Love To Read For Fun

Marq's Month In Review: February 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:00:00 +0000

February was a great month! I had a birthday, the weather was amazingly mild and we had Leap Day! Also, no reading funk for me. If anything I was reading a lot but not wanting to write any reviews.

Read and Reviewed:

Midnight Enchantment by Anya Bast - C
The Legacy of Eden by Nelle Davy - C-
The Mask by Anya Winter - C-
Time Out by Jill Shalvis - B+
Can't Help Falling In Love by Bella Andre - C
Love Is A Battlefield by Tamara Morgan - C-
Eternal Captive by Laura Wright - C
The Half-Breed Vampire by Theresa Meyers - C-
Lust in the Library by Amelia Fayer - D-
I Only Have Eyes For You by Bella Andre - A+
Blood Avenged by Gabrielle Bisset - D
A Sliver of Shadow by Allison Pang (review to come)

Read but not Reviewed (rated on Goodreads)

Northern Exposure by Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon - 1 star
Home (Downside Ghosts #3.6) by Stacia Kane - 5 stars
Southern Comfort by Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon - 4 stars
The Burn List by Julia Devlin - 4 stars
A Brush of Darkness by Allison Pang - 3 stars

Don't forget to enter my current giveaways:

Forever Romance Paranormal Giveaway - ends 3/7/12

Into The Darkness by VC Andrews - ends 3/3/12

Forever Romance Contemporary Romance Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:50:00 +0000

With This Kiss

by Bella Riley

Available: March 1, 2012

$7.99

978-0-446-58422-7

Despite such a close friendship, Rebecca Campbell never saw fireworks with her fiancé. Now with a broken engagement behind her and a promise she has vowed to keep, Rebecca is determined to make a new life for herself in Emerald Lake – a quaint town in the breathtaking Adirondack Mountains.

When Sean Murphy heads home, he never expects to fall for his younger brother’s girlfriend – but that is exactly what has happened. With a smile like sunshine and a wonderful heart, Sean feels something he has never felt before…at home.

Neither Rebecca nor Sean anticipated the sparks to fly so quickly. Lingering secrets aside, Sean can't deny the obvious attraction and burning desire he has for Rachel. But how can he give his heart to a woman he can't trust – or can he? As the days pass and his resolve is tested, Sean begins to realize Emerald Lake is home sweet home and that it is the perfect place for falling in love.

Last Chance Beauty Queen

by Hope Ramsey

Available: February 1, 2012

$7.99

978-0-446-57608-6

Gracious me, my daughter Rocky sure could use my help. I always knew she wasn’t much interested in the local boys—but who’d have thought she’d come home with English royalty. Trouble is, Hugh wants to buy some of our folks’ land. We don’t want to sell, but Rocky’s job depends on her closing the deal. And though Hugh’s obviously smitten, I’m not sure he’s right for my Rocky. After forty years with my Elbert, all I want is to see my little girl find the same. Well, always nice talking to you, and remember: the Cut ‘n’ Curl’s got hot rollers, free coffee, and the best gossip in town.

Giveaway guidelines:
-Three winners will be chosen. Books are a set. You can not chose which book you want to win.
-Only residents of the U.S. are eligible to win***
-No P.O. Boxes, please.
-Giveaway copies will be sent directly to winners from the publisher
-Fill out Rafflecopter widget below to enter. Giveaway ends 3/8/12.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ellie's Month in Review: February 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Hi all! I hope you had a great February and that some of you got to escape the winter that finally came and enjoy some sun and sand. I unfortunately did not get to escape the cold but I did get to read a lot of really good books this month for both the blog and for fun.

My favorite books that I reviewed this month was Alpha Instinct, Lucky Penny and Now or Never. Alpha Instinct and Now or Never are both really good PNR where Lucky Penny is more of a historical romance. All three books really surprised me and I found myself enjoying them way more then I expected. There were a couple of books this month that I really didn’t enjoy and because of how much I disliked them I’m going to skip talking about them. I would actually rather forget I ever read them honestly.

As for my fun reading for myself I have become obsessed with Stacia Kane’s Downside Ghost series thanks to Marq. I love these books (and Terrible) so much and it may rival Kate Daniels Series for my favorite urban fantasy series. I finally finished The Immortal Highlander by Karen Marie Moning which had been on my TBR pile forever and I’m kicking myself for not finishing it sooner. One last book that I got to read this month and it won’t be out until March is Oracle’s Moon by Thea Harrison and it was amazing. If you are not reading the Elder Races, you are missing out on one of the best PNR series out there and it’s only getting better with each book.

I for one am looking forward to March because there are so many great books coming out and some I have been waiting an entire year for (Lover Reborn). I am praying to every God there is that spring comes soon and winter doesn’t last until May this year because there is nothing better then sitting in the sun with a good book. Happy reading everyone!

February DNF Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:47:00 +0000

I hate not finishing a book. Even if I'm not enjoying the book like I want to, I at least try to finish. But alas, there are too many good books out there to continuing reading one that I am not enjoying.

Something About Witches
by Joey W. Hill

I really wanted to like this book. Joey W. Hill has a huge fan base and even though I couldn't get into her Vampire Queen series, I was looking forward to reading her new series, Arcane Shot. First off, I loved the heroine's name - Ruby. You don't find too many Rubys in PNR. Second, the hero's name is Derek. Love that name! From the start, Something About Witches did not pull me in. The explaining of the magic and the set up of the overall plot seemed to drag the book down. There was not enough dialog to break it up. There would be pages and pages of telling and not showing. It drove me batty. Derek and Ruby have a past and Ruby is into some dark stuff. But I found myself not really caring. I made it to the 50% mark and finally gave it. It took me over a week to read that much. I kept putting the book down and reading something else. I'm passing this book onto my reviewer Ellie and hope that she has better luck. It's a shame. I really wanted to like it.

Lust on the Rocks
by Dianne Venetta

I tried to like this book. I liked the concept of older woman, younger man. I liked that Sam wasn't portrayed as an older woman on the prowl. She's successful, about to make partner at her law firm. Vic is an associate who wants to work on Sam's current case. He has his own motives for wanting to be involved. Vic is definitely attracted to Sam and the feeling is mutual. But I didn't buy the attraction and for me the characters lacked chemistry. I saw no reason for them to be together other than they are in each other's space. Throw in Sam's sister's pregnancy story line and I just stopped caring. I didn't find any of the characters likable and I wasn't invested in their happiness. The writing was ok but it didn't flow. There was a lot of telling instead of showing. And the fact that the author used the term "loins" to describe the hero's junk bothered me to no end. I made it to the 50% mark before I had to throw in the towel. Unfortunately this book just didn't work for me.

Eastern Ambitions, #3
by Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon

After a bumpy start with this series with book 1and coming off the high of book 2, I delved into book 3 with both feet. Maybe I shouldn't have done that. Cindi was introduced in book 1, Northern Exposure. She's the admin for Compass Ranch. We learn in book 1 that Cindi likes to have sex with the ranch hands....at the same time. Maybe I purposely forgot that little aspect when I started reading Eastern Ambitions. Sam is one of the younger Compton brothers and he's also a twin. After being betrayed by a woman he thought he could trust, he tucks his tail between his legs and heads back to Compass. Not only has he lost his dream job but his dad is also dying from pancreatic cancer. Cindi loves working at the ranch and the Compton family is her surrogate family. She loves that they take care of her despite her particular kink.

So when I bought the ebook, I paid very little attention to the cover. I saw that it was purple and moved on. Now I wish I had looked closer. I did not see the 5 men in the background!!! So color me SHOCKED when I'm at the 60% mark and realize that despite the obvious attraction and affection between Sam and Cindi, Cindi was still getting down and dirty with the ranch hands. I have no problems with menage but when it's more than 3, that's when I have to say "no ma'am" and put the book down. I knew that Cindi liked having sex with multiple men but I honestly think I chose to conveniently forget it. So, when I started getting a sneaking suspicion as to where the plot was headed, I skipped ahead and read the ending. Let me say that I was not surprised but I was also not happy. Throughout the book, Sam is portrayed as a caring, respectful man. He's shown Cindi nothing BUT respect. Has even told her that he doesn't want to string her along while his head is not totally into being with her. Now I would think any woman would want that kind of honesty from a man! What does she do? She stomps off, gets angry. But of course this wouldn't be an erotic romance if the h/h didn't eventually get their HEA. And they did and I call SHENANIGANS! There is no way Sam would be happy watching his fiancee soon to be wife get it on with 5 other dudes! I'm sorry I don't believe it. It was hinted at that Sam is kinky himself but we saw no parts of it! And then he walks in on Cindi getting banged by 5 ranch hands, he's pissed and then suddenly turned on. Say what? Let me tell you, that is one sex scene I don't ever, EVER want to read again.

So yeah, I dnf'd this sucker. My folks on twitter who'd read the book told me to stop where I was at. To not read the sex scene. But curiosity got the best of me and I read it. And I am so mad that I did. It was not sexy and not erotic. I was grossed out. I'm hoping this series redeems itself with book 4.

Oh and another thing. Cindi was having sex in the barn, on the property. Did she not think she would get caught? Or did she just not give a damn? That was so disrespectful. She got issues that 5 or 6 dicks can not fix. And what's up with her damn secrets about her family background? I guess I'll never find out what they were. Oh well.

Review: Blood Avenged by Gabrielle Bisset

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:30:00 +0000

Title: Blood Avenged
Series: Sons of Navarus, #1
Author: Gabrielle Bisset
Published: December 11, 2011
Pages: ebook
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: Copy received from author in exchange for an honest review
Rating: D
Reviewed by: Marq

Favorite quote: "I am Vampire. Nothing more."

summary from Amazon
I am everything you desire. I am vampire.

Powerful and manipulative, Vasilije does as he pleases. A vampire beholden to no one, he takes what he desires, drinking deeply the pleasures this life has to offer.

When one of his own is staked, Vasilije must travel to New Orleans to exact his revenge. There he meets Sasa, a beautiful woman who arouses him like no other has for centuries. Vasilije’s need for vengeance is equaled only by his passion for her, but what he finds in his revenge is just the beginning...

Marq's thoughts:
Blood Avenged is a sexy vampire novel that started off with a lot of promise. Vasilije is a vampire set on revenge. He is dark and sexy and doesn't care about or follow the rules. For me, all that changes once he's in New Orleans and meets Sasa. Once he's fully wrapped up in her, the sex appeal waned. I wanted Vasilije to be utterly and totally ruthless and I didn't get that from him.

If you're looking for hot sex, then you will definitely find it in Blood Avenged. The hot sex is what kept me reading once I no longer cared about the plot or the characters. Sasa was a character that did not pull me in. I found her actions dumb and selfish even though her intentions were good. But throughout the book, she kept doing dumb stuff and it drove me crazy.

There were some aspects of the plot that were not fully explained. One in particular involved the voodoo priestess and her using a spell on Sasa. We never find out the hows and whys. If the author wasn't going to expand on that aspect, it should have never been brought up.

I found the ending predictable. I didn't care about the characters or their HEA. The ending was kind of abrupt and then there's an epilogue that sets up the next book(s) in the series. The information that was provided in the epilogue, I wish was provided in the beginning or throughout the book because all of a sudden we find out that Vasilije is part of an Order that is being targeted. When I read that, I was like what? Since when?

Blood Avenged was not a terrible read but I found that I could not get lost in the plot or care about the characters. The sex scenes were hot and steamy and that's what kept me reading. I don't think I will be continuing on with this series.

Review: I Only Have Eyes for You by Bella Andre

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Title: I Only Have Eyes For You
Series: The Sullivans, #4
Author: Bella Andre
Published: February 21, 2012
Pages: ebook
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased
Rating: A+
Reviewed by: Marq

Favorite quote: "Sweet Lord, you're every twisted librarian fantasy I've ever had come to life."

summary from Goodreads
Sophie Sullivan, a librarian in San Francisco, was five years old when she fell head over heels in love with Jake McCann. Twenty years later, she's convinced the notorious bad boy still sees her as the "nice" Sullivan twin. That is, when he bothers to look at her at all. But when they both get caught up in the magic of the first Sullivan wedding, she knows it's long past time to do whatever it takes to make him see her for who she truly is...the woman who will love him forever.

Jake has always been a magnet for women, especially since his Irish pubs made him extremely wealthy. But the only woman he really wants is the one he can never have. Not only is Sophie his best friend's off-limits younger sister...he can't risk letting her get close enough to discover his deeply hidden secret.

Only, when Sophie appears on his doorstep as Jake's every fantasy come to life-smart, beautiful, and shockingly sexy-he doesn't have a prayer of taking his eyes, or his hands, off her. And he can't stop craving more of her sweet smiles and sinful kisses. Because even though Jake knows loving Sophie isn't the right thing to do...how can he possibly resist?

Marq's thoughts:
There are two plot points in contemporary romances I am a sucker for and I Only Have Eyes For You had both of them! I absolutely loved this book. I tore through it; I could not put it down. I knew Sophie's book was going to be good but I didn't think it was going to be that good! As much as I like her brothers, Sophie's book is my favorite book of the series. I can't wait to see how Bella Andre is going to top this one. She definitely knocked this one out of the park.

Jake isn't a Sullivan by blood but he has grown up with the Sullivan kids with Zach Sullivan being his best friend. He has lusted after Sophie for a long time and feels that he has no business doing so because she deserves the best. And Jake doesn't feel as though he's the best.

Jake is sexy and funny and damaged. Both he and Sophie have their insecurities that prevent them from being who they truly are. Sophie is tired of being the "nice" twin and she proves that she can be naughty just like the next girl. Jake's insecurities are heart-wrenching. His childhood was not the best and it affected him greatly.

I Only Have Eyes for You is everything you want in a romance. I laughed. I sighed. The sex scenes were steamy and hot as hell! The overall plot romantic and the love between the characters borderline epic. With great characters, a wonderful supportive family as the foundation and a heroine who finally decides to go after what she wants and a hero who doesn't stand a chance of resisting her, I Only Have Eyes for You hits the mark.

I highly recommend reading this book and this series. You won't regret it.

Early Review: Lust in the Library by Amelia Fayer

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Title: Lust in the Library
Author: Amelia Fayer
Release Date: March 6, 2012
Pages: 100 (ebook)
Genre: Erotic Romance
Source: Edelweiss
Rating: D-
Reviewed by: Marq

summary from Amazon
Some like it hot, and some like it in the reference section

Sara is having a love affair with books. But, since books can't make love to you, it means she's in the middle of a very long dry spell. Until a sexy Brit shows up. Suddenly she's learning just how stimulating a library can be—up against a bookcase, behind the card catalog, on the circulation desk . . .

Meanwhile, Veronica is incredibly frustrated. While Sara and her new man are using the library as their personal adult playground, she's stuck with only her thesis and her sexual fantasies. But Andrew, her crush, isn't above using his . . . assets to get Veronica right where he wants her: alone, in a darkened corner of the stacks.

Who knew reading could be this pleasurable?

Marq's thoughts:
Lust in the Library is broken up into two novellas, each novella being 50 pages. I had so much hope for this novella. I loved the premise of the sexy goings on taking place in the library and I loved that the hero in the novella is a British professor. But alas, neither novella rocked my boat and I was rather bored while reading them.

We are supposed to believe that Sara and William have been lusting after each other from afar yet neither one has been willing to make the first move. When they finally do, I expected explosions, hot sweaty make-out sessions that lead to hot, sweaty sex. Thanks to Sara's indecisiveness and insecurities, the lust was mainly green light with an abrupt red light. She put the kibosh on William several times and it got tiring especially since they had only 50 pages to get it on. When they finally get together, I was not impressed. It was not sexy, kinda boring and disappointing. I felt zero connection between the two characters and felt that them together was pretty lame.

The same goes for the second novella. I felt that the premise of Veronica's story was very weak and once I started reading it, I was in a rush to finish. Again, boring sex scenes that were kinda repetitive. A weird blow job given so that a book wouldn't be damaged by wayward cum. I found none of this sexy or erotic. I pretty much was shaking my head in confusion the entire 50 pages.

Lust in the Library was a huge disappointment. With the wonderful cover and awesome blurb and premise, I had such high hopes for this novella. I thought that maybe if this was a full-length novel instead of a novella, where the author could provide more back story and character development, that this could be something great. But then I think back to the uninspiring sex scenes and think, no.

Forever Romance Paranormal Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Darkness Bound

by Stella Cameron

Available: March 1, 2012

$7.99

978-1-455-50015-4

WHEN NIGHT FALLS
After her husband's tragic death, Leigh Kelly arrives on Whidbey Island determined to start over. Yet the tiny town of Chimney Rock is not as peaceful as it seems. Women have been disappearing, and Leigh can't shake the feeling that she's being watched . . . especially at night. Soon, she's experiencing visions she can't explain and fighting her attraction to a handsome stranger who seems to know her most intimate desires.

PASSION TRANSFORMS THEM
As the leader of the Team, a pack of werehounds forced to hide their very existence, former special ops soldier Niles Latimer is desperate to prove a man's heart beats beneath his predator's body. And Leigh-the mysterious beauty possessing powers she doesn't yet understand-may be the one woman who can help him. But Niles isn't the only one who recognizes Leigh's true identity. Something evil is waiting in the woods-and the hunt has begun . . .

Kiss of the Vampire

by Cynthia Garner

Available: February 1, 2012

$7.99

978-0-446-58511-8

Once a generation, the rift between the paranormal world and the human world opens, allowing supernatural entities to cross. Vampire, demon, or shapeshifter, they can save the world-or send it spiraling into chaos. Half-demon, half-human, Nix de la Fuente is accepted by neither and mistrusted by both. Determined to prove she's more human than not, she devotes herself to solving crimes between the world's mortals and its most unsavory undead. But her latest case brings her face to face with the one vampire she could never resist . . .

Called in to investigate a string of violent murders, special agent Tobias Caine isn't interested in rekindling his relationship with Nix. Yet one look and the vampire knows his need for her is as strong as ever. Once, their all-consuming passion nearly cost Nix her fragile hold on her humanity. Now, as their hunger for one another intensifies, exposing them to an unimaginable danger, it could cost them both their lives.

Giveaway guidelines:
-Three winners will be chosen. Books are a set. You can not chose which book you want to win.
-Only residents of the U.S. are eligible to win***
-No P.O. Boxes, please.
-Giveaway copies will be sent directly to winners from the publisher
-Fill out Rafflecopter widget below to enter. Giveaway ends 3/7/12.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Sweet Enemy by Heather Snow

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0000

Title: Sweet Enemy
Series: Veiled Seduction, #1
Author: Heather Snow
Published: February 7, 2012
Pages: 384
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher (Signet)
Rating: B
Reviewed by: Erica Lynn

Favorite quote: "She tasted of apples and honey and salty tears...and of happiness and promise and love."

summary from Goodreads
With a gaggle of husband-hunters vying for his attention, Geoffrey Wentworth, Earl of Stratford, finds Miss Liliana Claremont a notable exception. She has no desire to marry the son of the man she believes killed her father. Determined to find evidence of the crime, Liliana rouses the Earl's suspicions, as well as her own undeniable attraction to him.

Erica Lynn's thoughts:
A fledgling politician more concerned with the plight of ex-soldiers left homeless and jobless after war than his title and legacy. An intelligent woman fighting against gender roles, trying to get a foot hold in an old boys network. Conniving in-laws, and women pitted against each other in a competition for a wealthy bachelor, not the least bit interested in marriage. If this wasn't a historical romance novel, the storyline in Sweet Enemy could pass for current events, or a primetime reality series.

Geoffrey Wentworth, tired of his mother's meddling, is in no mood for this weekend of activities she's bullied him into, or hosting husband hungry socialites. However the one woman who genuinely seems not to have an interest in him is the one that actually intrigues the Earl the most.

Lilliana Claremont is at the Stratford Estate under false pretenses, but she doubts anyone will notice. Her reputation as an unconventional lady leaves her open to explore the grounds without suspicion. Lilliana isn't interested in marrying the Earl or anyone else, but she does want to match the handwriting in the secret correspondence she found after her father's death to the member of the Earl's family she believes is responsible. Like any good scientist she just has to find the right sample. Too bad her search lands her in the Earls arms instead. And the experimentation Lilliana decides to undertake has nothing to the do with penmanship or evidence of foul play. No simple chemical reaction can explain the spark of energy ignited between this unlikely pair.

I enjoyed the banter and tension between Geoffrey and Lilliana. The search for her father's mystery conspirator and the subsequent explanation of his death created a pleasant uncertainty within the story. Heather Snow does a great job of interweaving early chemistry, Napoleonic history and Egyptian artifacts into this tale. My favorite scene involved a musical competition between the women battling for the Earl's affection, where each contestant was examined based on their musical selection. The scene made me ponder what my music choices say about me as a possible mate.The end of the book felt like it dragged on a bit, but readers gain insight into the partial back story of one of the characters that will be the focus of the next book released in the Veiled Seduction series, "Sweet Deception."

Review: The Duchess Diaries by Jillian Hunter

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:30:00 +0000

Title: The Duchess Diaries
Author: The Bridal Pleasures, #3
Author: Jillian Hunter
Published: February 7, 2012
Pages: 352
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher (Signet)
Rating: C
Reviewed by: Erica Lynn

Favorite quote: "I don't know yet what, but I swear you've stepped in it knee deep, and if I find out you betrayed my confidence I will hunt you down and skin you until you're grinning out the other side of your arse."

summary from Goodreads
As headmistress of the Scarfield Academy for Young Ladies, Miss Charlotte Boscastle is tasked with keeping her charges free from notoriety. But when Charlotte's diary goes missing, she can't imagine having her most intimate secrets fall into the wrong hands.
Although the confessions in the diary he found spark his interest, the Duke of Wynfield has every intention of returning the journal. But when Gideon's encounter with Charlotte takes on an unexpectedly passionate nature, his indiscretion causes a scandal that only marriage can cure...

Erica Lynn's thoughts:
Erica Lynn's thoughts: I've mentioned before that I really enjoy historical romances but England's not my favorite locale, and Regency isn't my favorite era, but the time period most associated with pleasure seeking and over indulgence was perfect for this tale. Miss Charlotte Boscastle spends her days preparing young London ladies for Society as the Head Mistress of the Scarfield Academy. Miss Charlotte spends her nights chronicling the scandals of her family members and detailing the sordid fantasies from her imagination in her diary. Charlotte never imagined the object of her imagined desires would ever see her fantastical fiction. Gideon, the Duke of Wynfield, never suspected such sensuality simmered under the prim and proper facade of the Head Mistress. Finding her in his bedchamber after he's read her erotic epistle seems like Gideon's lucky day; that is before they are caught in a compromising situation and society requires marriage.

The exchange between Charlotte and Gideon is fun and creative. The Duchess Diaries is the third book in the Bridal Pleasures series and having not read the first two books, at times I felt at a loss. There were so many characters introduced from Charlotte's family, and presumably from the other books, yet not a lot of time was spent on them. There's the head of the Boscastle family, Grayson, who has Charlotte's reputation to consider, her cousins Drake and Devon, her former flame Phillip Moreland, the madam who runs Mrs.. Watson's house of ill repute, Daniel Mallory, the investigator searching for the diary, and the list goes on. The initial disappearance of the diary is more misunderstanding than mystery, but then it's really stolen, which brings me to my biggest issue with this book.

(Spoiler Alert!) The thief, Nick Rydell, who spends most of the book contemplating who, in this endless cast of characters, would pay the most for the diary becomes enamored with Charlotte's writing. Though he is cutthroat in all his dealings, including those to do with his own mother, in the end Nick returns the diary to Charlotte in exchange for a dress? Huh?

If you like Regency England, this was an imaginative plot, with lots of interwoven side stories, but it just wasn't my cup of high tea.

Feature and Giveaway: Into The Darkness by V.C. Andrews

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:16:00 +0000

Bestselling author V.C. Andrews portrays her most romantic couple since Troy and Heaven in the Casteel series…in this twisting tale of desire and obsession, reality and dreams.

As lovely as one of the precious gems at her parents’ jewelry store, Amber Taylor is shy and introspective—qualities misread by others as being stuck-up and superior. Facing a long, lonely summer working at the family shop, Amber’s world lights up when the Matthews family suddenly moves into the house next door, a property that has stood neglected for the longest time. And when she meets Brayden Matthews, an only child just like her, Amber soon becomes infatuated with this handsome, quirky young man who seems to know her innermost feelings almost before she does, who takes her places she never knew existed in her small town. Their connection is electrifying, unlike anything Amber’s felt before. But as quickly as he appears, Brayden vanishes into the darkness. And finding out the truth about him will push Amber Taylor to the edge of madness….

An atmospheric journey of passion and suspense that builds to a jolting, unforgettable finale, Into the Darkness showcases V.C. Andrews at her best.

http://books.simonandschuster.com/Into-the-Darkness/V-C-Andrews/9781451664300

Thanks to Simon and Schuster, I have one (1) copy of Into The Darkness to giveaway! Open to US Residents only. Giveaway ends 3/3/12.

To enter, tell me your favorite V.C. Andrews book. Please include your email address.

Good luck!

Review: Not Wicked Enough by Carolyn Jewel

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Title: Not Wicked Enough
Series: Seducing the Scoundrels, #1
Author: Carolyn Jewel
Published: February 7, 2012
Pages: 320
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher (Berkley)
Rating: C
Reviewed by: Tabatha

Favorite quote: "Oh Mountjoy, help! She is going to faint!" "Nonsense," Lily said. "I never faint."

summary from Goodreads
When Lily Wellstone heads to the Bitterward Estate to comfort her widowed friend Eugenia, she certainly does not have romance in mind. In fact, the playful but level-headed Lily is amused to no end when, en route, a Gypsy gifts her with a beautiful medallion, claiming it will ensnare the romantic desires of a stranger.

But fate has other plans in the form of Eugenia’s ruggedly handsome brother, the Duke of Mountjoy. One day at Bitterward and Lily can’t deny the sizzling attraction between her and the roguish duke. Nothing can come of it, of course. She’s not looking for entanglements and he’s practically engaged. But whether it’s her outgoing nature and the duke’s outlandish ways sparking off one another; or the mysterious gypsy medallion working “magic,”—hearts are stirring in the most unexpected and wicked ways. . .

Tabby's thoughts:
What do you do when you just KNOW you will never love again? - Hot, Steamy, No Strings Attached affairs! - Of Course!

When Lily helps a Gypsy, she is given a medallion that is said to bring her one true love to her. Well, how could that be, when years before, Lily lost her husband? After losing him to the war, Lily finds herself at her friend, Eugenia's home. Between the both of them, they both have wounds that need to be healed and it seems as though they are just the people to help each other out. While Lily is trying to get over the death of her husband, Gina has her own issues she is dealing with. Maybe one can move on and one can come out of the sadness that has overcome her. - Somehow, during the process of healing, Lily attracted the attention of Gina's brother, Duke Mountjoy.

Mountjoy - who is engaged to Miss Jane, knowing it is his "job" as Duke to marry her, can't seem to get Lily out of his head. After seeing her help his sister out of the state of sadness she was in and actually see a SMILE on her face - his fascination with her grows. On one hand, he is engaged and on another, he can't get images he shouldn't be having about another woman out of his head. What is a man to do?

- Insert hot - steamy - no strings attached affair here -

Is this really love? Or is the magic of this said medallion that Lily obtained from the Gypsy? Either way, they are on one wild ride! With Lily trying to overcome her heartbreak and Mountjoy already set to be married, will true love be enough to last - or will the magic die out?

While the banter and the chemistry of the two main leads was well written, I was a little thrown off with how slow the plot was. I found myself wanting to put the book down 3 or 4 times. I HONESTLY can't tell you if it was because I am not a huge fan of Historical or if it was just that off for me, but I know there was SOMETHING that was making me 2nd guess reading it. Another thing is I found myself having to flip back sometimes to try and figure out how we got from one point to another. Scene changes weren't all that smooth. Aside from that - this was a pretty okay story!

Review: All That Bleeds by Kimberly Frost

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:30:00 +0000

Title: All That Bleeds
Series: Etherlin, #1
Author: Kimberly Frost
Published: January 3, 2012
Pages: 336
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher (Berkley Sensation)
Rating: B
Reviewed by: Erica Lynn

Favorite Quote: "Never grow a wishbone daughter, where your backbone ought to be."

summary from Goodreads

They should never have met...
In a glittering community in the Colorado Rockies called the Etherlin, the descendants of the ancient muses live behind a wall that separates them from the dangerous creatures that crave them.

Alissa North is inspiration made flesh, so she should never have met Merrick, a deadly half-vampire enforcer, but when they do meet, the connection is instantaneous, and an illicit flirtation is born. He sends her secret gifts. She writes him secret letters.

The long-distance friendship was never supposed to go any farther. But when she is kidnapped and thrown briefly into his world, everything changes. Now Alissa realizes he's the only person she can trust, and Merrick finds he'll do anything to protect her, even risk his life by crossing the wall. As both worlds close in on them, Alissa knows that getting caught with Merrick could cost her everything she's ever cared about, but giving him up proves harder than she ever imagined.

Erica Lynn's thoughts:

I didn't expect to like this book. I started reading about the Muse's and the half-vampires referred to as Ventala, and the vampire bat mutation that spawned the great Uprising and I thought the actual story would be lost in all the back story buildup. However, Kimberly Frost's first installment in the Etherlin series was just the right balance of love story, action and intrigue.

The introduction into the world of modern day Muses and their competition to be Wreath Muse (see also the Head Muse in Charge) is at the center of All That Bleeds. Alissa North comes from a long line of Muse's that wore the wreath, but due to the taint of her mother's suicide, she is not a shoo-in, though she does lead the pack. Now if she could just hide the fact her father is losing his mind, that she is illegally using her magic to give him lucid moments, and that she is having a forbidden exchange with her people's most hated enemy, a ventala enforcer named Merrick, then things just might work out the way she planned. Unfortunately, someone in the Etherlin not only doesn't want to see her crowned, but they've betrayed Alissa by setting her up to be kidnapped. Now her knight in shining armor, is the same dark nightwalker from her fantasies. The danger that has a last thrown them together unveils a temptation that neither of them can resist; if either them ever really wanted to. And Alissa must decide which she wants more, the wreath that she feels is her birthright or the man she was never supposed to meet.

All That Bleeds has literary references, Greek Mythology, architecture, knock off Versace shirts, Cocoon like balls of light and bodies falling from cliffs. Seriously, this tome has a bit of everything. Bonus: There's a special preview at the end from the second release in the Etherlin series , featuring Alissa's former best friend and closest Wreath Muse competition, Cerise, and Merrick's Fallen Angel friend, Lysander. I can't wait to read this one.

Book Promo: The Half-Breed Vampire by Theresa Meyers

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

THE HALF-BREED VAMPIRE

Book Three in the Sons of Midnight mini-series

Harlequin Nocturne

February 21, 2012

ISBN-10: 0373618794

ISBN-13: 978-0373618798

Ignorant of his true heritage, half-breed vampire Slade Donovan is fated to feel like an outsider among his clan. Until a mysterious woman arrives with the ability to unlock his secrets—and make him crave a future he never believed he could have….

As a Game Warden, Raina Ravenwing has only one mission in the Cascade Mountains: to track down a pack of rare wolves that is terrorizing her tribe. Her instant attraction to Slade is a distraction the beautiful wolf whisperer can't afford, unless she agrees to let him help her. Yet working so closely together only intensifies their passion…even as the unfolding truth of Slade's identity threatens everything Raina holds sacred and could potentially destroy both their worlds.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | IndieBound

ebook: Kindle | Nook

Excerpt from THE HALF-BREED VAMPIRE

Total bliss only lasted four hours.

"Hey, Donovan. You got a visitor". The sound of his commander, Achilles Stefano's voice echoed in his head, waking him from a dead sleep and leaving his ears ringing.

Slade grimaced, turned over in his tangled sheets. "Talk about lousy timing. Can it wait?"

"No. Get your ass in here."

What vampire on earth would want to speak to him at this ungodly hour? Either something was wrong, or was going to be. Slade grumbled. He grappled the sides of his sleeping spot, a double-wide grave-sized hole carved out of the gray bedrock, the black satin sheets pooling around his hips as he sat up.

He phased himself a fresh-showered look and clean fatigues so he'd at least look presentable, then focused pulling his energy together at his core, visualizing the security room inside the clan headquarters, so he could transport.

An image of pale green smooth walls and military issue furniture circa 1950 filled his mind, accented by the musty smell that pervaded the room despite the heat thrown off by the banks of flat-screen computers. A pull, centered at his navel yanked him by the balls inside out as he transported from his position in the Cascade Mountains to the complex system of passages and rooms fifty feet below the asphalt streets and buildings of Seattle.

The minute his particles knit back together he could see exactly why the hour was so damn late, or rather so damn early. His visitor wasn't a vampire. It was the woman from the woods, only now she was in full uniform for a state police officer - a pair of olive green pants, a short-sleeved khaki shirt with matching olive green breast pocket flaps and epaulets, a standard issue gun belt, ugly black shoes, and her glorious ebony hair pulled back in a no-nonsense bun at her nape. Damn. Double Damn. The cop.

Before being brought into the clan, he'd had his share of run-ins with the law and still felt uncomfortable around cops. Even pretty, strawberry-scented ones. He glanced at Achilles. His commander was one-hundred-percent pure golden Spartan warrior, but his modern military-short hair cut was starting to grow out. His hard jaw didn't flex in a smile, but the wicked twinkle in his unnaturally green eyes said he knew something about this woman Slade didn't.

Slade shifted, crossing his arms over his chest, forcing himself not to wince at the sharp sting in his ribs that were still a little tender. "Can I help you?"

She extended a slender hand. Her nails were short and mostly clean, only a few had fine traces of dirt underneath.

"I'm Raina Ravenwing, Mr. Blackwolf." She said smoothly, extending her hand. There was no sign of recognition in her dark brown eyes. "Fish and Wildlife Officer with the state wildlife department." She clarified, just in case the emblem on her sleeve didn't do the job.

He stared at her hand but didn't take it, and she let it drop. "Sorry, wrong guy. Last name's Donovan. If that's it, I'm out of here." He turned on his heel, giving her his back as he headed for the door.

"So you go by your mother's maiden name?"

That stopped him cold. His mother's maiden name? He didn't know whose name it was, let alone why he'd used it for as long as he could remember. The only glimpse of his mother - at least he thought it was her - were distorted slow-motion images he saw in his daymares.

Dark hair, wide brown-sugar eyes. A wide-generous mouth, which smiled one moment and screamed the next. A wash of red blood and the howl of wolves.

To think Officer Raina Ravenwing knew something about him that he didn't even know about himself rankled. He turned slowly, facing her once more. "Couldn't tell you. Don't know."

The petite woman widened her stance, pulled her shoulders back and stiffened her spine. "Well, Mr. Donovan, I've been told you're a wolf expert of sorts." Her gaze flicked to Achilles briefly, disbelief evident in the firm set of her generous mouth.

The dark hairs prickled all along Slade's arm. Somehow, gut deep, he knew she wasn't here to talk about just wolves. "I guess."

"Don't let him fool you Officer Ravenwing. There's not another vampire who can track better than Donovan." It was true. Slade's senses were more finely tuned than most of the other vamps in the clan. That's why he'd been tapped to be in the security detail by the commander himself. While his technical specialty was explosives, tracking came in a close second. Very close.

She stuck her chin out a bit, almost daring him. "What do you know about unusually large wolves in our area?"

Slade brushed at the slowly healing cut at his scalp line. Good. She didn't remember a thing. Weres weren't something you talked about in polite vampire society, let alone with mortals. They were less than mortal. A cruel joke of the gods. A cross between an unpredictable animal and an unsympathetic mortal.

"Why?"

"There've been reports of some rather unusual wolves causing trouble in the edges of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. The people are getting lathered up about it and ready to go on a wolf hunt."

"So let them."

Her eyes narrowed. She crossed her arms over her chest, making her B-cup breasts jut out enticingly. At least he thought they were B-cups. They might be just a shade larger, but he wouldn't be able to tell unless he got his hands on them.

Whoa. Where had that come from? Slade flexed his fingers, reigning in his wayward thoughts. She wasn't even his type. Of course, who the hell did he think he was kidding? Female was his type. It was police officer that wasn't.

"My job as a Game Warden, Mr. Donovan, is to protect these animals and enforce the laws in this state. The fact that they've returned at all and may be migrants from the reestablished packs in Idaho or Montana is significant enough. They're an important part of our ecosystem and until I find out who or what is really behind these attacks, I'm doing my best not to let anyone near those wolves."

The scrape on his scalp was beginning to itch like holy hell and he wasn't really interested in her long-winded eco lecture. "Lady, the wolves aren't in any danger. If you want my advice, you'd do better to worry about keeping people away from them."

"It's Officer Ravenwing, Mr. Donovan, and that's about what I expected from a vampire." She said the last word with such distain that Slade could smell the sulfur of it like rotten eggs tainting the air.

Achilles stepped closer placing a huge hand on her delicate shoulder. "Officer Ravenwing, Donovan will be happy to help you with whatever you need to bring your investigation to a close."

Slade glared at his commander. What the hell? I don't want to be anywhere near her.

Achilles glanced back at him, his words echoing loud and clear in Slade's head. She's part of the mortals' law enforcers, so we will cooperate fully. We don't need them digging up problems with the Wenatchee Were Pack to put at our door. You'll help her or you'll be pulling day shift for the next decade. Do I make myself clear?

Yes.

Yes, what?

Yes, sir.

Achilles gave the game warden a nod, and she relaxed. "If you'll excuse me, Officer Ravenwing, I have another pressing matter." He grasped her free hand and lightly brushed the back of it with a brief kiss. "I'll leave you to fill Donovan in on how you want this handled."

She gave Achilles a generous smile that pissed off Slade even more.

She blushed slightly. "Thanks for your help."

Achilles vanished in a swirl of dark particles as he transported from the room leaving Slade alone with the cop.

He glared at Officer nature girl. Just because he had to help her didn't mean he had to like it. "What do you need?"

"I need your help tracking one of them down so I can find out if they've established a new pack from the groups further east, or if they are a new breed or rare mutation. And find out what's really going on with this rash of incidents."

Damn. Double Damn. Sure, waltz in on the Were territory and give them a 'hey, whatz up?' Why didn't she just ask him to go stake his balls to the ground and sunbathe nude? That would be less painful. Well, maybe. "So you want me to go on a nature hike with you?"

Raina restrained herself from making a smart-ass comeback. If nothing else she was a professional. She would have preferred to have Achilles go with her. At least he could be trusted and had some respect for her badge. With Donovan it was a whole other matter.

Everything about him shouted 'danger', from the rumble of his deep voice and dark good looks to his tiger-like topaz eyes. But it was his broad shoulders encased in black tight black t-shirt and military cut camo fatigues and wide jaw bisected by a devil-may-care dent in his chin that made him appear intriguing, which were an even greater danger to any female in sight. That was, if he'd been her type. Which he wasn't.

Something at the edge of her mind nagged her. She'd seen him before. He'd done something horrible. But no matter how hard she concentrated it floated in her memory just out of reach.

"It's a bit more complicated than that. There's an investigation currently underway. I need to track one down and put a locator on it."

He glanced away, sending not so subtle uninterested signals her way. "I'm sorry am I boring you, Mr. Donovan?"

He shook his head. "Locator. Please continue."

Raina was slightly surprised he had actually been listening. "I need to know if there's only one, or if there are more and if so, what the pack's territory is so I can advise the state game department of potential impact on the local farmers and the game in the area."

She didn't like the way he narrowed his eyes. The air around him swirled with a potent mixture of testosterone and wild side that were too intense to be comfortable. While his commander was at least polite, Slade Blackwolf, or Donovan, or whatever he wanted to call himself, was barely civilized.

He reeked of bad boy, something she'd tried scrupulously to avoid since graduating the police academy. If she got close enough she could probably smell motorcycle fumes and leather on him if she tried. But she had no intention of getting that close, now or ever. Getting mixed up with a bad boy was career suicide for a cop, especially a young female cop, no matter what department she worked in.

This was business, plain and simple. Being a game warden offered her an opportunity to help out her tribe in a practical way instead of all the hocus-pocus they kept insisting she was somehow tied to as part of their hopelessly outdated beliefs.

From what she'd been able to discover he was her best chance at finding the elusive wolves. So far everything else she'd tried had gotten her squat. And if things went on much longer it wouldn't be just the state she'd have to deal with, the Feds would get involved since her investigation was criss-crossing areas of the Wenatchee National Forest. She needed to find those wolves. Now.

"Sounds like a lost cause. Can't prove something's perfectly harmless when it's not."

Raina didn't like his belligerent attitude any more than his bad-boy demeanor. "Look, if you aren't capable of helping me-"

Between one breath and the next she found herself wedged up against the wall. A hard male body too dangerously close to her own in front and the rough edges of a cold brick wall digging into her back. Power, like smoke billowing from a forest fire, rolled off of him in waves. He pinned her, his arms on either side, a lethal look in his golden eyes that was mesmerizing like a wild animal's. She'd never been this close to an actual vampire before and it scared the hell out of her.

With an audible flick his sharp fangs appeared out of the gums just above his very normal looking teeth. His voice came out low, almost a growl. "I'm perfectly capable of doing anything you could possibly need done, Officer Ravenwing. But let's get one thing straight. You came to me. You need me. So if I tell you to jump when we're out there bushwhacking, you don't ask why, you just jump. I don't want have to explain to my commander why I came back with a dead game warden. Are we clear?"

Rania managed to gather enough moisture in her dry mouth to swallow, but words were beyond her. All she could manage was a nod, her heart pounding so hard her pulse throbbed in her fingers and toes.

All the resolve she'd made to keep good and gone from bad boys of any kind began to dissolve, running like heated honey through her veins. He was too close and it was too confining. She tried to push against him, her hands on his broad chest, and found herself falling forward and stumbling.

He'd dissolved beneath her touch into nothing but smoke, then reappeared on the other side of the room, in less time than it had taken her to blink. His large hand was where hers had been a moment before, his eyes darker than before.

His voice came out almost a growl. "Next time you touch me, it had better be because you want to."

Permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A.

About Theresa Meyers:

Raised by a bibliophile who made the dining room into a library, Theresa has always been a lover of books and stories. First a writer for newspapers, then for national magazines, she started her first novel in high school, eventually enrolling in a Writer's Digest course and putting the book under the bed until she joined Romance Writers of America in 1993.

In 2005 she was selected as one of eleven finalists for the American Title II contest, the American Idol of books. She is married to the first man she ever went on a real date with (to their high school prom), who she knew was hero material when he suffered through having to let her parents drive, and her brother sit between them in the backseat of the car. They currently live in a Victorian house on a mini farm in the Pacific Northwest with their two children, three cats, an old chestnut Arabian gelding, an energetic mini-Aussie shepherd puppy, several rabbits, a dozen chickens and an out-of-control herb garden.

You can find her online on Twitter, Facebook, at her Web site or blogging with the other Lolitas of STEAMED!

http://www.theresameyers.com/

http://www.theresameyers.com/blog/

http://twitter.com/Theresa_Meyers

http://www.facebook.com/TheresaMeyersAuthor

http://www.ageofsteam.wordpress.com/

Review: The Half-Blood Vampire by Theresa Meyers

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 12:58:00 +0000

Title: The Half-Blood Vampire
Series: Sons of Midnight, #3
Author: Theresa Meyers
Published: February 21, 2012
Pages: 288
Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: Bewitching Book Tours
Rating: C-
Reviewed by: Marq

Favorite quote: "I was freakin' born to lead a bunch of furries?"

summary from Goodreads
Ignorant of his true heritage, half-breed Slade Donovan is fated to feel like an outsider among his clan. Until a mysterious woman arrives with the ability to unlock his secrets—and make him crave a future he never believed he could have….

As a game warden, Raina Ravenwing has only one mission in the Cascade Mountains: to hunt down a pack of rare wolves that is terrorizing her tribe. Her instant attraction to Slade is a distraction the beautiful wolf whisperer can’t afford, unless she agrees to let him help her. Yet working so closely together only intensifies their passion…even as the unfolding truth of Slade’s identity threatens everything Raina holds sacred.

Marq's thoughts:
The Half-Blood Vampire has a different take on what causes vampirism. Vampirism is treated as a virus. Humans can be injected with vampire blood, or Ichor, and get some of the vampire abilities while not turning into a full-blown vamp. Slade Donovan joined the clan when he was 10 years old and being a Shyeld and part of the clan is all he's every known. But there are mysteries about his parentage and his past that are finally coming to light and will rock his world to its core.

The Half-Blood Vampire was an okay read. I liked the spin on what causes vampirism and weres. The idea of it being a virus that needs to be activated is a new and fresh idea. Most of the plot was interesting yet predictable. I enjoyed Slade's character and his struggle to find out who he is. Raina was difficult to like due to her close-mindedness regarding supernatural beings. Even though she was working with a vampire, she refused to acknowledge what was presented to her -- that other beings exist. I also hated how she trashed her tribe's lore and traditions by calling it "mumbo jumbo." I felt her attitude was disrespectful and really didn't understand why she felt that way.

Overall, I thought The Half-Blood Vampire was just okay. Nothing about it wow'd me. My problems with the heroine ruined the book for me but Slade was great as the hero. His sweet tooth and affinity for candy won me over immediately. Even though it's the third book in the series, it was somewhat easy to follow. I think reading the first two books would help give the whole picture about the vampires and the clan.

Review: Siren's Desire by Devyn Quinn

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:30:00 +0000

Title: Siren's Desire
Series: Dark Tides, #3
Author: Devyn Quinn
Published: February 7, 2012
Pages: 400
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher (Signet)
Rating: B-
Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: “Forget the tail part of me, okay? I’ve a much nicer ass.”

summary from Goodreads
After defeating the covert agency that threatened to destroy her and her sisters, Addison Lonike grudgingly resumes her life as an EMT in Maine. She would love nothing more than to take on the dangerous Mer queen, Magaera, who is hell-bent on destroying them. But with two baby nieces on the way, she can’t take the risk. That is, until Mason McKenzie arrives…

Captain of the naval task force on the hunt for Queen Magaera in the Mediterranean, Mason sees the perfect recruit in Addison. But while at sea, the pair is pulled under a wave of passion that threatens their independent natures—and their mission. An encounter with a new race of male sea-shifters further complicates Addison’s desires. Now, she must choose between a life of the sea, or fulfilling the deepest longings of her heart…

Ellie's thoughts:
Mason McKenzie has spent his life in the Navy and is finally a captain and in charge of a top secret mission that could make or break his career. The government has discovered a new island in the Mediterranean Sea that one day was just there and it is inhabited by the mermaid queen Magaera. Queen Magaera wants mermaids to rule the world again and it’s Mason’s job to stop her at any cost. To help with the mission the government has decided to use one of the three mermaids they discovered living among humans Addison Lonike.

Addison Lonike and her two sisters Tess and Gwen grew up in Maine never really knowing about their powers as mermaids. Addison is determined to stop Queen Magaera after the queen kidnaps Tess her eldest and pregnant sister. Joining Mason and his crew adds a whole new set of problems for Addison. She helps discover a race of mere men that no one knew about and she is highly attracted and drawn the sexy captain in charge of the mission. With Mason she must find her sister and help stop the mer queen from enslaving the world without losing her heart in the process.

Let me start this review by saying I love mermaids. Some of my friends make fun of my obsession with them but I don’t care I love them. The one aspect of my mermaid love that I have found difficult is that I have yet to find a mermaid book or series that is really good. I was really hoping that i had finally found a great mermaid series with Siren’s Desire but I was left bored and the story and characters never blew me away like I wanted them to.

I know you are supposed to dislike the villain in books but I really disliked Queen Magaera more then most. I really wanted to know more about her and why she was so hell bent on freeing her people and taking over the sea. I mean I get it, but I wish that there would have been more of the story from her perspective and not from Jake who I hated more then anyone. I wasn’t a huge fan of most of the side characters which is rare for me. Usually there is one side character who provides some humor and light moments and there was none of that here. In fact the only person who seemed to have any sense of humor was Addison.

Oh Addison and Mason. Where to even start with these two? Addison I loved and if it wasn’t for her I most likely wouldn’t have finished this book. As I mentioned she was the only one who had any sort of personality besides being super serious or super evil. Mason is a tall, blond hunk of man in a Navy uniform and I wanted to love him but I just couldn’t. For some reason he was my least favorite person in the whole book and that makes it difficult when he’s the hero.

The idea and plot in this book are great but the characters are what makes this book just okay. Its is the third and final in the series but it can be read as a stand alone. The one good thing about this book was I had no problem figuring out what was going on. I wanted to love this book and Mason but I never made the connection that I needed with the characters for that to happen. This is not a horrible book but it’s not an amazing one either.

Review: Lucky Penny by Catherine Anderson

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Title: Lucky Penny
Author: Catherine Anderson
Published: January 31, 2012
Pages: 432
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher (Signet)
Rating: B+
Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: “You’ve got more sand than an ocean beach, and I think you’re one hell of a lady.”

summary from Goodreads
To support her orphaned niece, impoverished Brianna O'Keefe accepts work with a Colorado rancher. To guard herself from unwanted attention, she resorts to a harmless little lie: that she's married to a Denver gold miner named David Paxton. But when her "husband" shows up, Brianna is stunned--not the least by her desire.

Ellie's thoughts:
Brianna O’Keefe promised her dying sister that she would raise her daughter Daphne as her own and has done everything in her power for the last six to do just that. To fend off unwanted advances from her former employer, Brianna made up a husband, David Paxton, and spun a huge lie about him mining for gold outside of Denver. Her employer forced her to write letters to her fake husband which somehow get delivered to the sheriff David Paxton of No Name, Colorado. David comes looking for the wife and daughter he never knew he had and after one look at Daphne he is convinced she is his and he will stop at nothing to take care of her.

David Paxton can’t remember ever laying eyes on Brianna O’Keefe-Paxton but he is for certain her little girl is his. Much to his surprise the wife who wrote him letters begging for him to come take her with him is now refusing that Daphne is his and that they’ve never met. Never one to back down David does everything in his power to get Brianna and Daphne back to No Name where they belong. What David never expected was to fall for the wife he doesn’t remember marrying but convincing her to stay with him will be a much harder task then he ever expected.

I am not usually a fan of historical romances, especially not ones set in the wild west of America but I loved Lucky Penny. There was something different about this book from all the other historical romances that I’ve read and I just devoured this story. Usually I also try to not read books over 400 pages but Lucky Penny kept my interest the entire time and I was actually sad when the story ended.

David, Brianna and Daphne are great characters and I loved every single one of them. I found myself emotionally invested in the outcome of their story and found myself getting teary eyed at times. I loved Daphne and she really helped show the best sides of her parents. I love reading about men who are great fathers and seeing them interact with their children. The chemistry between David and Brianna is electric but it seemed to drag on a little long then needed before they acted on their feelings.

This book is part of a series called the Coulter Family but can definitely be read as a stand alone. I loved the plot and the flow of the writing so much that I plan on going back and reading more books by Mrs. Anderson. This book was a great escape form the massive piles of paranormal romance books that I have been reading and I loved every single page and encourage everyone to read it.

Review: Eternal Captive by Laura Wright

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Title: Eternal Captive
Series: Mark of the Vampire, #3
Author: Laura Wright
Published: February 7, 2012
Pages: 358
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher (Signet Eclipse)
Rating: C
Reviewed by: Marq

Favorite quote: "If the princess won't come to the asshole, then the asshole will have to come to the princess."

summary from Goodreads

He'll become a predator to protect his prey.

Marked By Blood
Lucian Roman knows he must stay away from Bronwyn Kettler for sanity's sake. Since feeding her his blood, he can think of nothing else but possessing her—fighting an uncontrollable desire to kill her, if he has to, and the vampire she has sworn to wed.

Bronwyn, a brilliant vampire genealogist, can never escape her connection to Lucian. He sustained her when she was starving. He still rules her dreams. And when the nights get dark enough, she still craves him. Though is essence courses through her body, she has found a true mate in someone else.

But when a dangerous enemy threatens Bronwyn, only Lucian—bound to her forever by blood—can save her life. Even if it means sacrificing his own.

Marq's thoughts:
Eternal Captive was a pretty decent read. I hadn't read the previous two books in the series so I was a little lost. I wished I had read the previous two books so that I could have the full picture but the plot was easy enough to follow. Thankfully there's a glossary at the beginning of the book that helped me with the terminology that used heavily used throughout. I couldn't help but compare this book to the Midnight Breeds series by Lara Adrian. There were similarities that I could not ignore mainly the big bad - Cruen - a former member of The Order who's using shape-shifter vampires as weapons and using Breeding Male vampires to create more of them. Sounds very similar to Dragos in the Breed series. But I digress.

Overall I enjoyed this book. Lucien is snarky and an asshole and I liked it. The fact that he's an albino vampire is something different and again, I wish I'd read the previous books to get the full history on the Roman brothers. I didn't like or dislike Bronwyn. Nothing about her stood out for me. The sex scenes between Lucien and Bronwyn were hot and towards the end of the book, the plot took a very emotional turn. I felt that the HEA was wrapped up too quickly. I think more than 7 pages should have been dedicated to it considering everything that Lucien and Bronwyn had gone through.

Eternal Captive was a good read. I wasn't wowed by it but it could be because I'm not familiar with the series. Now I want to go back and read the first two books in the series. I think if I read those books, my opinion of this one would change.

Book Spotlight: Trust In Me by Skye Warren

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Can love be found between a whore and a knight in tarnished armor?

Mia longs for the daily torture to end, but one last task keeps her holding on. In a betrayal of the crime lord who pulled her from the gutter, she’ll free the shipment of human cargo, and if she’s lucky, die in the process. The alternative is unfathomable, even to a woman well-versed in erotic torture. But luck abandons her yet again when she meets the security expert in charge of the shipment and finds herself face to face with her childhood crush. The man she once begged for help. The man who failed her.

Tyler Martinez is an undercover FBI agent with one chance to right the wrongs of his past. Thrust deep into the seedy world of human trafficking, he must put aside his guilt over abandoning Mia all those years ago in order to save her now.

Someone’s pulling the strings in this sadistic play on trust, but Tyler and Mia may not live long enough to see the curtain fall. Trust in Me is a story of erotic pain and incipient romance, spiraling ever faster toward betrayal or redemption.

WARNING:
This book contains explicit scenes of dubious consent, graphic violence and sex. It also depicts abuse and captivity situations. Not appropriate for anyone uncomfortable with these situations or anyone under the age of eighteen. This is a work of fiction.

Buy it now: http://skyewarren.com/books/trust-in-me/

EXCERPT

Carlos looked down at me from his seat with a half-smile. The guy next to him was speaking in low, urgent tones, but I had his attention.

Other whores might try coy smiles or a flash of cleavage, but if you really knew El Jefe—and, unfortunately, I did—then you knew all you had to do was drop to his feet. I knew what he wanted and how he liked it, knowledge born of years of training. As long as I behaved, he wouldn’t kill me. I craved the release of death, but I was too well trained to earn it.

I reached his leather shoes and waited. The same Italian leather shoes that had kicked me only recently, but they weren’t a danger to me now. Carlos didn’t like to get too messy when he had guests. Even though I didn’t like performing, I could be glad this new guy was around today. Then again, I’d probably have to service him next.

Carlos unzipped his pants.

The guy sucked in a quiet breath, as if we’d shocked him.

That wouldn’t stop Carlos. He wasn’t an exhibitionist. He was a sadist, and the only thing better than causing someone physical pain was causing him emotional discomfort. Every pinch was designed to humiliate, every blow to subjugate. You’re not worthy, they said, and I lapped up every blow to my shrunken ego like the masochist I’d learned to be.

GIVEAWAY

Skye Warren is giving away a copy of Trust in Me to a commenter from each stop in the blog tour. In addition, every comment along the way enters you in the drawing for a $20 Amazon gift certificate.

What’s your favorite think about stories with dark, dangerous themes? Do you like reading about anti-heroes, or romances where the heroine can’t trust the hero, at least at first? Leave a comment to win.

Author info:

Skye Warren writes unapologetic erotica for those who like a little struggle with their sex, a little pain with their relationships. Her books are raw, sexual and perversely romantic. Visit www.skyewarren.com to read the free erotic romance and femdom erotica stories.

Website

Book Page / Book Trailer

Review: Love Is A Battlefield by Tamara Morgan

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:21:00 +0000

Title: Love is a Battlefield
Series: Games of Love, #1
Author: Tamara Morgan
Published: February 14, 2012
Pages: ebook
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Rating: C-
Reviewed by: Marq

Favorite quote: "Always with your books taking the place of real experience. Don't you ever just let yourself fall into the moment and feel it?"

summary from Goodreads
It might be modern times, but Kate Simmons isn’t willing to live a life without at least the illusion of the perfect English romance. A proud member of the Jane Austen Regency Re-Enactment Society, Kate fulfills her passion for courtliness and high-waisted gowns in the company of a few women who share her love of all things heaving.

Then she encounters Julian Wallace, a professional Highland Games athlete who could have stepped right off the covers of her favorite novels. He’s everything brooding, masculine, and, well, heaving. The perfect example of a man who knows just how to wear his high sense of honor—and his kilt.

Confronted with a beautiful woman with a tongue as sharp as his sgian dubh, Julian and his band of merry men aren’t about to simply step aside and let Kate and her gaggle of tea-sippers use his land for their annual convention. Never mind that “his land” is a state park—Julian was here first, and he never backs down from a challenge.

Marq's thoughts:
Love Is A Battlefield is an enjoyable story that's light on the romance. The majority of the book is about Julian and Kate trying to one up each other over a park that neither one of them owns or have rights to. The hero and heroine worked my nerves with their stubbornness. I thought the tricks to one up each other were kinda mean, not cute and funny. And the fight over the park took over the entire story. I felt very little connection to Kate and Julian and found the romance aspect of the plot seriously lacking.

While Love Is A Battlefield was an okay read, I found that I couldn't get into the whole Jane Austen re-enactment spiel and the Highland Games mainly because it's not something I see in my everyday life. I couldn't relate to their passion for it at all so I found the conflict over the park a bit much. It all seemed kinda a silly to me (as an outsider) and did not keep my engaged as the story progressed. Kate's reasoning for not giving in to Julian was because she was tired of being walked on and people not taking her and the JARRS seriously. But at every turn, Kate had no problem belittling Julian and his commitment to the Highland Games. I found Kate not that likable and kinda snotty. I could not understand what Julian saw in her and vice versa. I felt that they had zero chemistry.

I would have liked Love Is A Battlefield more if more of the story was focused on developing the romance between the main characters instead of their petty, childish tricks.

Review: Can't Help Falling In Love by Bella Andre

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:27:00 +0000

Title: Can't Help Falling In Love
Series: The Sullivans, #3
Author: Bella Andre
Published: December 11, 2011
Pages: ebook
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Rating: C
Reviewed by: Marq

Favorite quote: "You and me, we're going to talk to each other tonight. You're going to tell me when I make you feel good...or if I don't."

summary from Goodreads
Gabe Sullivan risks his life every day as a firefighter in San Francisco. But after learning a brutal lesson about professional boundaries, he knows better than to risk his heart to his fire victims ever again. Especially the brave mother and daughter he saved from a deadly apartment fire...and can't stop thinking about.

Gabe Sullivan risks his life every day as a firefighter in San Francisco. But after learning a brutal lesson about professional boundaries, he knows better than to risk his heart to his fire victims ever again. Especially the brave mother and daughter he saved from a deadly apartment fire...and can't stop thinking about.

Megan Harris knows she owes the heroic firefighter everything for running into a burning building to save her and her seven-year-old daughter. Everything except her heart. Because after losing her navy pilot husband five years ago, she has vowed to never suffer through loving - and losing - a man with a dangerous job again.

Only, when Gabe and Megan meet again and uncontrollable flames of desire ignite between them, how can he possibly ignore her courage, determination, and beauty? And how can she deny not only his strong bond with her daughter.but the way his sweetly sensual kisses are challenging her to risk everything she's been guarding for so long?

This winter, if one - or both - of them aren't careful, they just might end up falling in love.

Marq's thoughts:
Those Sullivan brothers really got it going on and Gabe is no exception. Who can resist a firefighter, especially one that saved your and your daughter's life? Megan is trying her hardest to resist the irresistible Gabe Sullivan but is failing miserably. Gabe isn't exactly rushing into a relationship with Megan. He has fallen for a fire victim that he has saved and it did not end well. But who can resist a precocious 7 year old who makes great muffins and is determined to see her mom and Gabe together?

Can't Help Falling in Love is a sexy and emotional romance. Both Gabe and Megan have incidents from their past that makes them wary of jumping into a relationship with each other. But if you have smoking hot chemistry, why resist? Megan's hesitancy to get involved with Gabe was understandable, at the beginning. But as their relationship progressed, she continues to put her insecurities on Gabe, comparing him to her dead husband. The one thing that annoyed me was Megan's hot and cold tendencies. She wavered back and forth between wanting to be with Gabe and not wanting to be with him. I couldn't understand why she couldn't make a decision especially after spending time with him and knowing that Gabe is not an adrenaline junkie who would purposely put his life in danger.

Other than Megan's indecisiveness, I enjoyed Can't Falling In Love. It was romantic and sexy. Gabe is a hot as hell firefighter (wouldn't expect anything less). I love the Sullivan family and can't wait to read the next book. Where can I find a family like this so that I can marry into it?

Guest Post: Author Amelia Fayer

noreply@blogger.com (Marq) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000

It’s Always the Quiet Ones….

Librarians get a bad rap. All too often the first thing that springs into a person’s head when they hear the word librarian is a very menacing and austere woman with a super tight bun and glasses who can only utter the words “Shhh,” and “Quiet.” Sort of a cross between the Witch of the West and a pterodactyl. I’m not sure why this is. Somewhere in our collective history must be some cartoon or television show that cemented this stereotypical idea of what librarians are like. I think that this is totally wrong

I think the phrase ‘it’s always the quiet ones,’ that comes into play here. Isn’t it always the ones you least suspect who end up being the sexiest? Advertising has us thinking that the fewer clothes a person has on the sexier they are, but that is just because they are in your face, you can’t help but notice them. The quiet book lover smoldering in the corner is probably one of the sexiest people you could find, because they’re not going to be a flash in the pan, they’re going to burn all night. And what is a librarian other than the ultimate book lover?

For many of us (for me certainly) books function as a sort of aphrodisiac – the smell of bindings and glue, how they feel in one’s hand, that first audible ‘crack’ when you open a new one, the well worn fingerprints on the cover of an old one. I’m even learning to have the same response to my e-reader. My husband knows, if he wants to set up a night for romancing, there are worse things he can do than presenting me with a book he knows I want to read.

And who is in charge of some of the largest repositories of these romantic materials, available in a town near you? Librarians. I rest my case.

Who else gets a bad rap for being ‘not sexy?’

Some like it hot, and some like it in the reference section.

Sara is having a love affair with books. But, since books can't make love to you, it means she's in the middle of a very long dry spell. Until a sexy Brit shows up. Suddenly she's learning just how stimulating a library can be up against a bookcase, behind the card catalog, on the circulation desk…

Meanwhile: Veronica is incredibly frustrated. While Sara and her new man are using the library as their personal adult playground, she's stuck with only her thesis and her sexual fantasies. But Andrew, her crush, isn't above using his assets to get Veronica right where he wants her: alone, in a darkened corner of the stacks. Who knew reading could be this pleasurable?

Amelia will be giving away a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Please follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/lust-in-library-by-amelia-fayer.html

Promo: Supernaturally Kissed by Stacey Kennedy

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:01:00 +0000

Supernaturally Kissed
By Stacey Kennedy

BLURB:
Ghosts harass and annoy Tess Jennings to save their souls. Sometimes she helps them. Other times she ignores them. But one ghost will give her no choice.

Kipp McGowen, a cop with the Memphis Police Department, will stop at nothing to gain her help, including using his ghostly charms to seduce her. Tess must help solve the five year old cold case of Hannah Reid, because solving the case will save Kipp. But a bigger problem presents itself. Tess is falling in love with a ghost. Now she must decide.

Keep Kipp forever or find the killer…

BUY LINK: http://www.staceykennedy.com/supernaturally-kissed/

EXCERPT:

An icy wisp of air swept in behind me, causing my heel to twist as I stumbled. To the other pedestrians striding along the downtown Memphis street, the sensation would be brushed off as a cold breeze.

They were wrong. A spirit lingered here.

“Can you hear me?”

From the intrigue rolling in his voice, he hadn’t expected me to acknowledge him. Shit! I’d already given myself away. A mistake I’d rectify.

Without hesitation, I righted my stance and strode forward with purpose, forcing myself to remain deaf to the voice. If I ignored ghosts long enough, they moved on and searched out someone else who held the same irritating ability, whom I had yet to meet.

Much to my annoyance, the ghost stayed right on my heels and his presence remained strong behind me. The cold air at my back remained a contrast to the warm morning air in front of me. Every hair on my neck stood up and goose bumps pimpled a trail along my skin. If only I could rub them away, but I didn’t dare. Ignoring him would make him go away.

“You can hear me, can’t you?” the ghost asked again.

Spirits were typically harmless, but annoying. I’m dead, what’s going on, why am I a ghost—yada, yada, yada. I quickened my steps and made my way down Peabody Place in hopes he’d leave me alone.

“Wait.”

He sounded desperate, which meant a big headache for me. If I hadn’t worn my damn slingbacks, I would’ve tried to run and hide. But the three-inch Manolos and the tight, tailored gray skirt restrained my movements.

I passed Miss Polly’s Soul Food Café, and the delicious aroma of bacon and eggs drifted along the air. My empty stomach complained. My only thought after I woke had been caffeine. Now I wished I’d grabbed a muffin with my latté at Starbucks. With ten minutes to get to my desk, I couldn’t worry about such things.

My boss, Event Manager Dylan Cobb, would hand me my ass if I stepped into the office a minute late. Sadly, there’d never been a day I didn’t cater to his every need.

I approached Beale Street and sighed in relief, relishing the warmth surrounding me. Not only from the sun above—the spirit’s cold presence at my back had vanished. Pleased my dodge of him had worked, I took a sip of my energy in a cup and smiled. Coffee’s fantastic, the ghost is gone—life is good.

Another block passed under my heels before I reached the historical red-brick building. Randall Marketing, written in black block letters, decorated the striped green-and-white awning.

I opened the door to the office and strode in, greeted by a bubbly voice. “Good morning, Tess.”

“Mornin’.”

“Give me a moment here.” Doris shuffled paperwork around her desk, her auburn curls bouncing on her shoulders. The receptionist had always been messy, yet somehow organized. “There were a few messages on the voicemail for you.” She raised her head and held out the pink slips of paper. “A lovely day today, is it not?”

“Sure is.” So I lied. The ghost hadn’t kicked off my day on a high note. Not as if I’d tell her about my interaction with spirits. My ability to converse with spirits remained on a need-to-know basis, and as far as it concerned me, no one needed to know. I grabbed the messages from her hand. “Did your weekend treat you good?”

“I spent the entire weekend knee-deep in my garden.” Her cocoa-colored eyes lit up. “My best year ever, I’m hoping. You’ll have to come out and have a look-see.”

“I’d love to.” Doris treasured her gardens, so I tried to appear interested, even though my green thumb looked black.

Her smile brightened, but when the phone rang, she waved a goodbye and answered the call. “It’s another beautiful day here at Randall Marketing, how may I direct your call?”

Leaving her behind, I strode down the hall toward my office and sipped my coffee. The warmth slid down my throat and provided an immediate rush to my energy levels. At the third door on the right, I entered my bleak workspace with its pale-blue walls, closed the door behind me and approached the desk. I dropped down into the black leather chair and flipped through the messages. None were urgent enough to worry about now.
I powered up my computer, but a knock at the door had me glancing up. Before I got a word out, the door swished open and I cringed, fully aware of the looming trouble.

Caley, the officer manager and my best friend since the age of four, looked like a typical Barbie. Perfect skin, long flowing blonde hair and a body men drooled over. I might have been jealous of her perfection since I couldn’t pull off her looks even with a makeover—so maybe a little envious—but her appearance had always been a front. She was the devil in disguise.

She scowled, shutting the door behind her with a slam. “Do you mind explaining where you were all weekend?”

“At home.” I batted my lashes. “Why? Did you try to call me?”

She pointed her finger, narrowing her eyes at me. “Don’t you try that shit on me. I called you all weekend and your phone went straight to voicemail.”

“Hmm…” I pretended to ponder. “The battery must have died.” She had enough gall to just come over, but the little hint had been a subtle way of telling Caley to leave me alone.

“Liar.” She plopped down in the seat across from my desk. “Where were you? I wanted to go out.”

“Nowhere. Honestly, I vegged on the couch.”

Caley snorted. “You lead such an exciting life.”

My mouth parted to offer a snappy retort, but a cold wisp of air brushed across my skin, causing my lips to snap shut. Damn! I thought I’d got rid of him.

“Hello.” Caley snapped her fingers in front of my face. “Leave the aliens behind and return to Mother Earth.”

I blinked, trying to force my attention back to her, yet failing. The ghost knelt right beside Caley—not kneeling, of course; more like floating, since ghosts were never able to obtain physical contact with the world around them—and my focus held strong on him, unable to stop myself from ogling. He stared intently, with one crystal-blue eye, while the other was a chocolate color. His strong jaw, the muscles clenching along his cheeks, all spoke of power. But as he ran his hand through his untidy sandy-colored hair, his expression showed playfulness. His black tank top left his arms exposed and muscles upon muscles layered those arms.

“Anyways,” she said, dragging my gaze back to her. “I had to go out with Susanne because you left me high and dry.”

I laughed. Caley’s horny, twenty-year-old stepsister had the body that men chased after. “You did have the option to stay home, you know.”

Her eyes widened. “On a Saturday night?”

“Yeah, you know, get some popcorn, watch a movie and relax.”

She frowned. “If you don’t stop your grandma behavior, your va-jay-jay is going to shrivel up and die.”

The ghost chuckled.

His smooth laugh hit me like a cup of warm cocoa, causing my insides to melt. Nothing amused me. First off, Caley had been so wrong—maybe a little right—but I’d never admit to her accuracy aloud. Second, reacting in such a heated way to a ghost definitely didn’t hit my to-do list today.

“Excuse me.” I spoke not only to Caley, but also to the irritating ghost. “My va-jay-jay is just fine.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear you’ve still got some spunk.” She stood and placed her hands on her hips. “Because we’ve got a double date tonight.”

“A what?” Dear God!

She grinned from ear to ear. “Yes, my dearest Grammy, we’re going out.”

“With who?”

“Two guys I met on Saturday night. You’re coming with me, either willingly or unwillingly, so suck up your hesitations, babe, because saying no isn’t an option.”

“But it’s a Monday night.” Not saying a date didn’t sound like fun. A month had passed since my last attempt at dating—which failed miserably—but a man Caley chose while drunk? No thanks. My sex life might have been as dead as the sexy ghost in front of me, but I’d still search for a way out. “I have to work tomorrow.”

She wagged her finger in classic Caley fashion. “You’re a grandma.”

Most times, I respected her persistent personality. She never backed down, always dreamed big and went for the gold, but her grit hadn’t been all rays of sunshine. Her determination made her annoyingly tenacious. I had to agree or she’d never give up, and getting her out of my office sounded all too good. “Fine. I’ll go with
you.”

“Oh, stop looking so pissy. We’ll have fun. Promise. I’ll come to your place at eight.” She opened the door, glanced over her shoulder and winked. “Leave the granny panties at home.”

* * * * *

The day came and went. My head pounded, not because my boss had been as demanding as any two-year-old, which he did often, but because the ghost hadn’t shut up. The past hours, even after I returned home to get ready for tonight,he’d tried his best to gain my attention. Good thing I’m great at tuning people—ghosts—out, or I would’ve caved after hour two.

“I’m not leaving until you admit you can hear me,” the ghost said.

With a flick of my shag-cut brown hair—that actually didn’t give me any trouble tonight—to dismiss him, I strode next to Caley, heading back toward the downtown core. Dressed in my low-riding, dark wash jeans and blue plaid three-quarter-length-sleeve top, tied to leave my midriff exposed, at least I looked half decent while I suffered through the embarrassing blind date.

The ghost’s tone came a little louder and more abrupt. “Dammit, woman! Will you stop ignoring me? It’s annoying.”

I’m annoying him? I nearly laughed at the ridiculous notion, but did not intend to give myself away. I’d held strong for nine hours. Soon, he’d catch the drift and piss off.

Caley knocked my arm. “Will you stop looking so tight assed?”

I glanced away from the sidewalk and smiled at her. “My ass is tight.” Okay, not eighteen-year-old tight, but only twenty-five now, I worked hard to keep things tight.

She chuckled. “You’re…”

“Damn right, you do, sweet cheeks,” the ghost said.

Caley stopped dead in her tracks, which caused me to stumble. “What’s got you blushing?”

I righted my stance, raised my hand to my face and, to my horror, my cheeks were warm. “I’m not blushing. I I I’m hot.”

“Unless you somehow turned into a lesbian and have fallen for your best friend,you’re acting weird.”

“I do love you.” At her widened eyes, I laughed. “But I don’t want you in the sack. Seriously, I’m just hot.”

The ghost’s voice deepened. “Ah, a way to grab your attention, I see.”

The little purr hanging off his tone made my stomach flip-flop. Clearly, I craved some attention and needed to get some in a bad way if I reacted in such a heated way to a non-living person.

I shoved the ridiculous reaction away and focused back on Caley, falling into stride with her. “Who’s the guy I’m hooking up with tonight?”

“He’s just your type.” She wiggled her brows. “You’re going to thank me later.”

“What do you mean my type?” I liked men, all types of them, and I’d never confine my options into a little box. Caley had apparently taped the box shut and shipped the package.

“He’s a pro baseball player and is home visiting his family for a couple days.”

“A pro, huh?” Maybe I had fooled myself into believing I didn’t have a type, because hearing baseball player made my interest rise. Images of skintight white pants and a scrumptious ass filled my mind.

“Yeah, he’s got the looks too.” She nudged her shoulder into mine. “And the money.”

“Women,” the ghost muttered.

I ignored the ghost like the ghost he was, turned onto Beale Street and Coyote Ugly Saloon appeared. A line of people outside meant an hour of waiting. Not as if I thought we’d have to wait. I had Caley with me, after all.

She snatched up my hand, yanking me forward, and hurried her steps. “Brandon,” she called out.

Two men turned toward her, and evidently, Caley knew my type better than I did, since either of the men would have fallen into the fantasy category.

“I’m so glad y’all came,” Brandon said.

Caley gave one of her pageant smiles. “We’re glad you asked us to come.”

“You must be Tess.”

I glanced toward hunk number two. He held the typical all-American look—brown hair, blue-eyed, charming smile, and with his dimple, I suspected he could woo his way into anyone’s bed. Maybe even mine if he played his cards right tonight.

“I’m Trent.”

“Nice to meet you.” I ogled his trim body and handsome face and caught sight of the big white D on his navy-blue hat. “You play for Detroit?”

He nodded. “Both Brandon and I do. We were lucky enough to get a little time off to see the family.”

“Figures, Detroit sucks,” the ghost said.

I smiled, keeping my focus on Trent, ignoring the annoyingly sexy voice by my ear.

“Come on, let’s go get a drink.” Caley wrapped her arm in Brandon’s and approached the bouncer. If one good thing came from her charismatic pushy attitude, she’d always been quite the social butterfly. No one, including me, ever said no to her.

“Did you grow up here in Memphis?” I asked Trent.

“Born and raised.”

Seemed as if he wanted to say more, but Caley interrupted with her typical impatient yell. “Come on, y’all.”
I glanced over my shoulder to find her waving her hands. “We’ve been summoned.”

Trent chuckled.

I strode past the irritated crowd, who didn’t have a Caley in their group to push their way through. Entering the bar, loud country music, accompanied by hoots and hollers, rang out around me. The stench of sweat made my nose crinkle. Caley pointed to a table across the way and I maneuvered through the partygoers, following her.

At the table, Trent held out a stool and gestured for me to sit. He sure played his cards right to a royal flush. I slid onto the stool, and he asked, “What’s your drink?”

“A cold beer sounds great.”

He winked. “My kind of lady.”

The boys headed to the bar. I glanced over at Caley, who bounced up and down on her seat in excitement. “I did good, right?”

I nodded, not at all ashamed to give her props for her choice. “He’s not only sexy as sin, but a gentleman too. You did great.”

The ghost snorted.

I’d forgotten all about him and had hoped he wouldn’t follow me into the bar. Nothing would ruin my excitement now. A long time had passed since I’d met anyone worth meeting. The ghost wouldn’t put a damper on my fun.

Within minutes, Trent and Brandon returned to the table with four beers in hand. I claimed a bottle, took a long sip and sighed in happiness. After the day I had, the beer comforted me. The alcohol refreshed the senses, revived the mood and removed the tension sitting heavy on my shoulders.

Trent grinned. “Looks like you needed a drink.”

I licked the dribble of beer from my lips. “I’ve been craving a beer all day long.” I set the bottle onto the table. “So, tell me, what’s it like to play baseball as a pro?”

I’ve never regretted saying words more in my life. One question led to a twenty-minute conversation I wished I’d never instigated. Caley, the traitor, had vanished onto the dance floor with Brandon, which left me with the pompous stud.

“I’ve grown as a player…” Trent went on.

“This guy is a fucking joke,” the ghost said.

I almost turned my head to nod, but of course refrained. I continued to listen to Trent’s words without truly hearing what he had to say. I merely muttered “yeah” or “cool” when appropriate.

“If I were him, I would’ve skipped the conversation all together and had you back in my bed the moment I laid eyes on you.”

He did not just say that! My stomach leapt up into my throat and my body warmed in places that shouldn’t from a ghost. He’d only said words—not used soft touches to entice me—but the way his voice carried into my soul, the effect had been similar to sweet caresses. “The coach has been pleased…”

The ghost’s tone dropped an octave. “I wouldn’t have wasted the time with small talk. I would’ve used my mouth to learn my way around your luscious curves and used your responses to tell me about the woman you are.”

I squirmed on the stool in an attempt to ignore the soft purr of his voice sending shivers down my spine. I even leaned in further toward Trent and tried to concentrate on his boring conversation.

“After I tasted your sweet skin and saw your desperation for more, I would kiss your mouth until your lips were rosy and swollen. I’d deepen the kiss by tangling my fingers through your hair and holding you close to feel all of me.”

I gulped, crossed my legs and squeezed them tight. He’s a ghost! Nothing that involved him should arouse me. But the pulse between my thighs declared he held the power to make me undone.

“I’d kiss my way along your jaw while I lowered my hand to trail along your stomach. Then I would seek to discover all those little places that make you squirm.”

He ran his finger from below my ear all the way to my nape. His touch forced my eyes closed. A cold shiver danced along my skin to leave goose bumps in its wake. Wild sensations stole my logical mind. My will to ignore him plummeted.

“Tess,” Caley shouted.

I opened my eyes, and after taking a moment to focus, I discovered not only Caley staring at me, but Trent and Brandon too.

She frowned. “What’s wrong with you?”

I shook my head and released the breath stuck in my throat, which came out in a slow wisp of air. “Nothing—I’m fine.”

“I’d lower myself between those luscious legs of yours, tempting you and teasing you. I’d stare into those pretty green eyes of yours until they widened in pleasure.”

“You’re not fine,” Caley retorted. “Your face is bright red.”

“I’d wait until your hips arched toward me and begged me to take you. Then, and only then, would I give you what you desire.”

I grabbed my beer, took a big swig and a couple more. All eyes stared at me with blatant confusion. Part of me wanted to move away, while the other needed to hear more.

“Ah, Tess,” Caley whispered. “Seriously, are you okay?”

I paid my obvious inappropriate behavior no attention. The fantasy the ghost built in my mind needed to have a conclusion. “Yes. Yes. I’m good.”

“I would thrust against you, demanding you react to my intentions. You’d scream out and I would echo the sound with a moan of my own, as I used all my strength to satisfy you.”

Caley chuckled nervously.

I gripped the edge of the table in front of me and held on tight.

“You’d come into your orgasm because I’d leave you with no other choice. But I wouldn’t stop there.” He ran his finger along my exposed lower back and the coldness against my hot skin made me shiver. “Without giving you the chance to recover, I’d flip you over on your knees,” his tone dipped lower, “and fuck you senseless.”

I shot up from my seat, which caused the stool to slam back into the person behind me, who swore in return. “I have to go.”

Caley nodded. “Ah yeah, I think you do.”

Without another word—or a goodbye to the living men or the dead one who had got me all hot and bothered—I bolted from the bar and ran so hard my calves burned, reminding me of the three-inch heels strapped to my feet.

The ghost didn’t follow me and nothing pleased me more. I needed some space, time to return to reality or to pleasure the need out of me—either would do.

Within only a few minutes, I arrived at my condominium, which appeared more like an old textile factory, but inside were renovated modern apartments. The arousal burning inside me hadn’t vanished. The wetness between my thighs was a constant reminder of the ghost’s words.

I ran up the stairs while I took my keys out from my back pocket. At the thick mahogany wooden door, I raised my key pass to the scanner, grabbed the chrome door handle and swung it open.

Just three doors down, I opened the door to my condo before slamming it closed behind me. I didn’t bother to lock the door and did the only thing I thought of now. I sprinted to the bedroom, stripped out of my clothes and finished the fantasy the ghost had built in my mind.

About the Author:

Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart-squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and they even give you a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll also find fast-paced action, life-threatening moments and a big bad villain who needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance eBooks bestseller lists.

Stacey welcomes comments from readers. You can find her at www.staceykennedy.com

Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 02:53:00 +0000

A couple of giveaways have ended and here are the winners:

pdf copy of The Master by Anya Winter
Na

Winner of The Legacy of Eden by Nelle Davy
Vivien

Congratulations to the winners!

Early Review: Time Out by Jill Shalvis

noreply@blogger.com (Marquetta W) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Title: Time Out (Harlequin Blaze)
Author: Jill Shalvis
Release Date: March 1, 2012
Pages: 224
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: NetGalley
Rating: B+
Reviewed by: Marq

Favorite quote: "What if my dry spell is like the Sahara Desert, never-ending?"

summary from Goodreads

Sign up for recreational adult programs now!
Class: How to Drive Him Crazy

Instructional program for women unexpectedly facing the totally dishy guy from their past. Everyone Welcome!

NHL coach Mark Diego’s plan to spend his off-season volunteering in his hometown goes awry when he learns that not only is he coaching teenage girls, but that the program is coordinated by energetic (and five feet two inches of trouble) coordinator Rainey Saunders, his childhood friend–and the woman he could never stand to see dating any other guy…

When their tempers flare, Mark and Rainey discover their fireworks don’t just burn angry–they burn very, very, hot! But that’ll just sweeten the victory. Because Mark always plays to win. And with Rainey, he’s planning on playing very dirty too…

Marq's thoughts:
When I read a Jill Shalvis book I expect humor, romance, off the charts sexual chemistry along with a quirky, funny heroine and a sexy, hot, alpha hero. She did not disappoint with Time Out.

I love stories where the hero and heroine already have an established history. Rainey and Mark have known each other all their lives. Rainey, at one point, wanted to lose her virginity to Mark but her plans didn't work out the way she anticipated. Now Mark is back and he finds the grown up, adult Rainey hard to resist.

Time Out is the perfect read on a cold, winter's afternoon. The sexual tension between Mark and Rainey is scorching hot. I love how despite Rainey's determination to stay as far away from Mark as possible, he's in her face at every turn. She can't get rid of him. And the more she's around him, the more she's thinking maybe she doesn't want to get rid of him.

Jill Shalvis knows how to write heroines who are normal and relatable. Rainey is never vamped up and most of the time she's not looking her best whenever Mark is around. When they first see each other, she is soaked from head to toe thanks to the kids spraying her with water at the car wash. Rainey's attempts at seduction are not practiced or rehearsed and sometimes the results are funny (a failed striptease that was hilarious).

Time Out is another hit from Jill Shalvis. I'm a huge fan so in my eyes she can do no wrong. I love how her stories incorporate humor, romance and mucho sexiness. And Time Out is no exception.