Loose Knickers and Window Lickers

Selena Blake UK Blog Tour and Giveaway

2012-08-09T13:05:00.000+01:00

Welcome everyone to the Loose Knickers edition of the Selena Blake UK Blog Tour, so what do I have for you today?

Author: Selena Blake
Series: Stormy Weather Book 5
Genre: erotic paranormal romance
Keywords: werewolf, werecoyote, blizzard
Length: novella (40,000 words)
Heat level: erotic

Synopsis:
Kendall Carver knows one thing for sure – security doesn’t last. Injured and on the run, a sinfully handsome stranger saves her life.

Cajun werewolf Burke Devereux learned his lesson 200 years ago. No humans, ever. No looking, no touching, no kissing and certainly no making love. Eager to escape his Pack’s matchmaking attempts he heads for his cabin. But nothing could have prepared him for the raging blizzard or the beautiful woman begging for his help.

Burke’s always prided himself on his self control but as things get cozy, desire sparks and old secrets are brought to light. He must decide how far he will go to protect her.

Extract:

The car came out of nowhere, horn blaring, bright lights reflecting off the curtains of falling snow. Burke Deveraux let out a curse as a streak of red passed him on the left. His wipers swiped across the windshield, trying furiously to keep the thick snow at bay. Didn't that lunatic driver realize they were in the middle of a blizzard? On a mountain road?

The tires of his Land Rover slipped on the icy slush, despite the snow chains, and his hands tightened on the wheel. Just ten more miles of four to six percent grade and he'd be to the cabin. Give or take a few. He'd driven this road for years, but with all the white stuff coming down, it was hard to gage exactly where he was. The only thing that mattered was that he was long gone from Louisiana and whatever was in the water.

The was no other explanation for four devoted bachelors to all find love in the span of five months. And while he was happy that they'd found their mates, and couldn't wait to become an uncle, he much preferred his bachelor lifestyle.

His brother and cousins had started talking about him finding his mate the moment Andre and Juliette had gotten back together. And over the last few weeks, they hadn’t let up. Even the women were in on it. The moment his favo-rite ski resort had announced an early season opening he'd high tailed it out of there.

Burke didn't want a mate.

He just wanted some peace and quiet and to catch some fresh powder. And to forget the memories that clawed at him every time he saw one the wom-en that had infiltrated Deveraux pack.

What he hadn't bet on was the blizzard bearing down on him now.

Or the flash of red that jerked his attention to the side of the road.

He stepped hard on the breaks, trying to avoid the red car and the snow-bank. For a nauseating moment the world was a streak of white. Burke’s hands strangled the steering wheel as he fought to keep the tires on the road.

The antilock brakes kicked in and the vehicle slowed, but Burke exhaled too soon.

In the blink of an eye the tires slipped in the slick snow and the back wheels swung right. Curses rent the air and his luggage rolled around like a pebble in a tin can. Gin let out a startled bark from the back seat.

Finally, when everything was still, the SUV was pointed down the moun-tain. A gust of wind cleared enough snow out of the air that he could see the bright red car half buried by a pile of snow/half dangling off the side of the mountain.

He unclenched his teeth, worked his jaw and huffed out a sigh. So much for a relaxing vacation.

The formerly groggy Labrador was now wide awake in the backseat. Gin let out a deep bark and smacked Burke in the cheek with his tail. He let out another woof, his nose pressed against the side window.

“You all right?”

Gin sighed in that purely canine way that said he wasn’t thrilled with the situation.

The other driver made no move to back out of the dune and Burke figured that the idiot had wrecked his car. He pulled out his cell phone and flipped it open. He'd report the wreck and wait until the wrecker got here. If the wrecker got here.

No signal.

Great. He tossed the phone aside and reached behind the passenger's seat for his coat. Maybe the lunatic in the other car had a phone that would work. Tendrils of snow swooshed into the car as he opened the door. Bracing against the icy wind he planted one boot in the ankle deep snow and then the other.

Tugging on his thick Northface coat he headed down the road toward the other car once again questioning his decision to try to beat the storm. The colli-sion had killed the engine, mangling what he could see of the front end.

Ah hell.

A blonde lay hunched over the steering wheel, not moving. Blood soaked the back of her grey sweatshirt. He knocked on the window and wished he'd tugged on his gloves. The woman didn't move. He peered into the car, looking for a phone, and saw a large purse wedged between her chest and the steering wheel.

He tested the handle of her door. Locked. Figured. The small window be-hind the driver’s seat was shattered, half the glass missing. He reached through the gaping hole and flipped the lock.

Wrenching the door open he checked the pulse at her throat. Still thump-ing. He braced both hands around her neck and the base of her skull and then, as gently as he could, settled her back in her seat and took stock of her injuries.

And arrestingly adorable features. She looked like an angel, a cherub, with glossy pink lips. With a bloody gash across her forehead and...was that a pink streak in her hair? He leaned closer. And a thick purple stripe too.

A fierce wind howled over head, making the trees sway and groan. She gave a soft moan, and then, as if she'd awoken, her body went rigid.

“You're okay, petite. Just relax. Where do you hurt?”

Stunning aqua blue eyes met his for an instant before she closed them again, wincing. The fear he’d glimpsed there shocked him. “Please,” she said, her voice hoarse and barely a whisper. He leaned toward her to hear over the roar of the elements. “Don't let…him…take me.”

So what did I think? Well you know how I like wolves so I was all over this like wool on a sheep! With it being a novella it is also a great lunchtime or bus to work read- because lets face it a girl need a bit of fun on her way to work! It was an enjoyable read and I always love it when people try to escape matchmaking and run into the person they are meant to be with... can we all say destiny! Dun dun duun. I don't want to say too much as I will do a full review soon (of the Stormy Weather Collectors Edition of which this is also a part) but I will say Burke is sexy and definitely someone you want to curl up with. Just like this book! So if you want to win it you are in with a chance as Selena Blake has kindly offered to give a copy away. Enter and curl up with Kendall and Burke.

Selena Blake writes erotic paranormal and contemporary romance. First published in 2008, her series Stormy Weather has been on the best seller lists and nominated for awards. She's a fan of action movies, Diet Coke, Milky Way bars and thunderstorms, not necessarily in that order. Learn more about her online at http://www.selena-blake.com or catch her at facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorSelenaBlake or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/SelenaBlake

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BDSM Blog Hop and giveaway adult post

2012-08-02T00:00:00.000+01:00

Welcome to Loose Knickers and Window Lickers, we are really happy to be participating in the BDSM Blog Hop organised by Sorching Book Reviews.

So what are we giving away here at Loose Knickers? That would be Power Play by Eliza Gayle.

She wants the escape. He wants control. They both need love.
Jennifer Croft is at the peak of her career. As a bondage model at Altered Ego she’s become the crème de la crème of the fetish world, ensuring herself a top spot in her profession. The world is her oyster. Her personal life, on the other hand... It’s not pretty. Only her fascination with pain play keeps the ghosts of her past at bay.

After tragedy sends Daegan McKenna to the South for a much needed change of pace, the last thing he expects to find is a closet submissive hiding in plain sight. She’s hot-tempered and in denial -- a heady combination that brings out the dominant looking for a challenge. He’s already loved and lost more than one man should, but the haunted look in her eyes prompts him to make her an offer: he’ll indulge her darkest fantasies, if she’ll agree to give up control. Then he’ll let her go.

Unfortunately the past never stays in the past and old insecurities cause complications neither of them wanted. Soon temporary power play is not enough.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable:anal play/intercourse, BDSM theme and elements (including/not limited to bondage, exhibitionism, flogging, spanking, voyeurism).

Sounds fun doesn't it!! Well it is, we here at Loose Knickers read it and loved it- you can read Miss Shame's review here. That is why we decided to share the love and share the book.

So, the pertinent giveaway info:

international
ebook format
to be book purchased and gifted through All Romace E-books
Enter my giveaway using the rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget to enter the Big Blog Hop Giveaway too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And the winner is....

2012-07-15T16:16:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone!

I loaded the names of those of you who left a comment and answered Lissa's question on her guest post, into the fruit machine randomiser here

I clicked for the fruit machine and let it roll.... this was the result.

June M, your name was in there, the fruit machine just shows three on it's revolve.

And the winner is....

Sarah!

Congratulations, I will let Lissa know and be in touch.

Thanks to everyone who entered.

Lissa Matthews Blog Tour Giveaway!

2012-07-10T11:00:00.000+01:00

Can we have a big Minxy welcome to Lissa Matthews who is stopping here with her new book Metling Jane and a delicious recipe for truffles! As you know I love Lissa's books (coughVintercough) and she is a lovely lady I was lucky enough to meet at AAD 2011. Given all of that I jumped at the chance to be part of her blog tour.

Not only that but she has offered one lucky reader the chance to win a copy of Melting Jane, just look out for the question at the end of her guest post!

Over to you Lissa!

Earl Gray and Chai Tea Truffles

Because my friend Minx here is British, I thought it would be fun to find a truffle recipe which uses tea. It's not all that difficult and it adds a unique flavor to the cream and chocolate. Truffles aren't so difficult, either. They are a bit time consuming, but not difficult. They take patience and a little tempering if you have extremely hot or cold or wet days, but once you get the hang of it, they really are lovely to have. To eat. To give as gifts, if yours make it beyond the rolling and taste testing stage. I mean, really. You can't make something and NOT taste it to make sure it's right. After all, what if you DO give it as a gift to some unsuspecting friend and it's ick?

No, you simply MUST taste test. M.U.S.T. There is no way around it. And if you like it, well, you'll have to make another batch to give so that you can keep the first batch and perfect the size, shape, and cocoa powder coating.

Chocolate Truffles with Early Grey or Chai Tea

2 cups dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate (morsels or chopped)
1 teaspoon sugar
2 /3 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons Earl Grey or Chai Tea leaves
Unsweetened cocoa powder (to dust)

Place the chocolate and sugar in a large heat proof bowl.
Add the cream and loose tea leaves in a heavy saucepan, and heat slowly on low until it starts to simmer. Do not boil.

Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer into the bowl of chocolate and sugar.

Discard the tea leaves. Stir until the mixture until combined.
Allow the mixture to cool for a few hours. If you’re in a rush, you can always pop it in the freezer.
Once the chocolate is set, use a melon-baller or small scoop to scrape up a truffle sized amount of ganache, then roll it into a ball (this is much easier if you dust your hands with cocoa).
Roll each ball in the cocoa powder. Keep chilled.
Recipe adapted from Dinner with Julie and Art of Tea

It's me, Minxy... I love this cover!

Graham Hall is a twenty-six year old Texan with the job of his dreams. He's just finished his latest travel article and has earned some personal down time. With six months left on his cabin lease in the Colorado Rockies, Graham chooses to stick around and soon finds himself set up with a feisty, down on her luck in the love department candy maker named Jane. Jane hates driving in the mountains in winter and isn't used to being outside the kitchen, but when she arrives at the small isolated cabin and gets a look at it's tenant, she quickly forgets all about that. Jane is tongue-tied and ticked off. She's been tricked. Confrontations, slamming doors, and an extra cheese pizza later, Graham is caught up in Jane's tart tongue and curvy body. She denies her desire for him more times than she can count, and when she finally gives in, she is rewarded with scorching hot sex and a bliss she couldn't have imagined for herself. Graham's persistence and unrelenting pursuit leads Jane to believe that maybe life doesn't have to revolve around chocolate truffles, but rather should revolve around a delicious, well travelled, sexy younger man.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | All Romance eBooks

I will be giving away a copy of Melting Jane to one commentor who answers the question... If you drink tea, what is your favorite kind? If you don't drink tea, what do you drink?

Thank you for having me and letting me share a yummy recipe with you. If you wish to find out more about me, please visit me in one or all of the following places: Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

Living in North Carolina, talented, multi-published author, Lissa Matthews, has many loves in her life: Family, friends, NASCAR, football, music of all kinds, cooking, BDSM, and last, but not least, coffee. She loves it so much, in fact, she and those who know her are surprised she hasn’t floated away on a caffeine-induced cloud while giving life to feisty heroines and hunky heroes.

Contest will end 6pm GMT on Saturday 14th July.

Winner will be chosen at random using a randomiser.

Sexy Saturday Plug

2012-07-07T14:35:00.000+01:00

Sexy Saturday Plug is a meme hosted at Scorching Book Reviews. On it, they promote a book we've read this week that has really captured our imagination.

This week on Sexy Saturday Plug, I (Miss Minxy) am plugging ... what I am currently reading!

COWBOYS!! I am working my way through the series... so good!

RODE HARD, PUT UP WET...Workin' up a hot, sticky sweat is pure pleasure with a hard-ridin' cowboy…or two...

Struggling stock contractor Gemma Jansen swallows her pride and tracks down circuit rider Cash Big Crow to offer him a job managing her ranch. Cash agrees on one condition: theirs won’t be strictly a working relationship. She’s the boss during the day, but once she’s corralled in the bedroom, Cash calls the shots. Despite concerns about their age difference, Gemma consents.

Cash suspects the sexy widow hides an untapped wild streak. He intends to loosen her tightly held reins of control—even if he has to break out his horsewhip to do it.

But Cash is in for a surprise. Gemma proves a rough and ready participant in any leather-n-lace game Cash dreams up.

Between riding herd on his wayward daughter, Macie, and rowdy cowboy Carter McKay doggin' Macie’s every boot step, Cash struggles to hide his true feelings for Gemma except this time, Gemma’s grabbed the bull by the horns and she’s playing for keeps.

Summer’s going to be a hot one at the Bar 9.

Warning: This book contains: explicit sex nine ways til Sunday including ménage a trois, inventive use of ropes, naughty girls getting spanked, stubborn men getting hog-tied, graphic language and whoo-wee! hot nekkid cowboy action.

Miss Shame Speaks: Power Play Reviewed (Adult Content)

2012-07-02T21:21:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone and welcome to the first (and hopefully not the last) guest post by my good friend Miss Shame. She has kindly reviewed Power Play by Eliza Gayle... so over to you Shame.

By Eliza Gayle
She wants the escape. He wants control. They both need love.

Jennifer Croft is at the peak of her career. As a bondage model at Altered Ego, she’s become the crème de la crème of the fetish world, ensuring herself a top spot in her profession. The world is her oyster. Her personal life on the other hand… It’s not pretty. Only her fascination with pain play keeps the ghosts of her past at bay.
After tragedy sends Daegan McKenna to the South for a much needed change of pace, the last thing he expects to find is a closet submissive hiding in plain sight. She’s hot-tempered and in denial — a heady combination that brings out the dominant looking for a challenge. He’s already loved and lost more than one man should, but the haunted look in her eyes prompts him to make her an offer. He’ll indulge her darkest fantasies, if she’ll agree to give up control. Then he’ll let her go.
Unfortunately, the past never stays in the past and old insecurities cause complications neither of them wanted. Now temporary is not enough.

I found this book to be a great read. It was fast paced and the characters were very engaging.

This was my first foray into the world of BDSM and I found it to be quite fascinating. The book centers around Jennifer, a bondage model who has taken care of herself since an early age and is extremely independent and closed off emotionally. This attitude is what has helped her to climb to the top in her modeling career. Then she meets Deagan, the dark sexy Dom who feels drawn to her like no other woman before. he sees in her a woman who needs a guiding hand in order to find the happiness she secretly desires. And he wants to be the one to give it to her.

One night after a show Jennifer and Deagan find themselves thrown together and by the end of the night she finally agrees to become his submissive, yet her fears have her fighting him at every turn. Even when she admits, even if only to herself, that being with him she finally feels the freedom to be happy. Unfortunatley, they both have secrets that neither is willing to share right away and this creates more problems for the new relationship. When secrets are revealed it pushes them both to their limits and forces them to decide what it is they both want from the other.

I really enjoyed this book. It showed me a quick picture of the inner working of a world I only knew basic information about. While I don't see myself running out to become someone's submissive (I'm far too strong willed in my opinion) I can see how and why these relationships do work for some. I look forward to reading, and learning, more from Ms. Gayle in the future.

I give Power Play by Eliza Gayle 4 out of 5 stars

Miss Shame

Sexy Saturday Plug

2012-06-23T15:53:00.001+01:00

The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook
First in an all-new series where seductive danger and steampunk adventure abound in the gritty world of the Iron Seas.
After the Iron Duke freed England from Horde control, he instantly became a national hero. Now Rhys Trahaearn has built a merchant empire on the power-and fear-of his name. And when a dead body is dropped from an airship onto his doorstep, bringing Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth into his dangerous world, he intends to make her his next possession.
But when Mina uncovers the victim's identity, she stumbles upon a conspiracy that threatens the lives of everyone in England. To save them, Mina and Rhys must race across zombie-infested wastelands and treacherous oceans-and Mina discovers the danger is not only to her countrymen, as she finds herself tempted to give up everything to the Iron Duke.

I heard all about this book last year at AAD, where I was also luck enough to meet Meljean Brook. I finally got round to reading it this week, and I lapped it up.

Already bought the next one!

They are such a mismatched couple that it works, he knows what he wants and intends to keep it, she has no intention of giving up her freedom. LOVED it! Review coming soon.

Summoning the Night: Reviewed

2012-06-07T07:24:00.000+01:00

own purchase

By Jenn Bennett

MAGICAL TRICKS. DEMONIC TREATS.
After narrowly escaping her fate as a sacrificial scapegoat, Arcadia Bell is back to normal. Or at least as ordinary as life can be for a renegade magician and owner of a tiki bar that caters to Earthbound demons. She’s gearing up for the busiest day of the year—Halloween—when a vengeful kidnapper paralyzes the community.
The influential head of the local Hellfire Club taps Cady to track down the fiendish bogeyman, and now that she’s dating red-hot Lon Butler, the Club’s wayward son, she can hardly say no. Cady and Lon untangle a gruesome thirty-year trail of clues that points to danger for the club members’ children. But locating the person behind the terror will require some metaphysical help from Cady’s loyal bar patrons as well as her potent new Moonchild powers—and she’d better figure it out before the final victim disappears and her own darkest secret becomes her biggest enemy.

I loved it! There I said it, this is another series which is going on my auto buy list. As you know I got the first one at AAD and reviewed it a few weeks ago, I then went out straight away and bought the next one and now I have read that and I am waiting for the next one!! AAARGH!!! But a good argh!

So why did I like it, same reason as last time, good plot and great characters!

The story still revolves around Cady Bell, she is still the moonchild and still the owner of a tiki bar, she is now dating Lon and their relationship has developed to the point that they have swapped keys. She is now an integral part of Lon's life and the life of his son Jupe. Jupe is great and probably one of most likeable teenage characters I have come across, yes he is loud, yes he has a huge pile of unwashed laundry in his room and yes he probably smells like a teenage boy. But he is so completely loveable, in his mind Cady is family and it gives way for some real sniffly moments!

Cady is great and has developed since the last book, considering what happened to her I am guessing that the character needed to and this is a fabulous thing because it doesn't happen often enough for me, or when it does it's not pulled off... but it is here. Cady is still a fabulous character but now she is just a bit more mature, a little more grown up.... and dating an older man. This sometimes does impact on her and she has the occasional epiphany because of it, but she is adjusting really well to life with a ready made family. That just makes me love her more!

Lon is still sexy and piratical! ARRRR! Actually he is way more than that, he is a really rounded character, a well adjusted man, a father with his feet firmly planted. He just happens to be a demon. A sexy demon with special powers. I love Lon!

The plot is sophisticated and full of twists and turns which keep you guessing, each time you think you have cottoned onto it the thread shoots off and drags you in a different direction. A supernatural roller coaster with magic knobs on! OK that sounds rude, magic bells... you get my drift!

A great summer read, add it to your TBR pile, I give Summoning the Night 4.5 frillies out of 5. Pack it with your sun lotion, stretch back, relax and be transported.

Under a Vampire Moon: Reviewed

2012-06-06T15:15:00.000+01:00

own purchase

By Lynsay Sands

Christian Notte's story, the sixteenth book in the Argeneau series is set on an island paradise called St. Lucia. After a bad relationship and an even worse divorce, Carolyn decides to go on a long overdue and much needed vacation with the 'girls'. Only the rest of the vacationers didn't get the memo. Around every corner there seems to be another couple celebrating their honeymoon or anniversary and the few single men she does see are far too young to even consider, including an irresistibly attractive rock violinist she meets. It's really too bad he's so young but in the end it doesn't matter because according to his cousin, Giacinta, women in general aren't Christian's type. But there's a catch, Christian needs Carolyn's help. He needs her to be his beard (to play the part of his fake girlfriend) for the week to appease his 'machismo' family. Carolyn just can't seem to say No and decides to help Gia's cousin. The only problem is that being around Christian and acting like they are a loving couple is wreaking havoc on her emotions. Carolyn's thoughts keep drifting back to places they shouldn't, like kissing his full lips or feeling his broad shoulders under her fingertips... good lord, she's in trouble.

I do love this series, we are up to book 16, I have read every single one of them (including most of the novellas) and I am still excited when a new book comes out. That for me is the sign of a great series. Is Under a Vampire Moon the best book in the series? No, for me that will be Lucian's book Bite Me if You Can, followed quickly by Victor and Vincent and too many to choose!!! OK I just love them and this is another really good entry into the series.

We first met Christian Notte in A Bite to Remember, found out more about him in Vampire Interrupted and now it is his turn to find his life mate. One slight problem... she has issues with younger men and has been seriously 'burned' by her first marriage. But that wouldn't stop and Argeneau and it won't stop a Notte!

One of the reasons I love this series is because of the humour and this book is no different, for a start Christian's cousin Gia tells Carolyn that he is gay! He is so clearly not but it does set us up for some fun moments and some real consternation for Carolyn. Not only that but how hard is it to woo your life mate whilst your parents are watching you, giving you advice and dragging you away by your ear before you make a fool of yourself! It was those bits which made this into such a fun book. The story is solid, an interesting plot with challenges and a sub plot your start to suspect about half way through, after all Carolyn comes with friends but she is often alone... it makes you wonder why! But I am saying no more.

Christian and Carolyn are great, both as individual characters and as a couple, like many of the life mate pairings they compliment each other, yes they like similar things but there is more, emotional ties which lock in like a jigsaw. Christian is strong, serious, brooding but Carolyn brings out his lighter side. Carolyn is nervous and insecure and Christian brings out her confident sensual side; she also learns that it is not just Christian who wants her. Wiping all memories of her ex husband from the floor!

A great summer read which I give 3 frillies too, add it to your beach bag and don't forget your sunscreen. That way when they dream on the beach so can you.... and it is HOT! I'm really looking forward to the next book Jeanne Louise's, the extract in the back was great: roll on August!!

Enemy Mine: Reviewed

2012-06-05T14:06:00.000+01:00

copy from AAD 2011

by Karin Harlow

Lovers from opposite worlds reunite in Karin Harlow's explosive, erotic new L.O.S.T. adventure. . .

While tracking a hijacked cask of enriched uranium in Kyrgyzstan, L.O.S.T. operative Nikko Cruz is ambushed and left for dead. Which means he must be hallucinating when the only woman he ever loved—the woman he was sentenced to death for killing—comes to his rescue. Half-daemon Selena Guererro has secrets she'd kill for. The most important one, she's already died to protect. Now she'll do anything to keep her daughter safe. But she can't just leave her lost love to perish. She injects Nikko with immortal blood serum, putting herself in grave danger.
When Nikko comes to, he is superhuman and super pissed. The mother of his daughter—the one he thought killed their child—is alive. He wants answers. He wants blood. And despite his best intentions, he wants Selena. He traces her to a mysterious terrorist cell where the cask has surfaced. First, he must retrieve the deadly material. Then he'll take revenge on his beautiful ex. But when nothing goes as planned, Nikko and Selena find themselves burning with desire . . . and blowing the roof off their separate worlds, human and daemon alike.

I got a copy of Enemy Mine, the second in Karin Harlow's L.O.S.T. series when I was at AAD in Philadelphia last year, and yes... it has taken me this long to read it. Not because I didn't want to, just simply because I got so many books whilst I was there. Get to it I finally did and I was so pleased I did because I enjoyed it. It is a summer book, it's a sit by the pool with your drink and drink in the rays book, it is a cuddle up in the airport book... in other words it is a great summer read.

It is the second book in the series and I read it without having read the first, did it stand alone? Absolutely. Have I been and bought the first? Yip!

So what did I like? Mainly Selena, I am not saying Nikko is rubbish, he really isn't, he is a testosterone filled superhuman hottie who is totally pissed off (and with good reason) but it was Selena who held my interested throughout. What she had been through to protect those she loved. What she was prepared to do and how far she would go. The answer to that is pretty far!

Yes there is the reclamation of the romance between Selena and Nikko, the laying to rest of their former life and personas, (Nikko was originally called Johnny and served hard time for Selena's murder before being placed in LOST, yeah... now you know part of why he is pissed off!) but this story is so much more that that. At its heart it is an action adventure mystery, who is at the root of the terrorist cell, will they catch them and at what cost?

That said, the reclaiming of the romance is a large part of that and it is what gives the story heart and shows you their vulnerabilities, making them human. We meet a number of side characters, Cassidy and Marcus who I believe were the protagonists in the first story, the remainder of Nikko's LOST team and a couple of shady vampires! One of whom definitely caught my attention!! I hope we hear more from him. I am keeping him secret so no-one can claim him before me... (looks about shiftily for candy snatching bears) OK he is called Joran.

A fast paced and interesting read, a strong heroine who know what she wants and can kick ass and a testosterone filled hero who is struggling with his emotions and his job. Add to that vampires, demons terrorists and a dirty bomb and you have a book which will fill your sun and fun filled summer! I give Enemy Mine 3.5 frillies out of 5, a fun summer read. Add it to your TBR pile, I am definitely adding Enemy Lover to my list and looking forward to Enemy Sworn!

Lethal Rider: Reviewed

2012-05-26T16:22:00.000+01:00

Own purchase

By Larissa Ione

They're here.

They ride.The Four Horsemen of the ApocalypseBorn of a match between good and evil, four siblings stand between hell's minions and everything they want to destroy. They are the Lords of Deliverance, and they have the power to ward off Doomsday . . . or let it ride . . .
LETHAL RIDER
Thanatos, the most deadly Horseman of the Apocalypse, has endured thousands of years of celibacy to prevent the end of days. But just one night with the wickedly sexy Aegis Guardian, ReganCooper, shatters centuries of resolve. Yet their passion comes with a price. And Thanatos must face a truth more terrifying than an apocalypse-he's about to become a father.
Demon-slayer Regan Cooper never imagined herself the maternal type, but with the fate of the world hanging in the balance she had no choice but to seduce Thanatos and bear his child. Now, as the final battle draws closer and his rage at being betrayed is overshadowed by an undeniable passion for the mother of his child, Thanatos has a life-shattering realization: To save the world, he must sacrifice the only thing he's ever wanted-a family.

Can we have a big fangirly squeee? YES! SQUEEEEEEE! If you think I enjoyed this book then you would be absolutely correct, I did, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sitting in the sun reading it has been the highlight of me week, it even made me forget I had cramps and at one point I was so excited I had to put the book down and clap excitedly before continuing on reading. I know.... I am weird, but adorable right! *insert wink here* The worst bit is, I've had the book for over a week, it has been staring at me but I have been so busy I couldn't start to read it, so I had a plan, Saturday, me, the book, a sofa and some pepsi! The plan changed slighly to me, the book, the deck and diet pepsi, but is even better! I am rambling in the first paragraph.... stay with me!

OK the book, I have been looking forward to it all week and I was a little nervous, I always am when I look forward to a book, I have really enjoyed all the demonica and horsemen books so far and I do believe they keep getting better.

Thanatos, oh how I wanted to hug him throughout this book. That for me was one of the real joys when reading it, fully fleshed out characters, I could almost feel his pain, we were inside his head, we understood things from his perspective. Not only that but we sympathised with Regan too, like Thanatos we felt her anguish and her pain, we understood her point of view and when Regan and Thanatos clashed we sat and watched the fireworks, totally invested in the drama and wondering where it will all go. Or at least that is how I found it. Addictive and compelling. In places spell-binding in its intensity.

There are some great lines in the book too, one of my favourites is when Than is talking to himself and you get things like ' Bitter much, Than-boy?' Gem's like that kept me smiling throughout as the relationships twisted and developed and became desperate and sensual. All the usual gang are there and appear at various points in the novel, the back story of the horsemen is further developed and new twists and turns are introduced; some of which will just blow your mind. There is death, deception and deliverance!

But the stars of this show are Than and Regan and the baby.

Read it, it is well worth it. I am not certain I can wait for the next one, there is a short extract at the back of the book and I devoured it! Rogue Rider looks like it is going to be another white-knuckle ride!

To sum up, Lethal Rider is an addictive read which will have you hanging off every page. The best so far! A great read, add it to your summer TBR pile if you haven't all ready. A well deserved 5 frillies out of 5!

The Slayer: Reviewed

2012-05-20T17:38:00.000+01:00

own purchase

By Theresa Meyers

Brothers Winchester, Remington, and Colt know the legends—they were trained from childhood to destroy demon predators, wielding the latest steam-powered gadgetry. It’s a devil of a job. But sometimes your fate chooses you…

Chasing Trouble
Winn Jackson isn’t interested in hunting nightmares across the Wild West—even if it’s the family business. Unlike his rakehell brothers, Winn believes in rules. As sheriff of Bodie, California, he only shoots actual law breakers. That’s what he’s doing when he rescues the Contessa Drossenburg, Alexandra Porter, a lady with all the elegance of the Old World—grace, beauty and class. And then he sees her fangs.

Alexandra isn’t just some bloodsucking damsel in distress, though. She’s on a mission to save her people—and she’s dead certain that Winn’s family legacy is the only way. Luckily, aside from grace and class, she also has a stubborn streak a mile wide. So like it or not, Winn is going to come back with her to the mountains of Transylvania, and while he’s at it, change his opinions about vampires, demon-hunting, and who exactly deserves shooting. And if she has her way, he’s going to do his darnedest to save the world…

I read the first book 'The Hunter' a few months ago after getting a copy when I was at AAD in Philadelphia last year. (review here) As I really enjoyed it when book 2 of the series came out I invested and bought myself a copy (kindle- gotta love it) did I like book 2? Yes, I did.

It had been a while since I read the first book and as there is some overlap I did have to think, what happened again, but it was nice to meet Colt and Lily again and I having to remember is not a bad thing, it exercises my Minxy mind! I know, now you are thinking 'does that mean I have to read book 1 first?' No, it would help, but there is enough in this story for it to stand alone or to make you read it and want to look at the first book.

So... what's it all about Minxy... I hear you shout, it's about Winchester Jackson, eldest of the Jackson brothers and one of 'the Chosen', only problem is that he doesn't believe in he chosen and has turned his back on hunting. However when has this ever mattered to evil? So when Archdemon Rathe decides he will open the gates of Nix and rule earth the brothers are forced into action, and that includes Winn.

He is a really interesting protagonist, in some-ways the stereotypical old west law man, but in many ways a genuine man trying to find his niche in the world and coping with the life he had been served... and yes he has a moustache. Moustaches don't bother me, I grew up with moustaches in the family, they are like an old furry friend, when I was little Minxy's daddy rocked the Mexican bandit look. Ok, I am wandering again.

As a hunter Winn is dubious about entering into a deal with Darkin, but Alexa intrigues him and you can almost taste their attraction from the beginning. What will he do? Give into the attraction or follow everything his pa taught him? Well, I'm not going to tell you but it is an emotional journey which takes him from the wild west to Paris and all points in between.

For me there were some really nice steampunk touches, as usual the inventor Marley Turlock doesn't disappoint and we find out a few secrets about him, we have air travel on a dirigible, Alexa is also an amateur inventor making her much more than a pretty face, something else which intrigues Winn.

I really liked Alexa, I was interested in her back story and what she would do, how she would fulfil her part in the ancient prophecy of the chosen. She is witty, intelligent and fierce in a fight, what's not to like. It did take me a while to get into the book, but that was my fault, I was distracted by work but once I got a few chapters in I was hooked and read the rest like a demon.

Add it to your summer reads, it is a good story with likeable and interesting characters. I give The Slayer 4 frillies out of 5. Definite summer fun with a bustle and a corset.

Sunday's Sing-a-long

2012-05-13T12:46:00.000+01:00

Something really mellow for this week, grab those microphones and join in.

Teaser Tuesday

2012-05-08T19:56:00.002+01:00

Inspired by The Book Vixen, who participates in Teaser Tuesday hosted by MizB at Should be Reading I think it is a FAB idea... she said to

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others.
Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here we go.... from The Slayer by Theresa Meyers

I'm reading it on the kindle so this is from 34%

"Alexa's skin warmed at the simple courtesy. Perhaps he was not as barbaric as he attempted to appear."

Teasing you for sure, just as Alexa and Winn are teasing each other.... it's getting good!

Kindling the Moon: The Review

2012-05-07T11:55:00.000+01:00

Complimentary copy from ADD

By Jenn Bennett

Meet Arcadia Bell: bartender, renegade magician, fugitive from the law. . . .

Being the spawn of two infamous occultists (and alleged murderers) isn’t easy, but freewheeling magician Arcadia “Cady” Bell knows how to make the best of a crummy situation. After hiding out for seven years, she’s carved an incognito niche for herself slinging drinks at the demon-friendly Tambuku Tiki Lounge.
But she receives an ultimatum when unexpected surveillance footage of her notorious parents surfaces: either prove their innocence or surrender herself. Unfortunately, the only witness to the crimes was an elusive Æthyric demon, and Cady has no idea how to find it. She teams up with Lon Butler, an enigmatic demonologist with a special talent for sexual spells and an arcane library of priceless stolen grimoires. Their research soon escalates into a storm of conflict involving missing police evidence, the decadent Hellfire Club, a ruthless bounty hunter, and a powerful occult society that operates way outside the law. If Cady can’t clear her family name soon, she’ll be forced to sacrifice her own life . . . and no amount of running will save her this time.

Another complimentary book from AAD and I am SO pleased I got a copy of this as I thought it was great. I know there have been a few reviews lately where I have said, this is a great new series and please read it, I think you will like it. This is the same, it is a great new series, and if you are wanting urban paranormal fantasy with magic, mayhem, mystery, murder and sex. Then go for it. I enjoyed it and I am sure you will too.

So what did I enjoy, Cady, she is a really interesting protagonist, one whom you start to care about and invest it. She has such an interesting life, one which hides many secrets and has a shrouded past, but she has managed to make the most of her lot and carve a niche out into a life which allows her freedom. However, you all know how life is, it's all plodding along quite happily and then..... dun dun duuuuun.... CHAOS! Yeah, suddenly seeing your parents on the TV news after they faked their death when accused of murder will do that to you.

That starts Cady on a new path, a path to save her and her parents, a path to find out the truth; and it is a path full of twists and turns and surprises. A path with leads her to the door of Lon and the Hellfire Club and a few more things I won't discuss here as I don't want to spoil it for people.

Lon is broody and sexy and mysterious but also open, I know, he is complex and did I mention sexy? There is much more to Lon than meets the eye and I think we will find out more about him in the next book. I liked him as a character, he was funny and in many ways seemed real, like someone who you could sit down with and have a chat over a glass of wine... and then when the sun went down.... yeah, you can see where my train of thought is going. Their relationship builds as the story does and suffered the same pitfalls that many people face, the whole 'men are from Mars and women are from Venus' and don't necessarily speak the same language.

There is a big twist towards the end of the story, one that you suspect when you get near the end, and then think, no, can't, then OMG, no, really, wow, omg. I like a book which keeps me guessing and thinking and this did just that. If you haven't read it, do, add it to your summer reads. If you have read it, add it to your new series of the year list, I know I will!

A great series! I give Kindling the Moon 4.5 frillies out of 5. In fact I enjoyed it so much I have bought the second novel. Just waiting for it to get here!!

Sunday Sing-a-long

2012-05-06T12:40:00.000+01:00

Time for my Sunday Sing-along so grab your makeshift microphones and sing along!

Free Erotic Read!

2012-04-13T15:58:00.000+01:00

Hola!

Fire in His Eyes by Stella and Audra Price is now free on Amazon, this only for 5 days. It is the first of their Dragon Elemental books and I reviewed it a couple of years ago. You can find my review here. It is an erotic novel and I gave it 4 frillies out of 5. If you want a little steamy fun then have a go!

AMAZON USA
AMAZON UK

Enjoy!

Darkness Descending: The Review

2012-04-11T16:26:00.002+01:00

Complimentary copy
from AAD

By Devyn Quinn

The first seal has been broken, signaling the end of days. Fallen angels in the form of vampires are infecting humans one by one, creating an army fit for Armageddon. Of the few who survive the infection, one stands alone above all others… For one year, Jesse Burke has been suppressing the beast within, driven by vengeance to destroy the vampiric fallen angels terrorizing New Orleans. But a war of biblical proportions is too much for one girl to handle, and she must turn to slayer Maddox deValois for training, though it threatens her fiercely-guarded independence. At the same time, the sinister demon Queen Amonate is doing everything in her power to lure Jesse into embracing the darkness inside her soul—a power play that will trap her in a deadly web of deception between the forces of good and evil… Before this war is over, everyone will learn that hell hath no fury like a woman possessed…

*possible mini (like a speck of a) spoiler in paragraph 6, close your eyes when you get to it... but I don't think it would spoil the reading for anyone.

This was another book that I got when I was at AAD Philadelphia last year, and yes I know, it has taken me a while to get to it, but in my defence I got so many fantastic books and this is another good one! It is the first in what I think could be an intriguing series but it is also a book which seems to polarise its audience. Between those who love it and those who didn't finish it. Me... I enjoyed it and would happily buy and read the second one to see where it is going. In my humble opinion, it is definitely worth a read.

The question is why?

I liked the story, I liked the premise, I liked the main characters and I liked the fact that this was clearly only a first instalment, the main events are still to come. That is not to say that nothing happens in this book, it does, there is plenty of it, but it is a novel of growth and discovering the lay of the land. So what do we discover?

Vampires stem from fallen angels and are creating an army, the original and powerful angels hidden in society able to pass for humans and choosing who they want in their army. An army which is growing. The Palindromes are defenders of the humans, men who have a genetic link to angels who mated with selected human women a millennia ago to father defenders of humanity. But their numbers are dwindling and they only discover who they are after they have been attacked by vampires, or rather the Telave. However a prophecy says that in their time of need a leader will be sent to help them: in steps Jesse Burke, not only is she young, a woman but she is also the only human ever to survive a vampire attack and infection. Every day she battles her inner demon and has no intention of letting it win.

Jesse is an interesting heroine, she is scared, angry, confused, brave and determined. We learn as she does about the world she has been plunged into, about the world of the Telave and the Palindromes, the world of Maddox deValois.

Maddox is an interesting hero, almost an anti-hero in a way, he is strong and hard and worldly and secretive as he is an addict. Addicted to smoking and as we find out to the vampiric bite. I don't think I am spoiling anything by saying that, we are openly told he is and for me it does explain his budding relationship with Jesse. I am not talking romance, because I don't think it is romance yet, I think it is lust and sex and need and addiction for both of them. She needs to feel human and human contact and he needs to feel her if you get my drift.

You meet the secondary characters of Sam and Reyes, both part of team palindrome and two very different men, with very different backgrounds, they add gravitas to the tale and help with the story telling, I am interested in seeing where they go. The villains are suitably villainous and creepy, all with secrets and even though we only really meet Amonate at the end of the novel she shares a little one with us too.

The ending comes very quickly once you get into the novel and like all good first instalments it ends on a cliffhanger, I am intrigued where this will go, therefore... yes... I shell be spending my hard earned cash and investing in part 2!

Add this to your poolside reading as I give this book 4 frillies out of 5. A fun and engaging read with plenty of promise.

PS! If you want to have a look chapter one is available on the author's website here.

Teaser Tuesday

2012-04-10T11:15:00.002+01:00

Inspired by The Book Vixen, who participates in Teaser Tuesday hosted by MizB at Should be Reading I think it is a FAB idea... she said to

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others.
Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

So here we go, from page 72 of Darkness Descending by Devyn Quinn.

"Though she doubted he was on the lookout for the undead in broad daylight, she imagined the habit was deeply ingrained. The man obviously didn't like the idea of people or vampires, sneaking up on him."

I Dream of Genies: The Review

2012-04-08T15:48:00.002+01:00

Complimentary
copy from AAD

by Judi Fennell

He needs to change his luck, and fast!
But for all his hoping, Matt’s clueless when his long awaited lucky charm falls in his lap in the form of a beguiling genie. He just can’t believe that this beautiful woman could be the answer to his prayers…
She’s been bottled up for far too long! Spending 2,000 years in a bottle would make any woman go a little stir crazy. So when Matt releases Eden from her luxurious captivity, she’s thrilled to repay him by giving him the magical boost he needs…
But for all her good intentions, Eden’s magical prowess is a little rusty and her magical mistakes become more than embarrassing. And though Eden knows falling in love will end her magic and immortality, she can’t help but be drawn to the one man who wants her just for herself…

Matt Ewing would gladly hunt down a fortune in lucky pennies if he thought it would help save his business.

It is me again! I know, twice in one week, who would have known? I am using my holiday time (and inactivity due to chest infection) as a chance to get caught up on some reviews, and this is one I have been wanting to do for a while.

I was lucky enough to be given a copy of I Dream of Genies when I attended AAD in Philadelphia last year, even luckier to be able to get it signed by Judi Fennell, who is such a lovely lady. I have always loved Genies, as a child I would watch reruns of I Dream of Jeannie and wonder.... is that really JR Ewing? My dad having told me it was, and me thinking... but he looks a lot older! Yip, I was that little! But I loved Jeannie, I loved the costumes, the chaos... the fun! That is what I was hoping to find in I Dream of Genies, romance, frivolity and fun, guess what, that is what I found and I really enjoyed it.

This is a great summer book.

I really need to start my Minxy list of summer reads and this is definitely one I shall be putting on it. It is perfect for sitting round the pool, reading at the airport or on the plane.

But why? It is a really cute romance, Eden is a genie with a past, imprisoned in her bottle for something she did, something that we perhaps don't totally believe; something that we learn the truth about as the novel develops. When we meet her she is baby sitting a Dragonette (a baby dragon called Humphrey) and talking to a cat called Obo, I did tell you it was cute! Obo is a cat with a mysterious past, there is much more to him than what we first see. Their topic of conversation, Matt Ewing, the sexy man who jogs past Eden's bottle every day. The man Eden lusts after, and the man who she ultimately falls in love with.

When her bottle is thrown out she is eventually released and lands in the lap of Matt, literally, in full 'Jeannie costume' Matt takes her in and looks after her, as payment she uses her magic to help him. Just one problem, it is a bit rusty and goes wrong, outing her as a genie. Matt takes this remarkably well, but then faced with a dragonette on his head and a donkey in the kitchen he really doesn't have much choice!

Factor in the evil Faruq who wants Eden for himself, trust me he has very dodgy choice in clothing too! A quest to find the truth and freedom, fighting Faruq and falling in love make this a really fun romance. And yes there are some rather hot scenes... can we say sex that is so hot it makes you float!

I give I Dream of Genies 3.5 frillies out of 5, a great fun summer read. So pull out your bikini and shades, grab I Dream of Genies and settle down for some fun.

Lover Reborn: The Review

2012-04-07T11:12:00.000+01:00

Own Purchase

By JR Ward

Ever since the death of his shellan, Tohrment is a heartbroken shadow of the vampire leader he once was. Brought back to the Brotherhood by a self-serving fallen angel, he fights again with ruthless vengeance- and is unprepared for a new tragedy. Seeing his beloved in dreams—trapped in a cold, desolate netherworld—he turns to the angel to save his former mate, only to despair at the path he himself must take to set her free. As war with the lessers rages, and a new clan of vampires vies for the Blind King’s throne, Tohr struggles between an unforgettable past, and a future that he doesn’t know he can live with… but can’t seem to turn away from.

It has been a long time since I first started reading the BDB books, in fact only Wrath's book was out and when you have been reading a series so long and you are totally invested in the books a fear is always that the books will disappoint. It is not so much that they will change, I know a long running series must continue to evolve or the books will become stale. But I have read other series where the later books have lost the charm of the earlier ones and it is always a risk and a disappointment. That doesn't happen here! These books are fresh new and still have all that I loved in the opening books. The brothers.

Yes they are evolving and each new book is not simply a story of one couple but a story of the entire brotherhood and I really like that, I love that we have overlap and find out the continuing stories of others, and I loved this book.

This is Tohrs ever evolving story, the story of how he lets go and gets his life back, the story of No'one (who was introduced in the last book) but it is so much more than that, it is a continuation of John Mathhew and Xhex, the story of Xhex and her mother, Qhuinn, Blay, Saxton and Layla, the chosen, the King, the Band of Bastards, new drugs lord and the list goes on. It is a complex story and an intriguing read.

It is certainly more than boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girl live happily ever after.

So what did I love? Tohr! Loved him from the beginning, seeing him fall apart after Wellsie's death was heart breaking and I know we have all been waiting for this, for his rebirth. I know, for me at least, when we found out who No'one was in Payne's book part of me did wonder, ooo well, if she can return from the fade perhaps Wellsie can, is that the direction the books will go in? But no, it is about dealing with grief and moving on, which in reality we all have to do, they live on in our hearts but we embrace what we have now. It is not easy for him, just as it is not easy for anyone else in that circumstance, but he has help. Lassiter! Lassiter oh how I loved you! He is great, dark, moody mysteriously good and funny. Oh and did I mention sexy, I hope I have a guardian angel like that ;) See I am getting distracted, that is what Lassiter does to me, that and paracetamol and antibiotics and as I am on both... yeah I may ramble more than normal!

No'one is certainly not no-one, she learns who she is as the book goes on, how to live, love and just simply be happy with herself. We know what a horrible existence she had in her previous life and this is her chance to save herself, will she take it? I liked her as a character, I liked her growth, how the meekness receded and how sometimes you saw the survivor, the core of steel which kept her going. The strength she didn't even know she had.

There are heart breaking moments in this book, the problems faced by John Matthew and Xhex, the events surrounding Wrath (hehe I am not going to spoil it!) and events at the end made me cry. YES THE BOOK MADE ME SNIVEL AND CRY.

The Brotherhood's enemy is now no-longer the Lessening Society and the Omega, they now have, in addition, Xcor and his band of Bastards, a breakaway in the glymeria and a new drugs baron who has yet to name his side. Can we say intriguing? Can we say exciting! As Bob the Builder would say.... YES WE CAN!

Where will it go from here? I have heard that Qhuinn and Blay will be next and I can see plot lines being set up in the book, ones that I find totally intriguing.

Ok now to Layla, yeah, you were wondering if I would mention her, I like Layla, I always have, I feel sorry for her, not in a pity way, but more in a lost soul way. She has a good heart and it seems like no-one cares. She makes a huge mistake in this book, actually no, that is not fair, she is fooled and it is not her fault. I do hope the events surrounding it show the brotherhood that their attitudes to women and the chosen in particular need to change. I know Xhex faced the same problems with what the expected from a bonded mate and part of this is addressed in the book. I am truly interested in where this will go and what the future for 'the chosen' will be.

So, to sum up. great book, and interesting read which will make you laugh and cry, a romance that pulls at your heartstrings, boy meets girl and saves souls, funny sexy angel, funny sexy vampires, bad guys, fighting, social commentary and shocks! What more could you want from a book? I thoroughly enjoyed it! I give it 4.5 frillies out of 5. Put it on your TBR pile if you haven't already.

Midnight Enchantment: The Review

2012-02-15T14:17:00.001+00:00

Own purchase

By Anya Bast

A quest for freedom may be derailed by their intense attraction...
Niall Quinn, mage and the finest thief in the Black Tower, is the fae's best hope for freedom. Only he stands a chance of tracking down and retrieving the missing bosca fadbh pieces from the Summer Queen. But he meets his match in Elizabeth Cely Saintjohn, who has taken control of the pieces on the Summer Queen's behalf—and has refused to give them up.
Elizabeth is an asrai, a rare English water fae, and she may be the only one in Piefferburg stealthier than Niall. She has her own reasons for guarding the two pieces and wanting the walls of Piefferburg to remain intact—even if it means denying her fae sisters and brothers their freedom. Her mother's life depends on it.
Torn between his duty to obtain the pieces at any cost—and the shocking lust Elizabeth has stirred in him—Niall must convince Elizabeth to surrender the pieces, or else he may have no choice but to destroy her and all she holds dear.

Hello everyone, sorry for my extended hiatus, things round here got a tad busy and well, life threw me over its shoulder and scampered off into the jungle! But I am still here, and alive and trying to get back to my blogging. So here goes, review number one and a review of a series which I have loved. This is the last book in the series and did it disappoint? No, absolutely not, it was great! One thing did disappoint me, and that was simply that it was the last in the series, I even tweeted Anya Bast to ask, this was her reply, "For now. I tied it up, no loose ends...but I'm thinking v. seriously about a spin off series. Love that world."

I know! How exciting would that be, so many characters I would love to hear more about: but look at me I am getting distracted. You want to know about this book and more that just simply, it is good and you need to read it. Even if that does cover the basics. ;)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I have been fascinated by the Quinn brothers since I first came across Ronan's story in All I Want for Christmas a few years ago and throughout the other stories we have had glimpses of his brother Niall, strong, quiet, stealthy, intelligent, secretive and sexy! A man/mage/fae I definitely wanted to get to know better and in this book we did. We got to know the man behind the magic, not just the exterior he projects to others but the depth of caring which dwells in his core. Truly a man for all seasons.

Elizabeth is an intricate character and someone you understand from the outset, and really you need to, she his hiding what the fae need to escape their prison, we need to understand her motivations and be with her whilst she gives Niall the run around. And in my opinion we do understand her, we understand her innocence and fear of what might happen all whilst we understand Niall's need to steal them from her and return them to the Shadow Queen. It puts us in a unique position between them, the perfect place to watch their growing relationship, to watch as it shifts and becomes more, to watch as it becomes about salvation of themselves and not just salvation of their race.

The plot is pacey and intricate which keeps you reading, the end is action packed and pleasing, and with a few surprises. All the usual gang make an appearance which is great, what I really liked was getting to see the depth of the relationship of Aislinn and Gabriel who were the protagonists of the first novel, looking at how they had grown into their respective roles and how their love had deepened.

There are some really fun parts of the novel too, ones that make you laugh, squirm and go awww. One of my favourite fun bits was when Niall eats Elizabeth's Mum's cookies! Truthfully it was. Hehehe.

A great end to the series, loose ends are tied up and the 'hint' and the end made me smile, I am just sad it had to end. If you are looking for a really worthwhile fae series, please, give these books a try.

I give Midnight Enchantment 4.5 frillies out of 5, a great read I wish could have gone on longer.

Twisted Up: The Review Erotic Reading & S.O.T.M.

2011-12-11T12:51:00.002+00:00

ARC Review from author

By Lissa Matthews

One rope. Three days. And two hearts on the line.

Justin has had enough. Ella, the woman who healed his broken heart, has been cancelling on him for two months straight. Sure, she’s busy with her job, which has her traveling far and wide. But that never stopped her from sharing nights of trivia, long conversations and blazing hot sex—until now. Truth to tell, he misses their easy friendship, the way her sighs fill his ear as he fills her body.

What he can’t figure out is, what’s changed?

At work, Ella finds it easy to talk to rooms full of strangers. Once back at her lonely apartment, though, she’s back to her painfully shy self—until Justin. Their chance meeting grew over the months into a year-long affair, but she can’t shake the feeling that rejection and pain are just around the corner. Best thing to do? End it now, before their intimacy digs too deep.

Suddenly he’s at her door with a length of neon-green rope and a naughty proposition, daring her to say no. Just how good could it be? There’s only one way to find out…
Product Warnings

The sheets are tangled, the hat is crumpled, and the jeans are worn low on the hips. The cowboy is hot, determined, and helpless in the face of bunny slippers. Readers may need extra batteries to get this one out of their system.

If you want a fun loving sexy cowboy for Christmas then look no further than Justin, as it says above he is hot, determined and helpless when it comes to bunny slippers. Another great novella from Lissa Mathews with characters who make you care for them and I really liked it. Loved Justin, he was keen and rough and loveable; I loved how Ella's concerns reflect those of a lot of people and the fact the age difference was there but not a big deal. I liked the characters so much I invested in their story, wanted them to succeed and I really liked the ending.

What we do get in this novella is an insight into the climax of their relationship, will it work or break down. After meeting in a bar and chatting online as well as the odd weekend away Ella is pulling away and Justin wants more, when we first meet them he is on her doorstep and telling her how he feels and what he wants. The Ultimatum moment. It is tense and sexy and I would have ran to his truck had it been me in that hallway!

Justin is a really complex character and that comes out in their discussion about her need for hard quick sex, straight to the main course by pass starters and who needs desert? Yet he keeps up with the slow loving and is very thorough with it. Ella seems confident yet a bit damaged, she puts on a cloak of clothing and make up and becomes her job when she is there, but in relationships she is scared, of being hurt, being alone, being led down the garden path; and I think a lot of women will equate to that emotion after a relationship or marriage just fades and turns to friendship.

She is kinky but a conformist. He likes PDA and is kiny too, that friction makes them interesting.

The whole thing about him not being circumcised made me giggle too. From a non American point of view it is really interesting as most men in Northern Europe aren't, however I know most in USA are. So that was fun and interesting.

What I want to know is will there be a future book about his brother or friends?

I hope so!

Oh and the sex was hot. with a capital Hot! *wink*

I give Twisted up 4 frillies out of 5, a definite damp panty read and my smut of the month! Every girl needs a cowboy Christmas.

Immortal Rider: The Review

2011-12-10T11:18:00.000+00:00

own purchase

By Larissa Ione
Sexy, powerful, and immortal, Limos is on a crash course with destiny. She’s been marked as Satan’s bride and her jealous fiancé wants her all to himself. The only way this Horseman can keep herself—and everyone else—safe is to keep her distance. But not even Limos can save herself from the secrets she’s kept . . . or resist the seductive allure of one very brave human.

Arik Wagner knows the saying “love hurts” better than most, yet he never thought stealing a kiss from Limos would land him in Hell. Literally. It takes all his military training to survive the demon torture, but once he’s topside, Arik realizes that the agony has just begun. With the Apocalypse looming and Satan demanding his bride, will Arik and Limos surrender to the desire smoldering between them? Or will giving in to their passion unleash hell on earth?

Ok lets start with whether or not I liked it, I DID! In fact I liked it so much I have already been online and ordered the next book Lethal Rider, yup I am an addict and I know I have a problem, so why did I like it so much?

There are a few reasons, firstly the characters- not only are they well developed but if you have been reading this series from the start of the demonica books you know them inside out, yet Ione still manages to surprise you with secrets, secrets which keep you guessing and wondering, some which are revealed in the story and some which are dangled over your head and happily skip in front of you and all the way to the next novel. Arik and Limos do take centre stage in the novel but it does focus on all of the horseman and we do get to know Thanatos quite intimately which, I have to say, I loved! Limos is a great contradiction, fierce and girly rolled into one and unsure of herself and what she wants. In the meantime Arik knows exactly what he wants, Limos, and as a result is in quite a predicament, but throughout it all he is strong and passionate and protective and we just love him for it.

Whilst this is Limos' book it is in my opinion the second journal of the horsemen charting the development in all of their stories and this is another reason why I like it. Ares and Cara are not relegated to simple referencing, they are active in the story, the other horsemen are not simply side characters again they are active and have their own agendas and themes. Please do not let this put you off, the stories are cleverly entwined and support the over all meaning.

All of this sets you up for an exciting ending and a headlong rush straight into the arms of your book pimp where you order the next one. Trust me, you will like it!

I know, I am rambling, but those of you who read my reviews should be used to this by now! So bottom line, great characters, Limos and Arik are the stars and they make a great couple, he is growly and protective she is girly and fierce and kicks ass! Both their lives are uber complicated and get even more so, hidden secrets and evil fiances! All your favourite friends are their and the back story is set up for the next novel. I managed to read it in 2 days with a terrible cold- for me that is an achievement as normally I can't concentrate, but on this I could, I wanted too, I needed too! Another great read from Larissa Ione! I was lucky enough to meet her at AAD last year and trust me, she is one of the nicest people.

I give Immortal Rider 5 frillies out of 5, a great read, and whilst you could read it as a standalone quite easily (it would make sense) a knowledge of the other books would help to bring out some of the subtle plot nuances. And did I mention it is HOT? Especially Thanatos! *wink*

The Hunter: Reviewed

2011-10-30T23:50:00.001+00:00

ARC Review from AAD

By Theresa Meyers

They're the Chosen—Winchester, Remington and Colt—brothers trained to hunt down supernatural beings using the latest steam-powered gadgetry. It's a hard legacy to shoulder, and it's about to get a lot more dangerous. . .

A Devil Of A Job

Colt Jackson has gotten his name on many a wanted poster with success in the family business: hunting supernaturals across the frontier. Lately, though, there's a sulfur stink in the wind and the Darkin population is exploding. A rift in the worlds is appearing. To close it, Colt will have to do the unthinkable and work with a demon to pass arcane boundaries no human alone can cross.

Except when he summons his demon, he doesn't get some horned monstrosity: he gets a curvy redheaded succubus named Lilly, who's willing to make a bargain to become human again. He also gets Lilly's secret expertise on the machinations on the dark side of the rift. And her charm and cleverness help to get them out of what his silver-loaded pistol and mechanical horse can't. Of course, when all hell breaks loose, he might have to sacrifice his soul. But what's adventure without a little risk?

The Hunter by Theresa Meyers. I was given the ARC of this book whilst I was at AAD this year, it was one of the ones shipped to me, so you can imagine they took a little longer to get to the UK, but get here they did and whilst I was packing for my holiday to Spain I made sure this went into my bag. A western steampunk circling round the lives of three brothers, I was intrigued! This was book 1 and following the story of the younger brother Colt.

I love westerns, I always have, I think I get it from my dad and sunday afternoons watching Bonanza (starts singing tune... Du du du dud ud...and pretends to be riding a horse) I love steampunk, so cowboys and steampunk... I was sold! I just hoped the book was as great as the premise.

DRUM ROLL!

And it was!! It is a GREAT BOOK!! I could have happily turned to the next instalment and carry on reading.

I do recommend that if you are looking for a new series or something just a little bit different the give this a try. The characters are captivating and garner our emotions and trust almost immediately. Colt starts this quite like your stereotypical cowboy but from the outset you know there is something different about him, an emerald surrounded by cut glass, his honesty and strength shine through. But he has never met anyone like Lilly.

Lilly I liked from the beginning. She was cute and funny and had purpose. someone with a hard life and a difficult background she made choices which allowed her to change her circumstances. I cheered her on from the beginning! Colt truly has never met anyone like her before and she makes a lasting impression, one which raises his blood pressure and makes him feel thongs he has never felt for a woman before. Her quick wit and refusal to just accept her gender role make her an engaging character who we want to see more of.

And yes they are hot for each other *nudge nudge wink wink* not in an I am always gonna try and get into your pants way, but in a sexy desperate and romantic way. So if you fancy a little spicy sausage stay tuned to this book.

The side characters are great too, particularly Colt's brothers and the scientific brains- Murphy. His brothers HEAs are possibly introduced in the book and you are eager to see where their journeys take them in their concurrent tales.

A great read, full of passion, romance, fantasy and steampunk. I give The Hunter 5 frillies out of 5 and I hope you all run out and buy a copy or someone takes pity on me and sends the next one. If you like cowboys, steampunk and supernatural, trust me you'll love it!

Loose Knickers and Window Lickers

Selena Blake UK Blog Tour and Giveaway

BDSM Blog Hop and giveaway *adult post*

And the winner is....

Lissa Matthews Blog Tour Giveaway!

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Lethal Rider: Reviewed

The Slayer: Reviewed

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The Hunter: Reviewed

BDSM Blog Hop and giveaway adult post