Vixen Reviews...

oops!

2012-01-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Oops. Sorry about that, folks. Posted it to the wrong blog. However, if you like Gothic fiction, do check out Ms. Van Scoyoc's news:

No One Makes It Out Alive! New Anthology!

New indie releases from Ellora's Cave

2011-12-28T08:24:00.000-08:00

Hi all, did you have a good Christmas? I did. Now it's back to the ole work grind, I guess.What’s coming up for the ole e-readers this week? Well…I have a list.

From Ellora’s Cave
Redeeming Alec by Nikki Soarde
A Breech of Promise by Victoria Vane
Dominating Dekalia by Reese Gabriel
Temporary Mistress by Cecily French
Stolen Nights by Rea Thomas
Fueling Her Fire by Piper Trace
Wild Irish Christmas by Mari Carr
Fueling Her Fire by Piper Trace
Make Me Shiver by Aline Hunter
Meredith’s Awakening by Sierra Summers and VJ Summers
Peak Experience by Rachel Kenley
The Bond That Ties Us by Christine d’Abo
Full Moon Christmas by Sherri L. King
Silent Knight by Delilah Devlin
Loved by a Werewolf by Marisa Chenery
Prodigal Slave by Roxy Harte
Uncertainly Yours by Fran Lee
With Her Hunger by Lorie O’Clare
Wagered Kiss by Hetty St. James
Cold Nights, Hot Bodies by Lily Harem

In Paperback:
A Silver Mirror by Roberta Gellis
Deep In the Woods by Annabel Joseph
Ring Around The Moon by Anita Birt
Destiny Calls by Samantha Wayland
Lucien’s Khamsin by Charlotte Boyette-Compo
Lily in Wonderland by Kelly Fitzpatrick
Hot, Hard & Howling by Mari Freeman
The Surrender of Lacy Morgan by Suzanne Ferrel

there's also a few from Samhain:

Head Rush by Carolyn Crane
Hot For Santa by Lacey Alexander
Stark Naked by Desiree Holt
Cowboy Casanova by Lorelei James
Game of Hearts by Kate Donovan
Once A Mistress by Debra Mullins
Twisted Up by Lissa Matthews
Stowaway by Becky Barker
Heavenly Match by Sharon DeVita
Break and Enter by by Aleksandr Voinov and Rachel Haimowitz
Heart of Flame by Janine Ashbless
Tangled in Tulle by Nikki Duncan
Sam’s Promise by Anne Rainey
Love and War by Patricia Hagan
True Colors by Thea Harrison
Convergence by Ally Blue
Lakota Surrender by Karen Kay
Unacceptable Risk by Jeanette Grey
A Gift of Trust by Jeanette Grey

From The Wilder Rose Press

Rafe's Redemption by Jennifer Jakes (I think it's been released recently?? Maybe in paperback?)
Inter-Office Relations by Louisa Masters
Dillon's Claim by Callie Croix
Operation: Tempt Me by Christina James
Painted With Pleasure by Dena de Paulo
Riding Rodeo by Emma Lai
Overtime Play by Kasey Moone
Bite the Bullet by Desiree Holt
Pleasure Island by Kellie Kamryn

All these are available at the above linked sites or Amazon.com. So, I hope you find something you like here. :) Have a good one!

Joanne Rock's Blaze title: Under Wraps

2011-12-22T11:00:00.001-08:00

Under Wraps
by Joanne Rock
Published by Harlequin Blaze.
(My review copy came from Ms. Rock. :) Thanks, Joanne!)
*review is cross-posted from my new blog

In Joanne Rock's Blaze title Under Wraps, Marnie Wainright’s left her previous employment behind under not too pleasant circumstances. Though she’s a little perplexed and hurt at her abrupt dismissal she really loves the work she does at her new agency, Lose Yourself, which offers specialty vacations for the adventurous and with the holidays approaching, business is booming.

She doesn’t know however, that someone is watching her.

PI Jake Brennan's fallen for Marnie, while staking out her new digs at Lose Yourself. She may or may not be involved in the corporate embezzling that led to her dismissal, and Jake sure hopes not. What a damper that might put on the fantasies he’s been having—and the collection of tapes of her he’s made all for himself—I mean, for his case, of course. ;)

But Marnie's found his hidden cameras and is *furious*. While he sets off on his the next leg of his hunt for the embezzler, Marnie refuses to be left behind. Of course, since their destination is a decidedly adult resort in upstate NY, they may have to falsify more than their ID’s. They can keep the sparks between them at bay, right?

Meanwhile, the desk clerk Lianna is charged by her boyfriend Alec to watch for “newcomers” to the resort. Marnie and Jake fit that bill, so she begins following them, and comes in handy when Marnie’s dragged into a locked room with a couple thugs. But Jake’s pretty sure she’s up to no good, he also thinks the hulking twin brother Raul and Rico might be part of the scheme.

How’s he supposed to keep Marnie safe with all these threats? Who’s really after her?

More importantly, what’s the ultra-sexy resort going to do to their inhibitions, and the incredible heat sizzling between them?

;) You’ll have to read Under Wraps to find out.

Don’t let the holiday theme deter you, Joanne Rock handles the plot so well, the sprinkles of holiday cheer didn’t glare as much as other holiday themed books might. I’m my opinion I think her book could really be read at any time of the year just as easily. Any fan of contemporary romance, holiday-flavored romance, and romances with a little sizzle will enjoy Under Wraps, I think. (and if you wanted to gift it for Christmas, well, you won’t be disappointed). If you’d like a copy, it’s still available via amazon.com in Kindle format, and barnesandnoble.com has the Nook version, and also in paperback.

What are you reading?

2011-12-20T04:49:00.000-08:00

A day late, here's my version of What are you reading Monday already? (A day late, sorry. I've been working my fingers off on a manuscript.)

Well here's what I'm reading , that I thought you might like:

In a holiday mood (OMG, can you believe Christmas in next Sunday?), I've been reading Joanne Rock's Under Wraps.

The book blurb reads:

Marnie Wainwright started her fantasy escapes travel agency, Lose Yourself… to spice up boring dialing routines for others. But when she discovers she’s the subject of a deliciously hot private investigator’s surveillance, she suddenly starts living her own wildest fantasies. After all, what better gift could she get than a chance to spend the holidays at a quaint Adirondack Inn—which just happens to offer naughty playtime for sensually adventurous couples—with her sexy PI?

Jake Brennan should keep his hands off Marnie. But she’s delectable… irresistible! And the longer he keeps his desire under wraps, the more he wants her.

If only she wasn’t his number one suspect…

Lose Yourself… what you find might change your life.

It's available for Amazon's Kindle, or Nook, if you'd like to check it out.

This one actually came out last Christmas, and I had hoped to get to it, but longtime readers remember what a downer last Christmas was for me here. I really am enjoying it (Under Wraps) though. What can I say? I just like Ms. Rock's voice and style. *nods* I think romance fans'll like this one. (And ladies, really. Come on. Don't you just love that cover??? ;))

Full review forthcoming.

Christine Pope's Mistletoe Magic

2011-12-13T06:15:00.000-08:00

Got a new review up at my new book blog: Mistletoe Magic by erotic romance author Christine Pope. If you'd like to see it, it's up here: http://wp.me/p1twUF-91

Sloane Parker Giveaway

2011-12-08T10:16:00.001-08:00

Author Sloane Parker stopped by Rarely Dusty Books, and there's a giveaway involved. If you'd like to see, it's still up here.

Erotic romance author Louisa Bacio

2011-11-04T16:47:00.000-07:00

Erotic author Louisa Bacio is guest on my blog today. She's too is including a giveaway, so do please stop by, and see it here.

Cyber Launch Party: Celebrating The TOYS-4-US Releases

2011-11-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

Cyber Launch Party: Celebrating The TOYS-4-US Releases: Today on our Cyber Launch Party Blog, we're celebrating the release of the TOYS-4-US Series - A scorching hot erotic romance series with by Nicole Austin, Desiree Holt, Cerise Deland, and Allie Standifer.

And they're giving away a Kindle Fire. Details at the link above.

Erotic romance author April Ash guest blog

2011-10-31T09:05:00.000-07:00

Romance author April Ash (posting today as Marianne Stephens) is my guest w/ a ghost story, and a little about her newest April Ash release Sexy Games:

You can read her post here http://t.co/4bGo46wf

Enjoy and Happy Halloween!

Guest post with Desiree Holt

2011-10-28T15:50:00.000-07:00

Authors Desiree Holt and Allie Standifer have a guest post up at my other blog, if you'd like to see it:

http://t.co/K1xzniUo

They're talking about their collective writing process and their new book for Ellora's Cave, Turn Up the Heat.

Halloween event--Lex Valentine.

2011-10-27T07:37:00.001-07:00

As the Halloween festivities continue, I'm hosting Erotic paranormal romance author Lex Valentine today. You can see her post (and a giveaway) on what informs her stories, here.

new releases

2011-10-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

If you like her (I LOVE her) Kim Knox's new book Energy, book four in her Planetary Bodies series, for Ellora's Cave, comes out tomorrow.

Or if you're in the mood for werewolves, Marissa Chenery's Werewolf Claimed just came out this week.

Also available at Ellora's Cave.

Last but not least, my friend Melody S. Monroe's Fantasy Resort series is now available. Book one, Three Hired Lovers is available here. Book two, Undercover Fantasy, is available here, and book three, Hidden Fantasy is here. Book Four will be released October 31.

Cindy Spencer Pape

2011-10-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

Hi folks. I hope you're doing well.... I just wanted to pop in here and let you know of another guest at my blog. Cindy Spencer Pape is guesting, speaking about --what else--Halloween, and her latest release, All Hallow's Evie.

She will be giving away a copy come October 30, as part of an author's blog hop she's participating in so if you want to see her contribution to my Halloween party, go here: http://wp.me/p1tw8T-iT And don't forget to leave her a question or comment to get in the running. :) Enjoy!
All Hallow's Evie
Holiday Hearts, Book Five.
available here: http://bit.ly/oMY31P

Debra Glass--Halloween guest blog

2011-10-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

Erotic Romance and YA author Debra Glass is guest blogging about her foray into YA literature, Haunted, specifically the homes used in the story. Veerrrryyy interesting stuff. :) If you'd like to see her post it's up on my other blog here. (Psst. She's giving away a copy of Haunted to one lucky commenter, so do stop by.)

(And if you like, please do subscribe to that new blog. I won't be review so much per se, but maybe soon might have some good news about my own books. :) So if you want to hear more about that as time goes on, please do subscribe) Meanwhile, enjoy Debra's post!

Dark Leopard Magic--mini review

2011-10-17T13:02:00.000-07:00

I finally finished up one gifted to me from a blog hop a while back, Dark Leopard Magic by Sapphire Phelan this week. It is a male/male paranormal erotic romance novella by Ms. Phelan where a young male shapeshifter named Dev has grown up an orphan and not always had the best time of it. Then he finds his soulmate in an African man named Montsho, who until he starts dreaming of Dev, has never had any attraction to men. The two men end up in Key West, Florida and becoming, shall we say acquainted with each other, they find a mystery awaiting them, in the form of a phantom who insists they find his lover's murderer.

This is the first m/m story I've ever read and some of it is a little disturbing (what poor Dev goes through especially). I figure it won't be for everyone, but if you like m/m paranormal erotic romance and would like to check it out you can find more about it, and read a short excerpt, here, and get it on Kindle here or for the Nook, here.

Halloween blog with Rosemary Cross.

2011-10-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hi folks. Just wanted to leave a note for you here,I've been lacking material here, but I have a new blog (That's the one I've been maintaining lately with very few books coming in for review.)and over there, my Halloween extravaganza, started this week, is continuing. Today I have erotic paranormal romance author Rosemary Cross guesting with her top five favorite Vampires, and a little giveaway. Please do stop by here:

http://tinyurl.com/3z7kqqj

We'd love to have you!

Tuesday Teaser

2011-10-04T10:04:00.000-07:00

(A Meme by Should Be Reading)

This particular book is a first for me (yes I've never read m/m before...unless you count the m/m bent of some of the characters in Robin Hobb's Dragon Haven (which, by the way, I reviewed on here, on my other blog, last week).

Anyway, for this meme, this is a first. I hope someone finds this bit intriguing.

From Dark Leopard Magic by Sapphire Phelan.
pg.20 "He used the Beast magic to fight back, but somehow, some way, mine was stronger."

Interested in reading more? You can get it here, at Phaze Books.

Thanks to Sapphire for gifting me with this copy, that I won from a blog hop stop. :)

New releases for early October

2011-10-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

There are another set of releases to tell you about. Let's see what's coming this week, shall we?

From Liquid Silver Books:

Hell’s Revenge by Eva Langlas (Liquid Silver)

Commanded to Dream by Jennifer Leeland (Liquid Silver)

Velvet Memories by Violet Summers (Liquid Silver)

Siren-Bookstrand

Corralling the City Girl by Stacey Espino (available Oct, 6)

Ravished by the Moon by Morgan Fox (available Oct. 5)

The Field Testing of the Kama Sutra by Beth Gray (Beth is a friend of mine, and this is her debut release, so congrats, Beth!)

Alex’s Secret by Lynn Hagen

Undercover Fantasy by Melody S. Monroe (She's a friend of mine also, so congrats, Melody! :))

His Sugar Baby by Sarah Roberts (available Oct. 4)

Au Naturel by Ernestine Winn

From Ellora’s Cave

Stealing Hearts by Susan Ashworthy

Steeplechase by Blair Bancroft

Party Naked by Mari Carr

Arousing Memories by Samantha Cayto

Loose Lips by Wynter Daniels

Bitten in the Big Easy by Delilah Devlin and Paisley Smith

Therian Prey by Cyndi Friberg

Roped Emotions by Elise Hepner

Bedroom Eyes by Desiree Holt

Turn up the Heat by Desiree Holt and Allie Standifer

Omega Mine by Aline Hunter

Resignation by Missy Jane

Pirate’s Prisoner by Cyna Kade and Kathleen Lash

Turn-Down Service by Lolita Lopez

Completing the Circle by Carol Lynne

Going Up by Lena Matthews

Pirate’s Prize by B.J. McCall and Paige Tyler

Curio by Cara McKenna

One Knight Only by Michelle Miles

Mistress in the Making by Lynne Silver

All Other Things by Charlotte Stein

Desire Unleashed by Savannah Stuart

Lady’s Minstrel by NJ Walters

In Paperback:

Wedding Belles by Desiree Holt, Allie Standifer, and Cerise Deland

Dial B for Bondage by Delilah Devlin, Kathy Kulig, Francesca Hawley, Samantha Cayto

From the Wilder Roses line of The Wild Rose Press

(these are available at the Wilder Rose Press site here or (if you encounter some problem on the TWRP site, they're available also at Digi Books Cafe or in Amazon's Kindle store, or Barnes and Noble.com for the Nook)

Coming Back by Rachel Leigh

Dustin’s Gamble by JJ Ranger

Legally Bound by Rynne Raines

One Good Man by Nona Raines(due out Oct. 14)

Candy’s Kisses by Carys Weldon

Also coming this week:
Betraying the Pack by Eva Langlas (Amira Press) http://www.amirapress.com/

From Decadent Publishing:

Just Gotta Say by Laura Kaye

Sweet Irish Kiss by Joanne Kenkirk

From Evernight Publishing

The Last Princess by Stacey Espino

If you'd like to check these new releases out, you can find them at the websites listed above or at Amazon.com. I hope you find something to enjoy!

Desire Holt's rocking new lovers

2011-09-17T05:32:00.000-07:00

cover art by Syneca

Downstroke
by Desiree Holt
published by Ellora's Cave, Breathless line.
Plus Novel length
(My review copy came from Desiree Holt herself--thanks, Desiree! :))

In Desiree Holt’s one hundredth release, Downstroke, her hero, Dallas Creed, is a rock star on the comeback trail, and making a killing in the process… If he has one regret in his charmed life, it’s the girl he left behind in San Antonio, and about whom he still dreams: Charley Roper.

Charley has since moved on with her life, joined the FBI, got fed up with the rigmarole, and opened her own security firm. She’s spent years guarding stars of every ilk, and isn’t surprised to have a rock star come calling. The surprise is that it’s Dallas. He whom the last time they saw one another, she might have wanted to kill him, figuratively speaking, for breaking her heart. And the biggest surprise of all is that there is still a whole lot he still wants from her, if he can get her into his arms, and his bed. What woman can resist when a man looks at her with as much love—and lust—as Dallas does? Charley sure can’t!

The only trouble is, someone is really out to kill Dallas, and it’s up to Charley to catch him. Can Dallas convince Charley he made a terrible mistake letting her go? Can they put their battles aside long enough to keep Dallas alive? Or will Dallas not live to make his final concert in Tampa?

You’ll have to read to find out.

So for this one?

In Downstroke, Desiree Holt weaved together a very suspenseful plot, with a mystery, and little bit of fantasy—one written so vividly that I had to stop myself from wondering it there were tickets for Dallas’ shows! The sparks between Dallas and Charley are smoking hot, but enough to survive a killer, and twenty years with no contact? Well, you’ll have to see how it all plays out, yourself. If you’d like to check it out, Downstroke is available in various ebook formats, at the Ellora’s Cave website, Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and the Sony Readerstore.

(A slightly different version of this review is up at the Examiner here. If you'd please give it a click, I'd be appreciative! Thanks! :))

Melody S. Monroe

2011-09-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

My friend Melody S. Monroe is over at Cecil's All I want and More talking about her new hot debut release Verdict. Check it out here:

Wicked Wednesday 1

2011-09-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

This time around my offering's from a little erotic romance, so I'm putting it here. I hope y'all like it!
Wicked Wednesday 28 Meme courtesy of Cherry Mischievous
How does this work? According to Cherry:

"First you grab our Wicked Wednesday pic.
Then you grab a book. Turn to page 28. Take the first sentence. And then you post it in your site with a link back to WW28.
Come back to Cherry Mischievous - WW28 and give us the url of your post (in a comment at a WW28 post) so that other WW28 readers can find your WW28 offering."

So, my pick this week is from Desiree Holt's Breathless title for Ellora's Cave Downstroke.

pg. 28: She stalked over to the wall and eyed the damage. “Well, that’s a damn bullet, that’s for sure. Morgan, you’d better call the police. Get someone down here.”

Wow. See? Now then, want to know more, well, I'll be reviewing this asap, but meantime, you should check out Downstroke, of course.

Happy Release day, Eliza March!

2011-09-08T13:54:00.000-07:00

Okay folks, want to make sure no one misse this. *drum roll please*

My friend Eliza March had a new release today,

Dual Bondage, Roped and Tied (this is a follow-up to her popular Any Way West). and she's over at the Romance Studio for her release party Right now. Today. This minute. ;) So head on over there now and say hello!

Debra Glass' look at hot high fashion

2011-08-30T06:22:00.000-07:00

cover art by Syneca

Slave to Fashion
by Debra Glass
publsihed by Ellora's Cave, Legends line.

(My review copy came from Debra Glass. Thanks, Debra! :))

Debra Glass’ latest Historical Erotic Romance for Ellora’s Cave, Slave to Fashion, pits hot London seamstress Georgiana Talbot against Blane MacLaren, Lord Lockerbie, a Scottish linen merchant interested in convincing Georgiana to purchase his linen for her designs. Georgiana however has her sights on procuring a marriage proposals for her unmarried sisters, specifically a proposal from Blane’s rival linen merchant, Lord Griffin.

Blane makes a snap proposal of his own, and while Georgiana is shocked, she can’t help but be intrigued with the brave, handsome, brash Scot. The trouble is, the rival merchant whom she wants for her sister, has eyes for Georgiana much to her dismay.

So Blane offers to help Georgiana in her scheme, if she’ll agree to spend one month with him in Scotland--doing anything and everything he wishes, however taboo, without complaint. A little hard to swallow, since, well, Blane makes her insane with rage half the time.

It’s no secret I fell in love with Debra Glass’ work a long time ago and Slave to Fashion is no different. Despite the fact that it has some BDSM elements, that I don’t usually care for, this didn’t take away from my enjoyment of Slave to Fashion. Her depiction of the era, the mores and taboos of the time vivid, if (and she acknowledges this in the opening pages of the story) idea of a female fashion mogul proves she skewed the history just a bit. It works, and very well, for the book. This time out, she surprised me, there was some humor here I never expected, but it worked, especially to break the ice between these two hard-headed characters!

What do I think? Well, you know I love her work, so

Will she and Blane be able to keep their agreement from becoming something more than just carnal? Or will passion overwhelm Georgiana’s usual cold, calculating business sense? Want to find out what happens? Well, Slave to Fashion is available in ebook at Ellora’s Cave here.

It's also available for for Nook and Kindle.
For more about Debra Glass and her works—or more about Slave to Fashion— see her official website, and her essay about the story behind the story.

(*A slightly different version of this review is up at the Examiner, here. If you would be so kind as to give it a click, as ever, I'd be appreciative.)

Julia Rachel Barrett Guest today at new blog

2011-08-29T07:08:00.001-07:00

Erotic romance author Julia Rachel Barrett is guesting on my writing blog today, with a giveaway. You can read her post here. Do drop by! :)

Paranormal romance author Gabriella Hewitt Guesting today

2011-08-22T05:57:00.000-07:00

Romance author Gabriella Hewitt is going to be guesting on my other blog today, with an interesting post concerning her new Paranormal Romance novella release for Samhain. A little teaser, there are Aztec Warriors involved.

You can find her post here: http://wp.me/p1tw8T-aG
Please do stop by!

(Oh, and if you haven't yet, please do subscribe to that blog. I talk about lots of things, of course, but methinks it's to become my official blog from here on out. Thnx).

some newish releases

2011-08-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

I've been derelict in my duties. Sorry, my own writing schedule's getting in the way, but! Erotic romance author Ann Jacobs just had a new book released on August 5th.

For those interested, you can find it at Ellora's Cave, here.

Desiree Holt also had a new one release recently: Delicious Danger,

also available at Ellora's Cave,

And our chapter mate Jeffe Kennedy's first Quickie was just released (YEA, JEFFE! :)) entitled Feeding the Vampire.

If you'd like you can get that one at EC here.

Nicole Austin had two come out recently: Make Mine A Double and in paperback, Brock's Hellion.

So a few hot little tidbits to check out. :) Enjoy!

ParaYourNormal - Where Para is our Normal!: The Gunfighter and the Gear Head Excerpt: A Guest ...

2011-07-13T05:57:00.000-07:00

I ran across this interesting read with erotic indie author Cassandra Duffy today and thought to share it with you all here. Enjoy.

ParaYourNormal - Where Para is our Normal!: The Gunfighter and the Gear Head Excerpt: A Guest Post by Cassandra Duffy: "

My friend Rachel Firasek's new release -

2011-07-06T05:22:00.000-07:00

Her latest M/F/M menage has been released and I thought y'all might find it intriguing. Check details, cover and blurb out on her site here:
NEWS!!! I HAVE A NEW RELEASE -

Lust Undone by Desiree Holt

2011-06-23T14:08:00.000-07:00

Lust Undone (Night Seekers book three)
(Release date: June 15)

by Desiree Holt

Blurb:

Returning to her home state of Maine to investigate a possible Chupacabra killing, Sophia Black meets Clint Beltaire, lean, dark and sexy. From the moment she meets him the heat between them is incendiary, the sex erotic and the pleasure beyond her imagination. Clint takes her in ways that fulfill all of her fantasies and teaches her ways to please him. The Maine air might be cold but in Sophia’s motel room it’s beyond boiling. Clint works to help her with her case, using his knowledge of the area in which he grew up. And as they learn each others secrets it’s obvious to both of them that they are meant to be together. Mated.

Excerpt:

Sophia watched her, eyes tracking to the man behind the bar. And unexpectedly her pulse kicked over and heat flashed through her.

What the hell is this?

But the man seemed to carry an electric charge around him. He wasn’t that tall, not even six feet, she guessed. But inside the plaid shirt with the rolled up sleeves she could see the outline of a compact muscular body. Thick dark hair touched the collar of the shirt and she could see it sprinkled on his arms where they were visible. His face was rugged rather than handsome, at least as much as she could tell from that distance. A good case of five o’clock shadow gave him an intriguingly dangerous look. Then he raised his eyes to scan the booth and she felt their impact clear to her toes.

Sophia wriggled in her seat, trying to still the sudden ramped up beat of her pulse in her cunt. Why on earth in the midst of this crisis did her hormones suddenly decide to take a walk on the wild side?

“He and Frenchy sure don’t look anything alike,” she told her sister.

“I know. Hot, isn’t he? Every woman in the county’s been trying to get his attention.” Bec looked up from studying the menus. “And this seems to work out for both of them.” She gave her sister a knowing look and her mouth curved in a tiny smile. “Go on and introduce yourself to him, Soph. You know Frenchy always had a soft spot for you. You can ask him to pass along your greetings.”

“No.” Sophia shook her head. “No need to.”

“Chicken. Don’t tell me you’re afraid of a good looking man.”

“Of course not.” She buried herself in the menu.

“Come on.” Rebecca set her menu down and pushed against Logan to slide out of the booth. “Let’s go say hello. It will take your mind off the meeting we just had.” She made a face. “And the one tomorrow morning. Besides, I want to ask about his almost-uncle.”

“I don’t think—”

“Right. Don’t think.” She grabbed her sister’s hand and practically dragged her out of the booth. “He doesn’t bite. I promise.”

Sophia reluctantly let herself be towed across the room by her sister. Her instincts were telling her she was stepping into a danger zone.

Get it together, Black. He’s just some bartender in a town you’ll never be in again after this gig.

The man was polishing a small area of the bar with a cloth when Rebecca rapped on the heavy wood to get his attention.

“Saw you come in, Bec.” His voice had a low, smoky sound to it. “You surely do bring this place some class.”

Rebecca laughed. “Well, now you can double it. This is my sister. Sophia Black, meet Clint Beaudine.”

He dropped the rag, swiped his hand on the leg of his jeans and held it across the bar. “The pleasure is all mine.”

Sophia put her small hand in his large one and nearly jumped at the electric shock that ran through her arm and into her body. She looked at Clint and saw the same reaction reflected in his eyes, an amber-flecked hazel. He squeezed her hand lightly before releasing it.

“A real pleasure.” His words were like a caress skating over her skin.

Sophia couldn’t take her eyes from him. She couldn’t remember a time, ever, that a man had affected her this way.

****
If you'd like to check it out, Lust Undone is available at Ellora's Cave here.

If you'd like to find out more about Desiree Holt and her fine works, see her website at: http://www.desireeholt.com/

review: More than a Stud by Eliza March

2011-06-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

More Than A Stud
by Eliza March
publisher, The Wilder Rose Press
my review copy came from the author (Thank you, Eliza! :))

In Eliza March's new title for the Wilder Rose Press, More Than A Stud, Carina Roth's a successful CEO of a corporate security firm who, at forty-two, believes there's only one thing missing in her life: A baby. Yet, unattached, she thinks she has no choice but to turn to a fertility clinic. When her business partner Evan Douglas approaches her at a party one night, with much evidence of how much he admires her, she starts to think this might be a viable alternative to the clinic. But what if he wants more than just to make a baby with her? Carina wasn’t counting on a lifelong love, mate, and husband, just a father for her child. Will Evan be able to convince her to accept his offer?

A little on the short side, More Than A Stud weighs in at 43 pages, and isn’t a complicated story, per se. But as usual, Ms. March has penned a hot story that somehow still manages to be a little sweet. My grade for this one?

If you’d like to check it out, More Than A Stud is available at The Wilder Rose Press, Digibooks Café, and Amazon.

If you'd like to learn more about Eliza March and her works, see her website: Eliza March Writes, or her blog. Also, she's going to be at the Romance Studio today, June 22, and tomorrow, they're hosting her official release party, here: http://www.theromancestudio.com/party with lots of excerpts and giveaways.

Guest Post: Rosalie Lario

2011-06-20T06:41:00.001-07:00

Sorry for this last minute change folks, but Blogger's been giving me trouble. Therefore, I've moved this post over to my Wordpress blog. You can find Rosalie's guest post there now. At:

http://harshadpassion.wordpress.com/2011/06/20/guest-post-author-rosalie-lario/

I apologize for this. Please do mosey over there to read her post about Heroes we love.

review: For Love of an Angel by Rosalie Lario

2011-06-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

Brittany Smith

For Love of An Angel
by Rosalie Lario
Ebook available at various ebook outlets.
Review copy sent to me by the author. Thanks, Rosalie!

In Rosalie Lario’s new Paranormal Romance novella For Love of An Angel, the heroine, Eva Smyth lives in a New York, in a world where thirty years ago, a veil fell between the real and spiritual realms, and the Angels came. But the result was not like anyone on Earth might have expected. These Angels didn’t come to save humans, they enslaved them, instead, making everything one does in life, subject to their twisted Consortium rules. Her life, her home, her job and her future relationships, are all subject to their whims.

But there are some angels who resist this and would help the humans throw off this dictatorship. They are considered Fallen, outcast, and hunted by the Consortium. To consort with a Fallen means death. Michael is one such Fallen Angel, and when he appears in Eva’s living room claiming that she’s fated to be his mate…well, to say she’s surprised is an understatement. But, despite the danger, there’s something about Michael that Eva can’t resist. Could she really find love with a Fallen? And why is he so attracted to her, a measly little human, anyway? Could there be more to her than meets the eye?

In For Love of An Angel Rosalie Lario creates a unique world for Eva and her angelic lover, a dark dystopia, and an offer a girl would be a fool to pass up. The love between Eva and Michael will be tempting enough even for Paranormal Romance fans, while the heat these two generate together will please readers who prefer steamier stories. My grade?

For Love of An Angel makes for a very well done, compelling, and interesting read. Looking forward to book two! If you’d like to check this story out, it’s available on Kindle, at Amazon, on the Barnes and Noble’s Nook, and for other e-formats via Smashwords.

Contest alert

2011-06-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

Debut Romance author Amie Louellen , author of the soon to be released, BRODIE'S BRIDE (it's available in paperback now, and is coming to ebook June 24 from The Wild Rose Press) , is having a contest on her blog--she's giving away a book, a bookbag, book mark, and a $50 gift certificate to Bath & Bodyworks. Go here for details: http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/contests/

Here is the buy link for BRODIE'S BRIDE (labeled as "Hot"), if you'd like to take a peek at her book.

Self-publishing with Rosalie Lario

2011-06-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

If you're interested, over on my wordpress "Writer's" blog (this is mostly for the writers here) I put up a little ponderance on the subject of Self-publishing, musing on the interesting observations author Rosalie Lario has talked about on her blog.

And don't forget, Rosalie will be visiting my other "Non-erotic romance" blog, Café Pearl, on June 20th. :)(although believe me, her new release For the Love of An Angel is quite hot). We are looking forward to bringing her guest post to you, now that the ole hand's finally healed. *sheepish grin*

Jungle Inferno by Desiree Holt

2011-06-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

Jungle Inferno
by Desiree Holt

Blurb:

For Faith and Mark, the telepathic connection they’d shared for years was nothing compared to the scorching physical connection they realized as adults. From the first moment they came together, erotic was too pale a word to describe their relationship. Together they explored each other’s deepest, darkest desires. But now Mark, survivor of an ambush to his Delta Force team, is a prisoner of a terrorist group in the Peruvian jungle, and his telepathic communication with Faith is his only contact with the world. While she searches for help to save him, they survive on dreams that took them beyond all sexual boundaries. Can she persuade the men of Phoenix to undertake a treacherous rescue and bring Mark back to her arms?

Excerpt:

Damn!

Faith Wilding stared at her computer monitor in frustration, the screen empty except for the annoying cursor winking at her. The first three chapters of her latest political thriller were due to her agent by the end of the month and she hadn’t even written the first word. Not once since she’d sold her first manuscript had she ever been stricken with writer’s block. Today, however, it seemed as if something had swept her mind bare, knocking out every word or phrase that might be taking root.

She looked around her den, usually a place of comfort and inspiration. The warm earth tones on the rug that had been her grandmother’s were an accent on the polished hardwood floor. The couch and chair, covered in navy denim, showed traces of wear from all the times she’d lain or sat there reading manuscript drafts. The walls were lined with family pictures, faces smiling down on her with encouragement and support.

Usually this room unlocked her mind and opened the gates for her thoughts to flow freely. Not tonight. She could have been sitting in a sterile room for all the good it was doing her.

She rotated her head, easing the tension in her neck and shoulders. Maybe she should fix another cup of her favorite Chai teas. Its energy might kick-start her brain.

I need you.

The familiar voice blasted through her mind.

Mark! Oh God, Mark.

Stunned, she tried to focus her thoughts but a white-hot pain pierced her body, stealing her breath. She clenched her fists against it and as it faded an image of Mark’s face, bruised and lined with pain, flashed briefly and was gone.

Faith leaned back in her chair, using the skills she’d been taught to control her breathing and slow her racing pulse. Running her hands up and down her arms she discovered a fine sheen of perspiration on her skin.

Mark!

She tried to recapture the image but it was gone.

Need you…captured…

*****
Sounds tempting, huh? If you'd like to check it out, Jungle Inferno is available at Ellora's Cave here or at Amazon, here.
If you'd like to find out more about Desiree Holt and her fine works, see her website at: http://www.desireeholt.com/

New Erotic Romance Releases

2011-06-09T13:59:00.000-07:00

Again, sorry for being so quiet. I got the stitches out of my hand today and, well, ouch! Yeah, I'm a whimp, I know. :)

But, I found some nifty-looking new ebook releases for you though, in ye ole in box. They are, *shakes out scroll*

A few from Ellora's Cave:

Enforcer Seduced by Elizabeth Lapthorne

A Werewolf at the Falls by Marisa Chenery

Refugee by Aubrey Ross <--a SF erotic romance "quickie"

Collective Memory by Tielle St. Clare <--another SF erotic romance title

Best Reception (Book 3 in the Necessary Roughness series) by Tampa's own Ann Jacobs

Colors of Love by Ann Jacobs

Zenith Rising by Marilyn Campbell

Tamara's Future by Cyna Kade

Wet Heat by Jan Springer

Hard Lovin’ by Desiree Holt

Jungle Inferno by Desiree Holt

Bookish Arousal by Berengaria Brown

Iron Seduction by J.K. Coi (A Chinese-set steampunk romance--that alone makes it sound interesting to me!)

Fire Wolf by Anh Leod

Talson’s Net by Marie Harte (SF M/M title)

Blowing it Off by Lexxie Couper

A Pirate’s Piece by Sherri L. King (a time-travel title)

Arrington’s Claim by Frances Stockton (a paranormal fantasy from Ellora's Cave's newish Blush line)

From the Wilder Roses line of The Wild Rose Press
(these are available at the Wilder Rose Press site here or (if you encounter some problem on the TWRP site, they're available also at Digi Books Cafe or in Amazon's Kindle store, or Barnes and Noble.com for the Nook)

Celestial Sin by Bianca Swan

More than a Stud by Tampa author Eliza March

His at Last by Brenna Zinn

Chase and Seduction by Randi Alexander

Game Night by Darah Lace

Crack the Whip by Desiree Holt

The Silkie’s Salvation by Laura Browning

Double Bang! by KyAnn Waters and Tarah Scott

Johnny Loves Krissy by KyAnn Waters

That's all for now. I hope you find something you'll enjoy here!

New Eliza March release

2011-06-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

Also, Eliza March's new title in the Cougar Club series, More Than A Stud released from The Wilder Rose Press today. Looks steamy. :) Go here and read all about it, and read the excerpt here, and see if you don't agree. Congrats on the new release, Eliza!

Desiree Holt's Crack the whip

2011-06-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

Rawhide: Crack the Whip

(available from amazon for kindle, here; and usually The Wild Rose Press, Wilder Roses side of The Wild Rose Press site here)

Blurb:

When rancher Reece Halliday met the new manager of his fetish club, Rawhide, he was shocked to see Katie Warren, the woman he'd loved and lost because of his sexual preferences. But a lot of time has passed and Katie has discovered the lure and satisfaction of BDSM—including the pleasurable sting of the single tail whip. Will Reece be able to lure her back into his arms—and bed—when he cracks the whip during their private sessions?

Excerpt:

“So maybe if you tell me how it happened, I’ll answer your question about me.”

“Fair enough.” He set his cup back in the saucer. “Remember Chad Willoughby, my college roommate?”

Katie nodded.

“Chad’s brother was into the life big time. When Chad graduated from law school, he got Chad a guest pass at the private fetish club he belonged to and said he could bring a friend.” He looked down. “I’d…been to a club twice before when we were together. But never did any more than watch,” he added quickly. “That’s when I brought everything up to you. I was fascinated with the lifestyle and wanted us to try some of these things together.” His grin was rueful. “My idea didn’t work out so well, as I remember.”

“No. It didn’t.” If only she hadn’t reacted so badly. “So what happened at the club?

“It seemed I was finally going to experience the things I’d only fantasized about. Chad’s brother arranged for each of us to have a sub for the evening along with a trained instructor.” He paused to sip more coffee.

“And?” she prompted.

“To be blunt about it, I discovered a desire for it I didn’t even know I had. It was the most explosive night I’d ever had sexually. And that’s taking nothing away from what you and I had together.”

“But you wanted more.” Oh, she was sure of that. She felt a trap opening, yawning like a big hole before her. “On a regular basis.”

“I did. A lot more. And more often. I for sure couldn’t look for action anywhere around the Hill Country. You know how conservative the ranching community is. Not even my brothers know about my…preferences.”

Katie gave him a quizzical look. “So what did you do?”

“Joined the club in Tampa Chad’s brother took us to. They have an arrangement for guest privileges in other clubs around the country. I…took a lot of business trips.” He stopped to take another swallow of coffee.

“Your brothers didn’t ask questions?”

He shook his head. “I timed my trips to coincide with legitimate business. Conventions. Meetings. Whatever.” His eyes raked over her face possessively. “But here’s the plain truth. I really wanted you, Katie. I wanted it all. You and the life.”

“Which is what led to the scene in our hotel room.” When she so childishly ran away. It wasn’t just the things themselves he was proposing. It was the total implication, the fear that she could lose herself in him completely. A very dangerous edge.

He grinned. “Yeah. That was some scene. I still remember how you looked, spread out…”

“Stop.” She held up her hand. “That’s not what I meant. Can we stick to the conversation at hand?”

The look he gave her nearly incinerated her dress. “Afraid to talk about it, sugar?”

***
For more on Desiree Holt see her website here.

Guest posts I totally forgot to mention

2011-05-27T05:35:00.000-07:00

Gah! I'm a bad webmistress!
I'm so sorry I forgot to mention these. Ahem....

Eliza March is over at Whipped Cream reviews as featured guest this week. Go check out all her posts talking about her latest release, and :) she too is running a little contest. You can read those and comment to win here.

Also, Sapphire Phelan is hosting Jean Murray at her blog. It actually went live yesterday, but *sheepish grin* it totally flew past me. Sorry, ladies! The post is still up, however, and it looks like comments are still being taken for Ms. Murray. :) So pop on over, and see what she has to say about her new book Soul Reborn. You can see the post here.

Paty Jager Guest blog

2011-05-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

Good morning, everyone,

In case any of you are interested, I just wanted to invite you all over to my other (mainstream romance) book blog, as I'm hosting western and paranormal romance author Paty Jager today at my blog. As part of her May blog tour, she's visiting me with a little interesting essay and a chance to win some goodies.It's up now so come on over and see us. :) The direct link is: http://tinyurl.com/3uaphan

Thanks for your time and have a great day!

Building Reader Loyalty

2011-05-24T04:27:00.001-07:00

Kendall Grey has a great post with tips for new and seasoned authors, here:

Building Reader Loyalty

Something blue for fans of Desiree Holt, Cerise DeLand, and Allie Standifer

2011-05-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

cover art by Syneca

Something Blue,
by Desiree Holt, Cerise DeLand, and Allie Standifer
publisher, Ellora's Cave, Moderne Line
my review copy provided by the fine folks at Ellora's Cave.

the fourth title in Ellora’s Cave’s Moderne Line’s, Wedding Belles series by talented authors Desiree Holt, Cerise DeLand, and Allie Standifer, continues the night of Zoe Fortunato and Brad McCoy’s wedding, this time, from their friend Clay Holbrook. Feeling a little blue since ending his wild, passionate night with Zoe and Brad, Clay endures their wedding only to find a dark corner and a stiff drink with which to pass the obligatory reception.

Here he meets bridesmaid Kristen Jayne who sidles up to him at the bar and sets off every last firing spark in Clay’s body. The two soon give up the party for a quieter night—one of wild, stratospheric sex—a night that shifts something for them. On the order of shifting their respective tectonic plates, most definitely so for the frumpy Kristen who has less than stellar self-esteem.

But then there’s the little problem of the morning after. Will this turn into something more for them? Kristen’s not so sure when breakfast seems a lot cooler than that dinner drink turned out to be.

Is Clay really dumb enough to return to Seattle alone, is he so clueless as to let this woman go? ;) (Say it ain't so!) Will Kristen let him brush her off? You’ll have to read Something Blue to find out. If you’d like to, it’s available in ebook now at Ellora’s Cave, here.

The three authors did a fine job of creating this short novella, seamless in its shifts, and, like always, very vivid in its hotness. Though I did feel there was a slight lag between the final two chapters--almost as if something more might have been added. (Or was I being hopeful for more, being partial to anything I've read by Ms. Holt? ;) Could be, could be!) Still it was a totally hot read, imho, one I think fans of erotic romance, and these authors’ individual works should enjoy. Of course oops, almost forgot the rating. Another .
Do check it out! I think you will enjoy it.
(If you feel up to it, there's a slightly different version of this review over at the Examiner. Please give it a click here if you have time. Thanks!)

Sapphire Phelan

2011-05-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

Hey dear readers, I just wanted to alert you that hot erotic romance author Sapphire Phelan will be blogging tomorrow at Cassandre Dayne's blog, here. Don't miss it!

Announcement

2011-05-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, girls, agents, editors, authors, and friends,

I just wanted to let you know, due to personal circumstances, between this and that, rewrites on my own books, and the huge backlog of stuff that has yet to be reviewed, I am currently unable to accept new titles for review at this time. I'm sorry. Please accept my apologies. There are many other reviewers out there for you to choose from, All I want and more..., Marissa, Leontine,(<--happy 4th anni, dear.) Lynette, Pearl's World of Romance, Rarely Dusty Books, Smexy Books Romance Reviews and others. I do hope I can come back to it soon, but I don't have a timeline, at the moment. I'll keep you posted.

Julia Rachel Barrett Giveaway

2011-05-09T05:17:00.001-07:00

Julia Rachel Barrett is giving away some books, see here for details: http://tinyurl.com/3hfkhvj

Desiree Holt's unleashes a new desire...

2011-04-26T16:26:00.000-07:00

cover art by Syneca

Lust Unleashed
by
Desiree Holt
Published by Ellora's Cave, Twilight Line.
(My review copy was given to me by the author. Thanks, Ms. Holt! :))

This past summer, Desiree Holt released her latest novella, for Ellora’s Cave’s Twilight line, Lust Unleashed. It is the first in her Night Seekers series of Paranormal erotic romances about a group of shape shifters, the Night Seekers, who formed in a little Texas town in order to investigate some suspicious deaths. By all the evidence, it looks like these crimes, are the work of none other than the mythic chupacabra, the trouble is, no one’s ever been able to catch the beast at work. It will be up to the Night Seekers to see if this is really the case.
Each one of them welcomes the chance as each one has lost someone special to this beast. The first man (or rather, werewolf) on the job is Jonah Grey, who found his fiancée torn to ribbons, presumably by the chupacabra. So he heads out to the scene of the latest killing, where he stumbles across a reclusive woman, a Dakota and he’s instantly interested in the enigma. They’re soon dividing their time between their need to track and bag the chupacabra, and their wild lust each other. But will their alliance be enough to save Dakota when the beast comes stalking her? And how’s Dakota going to react when she finds out her new lover isn’t as human as she thought he was? How’s she going to take it when he claims her as his mate? Well, you’ll need to read Lust Unleashed for yourself to learn that.

The story is hot and starts almost right off the bat with the eroticism, and Dakota and Jonah seem to get right to it, and he proves he’s way better at satisfying her than her cache of sex toys. ;)

Once again Desiree Holt has created a story I found enjoyable and lingered a while in my thoughts even after it ended. Her world here is quite intriguing, and her hero is to die for, as usual. She blends the myths of her Texas home in with her usual erotic brush strokes quiet seamlessly to create a hot love story, and a mystery should leave readers on the edge of their seats, wondering what’s to happen next, where the Night Seekers will be headed in the promised follow-up.

My grade for this one?

If you’d like to take a peek into her new world of the Night Seekers, you can find Lust Unleashed in ebook at Ellora’s Cave, here. And the second book in the series, Lust by Moonlight, is available now, so ….be on the look out for that one too.

(Yep, again, I have a slightly didn't version of this review at the Examiner. If you feel up to it, please do give it a click here. Thanks!)

Gambit, erotic romantic sf by Kim Knox.

2011-04-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

(All righty, I'm not really sure which blog to post this to. It's got a lot erotic elements, but also the romance we love at both so, I hope you don't mind if I post it here too).

Gambit
by Kim Knox
published by Carina Press
(My review copy was provided by Carina Press, via NetGalley and thanks to them for sending it!)

Gambit, a science fiction erotic romance released by author Kim Knox and Carina Press* last summer tells of Captain Chae Beyon. She is a wild mercenary and a pilot who is dragged against her will into an imperial power struggle, by one of the many ruthless houses seeking to control the imperial “sunder-seld” (or throne, in other words). What comes with the deal is her instant attraction to the candidate for whom she’s been hired, Daned Traern, a Laidaian first caste. Yet Daned isn’t exactly interested in Chae for more than the power of her ship and its ability to get him to Ladaian Prime so he can win control of the sunder-seld before anyone else. Once he does, he can do what the other candidates haven’t even considered in their lust for power: protect his people from the terrible Host. And the only way they can sneak past the schemers who’ll gladly kill the both of them, in order to control the imperial seat, is for Daned to pose as Chae’s sex toy.

A prospect Chae doesn’t mind in the least, as long as there’s a nice fat payment of black crystal waiting for her, she’ll agree to the trip. If she can get Daned to actually do more than pose, well that would just be icing on the cake. Daned’s not so keen on the idea of this posing as-toy-thing, but even he can’t deny the intense heat between them—despite the fact that Chae’s a lowly third caste and daughter of a renegade/outcast at that. Surely Chae isn’t someone he can actually care for, let alone bond with . . . is she?

Fate has other ideas and what happens when the reach Ladaia-prime will shock the whole system.

So what happens? You’ll have to read Kim Knox’s Gambit to find out. As ever, I enjoyed this offering from the talented Ms. Knox. The world building is excellent and I found all the different characters compelling, even aside from the baddies, and Chae and Daned. Of course the hero and heroine are plucky and gorgeous, and ladies, Daned’s a hero to die for. And oh, the erotic scenes in this book! ;) It will leave you at least needing to wipe the drool from your chin, if not in need of a good, cold shower. hehe.
My grade for this one, then?

All in all, I think fans of Science Fiction as well as erotic romance will enjoy this offering. If you’d like to check it out, you can find this in ebook at Carina Press, here.

(As usual, I have another version of this review up at the Examiner. If you would be so kind as to give it a click, here, I'd be appreciative.)

Recent Erotic Romance Releases

2011-04-02T06:02:00.000-07:00

These are some new erotic romance titles that are newly released or forthcoming.

From Wild Rose Press:Scarlet Rose (Their Erotic Romance line)
Hooking Up by Lynne Roberts
Operation: Spank Me by Christina James
Fairy Fun by Anita Philmar

From Carina Press
Management Skills by January Rowe

From Ellora's Cave
Emerald Dungeon by Kathy Kulig

Generous Fire by Olivia Waite
Last Temptation by Wylie Kinson (paranormal/BDSM)
Pleasure Slave by Ann Jacobs
Dancing With Dionysus by Joanna Wylde
Endless Lust by Lexxie Couper
Immortal Heat by Lanette Curington
Moon Thrall by Mel Tescho
Red Ribbon by Lila Dubois
Until Midnight by Desiree Holt & Cerise DeLand
Foreseen Hunger by Marisa Chenery

From Siren-Bookstrand:
ALL THAT GLITTERS by Wendi Darlin
Across a Crowded Room by Elizabeth Marchat
Taking a Chance on Forever by Anna Small
Queen of the Storm by Molly Diamond
Oliver's Heart by Lynn Hagen
Sunshine's Savior by Lynn Hagen
Spurs and Heels by Heather Rainier
His Seductive Spy by Lara Santiago
Algerian Nights by Roland Graeme
Rogue Preacher by Kelly Conrad
Life Out Loud by Gabrielle Evans
Love Sexy by Stormy Glenn
My Maven, My Everything by Joyee Flynn
One to Keep by Sophie Oak

There are even more listed in my article at the Examiner, here, if you'd be so kind as to give it a click.

And...that's all I've found for now. I hope you find something you like!

Common Ground by Lex Valentine

2011-03-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

Common Ground
by Lex Valentine
publisher: Pink Petal Books
review copy provided by Lex Valentine. *waves* (Thanks, Lex!)

Vampires are still very hot in paranormal romance, and paranormal erotic romance. So much so the publishers are beginning to say it's going out of style? I seriously doubt that. I for one still enjoy them. And i've found another paranormal world for you to explore.

Common Ground* comprises the fifth book in Paranormal Erotic Romance author Lex Valentine’s Tales of the Darkworld series. This time out she tells the tale of Vampire Marius Granville and Sair McCallan, a Scottish werewolf and member of a pack lead by her overbearing (and in some cases downright cruel) brother Ruan. Sair is a free spirit, having left her brother behind and moved to America, and happy to be out from under him. Marius is . . . well, a bit of a stuffed shirt, and the director of the town cemetery.

Yet they are fated soul mates so despite his usual reserve, Marius can’t seem to think of anything but Sair, and their instantaneous attraction and the hot lust that blooms between them. Much to the surprise of everyone Marius knows. It’s not long before the two are completely besotted with each other. Even though Sair brings in some friends for a “ahem” little weekend distraction, something Marius has never tried before, a foursome. What will his friends and family think when they hear this of the staid cemetary director???

These two might have a time finding some common ground though, once their secrets come out. Or will they? You’ll have to read this to find out.

Common Ground was a very hot read, though at some points in the story, I have to admit, I was overwhelmed at the cast of characters she threw at me. But I’m a new reader to this series, so maybe that’s why. There are a plethora of paranormal species involved from vampires and werewolves, to elves, and a new species Ms. Valentine invented in this series, the Magia, making it a refreshing new twist on the paranormal worlds one usually sees in the Paranormal romance genre. All in all Common Ground was easy to get into, interesting, and yes, I for one, enjoyed it. Fans of both that and hot romances should love this one too.

My grade? I did enjoy it, so

You can find out more about Lex Valentine and her works at: http://www.lexvalentine.com/
If you like you can get a copy of this in print or ebook at Pink Petal Books.
*Thanks to Lex for providing me with my review copy.

(and yes, as usual, there's a copy of this over at the Examiner: here.)

Desiree Holt's Something Borrowed

2011-03-04T23:20:00.000-08:00

cover art by Syneca

Something Borrowed
by
Desiree Holt
Publisher: Ellora's Cave: Moderne Line
(this review copy provided by Ellora's Cave.

Erotic Romance author Desiree Holt’s recently released a new novella. Titled Something Borrowed, and released as part of the Wedding Belles series for Ellora’s Cave, Ms. Holt introduces the reader to bride-to-be Zoe Fortunato who, about to be married to the man of her dreams, isn’t exactly satisfied with their relationship—or rather, while she knows he’s the perfect man for her, and she loves him dearly, Zoe feels she’s missing something. When Brad asks why she’s so keyed up, she breaks down and tells him her secret fantasy: to bring a third party in on their relationship—at least for one night. And she’s already got someone in mind, her ex-boyfriend Clay.

But it’s a crazy request for a bride to be to make isn’t it? Surely Brad would never agree… Or would he?

You’ll have to read to find out.

Something Borrowed is a short publication by Ms. Holt for Ellora’s Cave’s “Quickie” series. But Ms. Holt gets a lot of heat into the scant fifty pages--and wow, is this one hot!

So my grade for this one?

If you like menage, and/or Erotic Romances in general, and if you’d like to check it out, you can find a copy of it at Ellora’s Cave here.

(Thanks to them for providing me my review copy).

If you'd like to learn more about Desiree Holt and her (almost! :)) 100 releases, visit her website at: http://www.desireeholt.com/ or her blog http://www.desireeholttellsall.com/

(And as usual there's a version at my Examiner page. So if you would be so kind as to give it a click, here, I'd be appreciative.)

Contest!

2011-03-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

By the way, Erotic Romance author Julia Rachel Barrett is having a contest at her blog. This runs Today, Saturday and Sunday. So get on over to her site here for details.

New stuff coming soon...

2011-03-04T09:03:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't posted recently folks. I have a review coming for the other blog, but I've been up to my ears in rewrites and just haven't had a chance to sit down and finish reading more than the shorts I get from epublishers now and then (thank God for them or I'd have no quick stuff to review). But I am still here, and have an Ellora's Cave review to write. It'll be up soon. Promise. In the meantime, I hope ya'll are doing well. Twimom227, did I see it was your birthday this past weekend??? Happy birthday!! (Guess what, I had one recently too. :)) Anyway, so stuff is coming, just...slowly. *hugs*

Lex Valentine's latest just may rock the world

2011-02-16T13:10:00.000-08:00

cover art by Dar Albert

Rock My World
by Lex Valentine

published by Ellora's Cave, Moderne line

review copy provided by the fine folks at Ellora's Cave

Lex Valentine’s latest release, her first novel for Ellora’s Cave, called Rock My World, concerns two rock stars—Gia Santora and Sin Carstens. She’s sliding down the far side of her long career, he’s just now up and coming, and they’re touring together. Since high school, Sin’s been a fan of and hot for Gia, so scoring this opening slot on her tour was a coup. When she sheds her shirt in front of him, he thinks he’s found heaven. When she all but jumps his bones right there in the backstage, (then the limo, then their shared hotel) he knows it.

She’s always been a little bit slutty, but never stayed with a groupie more than one night. Sin, on the other hand, seems one she just might stick to. Especially when he helps her overcome her fears—of flying, of their age difference, of settling down. Trouble is he’s got to get the approval of her cohorts in musical mischief—all of which are like a family to her.

And are very protective of her, since a crazed lunatic tried to kill her a few years ago.

Worse yet, said-crazed lunatic is out on parole, and after Gia, and even threatens Sin’s life when their love affair hits the tabloids.

If they can overcome all this, they might just make some beautiful music together.

So, Rock my World from Lex Valentine was, as ever, quite an erotic romp for a short 126 pages. I think anyone who enjoys erotic romance will love this story. I enjoyed it, any rate. My rating?

If you’d like to take a look, it’s available in ebook from the Ellora’s Cave website here.

(And also, dear visitor, there's a version of this review up at my Examiner pages, here, if you would please give it a click. Thank you!)

Weekly Mailbox

2011-02-15T05:37:00.000-08:00

Late again on this but I do have a couple things that have been added to the pile. Got afe ARC's recently from Ellora's Cave, we got an arc of Desiree Holt, Cerise de Land, and Allie Standifer's Something Borrowed.

Also, a few non-erotic titles came in this weekend, both by Romantic comedy author (and my good friend :)) Kathy Carmichael:
Kissing Kelli and Angel Be Good. They both look so adorable and I can't wait to get to them.

And a copy of Julianna Sage's new release for the Wild Rose Press, To Kill A Vampire.

Also ... I forgot to add this last week. I got an ARC of Harlequin author Angi Morgan's latest Romantic Suspense .38 Cailber Coverup.

So thank you to all these folks for the copies and I will get them read asap. :) What'd y'all get??

New release Friday

2011-02-11T13:51:00.000-08:00

Well, I came up with something new for the blog(s). How about new release Friday? So what's come out/coming out for your Friday (and Valentine's Day) shopping pleasure?
Harlequin Blaze novels

Breaking the Rules by Tawny Weber (released January 18)

Heat of the Moment by Karen Foley (released January 18)

Not Another Blind Date: Skin Deep\Hold On\Ex Marks the Spot by Janelle Denison, Leslie Kelly, and Jo Leigh (released January 18)

(all the following are due February 15)

High Octane by Lisa Renee Jones

In Good Hands by Kathy Lyons

In The Line of Fire by Jennifer Labrecque

Inevitable by Michelle Rowen

Primal Calling by by Jillian Burns

Carina Press

In Plain View by J. Wachowski (Romantic Suspense)

Dangerous Secrets by Katie Reus (Romantic Suspense)

Wintergreen by Jennifer Greene (contemporary romance)

Sweet As Sin by Inez Kelley (contemporary romance)

Stealing Time by Eliza Paige (paranormal)

Kiss of Darkness by Loribelle Hunt (paranormal)

The Mysterious Lady Law by Robert Appleton (Steampunk/Fantasy/SF)

From Ellora's Cave:

Taken by Nicole Austin (a Tampa area author)

End Run by Ann Jacobs (another Tampa area author)

Something Borrowed by Desiree Holt

Blackout by Wynter Daniels

Old School by Eve Cassidy

Taming a Highland Devil by Kimberly Killion

Cat Maiden by Myra Nour

Twelve Days of Love by Tess MacKall

Bucking Hard by Darah Lace

Kissing Phoenix by Shona Husk

Valentine’s Heart by Cindy Spencer Pape (a Valentine’s day themed novela)

Wicked Temptation by Eliza Lloyd

Relentless Love by A.J. Llewellyn

My Angel’s Delight by Cindy Lee

Reveal Me by Cari Quinn

Something Borrowed by Desiree Holt

Hunted Intensity by Rebecca Airies

Full-Frontal Fantasy by Lyla Sinclair

Cowboy Pick-up by Vonna Harper

Blowback by Lyn Gala

From The Wild Rose Press
Their erotic romance line Scarlet Rose
Untamable by Becca Dale (from the Scarlet Rose line)

Model Fantasy by Abby Gordon (from the Scarlet Rose line)

Eight Second Ride by Desiree Holt (from the Scarlet Rose line)

Twice is Not Enough by Emma Lai (from the Scarlet Rose line)

Mercy of the Dragon by KyAnn Waters

Undercover Heat by Sylvie Kaye (from the Scarlet Rose line)

Pink Petal Books (ebooks now available)

Falling Hard and Fast by Rita Sawyer (a Valentine’s day themed story)

You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This by Karenna Colcroft (an erotic contemporary romance)

Permanent Ink by Jaime Samms (an erotic gay romance)

Passion’s Design by Sharon Noble (an erotic contemporary romance)

Birthday Shift by Jasmine Aherne (an erotic paranormal romance)

Uprooted by Jasmine Aherne (a sensual romance)

Samhain Publishing (ebooks and paperback now available)

Vanessa Unveiled by Jodi Redford

Colter’s Daughter by Maya Banks

A Thread of Deepest Black by Finn Marlowe

One Thousand Kisses by Jody Wallace

Yours, Mine, and Howls by Kinsey W. Holley

Two Step Temptation by Emma Jay

The Yearing by Tina Donahue

Tithed by Megan Hart

Predator by Vonna Harper

Noble Blood by Dana Marie Bell

Bad Karma by Theresa Weir

No Longer Mine by Shiloh Walker (contemporary romance)

Before the Storm by Marian Perera

A Betting Chance by Lynne Conolly

In the Blood by Abigail Barnette

How to Breath Fire by Shona Husk

Half Pass by Astrid Amara (GLBT romance)

Lynx by Joely Skye (GLBT/Paranormal)

Biting Me Softly by Mary Hughes

All of You by Dee Tenorio

Catch Me If You Can by LB Gregg (contemporary/GLBT romance/Comedy)

Sold to the Highest Bidder by Donna Alward (contemporary/western romance)

A Table for Three by Lainey Reese

Beyond Paradise by Kathleen Mix (contemporary romance)

And that's all I've found so far. You can probably find all these at any Tampa Area Borders, Barnes and Noble, or at Amazon, Barnesandnoble.com, borders.com . The ebooks can be found at the aforementioned links, or the Carina Press site, or at the Wild Rose Press site, the Ellora’s Cave site, Samhain Publishing, the Pink Petal Books site, or the MuseitUp Publishing site.

There are even more new releases in an article I put up at the Examiner here; if you would please give it a click, I'd be appreciative! Thanks! :))
Enjoy and happy Valentine’s Day.

Eliza March returns to Enchanted Mountain

2011-02-03T08:37:00.000-08:00

cover art by Jinger Heaston

The Moon, the Madness, and the Magic
Enchanted Mountain book 2
by Eliza March
publisher: Siren-Bookstrand
my review copy provided by Eliza March (Thanks, Eliza!)

Erotic romance author Eliza March released her latest in Enchanted Mountain series this past winter, one fans of her series have been awaiting patiently. Entitled The Moon, the Madness and the Magic, this volume continues the story of the inhabitants of the Enchanted Mountain with a couple fae-shapeshifter-succubus named Celeste, just coming into her powers, while two friends Rourke and Dane, generally outside the Enchanted Mountain fold, are also finding out fate has plans for them. Plans the two men never expected. Rourke doesn’t know the extent of his ancestry, and with his tastes in everything changing, (Dane’s too) the men need some answers, and it is up to Celeste to explain, and convince them to accept their fated menage—and their place as alpha leaders of Enchanted Mountain, and Enchanted Mountain’s wolf pack. If she can’t well, all three may die, and possibly bring chaos upon everything Celeste has come to love. Though it's quite a challenge, as a budding succubus herself, she should be up for the challenge…shouldn’t she?

You’ll have to read to find out.

This is the second novel author Eliza March has written about the folks of the Enchanted Mountain, and I must confess, the first I’ve read in the series*. But it was easy enough to get into. The multiple nature of these shifters were a little hard to keep straight (wolf-fae-succubus, wolf-dragon), but Ms. March handled the character’s changes with ease, to create an interesting, and incredibly hot, fantasy romance, that fans of fantasy erotic romance should enjoy. I did. :) If you’d like to check Eliza March’s latest out, it is available now in ebook from Siren BookStrand, and coming soon in trade paperback, available here at Amazon.com or for the Kindle, here. Or if you like the Barnes and Noble Nook, you can get this for the Nook here.

My rating for this one? I have to admit, I loved Celeste's fairy dust (Thought that part was so cool!), and found the story quite hot. All in all, Eliza March's work never fails to impress me, and here too with The Moon, the Madness, and the Magic. So :) My rating....I think readers will enjoy this one, so...

For more on Eliza March see her website, Eliza March Writes, or her blog of the same name, here.

(Oh, and I have a slightly different version of this review over at the Examiner, so if you could give it a click here, I'd be appreciative. :) Thanks for reading).

Nicole Austin introduces one foxy lady to the Predators project

2011-01-25T11:18:00.000-08:00

cover art by Syneca

Foxy Lady
(Book Three in the Predators)
by Nicole Austin
Publisher: Ellora's Cave, Twilight Imprint
review copy provided by the author *waves* (Thanks, Nicole!)

In Foxy Lady, the final book in erotic romance author Nicole Austin’s Predators series, she takes up where the previous book left off, following the story of Marine Lance Corporal Shira Renard. To refresh the reader’s memory, Shira is the woman Micah and Nash rescued from the Nanotech laboratories. A volunteer for the Predator Project. But the poor woman had no idea what she was volunteering for. Now it’s up to the others to explain.

Rescue aside, Shira’s got a long road ahead of her, dealing with the changes to which her body must become accustom since being injected with the combined DNA of a red fox and a gray wolf.

To aid in her recovery process, she is handed over into the care of Army medic Lex McLean. But in her drug induced stupor, she attacked Lex, injecting him with one of Dr Weltman’s DNA concoctions, infecting him with the DNA of a gray wolf, and turning him too in a shapeshifter. Now he’s mad as hell. But there’s still something about Shira that turns him on—intensely. But with a plan in hand to take down Nanotech, these two are going to have to put their differences, and their attraction, aside, before it kills them, and ruins the team’s well-crafted plans.

Can they? And will they live to find out the truth behind Nanotech’s twisted plans for world domination? Well, if you’d like to find out you can find Nicole Austin’s Foxy Lady at Ellora’s Cave, in ebook, and as part of the print, Predators omnibus.

cover art by Syneca

What did I think? Well, as with the other two in the series, I enjoyed Foxy Lady. It was alittle strange when it came down to Shira and Lex's (ahem) interspecies mating (yes, as their alters) but all in all, Foxy Lady was as enjoyable as the other books in the series. So, I can give it another four and three-quarters pearls.

Do check it out. I’m sure, if you love paranormal erotic romance, a little adventure, and very sexy shapeshifters, you’ll enjoy Foxy Lady.

Eliza March

2011-01-21T18:00:00.000-08:00

Eliza March posted yesterday at the Romance Studio about her latest novel The Moon, the Madness and the Magic. You can read what she had to say about it here.

My review will be coming soon, but just a teaser. *nods* I'm enjoying it. :)

Erotic Fantasy romance author Marsha A. Moore blog stop

2011-01-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

My friend, and Tampa Area Romance Author sister, Erotica Fantasy romance author Marsha A. Moore, continues her blog tour in support of her debut release, Tears on a Tranquil Lake, at the Naughty Night Press blog today. You can see it here. Enjoy!

New year, new review

2011-01-01T10:57:00.000-08:00

The year's just started but I already have a review up at the Examiner. An erotic romance by Anita Philmar. (sent to me by the kind folks at CherryD's Romance and Fantasy group--*waves to Cherry*) I'm a bit busy right now, so I'm going to be lazy about this one. if you'd like to see it, it's over at the Examiner, here. Thanks for reading!

Nicole Austin's Predators series continues...

2010-12-28T05:31:00.000-08:00

cover art by Syneca

Eye of the Tiger
(In the Predators compilation)
by Nicole Austin
publisher: Ellora's Cave
My review copy came from the Predators Compilation, a gift from the author herself.
In continuing the tale of the Predator Project, erotic romance author Nicole Austin presents Eye of the Tiger, where she introduces Jenny and Nash Crosby. Jenny is a young nursing student whose husband Nash has been missing these last few months, presumed run off with another woman. To recover from her emotional wounds, Jenny takes a vacation but, while driving to the little bungalow she’s rented for the endeavor, she runs down a naked man, shivering in the middle of the darkened road.

Imagine her surprise when she finds out the poor man is none other than her missing husband. A hot reunion ensues, and then Nash slowly divulges the weird story of his disappearance. Seems he found out a bit too much about his employers, the Predator Project, and they’ve been holding him, running experiments on him, until just recently when his friend Micah helped him escape. Now Nash and Micah are determined to bring the Predator Project down. If Jenny wouldn’t mind staying out of the way in this pleasant little vacation spot all the better.

But as the men go off to execute their plan, Jenny has other ideas.

Will they succeed in their mission? Will Nash and Jenny make it out of this predicament alive? And will Jenny come to terms with the fact that her hubby now boasts tiger DNA, thanks to the freaks at the Predator Project? You’ll have to read to find out.

Though the Eye of the Tiger short novella is the second in a trilogy of paranormal erotic romances from Ms. Austin and Ellora’s Cave, (and thanks to Ms. Austin for providing my reading copy!) no, you need not have read the first to enjoy this story. (And there’s a review of it here, if you’d like to peruse it). Each book stands alone. If you wish to though, of course, all the better, and as with the previous volume, I recommend Eye of the Tiger for anyone who likes hot shape shifters, Alpha males, and smart (and smart mouthed!) heroines.

My rating for this one? Well, I enjoyed this one too, so I'll give it another 4 3/4 pearls (gotta make a graphic for this, I know. That's my new year's project. ;))

Anywho, if you'd like to try it Eye of the Tiger is available at Ellora’s Cave in ebook format (here), and in the Predators compilation in paperback (here). Do check it out. I think you will enjoy the ...ahem, tale!

(As usual, there's also a version of this review over at the Examiner. If you'd be so kind as to give it a click, you can do so here.)

Debra Glass giveaway winners

2010-12-22T04:03:00.001-08:00

Good morning, all. I hope you've been having a good week. I got so busy I forgot to do this, but... here I am, bright and early, with the results. Via Random.org, the winning list was:

I listed y'all in order of your comments, Café Pearl first then Vixen Reviews, and this is the Random Sequence Generator's results:

So, Beth R. please drop us an email at sistertyme@yahoo.com so I can have Debra send you the PDF of Rebel Rose.

Debra Glass giveaway update

2010-12-20T05:49:00.000-08:00

Since I was a dork yesterday and forgot to pick a winner, I'm extending this for one more day. I'll pick a winner tomorrow morning, so, if you haven't yet left a comment, go see the post here, and if you'd like to win a copy, please leave a comment on that post. :) Good luck, all.

Debra Glass Rebel Rose and Giveaway

2010-12-15T14:33:00.000-08:00

Rebel Rose by Debra Glass

Synopsis:

They say she’s a Rebel spy…

Widow, Rosalie O’Kelley, is not above using her feminine wiles to secure much needed supplies for her fellow townspeople. But when Union Colonel Eric Skaarsberg is put in charge, Rose’s usual tactics fail miserably. In exchange for supplies, she comes to a scandalous arrangement with him. She agrees to become his willing plaything—to fulfill his every physical need…eagerly and without hesitation.

Eric Skaarsberg is duty bound to ferret out the spy who has been leaking information to the Confederates. All evidence points to the passionate belle who readily responds to every touch and taste he metes out to her. One by one, he strips away Rose’s secrets, but Eric is not satisfied with owning the she-Rebel’s luscious body. At any cost, he must uncover her vulnerable and perilous past—even if it means the destruction of them both.

My thoughts, well, again, Ms. Glass has outdone herself, and I was actually biting my nails for this one. I loved it, but then, yes, I love everything of hers I've read. I think if you like historically set erotic romances, you can't get much better than this. :)

Here's the book trailer as well:

Rebel Rose is currently available at Ellora's Cave here.

For more on Debra and her works, see her blog, or her website.
And Debra kindly offered to give away a copy of this novel. Please leave a comment and we'll choose a winner on the 19th.

A Very Cougar Christmas.

2010-12-07T06:46:00.000-08:00

Let me just preface this by saying, this has been a down few months for me. Those that know me know what's going on and why I'm not in my usual Christmas mood. :( So while I've never been a good fan of Christmas stories, they're touch and go on what I can take right now, some I can, some I can't. (and no, I can't say what lands ones on "can" list, I don't know, myself, really). So this is undoubtedly coloring my reading of these "themed" books and stories this year, some I've been okay with, some not. That said, here's my review of this book.
****

A Very Cougar Christmas
by Lex Valentine
publisher: Pink Petal Books
cover art: Winterheart Design

In Lex Valentine's short story A Very Cougar Christmas Vincent, a young, successful man spots his neighbor, the very sexy Nikki Crawford returning from work with a gift bag in her hand. Oddly, it doesn't seem like a Christmas present, which gives him pause, as today is Christmas eve. He's not got anything special planned for the night himself, a movie and popcorn, so he doesn't think much of it. Then two things happen: he hears Nikki crying, and UPS knocks on his door, dropping off a package for Nikki, who, oddly, didn't answer the door. Now Vincent's a little worried, and his protective instincts go to work. So he takes the package and goes to knock on Nikki's door and sets out to convince her she's not so alone and definitely not a loser, but the hottest gal he's seen, well, ever. When she makes him a very hot offer of how to spend Christmas eve, Vince gladly accepts the challenge to convince her indeed, it's a wonderful life.

As I said, Christmas stories are touch and go for me right now, but this one by Lex Valentine, short, sweet, and hot, I enjoyed. So I'd have to give this one a four and three quarters pearls.

If you'd like to take a peek at it yourself, (and find out what that UPS package is all about, ;)) it's a freebie over at the Pink Petal Books website, here.

a friend's new release

2010-12-06T07:56:00.000-08:00

Eliza March's new erotic menage/fantasy/romance ebook The Moon, the Madness and the Magic, the second in her Enchanted Mountain series came out on December 2nd. So, sending along my congrats to dear Eliza! :)

To read more about it, go to the BookStrand website here.

To learn more about Eliza, go to her site here, or her blog here.

Heating Up the Holidays

2010-12-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

Authors Jessica Lee and Naima Simone are giving away a Kindle 3G reader and other goodies. If you're interested, go click the link below to find out how you can possibly win. :) Good luck to all who try.

Review: Mechanical Rose by Nathalie Gray

2010-11-29T14:33:00.000-08:00

cover art by Kanaxa

Mechanical Rose
by Nathalie Gray
Publisher: Ellora's Cave

My review copy came from Vvb32reads and the author herself.
Last summer I discovered Nathalie Gray’s work via a Steampunk themed week at a blog I frequent, and lo and behold, after I left a comment, won the pot, as it were, the author herself gifted me with an e-copy of her 2008 Ellora’s Cave release, Mechanical Rose. I diddn't, however, get to finally read it until this past month, for a class I was taking. *waves to Suzanne* But crack its spine (so to speak, as I read an ebook version) I finally did, and therein found the talented author presents a fully-realized Steampunkish world, Terra, sprinkled with flying dragons built of brass and gears, lit by gaslamps, and defended with steampowered, and traditional guns, a world in which teatime is important . . .

But it is also a world in which insane madmen plot global domination, or destruction, whichever comes first.

Yet a very determined Mechanical Rose Society watch and dismantle these villainous plans at every turn. Eleanor Cleverly is one such agent, and has had a great career seducing and in some cases disposing of, the world’s most heinous villains. Her new mission sets her out to stop a clever inventor from turning over his latest project, a deadly creation that may mean Terra’s destruction, if the villainous Aloysius Spark gets hold of it. Her latest mission, however, may prove more than she can handle, as the Society sends her to spy on Leeford Gunn, an outcast from the well-placed Gunn family, and a brilliant inventor. The trouble is, Leeford’s latest invention just may prove to be a weapon powerful enough to destroy Terra, and Spark has his eye, and bank account, firmly on the weapon. It is Eleanor’s task to keep Leeford from turning that weapon over to him. As soon as she meets the inventor, and his weird family, though, the mission and her feelings for Leeford, take a decidedly un-mercenary-like turn. It isn’t long before the erotically romantic sparks fly between the two (and very often).

Has Leeford finally met his match? Is Eleanor in over her head? And will Spark get his hands on the deadly machine? You’ll have to read this to find out. So what did I think of it? I have to say, I’m now a fan of Ms. Gray’s thanks to this little 136 page tome. I found the world-building vastly intriguing, Leeford’s little creations, as well as Eleanor’s vast corset-arsenal, quite intriguing, the climax both shocking and breathtaking. And of course, the love between Leeford and Eleanor sweet, as well as steamy, smoking, crazy hot. Hey, what can I say? Leeford was just...*sigh* the best. He's definitely the type of hero I love, not exactly alpha, but sweet, and brillaint, sometimes his brains and creativity can get him into trouble, sure, but he can think his way out of trouble. I love characters like that! So, what would we call that? writers, thoughts on this? It's not exactly alpha, more....professorly?(Grr...there must be a term for that. Curiosity on this is going to drive me nuts. Help?
Anyway, I wish there were more tasty books like this out there, frankly. But I count myself a budding fan of this genre, so I may be a little biased. My grade for this one? I enjoyed it very much, so I'm going to do my strange little graphicless, 4 3/4 pearls, again. :)

If you’re looking for a clever, fantastical, steamy, and steam-powered, romance, you can’t do much better than getting a copy of Nathalie Gray’s intriguing little Mechanical Rose. If you’d like to, it’s available in both e-book, and trade paperback. Sometimes you can find Ellora’s Cave trade paperback books at Borders stores, so do check there, or of course, the Ellora’s Cave website would be your best bet for either the e-book version or the trade paperback. Whichever you settle on do check Mechanical Rose out. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the adventure. ;) Oh yes, as always, a version of this is up at the Examiner, if you wouldn't mind giving it a click, you can do so here.

A hot Christmas hook up

2010-11-26T07:12:00.000-08:00

cover art by Winterheart Designs

Christmas Hookup
by Lex Valentine
Publisher: Pink Petal Books
Where I got this review copy: I picked it up at the Pink Petal Books website

Now that the Thanksgiving holiday is over if you’re in the mood to start thinking about that other big holiday, there are always authors out there penning Christmas themed stories for your reading pleasure. I recently found a good one, in Lex Valentine’s Christmas Hookup. Here, a high school reunion prompts city gal Elle McAndrews to return to her country home of approach the hottest guy at the reunion, a very successful model, Riley Forbes, and the two of them decide a little pre-Christmas gift unwrapping ;) might be just the thing to save an otherwise boring night.

There’s more than a little intrigue between the two going on here, and they click right away. Maybe this will be more than just a momentary fling?

Well, this is a very, very short story at only twenty-two pages, all told, so if I tell you much more I’ll give the story away. Let’s just say their fling makes for a very merry Christmas for both of them. This is the first story I’ve read by Miss Valentine, and I have to say, it’s sweet and scorching little snippet of her talent.

I enjoyed this short erotic holiday romance and look forward to reading more of her work. If you’d like to check out this little e-book, it’s a freebie over at the Pink Petal Books website. If you love scorching hot, erotic romances and short stories, and are in a Christmas mood, (who’s not, right now?), do check it out.

My grade for this one?

(If you’d like more, most of her Christmas stories are available at Amazon.com and Pink Petal Books)
If you'd like to learn more about Lex Valentine and her works, see her website at: http://www.lexvalentine.com/

Catherine Mann's Landis brother tale

2010-11-23T06:19:00.000-08:00

Cover art: Harlequin Enterprises Inc.

Note: I wasn't quite sure if this title was appropriate fodder for Vixen's Reviews, but it's steamy, so... I hope you'll enjoy it. Do read on, dear visitors. :)

His Expectant Ex
by Catherine Mann
published: Harlequin/Silhouette Desire

review copy provided for me by the very lovely Joanne Rock. :) *waves*

This is another of those I wasn't sure where to put. In RITA award winning romance author Catherine Mann’s 2008 Harlequin’s Silhouette Desire release His Expectant Ex the author introduces a soon-to-be divorced couple, Marianna, and her high-powered lawyer hubby Sebastian Landis. The eve of their separation, they have a final fling, and well, having never been able to conceive before, never thought what might result from it.

So on signing the divorce papers, several weeks later, imagine Sebastian’s surprise when Marianna faints, and he finds out it’s probably due to her pregnancy. Marianna is fully willing to stay divorced, but now, Sebastian’s having second thoughts and turns his persuasive powers and charms on winning his whinny wife back. Can he?

All in all the story (part of Harlequin Desire’s “The Landis Brothers” mini-series) is sweet, and of course, steamy, and was an enjoyable quick read, perhaps some of Marianna’s whiny pining for what she couldn’t have (you’ll have to read it to see what she’s upset about) could have been toned back, but this is a variation on the secret baby theme (not a big favorite of mine, I must admit) so, it’s to be expected, I guess. All in all I think romance, and Catherine Mann fans, as will fans of the Silhouette Desire line, will enjoy it—

If you'd like to give it a try, though, it's being a harlequin, isn't available on the shelves any longer. You can find it though online at Amazon, in ebook only, from Borders.com and at the Harlequin site itself, here.
My rating for this one? I think you'll enjoy it, I did, so

For more information on Catherine Mann, see her website at http://catherinemann.com/

(There's a slightly different version of this review up at the Examiner. If you would be so kind as to give it a click here, I'd be appreciative. :))

Debra Glass guest alert

2010-11-18T13:31:00.000-08:00

For those who've missed the alert, our favorite author, Ms. Debra Glass, is hosting Ellora's Cave/Loose Id author Paisley Smith at her blog today. Go here to see it and for a chance to win Ms. Smith's latest book.

Cindy Spencer Pape's latest novella

2010-11-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

Just For Jess
by Cindy Spencer Pape
Publisher; Ellora's Cave, Exotica Line
cover art by Syneca
review copy provided by the fine folks at Ellora's Cave.

Just For Jess is the latest work from Paranormal romance/UF/Erotic Romance author Cindy Spencer Pape for Ellora’s Cave’s Exotica line. In it she continues her Immortal Cravings series, and introducing Jessamy, a vampire and workaholic whose two best friends think she is in sore need of some rest and relaxation. So when Jess hosts a charity bachelor auction they purchase her a weekend with the very sexy vampire, Dermott, over and above Jessamy’s objections. But she caves into the temptation and Dermott soon whisks her off to the Florida Keys, where he has plans for the weekend. Despite the fact that Dermott is quite smitten with her, his plans include involving his three friends—leonide shape shifters, no less—if that’s what Jess might find to her liking.

He can deal with sharing her with them without getting all vampire-y and territorial . . . can’t he? Well, you’re just going to have to read this one yourselves to find out.

Despite this being the third in a running series, and having quite a few characters to keep track of (ahem), Just For Jess stands fine on its own. So, don’t let that stop you from giving this a try. Cindy Spencer Pape does a fine job with the various characters here, and each one seems lovingly drawn. The tropical Florida setting too is well done, and with the summer finally winding down here in our neck of the woods, will be a welcome glimpse back at the warmer season, add in the few new wrinkles she introduces into the vampire mythos. Although, I’d have loved to see the brothers shape shift, alas it was not in the scope of this story, it was all very well done, this one should please lovers of Paranormal Romance of whatever ilk.

My grade for this one? Well, it was a quick read, and I enjoyed it. But since I would've liked a little more of the shapeshifting triplets', shape shifting thing, which is not really a complaint that means it took much away from the reading of this story, mind you, just an observation--and sometimes the multiples thing confuses me with who's who--again, just me, not a major complaint), I can give it a four and a half, ,
if not four and three-quarters.

If you’d like to check out, Cindy Spencer Pape’s latest, the fine folks at Ellora’s Cave have just recently released it in ebook format, which you can find here.

Also, I have a slightly different version of this review up at the Examiner presently. If you'd like to give it a hit, (pretty please?) you can do so here. Thanks!

CECIL*

2010-10-29T16:03:00.000-07:00

And....Dear me, I almost missed it! Major, major happy birthday to our favorite (ahem) Smutty Hussy!! May it be filled with sweet guys and much...well, sweet frosting! What you do with it is totally up to you and the guys.

;)

A little eye candy for you dear.

Dear God, please move the lion cub, right? ;)

*big huge hugs*
Happy birthday, Cecil!

(PS. No I don't know the copyright on the pic. A friend sent it to me who probably got it from a friend. )

Heating pads, hot stories, and hot heroes

2010-10-29T15:45:00.000-07:00

Yeah, you read right. I hurt my back again and so today's been a half-on, half-off the heating pad kind of day. Ugh. Meanwhile, though, I heard through the grapevine that Erotic Romance author Miss Bianca Swann is having a chat over at Pink Fuzzy Slippers, touting her very hot new book just published through the Scarlet Rose line of The Wild Rose Press, Hot Spanish Nights. This one looks,...well, hot. So if you want to check it out go take a peek at her article about it at Pink Fuzzy Slippers, or the interview with her hero, Damian at Toni Sweeny's blog here.

In My Mailbox

2010-10-27T09:20:00.001-07:00

(a meme by the Story Siren )

****
Well, yes, again, it's Wednesday. and I am off by a few days again. This week, I got a few things:

One erotic romance title and one not. The erotic romance title comes from Ellora's Cave and Cindy Spencer Pape. One of her latest stories, by the name of Just for Jess

The other is a paranormal romance by Paty Jager and it has, if I am not mistaken, a little Native American flavor. This one's titled Spirit of the Mountain and is published by The Wild Rose Press.

So that's mine. What'd y'all get?

Some new releases

2010-10-22T06:50:00.000-07:00

Romance and Erotica/Erotic Romance Ebook titles and small press titles released this month:

From The Wild Rose Press

Home To Singing Trees by Liz Flaherty

The Silkie’s Call by Laura Browning

Kismet’s Salvation by Katherine Brandon

Night Shadows by Lynette Hallberg

Death Unseen by Tia Dani

McCormick’s Prayer by Jo Barrett

Love Capri Style by Lynn Reynolds

Devon’s Dream by Ann Ashby

All the Right Moves by Tory Richards

Magick by Heather McCollum

Star Power by M.J. Fredrick

I Didn’t Hear Anything by Jenni Holbrook

Transatlantic Loving by Rachel Brimble

Heartkeeper by Christine M. Taylor

Kiss of the Silver Wolf by Susan Buchbinder

From The Wild Rose Press in paperback:

Harvest of Dreams by Alison Henderson

Delinquent Daddy by Linda Kage

Looking for A Hero by Meghan Matthews

Muddy Waters by Maggie Toussaint

Not Looking For Trouble by Delia DeLeest

Guardian Bride by Lauri Robinson

Enthralled by Keena Kincaid

Ex-wives, Extortion, and Erotic First Editions by JL Wilson

Operation Summer Storm by Karlene Blakemore-Mowle

Some from romance/erotic romance titles from Samhain Books

Cracklin’ Rosie by Lissa Matthews (releases October 26)

Ms. Bramble and the Leviathan by Florida author Kristin Painter

All Jacked Up by Lorelei James

The First Book of Grimm by Shiloh Walker

The Sunsword by Lexxie Couper (a SF Romance)

Portrait of His Obsession by Michelle M. Pillow

That Voodoo That You Do by Jodi Redford

Demons Are a Ghouls Best Friend by Wynne Hayworth

Undertow by Moira Rogers

Blood Song by Eden Bradley

French Quarter by Lacy Alexander

The Concubine’s Tale by Jennifer Colgan

Happy Hour by Mari Carr

Awakening Beauty by Bonnie Dee and Marie Trenor

Sweet Disgrace by Cherrie Lynn

From Ellora’s Cave

Author Debra Glass’ new novel, Twice the Novice, has just been released.

Also

Home Field Advantage, the latest Gridiron Lovers story by Tampa area author Ann Jacobs

Entwined Hearts by Nicole Austin, Ciana Stone, N.J. Walters, and T.J. Michaels

Diamond in the Snow by Diana Hunter

Were Blood by Lia Slater

Pay Up by Kaily Hart

Faery Bound by Jenna Castille

Ride to Ecstasy by Jory Strong

Just for Jess by Cindy Spencer-Pape

Unmasked by Paige Taylor

Breathless Passion by Roxanna Blaze

Diamond in the Rough by Ruby Storm

Allure by Summer Marsden

An Unwanted Hunger by Ciana Stone

Perfecting Naia by SF Erotic Romance author Kim Knox

Berrr's Vow by Laurann Dohner

Night Prey by Tara Nina

All the Secrets in Pearl by Emily Ryan-Davis

Books in print from Ellora’s Cave:

Mechanical Rose by Nathalie Gray (Steampunk erotic romance!)

The Tiger’s Tale by Nara Malone

Forbidden Fun by Liz Andrews

Hel hath No Fury by K.C. Sehlhorst

From Cerridwen Press:
(Although, I'm not sure how truly recent these titles are):

Dragon in the System by Cindy Spencer Pape

Boji Stones by Sandra Cox

Digging Up The Past by Sandi Brackeen

Gift of Love by Cynthia Moore

All these titles, and more can be found via online at Amazon, or (for the ebooks and small press books) via the publishers’ websites,(Ellora’s Cave, The Wild Rose Press, Samhain Publishing, Cerridwen Press). I hope you find something here to love!

Monday Mailbox

2010-10-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally got time to add to this blog. Yes, I know it's not much, but hey, at least it's something, huh?
So, in the last...oh, what? Three weeks? I got something new to add to the TBR pile. The next to latest from Debra Glass, Rebel Rose--courtesy of Debra Herself.

*waves*

So what'd y'all get?

This Meme conceived by Marcia at the Printed Page.

Badcock by Debra Glass

2010-10-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

art by Dar Albert

Badcock
by Debra Glass
Cover art: Dar Albert
Publisher: Ellora's Cave: Legends line

In Badcock, a recent Ellora’s Cave* release by erotic romance author Debra Glass, Ms. Glass has a little fun with the highwayman legends as she tells the story of Sophia Astley, a young bride-to-be, about to marry into Regency era high society. Only first she is abducted by a highwayman who goes by the name of Bad Jack. And he, strangely, politely initiates her into an erotic life of taboo delights, a life of which Sophia never dreamed, forever after ruining her, body and heart, for anyone else. Her husband-to-be, however, Ralph Crichton, Duke of Wisbech, is not exactly offended on her behalf, but on his own. And the audacity of the man, he would’ve traded her for a ring.

A ring.

Well, after that display, Sophia sees the only true choice she has: Freedom with the highwayman. Unfortunately, Jack had no idea he was getting an inexperienced virgin when he helped the woman onto the back of his horse. He thought he was getting the woman who he met briefly a year ago, and knows mainly throguh her turid letters. Not so. Oops.

This presents a problem, because not only is he now infatuated with her, but the woman he’d arranged the dalliance and abduction with, has revenge on her mind, and Ralph (an utter bastard if there ever was one) is the perfect person to help her get it. Which is all fine with Ralph; after all, all he wants from Sophia is her hefty dowry. Ruining both in front of the rest of the ton, will be mere icing on the cake.
Will Jack and Sophia successfully survive the scheming duo, and find a way to truly be with each other, forever? You’ll have to read to find out!

This is another fine Regency-flavored erotic romance tale from the prolific Debra Glass, a little longer than the others, but still, quite as lush and lyrical as everything she writes, and just as enjoyable—and hot. And though, yeah, I have to admit, some of the more taboo parts of the story may make some readers uncomfortable, as ever, I love Ms. Glass’ work, so I enjoyed this one as well, and think other readers will too. What I really like about her work is that, unlike some erotic romances, the story doesn't get lost in the pursuit of hot love scenes. She never fails to keep me entertained on that level, and Badcock is no different. The story is interesting, the characters are rich (and I don't mean monetarily) as is the world she built here for Sophia and Jack. Debra's just all-around a great storyteller. :) So again, a great big five pearls for her Bad Jack. :)

If you’d like to check this out, you can get the ebook at Ellora’s Cave, here.

There's a delicious little book trailer for this one. See for yourself:

****

Also, this review is up over at the Examiner, if you wouldn't mind giving it a click, here.

(*Per FTC rules, you should know how I got this copy. That story’s a little convoluted as my first copy of this sent by the publicity folks for Ellora’s Cave, was lost in a computer snafu. So Debra Glass herself graciously provided me with a replacement copy, which is how this review came about).

Joanne Rock's blazing hot double play

2010-10-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

Double Play cover art

Double Play
by Joanne Rock
publisher: Harlequin Blaze
cover art: Harlequin Enterprises
review copy graciously provided to me by the author

Romance author Joanne Rock’s recent summer Harlequin release, Double Play tells the story of an overworked book reviewer, Amber Nichols, whose best friend hatches a plan for the perfect vacation that will rebuild her self-esteem after a recent, nasty breakup: she gives Amber the keys to her vacation house on Nantucket, right next door to a hot shot baseball player. She thinks he’d make a perfect fling for Amber. And judging by Amber’s first glimpse of said baseball player on the beach, Amber’s inclined to agree, even if she’s a little confused on who her hottie neighbor is. (Hence putting this book in the "Wrong Bed" mini-series)

Heath Donovan has taken the condo for a few days to unwind while he gets his bearings for what may be his make or break season as new head coach of the Boston Aces; that the Nantucket condo might be a good place to hide out from grabby groupies and fans plays into its favor. He never counted on meeting a woman so out of the sports loop as Amber, but the fact that she doesn’t care a wit about the game that’s so important to him, only adds to her intrigue.

Hot sparks fly between them and even as Amber fears their budding relationship might never progress beyond the fling stage, she finds herself caring for and assisting Heath’s Aces teammates as much as she does him—even going so far as to use her favorite pastime to help him keep his hard-won coaching position. What red-blooded, alpha male can resist that? Maybe there could be something more permanent for both of them here.

Though the baseball stuff is the backbone of the story in Double Play, the novel really hinges on Amber’s self-faith, something the hot coach helps her regain, in abundance, with lots of steamy encouragement! Romance Author (and Tampa Area Romance Authors member) Joanne Rock put a lot of work into this one, and it pays off well here, I think. How well? Do check Double Play out for yourself, and see what I mean.

I can easily give this a four and a half, maybe a four and three-quarters. ;)

I'm sorry to say I'm just not a baseball fan, so a lot of that jargon and part of the story went over my head, but the rest of it I enjoyed very much, and believe me, I needed a good distraction this week. This book gave me that. *waves* (Thanks, Joanne)

Yes, Joanne Rock herself sent this to me, not long after its release this summer, but I can’t say it’s still on the new shelves, with any certainty. If you can’t find a copy buried somewhere at a local Barnes and Noble or Borders, it still should be available new online at the Harlequin site or at Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Borders websites.

reviewing the predators

2010-10-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

Well, one of them, anyway. I meant to have this done and up earlier in the week, but the universe has thrown me for quite a loop this week. :( Anyway, thanks to all the great writers who helped keep me sane when I could've otherwise lost my marbles (which is still iffy, but we're hoping for the best). One of these writers is the author of our next review: Nicole Austin--who profiled here earlier in the week. :)

So...on with the review (which is also up in a slightly different version at the Examiner, here.)

cover art by Syneca

Cat's Meow
Predators book one
by Nicole Austin
publisher: Ellora's Cave: Twilight
review copy provided by Nicole Austin

In Cat’s Meow, the first in erotic romance author Nicole Austin’s Predator Project series, she introduces Micah Lassiter, a retired soldier, and Rebecca Southerby a timid zoologist, when they meet and have a hot one-night stand. Neither one would have ever dreamed of what happens before they meet again!

But then Micah, head of security at Nanotech Industries, is injured in the line of duty and accepts a proposition that will increase his strength and endurance exponentially. Dr. Rebecca Southerby is then brought in to deal with his newfound attributes, and is shocked to find the man she slept with is now able to change into a lion at will. But no one told poor Micah that was going to be the end result, nor that the twisted head of Nanotech was going to keep him locked up.

Rebecca and Micah have been dreaming of each other since that night and so when she sees him locked up in the Nanotech basement, Rebecca takes it as her duty to help him. If they can renew their interrupted budding relationship, all the better. If she can bring herself to find out when the change in Micah took place and how it effects the baby she’s carrying thanks to that hot night, all the better. Can she get him out of Nanotech’s clutches? Will the he-man/half-lion Micah blow a gasket and head for the hills when he finds out what Rebecca’s hiding? Or can they actually save the other test subjects in the Predator Project, can they keep their hands off each other long enough to do that, and will they be able to make something resembling a life together?

You’ll have to read to find out.

Overall, I would’ve liked to get a little more of the science fiction part of the story—the genetic manipulation going on at Nanotech, how the other forced participants took it, the subterfuge behind it all—and though in all honesty, I don't care for secret baby stories much, I enjoyed the (ahem) rip-roaring tale in Cat’s Meow very much.

My grade for this one?

If you like shapeshifter tales, I think you’ll really enjoy Nicole Austin's Cat’s Meow so do check it out. It’s out now in an omnibus edition of the Predator Project, in a paperback under the title of Predators (and Nicole Austin herself graciously provided me with my review copy--*waves* Thanks, Nicole!), which you can find in print at the Ellora’s Cave website here. Or separately as an ebook, also via Ellora’s Cave.

A Q and A with author Nicole Austin

2010-09-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

author Nicole Austin

Nicole Austin is an award-winning, multi-published author of erotic romance with a variety of characters and angles, from the sexy shifters of her Predators series to smoking hot firemen, and cowboys. She can also be found writing with the Hussies (a group of five other authors: Nathalie Gray, Sahara Kelly, Sally Painter, and Ciana Stone), and recently took time out of her busy schedule to speak with us.

A conversation with author Nicole Austin.

Thanks for being here with us today, Nicole. So, can you tell us, how you first come to write such Erotic Romance?

Nicole: My reading tastes are rather eclectic but romance has always been one of my favorite elements in any story. As a reader, I got tired of authors letting me in on the building chemistry between the characters and then just when it got to the spicy part, rudely slamming the bedroom door in my face. It was my search for stories that didn’t leave out that essential physical part of a loving relationship that lead me to erotic romances. Once I was hooked, the stories buzzing around in my head refused to be quiet. So I ripped the bedroom door off its hinges and began pushing boundaries.

What was your first published story (short story or novel, whichever was first), and when did that take place?

Nicole: Serious attempts at writing didn’t occur until my children were older and I had become well established in my medical career. My first and longest novel, Passionate Realities, was published in 2005 by Ellora’s Cave Publishing. It was pulled from the slush pile by one of their longtime editors who saw something in my writing and gave me a chance. The manuscript still needed work and she provided insightful feedback that got me moving in the right direction. I now have twenty published stories with two more pending releases, spanning a variety of sub-genres including Contemporary, BDSM, Menage, Paranormal, Shape-shifter and Western. I am also very proud to have mentored other aspiring authors who have since had their work published.

"The Hussies" authors, including Nicole Austin (right)

Wow. I was right about you being so busy! ;) What can you tell us about the story behind the fabulous Predators series?

Nicole: In the mid 90’s, a friend recommended the book Watchers, by Dean Koontz. The story quickly captured my imagination and became one of my all time favorites. The concept of government sponsored genetic manipulation, conducted without the public’s knowledge, is rife with the potential for things to going awry. Even those scientists with the highest moral and ethical standards are inherently human beings with flaws and are subject to temptation, especially when potential monetary gains reach astronomical proportions. Add in discoveries that are light years ahead of anything else and it’s a mixture destined for disaster. These are the basic concepts behind my creation of Nanotech Industries, a scientific research organization on the fast track to curing cancer. Their initial goal was to manipulate human DNA in order to remove the genes responsible for cancer. Along the way, the scientists discovered how to bind human and animal DNA. This breakthrough resulted in the plan to create an army of unbeatable soldiers enhanced with the genes of the world’s fiercest predators—the Predator Project.

Wow. You’re right. What an interesting fictional idea to play with! (And, currently reading PP, I think you did a really cool job with it, too. ;)) So, do you have any advice for aspiring Romance authors?

Nicole: Read everything you can get your hands on from the genre in which you aspire to write. Pay attention to how the authors handle different situations within the stories, pivotal plot twists and turns, how information about the characters life is introduced. Find local or online writers groups and workshops and become an active participant. Start writing down lists of writing tips and tricks, along with story and character ideas. Then sit down and write. Do not get discouraged because I can guarantee your first attempts will not be great and are not likely to result in a completed story. Keep at it. Set aside a block of time every day, even if only ten minutes, and write. Become a people watcher and look for inspiration in everyday life. Glance over at the person waiting ahead of you in the checkout line. Take in their appearance, clothes, the way they speak and spin a tale about their life. Do not allow one rejection, or even one hundred, to stop you. And develop a thick skin. Yes, your writing is a part of you, your baby, but you can’t take criticism personally. When it comes down to it everyone has different tastes and not everyone will love what your write. Once you find the right audience anything is possible.

Good advice that! So, Nicole, what’s on tap for you next?

Nicole: Currently, I am working on a sequel to my recently released novel, My Greatest Fantasy. The remaining two books in my western series, Corralled, are in the planning stages. I am also working on ideas for another book in the multi-author Cougar Challenge series. There are five manuscripts in various stages of completion that I have3 set aside for one reason or another that I’d like to revisit. After that, who knows where my imagination will lead. My older brother has been banned from reading my erotic romances and requested that I write a non-erotic suspense/thriller.

*G* Brothers! What are we going to do with them? And finally, do you have any final thoughts for the readers?

My sincere thanks go out to my readers, without whom realizing my dream would not have been possible. You continue to be the inspiration and driving force behind my writing. Thank you for your support and keep the emails coming because I love hearing from you!

Thank you, Nicole, for spending some time with us today. We will be looking forward to your future releases and wish you all good luck in with them! Folks if you'd like to learn more about Nicole and her fine works, visit her website, here.

Kim Knox's Painted Promise

2010-09-28T06:47:00.000-07:00

Painted Promise
by Kim Knox
cover art: Syneca
published by Ellora's Cave, Aeon
review copy provided to me by Ellora's Cave

In Kim Knox’s summer release, an Erotic SF romance called Painted Promise, part of Ellora’s Cave new Art of Love series, Ms. Knox introduces us to a world where paint is a living thing, and a woman’s ex-lover can hold a grudge, for millennia. When, Thirza Girard, clone of the ancient heroine Thirza Girard goes to strengthen the painted prison of her enemy Zaid, a Tashen-Dar shapeshifter, she goofs, he’s set free, and demands she live up to her namesake’s bargain—by having sex with him. It’s a bargain she can’t live with, and can’t seem to turn down, as the sexy Zaid, turns out, has been hounding her in her dreams, in his more animalistic form. One she finds incredibly sexy.

Becoming trapped by him, and by some sort of mechanical paint, and somehow becoming something akin to a mother goddess, is not at all what she expected. Neither is falling in love with Zaid. But what if there’s no turning back?

Can she withstand it, when her born enemy offers her all the wishes of her heard—including himself? Will her failure prove once and for all she’s not the legendary heroine? Or can she live up to her to her namesake, after all?

You’ll have to read to find out.

I do love me a good SF novel—or in this case, novella—and Kim Knox, as ever offers all the right elements I adore in Painted Promise: (a brand new world, cool technology, incredibly cool paint, and—spaceships!). So when Ellora’s Cave offered me this for review I jumped at it, and was not disappointed. It is also, as any Kim Knox, extremely hot. If I had to point to anything that bothered me, however, sometimes, Zaid seemed to be forcing himself on Thirza and I found that a bit uncomfortable. But all in all Painted Promise was very good and one I ultimately enjoyed, and I look forward to reading more—and more in the Art of Love series, from Ellora’s Cave.

My grade for this one?

Do check Painted Promise out. If you love SF and hot sex and, of course, romance, you can’t go wrong here. If you’d like a copy of this ebook, you can get it at the Ellora’s Cave, website here. To learn more about Kim Knox and her fine works, see her website here.

(**As ever, there's another version of this review up at the Examiner. I'd be appreciative if you could give it a click for me, here. :) Thanks!)

My guest post at Writing Magick

2010-09-24T13:13:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I've been so quiet lately, folks. But I've been busy. I do have a review for you forthcoming. Look for it in the next couple days.

But! The reason for this post is to say, I've done my first guest post. Yes. me. Pearl. (Or rather, my alter ego the writer). :) If you'd like to see it, it is here.

All about my writing, the short stories, what fires my imagination and so forth. if you'd like to read, it's here. Enjoy!

Release day! :)

2010-09-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

I know this has nothing to do with Erotica, but I had to share.

I have sold a short story, to the pagan arts and letters zine, Eternal Haunted Summer. The full issue is now available for your reading pleasure, here:

http://www.eternalhauntedsummer.com/index.php?p=1_58_Autumn-Equinox-2010

My short story contribution is a dark fantasy short story called "A House of Cards". The direct link to it, is:

http://www.eternalhauntedsummer.com/index.php?p=1_68_A-House-of-Cards

*Insert Snoopy dance here*

OK, it's just a short story, but I am tickled because it is my *first* sale. :)

Anyway, I had to share. I hope y'all enjoy the story, if you read it!

A chancy little romance from Debra Glass.

2010-09-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

Lover by Chance
by Debra Glass
Publisher: Amazon Kindle
cover art: Debra Glass
(My review copy was provided by Debra Glass)

In erotic romance author Debra Glass' newest short story, Lover by Chance, gambler Jedidah Nash wins another poker game, but this time, the stakes are not in coin and cash. No, his winnings come in the form of one night with newlywed beauty Elena Laurent. Well, truly he’s hoping to get more of Laurent’s money, more than he is Mrs. Laurent.

But Elena is quite outraged to find her new husband used her in a poker game (what nerve!). Well, if that's all she means to him, she decides maybe she'll just use this outrage as grounds for a divorce; meanwhile, maybe Jed can teach her what a truly fallen woman needs to know.... Before he leaves her in the morning.

But is there any chance this might lead to something more? Can it be possible that an outrageous one night stand could become the spark for a love to last forever? You’ll have to read to find out!

Lover by Chance is a short story of only twenty-nine pages by Ms. Glass but, as usual, she’s at the top of her game. Her riverboat gambling den comes to life, with all the sights and sounds one would expect in such an environment, Ms. Elena’s little cabin is a sparse and yet pretty abode. Despite their start, Jed's quite the gentleman, and what a little cat, Elena might truly turn out to be given the opportunity!

The only complaint I had, and it’s a small one, is I would’ve liked more to this story! More, more! But I can still give it my same Debra Glass five pearls.

I can't help it. I just love her storytelling style. :) As ever another splendid, hot read from Ms. Debra Glass. Lover by Chance is primarily a Kindle published piece but if you do not own one, you can download a converter from the Amazon site. So if you’d like to try Debra Glass’ latest little tale out, you can get it via Amazon.com here.

For more on Debra Glass and her fine works, see her web site: History for the Taking here.

or her blog, or her blog shared with Tampa Paranormal Romance author Elissa Wilds, Writing Magick.

(And as ever there's another version of this review up at the Examiner, here; if you could be so kind as to give it a click, I'd be appreciative. :) Thanks!)

Weekly Mailbox

2010-09-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

Just a few little things this week. From Nicole Austin, her first omnibus, Predators, and a few goodies. :) That's it for this week. Thanks, Nicole for sending me the book and goodies!

Debra Glass Chat this afternoon!

2010-09-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

Erotica author Debra Glass has a few new novels out this summer, Badcock was released recently, as was a short entitled Lover By Chance, Siren Bookstrand release More than a Mistress, and today sees the release of the latest, Rebel Rose. In celebration of the release of Rebel Rose, she is chatting online today 12PM-3PM EST at a shindig hosted by fellow erotic romance author Sierra Devoe. If you’d like to peek in and join the party, you may do so by joining Sierra’s Yahoogroup at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Sierra_Dafoe/

It’s easy to join her list, and the release party/chat looks to be a lot of fun. See you there!!!

Debra can also be found at her home page History for the Taking

And at the little blog she shares with Tampa Paranormal Romance author Elissa Wilds, Writing Magick.

Lissa Matthews' Arctic Shift

2010-09-07T11:24:00.000-07:00

Arctic Shift
by Lissa Matthews
publisher: Samhain Publishing
cover art:Kanaxa

Arctic Shift, Lissa Matthews’ latest novella, the first in her Denali Heat series for Samhain Publishing, sends a young mythology researcher, Ruby, to the wilds of Alaska in search of her missing sister. When she arrives, looking forward to meeting the guide who will take her to her sister, she’s told a wild tale about savage shape shifters she must be wary of. Though she loves such myths and fairy tales, she doesn’t really believe in them. The stories of men who change into animals—ice bears, in this case—are just that, right? Stories?

And besides, she’s got real problems on her hands, such as waking up next to a strange—and very naked—man, who insists she’s his fated mate.

Carson has had an eye our for Ruby’s arrival since Melanie first played Ruby’s frantic voice mails, and so is all too eager to claim her. She’ll accept that she’s destined to his eventually, and meanwhile, he’s decided he needs time to prove to Ruby that what he says is true, even if it means meandering around her urgent need to find her sister.

Part of her doesn’t need convincing, the part of her that longs to take advantage of his very seductive offers. But part of her can’t let go of her career, her need for the city’s background noises.

When Melanie tells Ruby of her own similar wild passion for one of Carson’s brother’s will she believe it, will she stay with Carson, or will she eschew the mysterious devoted passion Carson offers, and return to the city for good? Or will she take a leap of faith? Or will she need more proof before she makes a decision? How could a sane man believe he’s a shapeshifting polar bear after all? You’ll have to read to find out.

Though I enjoyed Arctic Shift immensely and was very eager to find out what was to happen between Carson and Ruby, and though I found Carson sexy as anything, and the happy ending satisfying, as is always the case with Lissa Matthews' work. I am pleased the folks at Samhain sent me this one to review…

But I find myself, in hindsight, wishing this story had been a little longer than its short seventy-one pages. Attraction be damned, I thought Ruby’s acceptance of what Carson was telling her, regardless of her research subject, her immediate acceptance of this strange naked man in her bed, happened too fast, and I wish Ms. Matthews could’ve had space to work Ruby up to acceptance a little more—heck I wanted her to tell Carson to take a flying leap at points, over his unbelievable story, or at least ask him to prove what he was telling her. But what Ms. Matthews’ did have to work with creates a magical world (one where readers can feel the cold and see the majestic landscapes she speaks of).

All in all, I loved Arctic Shift. It is, as usual from Ms. Matthews, a very hot, very intriguing read, and an interesting overview of the Denali shifters, one I hope she can explore more fully at some later date. And I think fans of Susan Krinard or Angela Knight, and other shapeshifter romance authors will love it too.

My grade for this one?

This title is only available in ebook, but if you’d like to give it a look, you can find it online at the Samhain Publishing bookstore: My Books & More, the Barnes and Noble website or at Amazon.

Tuesday Teaser

2010-09-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading, but got the idea from Minx at Loose Knickers & Window Lickers. Anyone can play along! Just do the following. Grab your current read open to a random page. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

From Painted Promise, by Kim Knox, published by Ellora's Cave.

page 15:

"“I have no say?” Zaid’s fingers stroked my jaw, pushing into the heavy braids of my hair to untangle them.

“No. You don’t.”

His touch against my skin fired strangeness down through my flesh. I couldn’t control my reaction to him, only ached to close the millimeters that separated our mouths and give in to the need to taste him."

This just in....

2010-09-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

Marissa's Sizzling Hot Book Reviews will be hosting Science Fiction/Fantasy romance author Susan Hanniford Crowley tomorrow, September 8th.

Erotica romance author Keta Diablo is going to be guesting at TwiMom's That's What I'm Talking About on September 16. If you are a fan of these two authors, don't miss these event.

Eliza March's latest offers Any Way West

2010-08-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

Any Way West
by Eliza March
Publisher Siren Bookstrand
Cover design: Jinger Heaston
my review copy provided by Ms. March.

Any Way West is another hot offering from the very talented Eliza March. In this, her latest work, she reunites two former lovers, Carly Wright, a sculptress who just so happens to own a ranch in New Mexico where her ex-lover Jake West, and his friend Trey Barnes find her while scouting out sets for a movie on which they’re stuntmen. Carly is scarred by the death of her late husband in a rodeo accident, but the thought these two thrill-seekers might be attracted to her, is nonetheless enticing. And as it seems the two men can’t keep their hands to themselves, it’s clear that interest is completely mutual. A no-strings-attached tryst might just ease the intrigue—or maybe not, if dear ole Jake has his druthers, along with his way with Carly.

Can they all keep it purely on a physical level, or will sparks and love,ensue in this beautiful landscape? And who will Carly ultimate choose—or will she have to make a choice? You’ll have to read this to find out.

This is only the latest in Eliza March’s long list of spicy works, and it is very spicy and so, should not disappoint her readers. Vividly drawn landscapes and the sparse, yet lovely portrayal of Carly’s inner demons and of course, her artistic talent only added to my appreciation of Ms. March’s talent. I admit it, I'm a little biased and have enjoyed everything I've read in her ouevre so far, and likewise, Any Way West. If you’d like to see for yourself how she handles this feisty cast of characters, you can find Any Way West in ebook format at BookStrand.

My grade for this one should be no surprise:

(And as usual, there's a slightly different version of this over at my Examiner pages, if you would give it a click please. :) Thanks!)

If you'd like to learn more about Eliza March and her works, visit her web site here, or her blog here.

Ann Jacobs' Coach Me reviewed

2010-08-25T10:49:00.000-07:00

Coach Me
by Ann Jacobs
published by Ellora's Cave
cover art by Syneca
My review copy was provided graciously by the author.

Award winning Erotic romance author Ann Jacobs’ latest novella in the Gridiron Lovers series, Coach Me, concerns a reunion of the Hedgecock High football greats. The coordinator of all this, Susan, has been on duty for months trying to set this up, corralling all the various stars into participating in the event. But it’s the popular Coach Colin Zanardi that she’s most interested in. Having recently lost her husband, she’s ready for a replacement and the very macho and dominant Zanardi seems like a good replacement. He, meanwhile, finds he’s not at all put off by Susan, ready to meet the woman behind the sexy voice on the other end of the frequent calls. When Colin finally arrives, he finds Susan has her own ideas of how to welcome him, which results in a totally different plan for the night than he had on leaving home. And he’s not at all disappointed to find as the sparks sizzle between them that Susan, like himself, is more than a little interested in the bondage scene.

But what will happen when the reunion ends and all the heroes head home? Will Susan be left alone again, or can she convince Colin to stay in the home he has no love for? You’ll have to read this one to find out.

Coach Me is a well-written story, Ms. Jacobs’ writing, as ever is fantastic, but this particular story may not be for everyone, I think. I wasn’t particularly intrigued with the story myself. The sex scenes were good, the reunion, the relationship between the players was vividly portrayed and the characters for the most part are charming…. but I wanted to strangle the two main characters. Probably just because I like strong heroines and don’t go in for He-Men, and that’s where Susan and Colin failed to excite me, sorry to say. Though Susan had been alone for quite awhile, and I felt sorry for the way some of the townsfolk treated her, I just expected her to be . . . more independent and she really didn’t seem to be; and Colin though sweet and caring, just was too dominate over her for my tastes, generally. But, if you like BDSM stories, Coach Me is as any Ann Jacobs tale, very well done, and won’t disappoint you, I think. My grade for this one?

If you’d like to try it out yourself (and as ever, I encourage you to try them for yourself), you can find it in ebook at the Ellora’s Cave website here.

Weekly Mailbox

2010-08-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

Since I seem to be missing these by a mile, let's start a new trend, how about a weekly mailbox roundup? Post it any day you like, but just once a week. OK? :) Here's mine:

This week I received
A Lover By Chance as well as Badcock, both by Debra Glass

Also, a copy a shapeshifter romance by Lissa Matthews, Arctic Shift, just released for purchase from Samhain (here, if you like).

And Painted Promise by Kim Knox (a SF Erotic/art based short novella by her) from the fine folks at Ellora's Cave.

That's my list as of this day. How about you, my fine friends?

Incapacitate me

2010-08-22T08:45:00.001-07:00

Also, I hope to have some new reviews for you this week, but my carpal tunnel's doing a number on my typing hand. :( I may need to take a short break. But I have Eliza March's new one almost read and ready to go. Just bear with the pain, please....Thanks.

PS. I hear it's Leontine's birthday--ya! Happy birthday, dear girl!
let's see... do I have any eye candy for her? hermmm...
How about this:

Happy birthday, sweetie! :)

Blog hop

2010-08-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

Hey, I've actual found an erotica blog through the hop this week. :)

The Forgotten Hollow
Vry, very nice little blog. Check it out.

Nicole Austin's Summer of the Cougar

2010-08-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

Summer of the Cougar
by Nicole Austin
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
cover art: Syneca
copy provided for my review by Ellora's Cave.
In prolific Erotica author Nicole Austin’s latest title, Summer of the Cougar, she introduces us to Larissa Cross: a schoolteacher and widowed mother who is just about to turn forty. Just back from an erotic romance writers convention, she and several friends set about putting into motion their plan for a little summer fun; a plan that would make the girls at the romance convention proud: They’re each to find a man under the age of forty and . . .have a little summer fun, shall we say?

For Rissa the perfect candidate comes along when her car overheats on a trip to Clearwater Beach. Who should be sent to put out the blaze but a sexy fireman named JD Harmon. And as it seems the attraction is mutual, Rissa hands him her phone number and hopes for the best. A weekend with someone like JD should be just the thing to put her into the ranks of the Cougar, and send the other girls on the Tempt the Cougar blog* into a tizzy waiting for updates. But what’s Rissa to do when JD sticks around, and starts wanting more than just a weekend? And how’s he going to take it when he finds out he’s just part of an experiment for Rissa and her online gal pals?

Will the summer fling be enough, or will Rissa get her head on straight before school starts, and she cuts loose the one guy who might be the best thing that ever happened to her?

With a plethora of steamy scenes and a to-die for hero, I think any reader of the Erotica genre will love Nicole Austin’s “Cougar Challenge” title for Ellora’s Cave; Summer of the Cougar was a very hot, and yet sweet read, and so yeah, I give it a hearty 5 pearls.

and I look forward to what the talented Ms. Austin offers next.

If you'd like to check it out, you can get a copy at the Ellora's Cave website, here

* Which, I gather is an actual blog they set up for this group of "Cougar Challenge" authors. ;)
**As usual,there's a slightly different version of this review up at my Examiner page (here), if you'd like to give it a click

Totally off the book subject but...

2010-08-17T09:01:00.000-07:00

Have y'all seen Underworld: Rise of the Lycans?

Oh. My. God. The love scene between Lucian and Sonja?
*pant* To die for. I have been waiting to see this episode for a long, long time. Now...who wants a Lycan??

*raises hand*

Lucian love scene screencap courtesy Werewolves Howl

Not the pic I wanted but...trust me, ladies, if you haven't seen this movie, go rent it. I dare you not to fall for Lucian. ;)

Monday Mailbox (August 16)

2010-08-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

This Meme conceived by Marcia at the Printed Page.

I received a few ebooks from erotica author Desiree Holt (AKA Judith Rochelle, whose fantastic book Target I reviewed last week on my other blog). She was tickled with the review *waves to Desiree* so sent me two ebooks: her forthcoming Lust Unleashed and the currently available Do You Trust Me?

Also... While, I didn't get these in my mailbox perse, I picked them up from the freebies table at my writers' meeting, so...

Seduced by Shadows by Jessa Slade

Killing Me Softly by Maggie Shayne.

So those will be added to the Soon to be read list. What'd y'all get?

Attention all Tampa Bay writers

2010-08-15T09:53:00.001-07:00

Deep Carnivale (Tampa's premiere literature festival) is open for auditions. Details in my article at the Examiner here: http://tinyurl.com/247eaps

Monday Mailbox

2010-08-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

based on a meme by Story Siren.

I haven't checked the PO box lately, so this week, I got a whole bunch of stuff. Of note for my readers here, I received Undercover by Lauren Dane from Lynette *waves* and Burning Up a compilation of Steampunk romance stories by Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, Virginia Kantra, and Meljean Brook. Also Double Play by Joanne Rock, His Expectant Ex by Catherine Mann, Bet Me (a compilation of stories by Joanne Rock, Catherine Mann and Debra Webb) and a cute little date book Joanne Rock picked up for me at the RWA conference in Orlando, there's also a neat sticky pad, *and* she's sending me a critique of one of my stories. :) Can't wait to see that!

The rest of the things I got this past two weeks is all SF and Fantasy...you can see the whole list over here on my other blog if you like.

Vixen Reviews...

oops!

New indie releases from Ellora's Cave

Joanne Rock's Blaze title: Under Wraps

What are you reading?

Christine Pope's Mistletoe Magic

Sloane Parker Giveaway

Erotic romance author Louisa Bacio

Cyber Launch Party: Celebrating The TOYS-4-US Releases

Erotic romance author April Ash guest blog

Guest post with Desiree Holt

Halloween event--Lex Valentine.

new releases

Cindy Spencer Pape

Debra Glass--Halloween guest blog

Dark Leopard Magic--mini review

Halloween blog with Rosemary Cross.

Tuesday Teaser

New releases for early October

Desire Holt's rocking new lovers

Melody S. Monroe

Wicked Wednesday 1

Happy Release day, Eliza March!

Debra Glass' look at hot high fashion

Julia Rachel Barrett Guest today at new blog

Paranormal romance author Gabriella Hewitt Guesting today

some newish releases

ParaYourNormal - Where Para is our Normal!: The Gunfighter and the Gear Head Excerpt: A Guest ...

My friend Rachel Firasek's new release -

Lust Undone by Desiree Holt

review: More than a Stud by Eliza March

Guest Post: Rosalie Lario

review: For Love of an Angel by Rosalie Lario

Contest alert

Self-publishing with Rosalie Lario

Jungle Inferno by Desiree Holt

New Erotic Romance Releases

New Eliza March release

Desiree Holt's Crack the whip

Guest posts I totally forgot to mention

Paty Jager Guest blog

Building Reader Loyalty

Something blue for fans of Desiree Holt, Cerise DeLand, and Allie Standifer

Sapphire Phelan

Announcement

Julia Rachel Barrett Giveaway

Desiree Holt's unleashes a new desire...

Gambit, erotic romantic sf by Kim Knox.

Recent Erotic Romance Releases

Common Ground by Lex Valentine

Desiree Holt's Something Borrowed

Contest!

New stuff coming soon...

Lex Valentine's latest just may rock the world

Weekly Mailbox

New release Friday

Eliza March returns to Enchanted Mountain

Nicole Austin introduces one foxy lady to the Predators project

Eliza March

Erotic Fantasy romance author Marsha A. Moore blog stop

New year, new review

Nicole Austin's Predators series continues...

Debra Glass giveaway winners

Debra Glass giveaway update

Debra Glass Rebel Rose and Giveaway

A Very Cougar Christmas.

a friend's new release

Heating Up the Holidays

Review: Mechanical Rose by Nathalie Gray

A hot Christmas hook up

Catherine Mann's Landis brother tale

Debra Glass guest alert

Cindy Spencer Pape's latest novella

**CECIL***

Heating pads, hot stories, and hot heroes

In My Mailbox

Some new releases

Monday Mailbox

Badcock by Debra Glass

Joanne Rock's blazing hot double play

CECIL*