of Pleasure. An unforgettable read that I recommend.

Kate Walker's 12-point Guide to Writing Romance

2011-02-18T14:23:00.000-08:00

The bible of writing romance

Being an aspiring writer, in the last three years I've read all kinds of "how to" manuals and seen lots of advice about writing in my chosen genre, romance. I collect those tips, and pay attention to every word shared by published successful writers. Having all the essential information together in a single book is a wonderful tool for me. Especially when this book is more than theory, it's a workbook as well.

Kate Walker's 12-point Guide to Writing Romance is perfect for writers who are targeting Harlequin Mills and Boon. However, its teachings are great for any romance writer, regardless of which publisher they are planning to submit their work to. The topics covered in it could be applied to any romance novel and sub-genre.

The author has a unique way of conveying her experiences and translating them into tools we can actually use and understand. Some of the themes she explains so well, I realized I'd read about them before without having really understood them.

The whole book is awesome, and these are my favorite parts: 'Emotional punch' - I love how the author explains what it isn't before describing how to achieve it, and why it's so important. 'Conflict' (my favorite theme in writing, I'm a conflict junkie!) - Kate Walker explains everything about it intelligibly. 'Characters' point of view' - which is a great problem for most new writers, the evil head hopping gets dissected here! I also enjoyed 'Types of heroes and what makes a hero' and how to write a love scene.

At the end of every chapter there are questions and exercises. I think some of these could be used again and again, if we ever get stuck with a manuscript.

Kate Walker dedicates a chapter to the business part of our trade, giving us great directions on how to submit our writing and inside details on how the publishing industry works. I like and share her opinion on agents.

The final part of the book is a contribution from more than twenty generous and successful romance writers, who took the time to share with us their experiences and give us useful advice. I highly recommend this book to any romance writer.

Insatiable by Morgan Hawke

2011-02-18T14:19:00.000-08:00

The ultimate vampiric ménage fantasy

Elaine's fantasies come true when Aramis, a handsome vampire, intrudes into her private train compartment while she travels to Prague. She is an artist and a vampire's fan, who even has a set of vampire fangs caps as part of her Goth girl's wardrobe. Aramis is lured by her rich creativity. His kind feeds on people's souls and talent simultaneously with their blood, while having sex.

Aramis asks for her company for the night. Elaine is seduced at first sight by his raw masculinity, but she resists what could be a dangerous one night stand. When Aramis discovers Elaine's vampiric books, he reveals to her his true nature. She still doubts, her instincts warn her of a danger her body refuses to discern. Aramis, on those first chapters, is one of the coolest characters I came across in a long time. I love his mischievous wit and charm, his interplay with Elaine made me laugh.

Aramis asks, "May I have you for the night?" So many times, that at one point I thought, "Just grab her and be done with it!" Well, there is a reason for all his politeness. In order to properly take what he needs from Elaine, Aramis has to initiate her in a sexual magic of some kind, which includes some parts that could be perceived as a forced seduction, therefore he needs her previous consent. Permission he would remind her about when his sexual appetites are more than she is willing to yield. I won't spoil the details, I'm just warning you that the cute and kind Aramis from the first chapters soon is gone, he becomes an alpha male once he possesses her. Shortly before reaching Prague, Aramis finds out Elaine unknowingly consigned herself to an evil vampire, Dimitri. Who would take all her creativity and soul, until she's dead.

Aramis feels responsible for Elaine because in order to take her essence without pain, he made her a thrall, an easy prey for any vampire. At least, during nine days she would be vulnerable, that's plenty of time for Dimitri to take her beyond saving. The only way to protect her is putting Elaine under Rafael's protection. Rafael is a young looking but ancient and powerful vampire, a leader to their kind. From that point on, Elaine's life changes forever. I like Elaine's character a lot, she's brave, realistic and eventually defends herself, and fights Dimitri without Aramis or Rafael's help.

Insatiable is different from any vampiric book I'd read. The first chapters consist of a romance between Aramis and Elaine, and the rest of the book is a menage a trois between Aramis, Rafael and Elaine. This last part is not for everybody. The erotism moves to BDSM with Elaine being the submissive one between her two new masters.

There are a couple of scenes in where the sex between Rafael and Aramis gets hinted. I say hinted, because it happens while they are having sex with Elaine and it's not as explicit as the scenes where either of them is having sex with her.

Morgan Hawke's unique writing style flowing smoothly makes Insatiable a page turner. I read it in two sittings. However, there is an author's habit that I didn't like, and it's that she repeats whole exacts phases or/and descriptions throughout the narrative. Some parts look like copying/pasting, something which I don't understand why she does, because she's a talented and imaginative writer. In spite of it, I still recommend Insatiable as a great read, if one likes erotic explicit paranormal romance.

Eternal Flame by Cynthia Eden

2011-02-18T14:12:00.000-08:00

Everlasting burning passion.

Zane Wynter is a sexy half-demon, the son of a human mother and a powerful but vicious demon. After overcoming his violent past he atones as a member of the supernatural bounty hunter group, Night Watch. Zane is very strong and can control fire at will. While hunting down a perpetrator, who'd been killing for the vampires in Baton Rouge, Zane rescues an innocent looking woman from a burning house. Unaware that the beautiful damsel in distress started the blaze in the first place, he kisses her as an indication of the scorching heat that will eventually consume them.

Jana Carter is an Igniter, a human capable of harnessing fire, who is on the run. Being hunted by Night Watch at request of the FBI, who has her on its extermination list, and by her former associates, the members of Project Perseus. An extreme vigilantes group whose goal is to destroy all paranormal beings, including those who are no harm to humans. Aware of their evil plans, Jana refuses to collaborate any more with Perseus, but they want her back at any cost. In spite of their mutual mistrust, Jana and Zane unite forces in bringing down Perseus.

I like Jana's personality and grit. Specially the way she protects Zane, who doesn't really needs protection. When Perseus' masterminds realize about Zane's power, they try to coerce him to join their cruel cause in exchange for Jana's life. Both Jana and Zane must deal with their innermost fears and vulnerabilities.

Eternal Flame is Night Watch's Book 3, but like the other books in the series can be read alone. It has an elaborated plot with plenty of nail-biting twists, breathtaking love scenes. and extraordinary characters. I highly recommend it.

Compromised Hearts by Hannah Howell

2011-02-18T13:45:00.000-08:00

Torrid western adventure

Emily Brockinger, a fine Boston lady, gets marooned in the Colorado prairie after her caravan traveling from Boston to the San Luis Valley is attacked. Only surviving a toddler and herself. Braving out Emily continues the life-threatening journey with the child on her back. She encounters Cloud Ryder, who is returning from a war to settle on his land also located on the San Luis Valley.

A handsome wanderer with a rogue's reputation, shun for his immoral behavior and Cherokee's heritage, Cloud is impressed by Emily's beauty, fortitude and determination. He desires her at first glance. Cloud proposes safeguarding Emily to their destination if she gives herself to him. Outraged at first, Emily accepts the proposal out of desperation.

Cloud has little trust in women, specially after his first love married the man chosen by her family breaking his heart. He starts using women in the same way they use him. Most of the women he meets are of dubious reputation as himself. Never encountering someone like Emily, he is amazed by her innocence and passion. Often feeling guilty for seducing her and ruining her virtue, but unable to stop their passionate encounters.

Emily discovers her own sensual nature between Cloud's arms, and struggles with moral beliefs. Along the way, they encounter Cloud's friends and some of his former lovers. The more time Emily spends with Cloud and for the information she gathers from those who they run across, hints that Cloud tricked her into his bedroll. That he never would have left Emily and the kid behind. Cloud is some kind of hero according to what she learns. She gets furious, but instead of facing him and demanding the deal off, she continues to sleep with him, because by then, she's addicted to his lovemaking.

After dangerous incidents they reach their destination, and the insurmountable problems really start. Emily's brother, Harper, persuaded by his greedy wife, arranges a marriage of convenience for Emily to an amoral banker. Intrigues threaten and separate Emily and Cloud, thus, the story takes a stimulating turn. And the romance spring up, Cloud's feelings for Emily mature beyond the irresistible desires she inspires him.

Hannah Howell has a talent to convey characters' deepest emotions and during the narrative, it's a pleasure to see how they both change and what kind of life awaits them. The author did an excellent job with Cloud's characterization, creating him pleasantly mischievous without making him unlikable. I love the ending, it's not only a happy ending, it gave me the feeling this couple is made for one another. They don't confess their mutual love for each other until the last part of the book. When they finally said, "I love you." It's a memorable scene, the hardest for Cloud, who needs to go through almost losing Emily a few times, before acknowledging his love for her.

The characters are brilliantly developed, even Cloud former lovers have some uniqueness. All secondary characters are noteworthy, specially the Ryder family clan and Giorsal, Emily's friend. It's a book to remember, both the plot and its unforgettable cast. Seeing Cloud going from cynical womanizer to devoted husband, who faints after Emily gives birth to twins, is a great reading experience. I recommend this book to anyone who loves romance and adventure.

His Conquest by Diana Cosby

2011-02-18T13:42:00.000-08:00

Action-packed Scottish historical romance

Lady Linet Dancort grew up with more freedom and education than most women in her lifetime. After her parents' death, her brother, Lord Tearlach, promises her that she would be free to choose her husband. Linet learns of her brother's vicious nature and greed when Lord Tearlach forces her to marry an abusive nobleman in order to gain a political alliance. Linet's only chance to escape such a fate is to seek refuge with her dead mother's clan in the Highlands. Being in the middle of the First War of Scottish Independence, her chances of surviving the journey by herself are minimum. Furious with her brother's treachery, she takes revenge by freeing Seathan MacGruder, Earl of Grey, from Lord Tearlach's dungeon, in exchange for being escorted to her destination.

Hours before being executed, a mysterious and beautiful English woman, who claims to be half Scottish, offers Seathan a deal he cannot refuse. Injured and weak after being tortured, he needs Linet's support and knowledge of the secret tunnels under the castle to survive. He suspects her motives, but respects her secrecy, ignoring the immensity of it, she's the sister of his worse enemy. A woman who saves his life, who he desires and who later will mistrust, believing she's a spy acting in collusion with her brother.

A breathtaking adventure with great fighting scenes and creative hideouts begins. From the first page to the last, they are closely pursued or attacked. Chases and battles interwoven with abundant sexual tension and passionate kissing. When they finally make love, the scene is one of the most touching I'd ever read. An engaging page-turner, the kind of book to take along for a ride.

Primal Heat by Crystal Jordan

2011-02-18T13:39:00.000-08:00

Hedonistic sci-fi military thriller.

Primal Heat is more than erotic romance. It has as many action scenes as erotic ones, and a captivating action driven plot. I like Crystal Jordan's world creations. The Kiths are an advanced race of powerful shapeshifters with psychic abilities and hedonistic nature. They come from a planet called Suen. A planet shared with the Kins. A weaker race from who the human earthmen are descendants, being Earth a former colony settled by slavelike Kins.

A fleet of Kith warships orbiting Earth hints alien invasion. The Kiths return to Earth declaring they come in peace and their only goal is to find emperor Kyber's One, his destined soul mate. Who he perceives to be among Earth's population. The concept of fated mate is as alien to earthmen as the Kiths. Earthlings don't believe the unheard of excuse, reacting with fear and belligerence.

Handling the diplomacy between the Earthmen and the Sueni, is Lord Farid Arjun. A member of the Kith nobility, and cousin of the emperor. Bren Preston is the assistant of the US General William Arthur. Who consolidates the earthling military powers creating a global defense system. The main weapon against the Kith is a sound device that could dull their strong psychic powers. Bren realizes Arthur is using the false invasion as an excuse to implement his own plans for global domination. The Sueni don't retaliate after Arthur attacks a Sueni ship killing everybody aboard. Bren recognizes that the real enemy is Arthur. She defects joining the Sueni to stop the evil general from taking over the world. Bren uses the disturbing link she has with Farid to get in touch with them.

Since the moment they meet Farid knows Bren is his One. He tries to resist the attraction, but his inner beast has other plans. So when Farid sleeps, his beast gets across Brens' dreams, making passionate love with her. Farid is disturbed by the death of his loved ones. Who were unable to continue living after their mate died. All fatal victims of the extreme dependance of the One bond. Thus, Farid biggest fear is to fall for this afflictive type of love. He enjoys a physical relationship with Bren with no intention to ever tell her, she is his One. The One bond it's sharing that goes beyond the physical. It's a sensory and mental connection that could have one mate feeling and experiencing, the pleasure or/and the pain, the other mate is going through in spite of distance.

Primal Heat is a compilation of two stories. The only differences are that the first story, Wicked Lord, is told from the point of view of Farid and Bren, while the second, Carnal Empress, is told from the point of view of Jana and Kyber. The storyline, the outer conflict, the setting, the villain, the secondary characters, and the final confrontation, are shared during both stories. The two couples' inner conflicts are different, but that didn't need a separate design. If we would have been exposed to Jana and Kyber's relationship from the second chapter of Wicked Lord, it would have been easier to engage in their grief-stricken personal conflicts. Carnal Empress starts with emperor Kyber's rescue. After being brutally tortured by general Arthur. Kyber's One, Jana, the reason why the Kith comes to Earth in the first place, it's leading the rescuing party. The conflict between Kyber and Jana, starts when he is taken prisoner. Jana in her desperation to free him falls in Arthur's trap, who sexually abuses her, later letting her free, knowing that he damaged her enough, that even after Kyber is freed, the mental torture continues for both of them.

Primal Heat is a satisfying page-turner, which I suggest to anybody who likes erotic paranormal thrillers.