Monday, August 30, 2010

Lauri Robinson, Wish Craft

Title: Wish Craft

Author: Lauri Robinson

Rating: Four And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Western Romance

Sub-Genre: Historical

Keywords: Time Travel, Cactus Rosette

Page Count: 67

ISBN E-Book: d5335

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wish-craft-p-4068.html

Reviewer: Stacey Krug

Blurb/Summary:

After intensive studying of Quantum jumping, Jayden White embarks on a journey one hundred and twenty years in the past for two reasons—to aid her sister’s financial crisis and to meet the man she’s come to know through an old family diary. The night Levi Grimshaw asks his long time sweetheart to marry him he arrives home to discover a strange young woman sleeping in front of his fireplace—trouble is she’s not a stranger to his heart

Review:

You just can’t help but fall in love with this short story. Wish Craft is wonderfully creative and unique.

The heroine, Jayden, travels back in time to find her destiny and help her sister. Levi has plans of his own before meeting Jayden. Their chemistry together grows to a boiling point. The funny antics of a woman from the future interacting with a man from the past, helps to send it bubbling over.

This is an uplifting story with a happy ending and some surprises along the way. Laurie Robinson did a great job. Based on this story, I would check out other works by this author.

Anita Philmar, Banished Witch

Title: Banished Witch

Author: Anita Philmar

Rating: Three And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Erotica

Sub-Genre: Paranormal Romance

Keywords: Menage, Shape-Shifter, Erotic Scarlet Miniature Rose

Page Count: 107

ISBN E-Book: d4922

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=776

Reviewer: Stacey Krug

Blurb/Summary:

Once a princess of Ardenia, Danella, left her homeland to warn her childhood sweetheart only to be kidnapped and sold into slavery. Learning the dark magic from her keeper, she grew to accept her role as a witch to protect her family and track down the traitor to the crown. But when Omar Mandel, the love from her past, arrives to bring her home, she realizes she can never go home. That doesn't mean she can't use his assistance in her plan for revenge and, in the meantime, live out a few unfulfilled fantasies.

The queen wants her daughter to come home and Omar’s job is to see that it happens. However, Danella isn’t the same sweet girl he remembers. In her place is a sexy woman who excites his lust and claims his heart. He must teach her to trust in his love and face the sins of the past if they are to have a future together.


Review:

Banished Witch is a good story. It has a little of everything intrigue, shape-shifting, different worlds, witches, magic, and a love story.

Danni and Omar have a lot of obstacles to overcome if they are to be together. Danni doesn’t feel worthy of the love Omar offers freely. Danni must free herself from her past to move forward.

Danni’s internal struggle comes to life, and she finally gets some answers to her troubling past. Meanwhile, Danni and Omar create some steamy, erotic love scenes.

If you are looking for a story with a lot of imagination behind it then this is it.

Nancy J. Cohen, Silver Serenade

Title: Silver Serenade

Author: Nancy J. Cohen

Rating: Five Siren Stones

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Keywords: Fantasy, Futuristic, Faery Rose

Page Count: 388 pages

ISBN E-Book: d4853

ISBN For Print: 978-1601547828

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/silver-serenade-p-4112.html

Reviewer: Nikki

Blurb/Summary:A beautiful assassin and a desperate fugitive join forces to catch a terrorist before he starts an intergalactic war. Ace pilot Jace Vernon is forced to flee his home world after being framed for murder. He seeks justice, but S.I.N. agent Silver Malloy gets in his way. The platinum-haired beauty counters his every move in a quest to clear his name. As he makes it his mission to break down her defenses, he doesn't count on the personal consequences of success. Silver refuses to abort her deadly mission even if it means killing the one man Jace needs alive to prove his innocence. Her resolve wavers when Jace's charms melt the barriers around her heart. Can she help him win his case, even if it means betraying her family and ruining her career?

Review:

My first venture reading a futuristic romance story, and I loved it! From start to finish, Silver Serenade throws an action packed thrill ride. It's fun and adventurous, and left me begging for more! There is even a glossary of terms at the end. This book is an attention grabber. The cover is enticing.

Silver and Jace meet when they are chasing the same man for very different reasons, and they join forces. The secondary characters are a hoot, and the zinging dialogue is brilliant. I suggest you not miss out on this book, and make sure there are no distractions; you're not going to want to put this down until the last page!

Aileen Harkwood, Wolf's Den

Title: Wolf’s Den

Author: Aileen Harkwood

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Keywords: Shape-Shifter, Black Rose

Page Count: 112

ISBN E-Book: d4918

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wolfs-den-p-4120.html

Reviewer: Lisa Fitzpatrick

Blurb: “Dangerous. Why?

Do you think I can’t take every delicious inch of you? Do you think I can’t handle you?”

He blinked, astonished by this statement and apparently at a loss for words. It was, she had to admit, the single cheesiest thing she’d ever said aloud. She watched him trying to figure out how best to react, while at the same time maintaining that stern, “we aren’t going to have sex, no-way, no-how” attitude.

The longer they looked at one another without saying anything, the harder it was to keep a straight face. She couldn’t say who broke under pressure first, but suddenly both of them were laughing uncontrollably. She collapsed forward in hysterics, her forehead dropping against his chest.

A few seconds later, she realized he’d gone completely still.

He pounced.

Review:

Where do I start?

In a world intentionally kept separate from our own, the Kith, wolf shape-shifters, mate for life like all wolves do. So what happens when that partnership is divided by death?

The internal struggle the hero goes through being attracted to the person who has, to all intents and purposes, just murdered his potential mate in cold blood, and the self loathing those feelings produce is felt acutely by this reader. This empathy is mirrored in the confusion and revulsion the murderer feels upon seeing what they have done to another living creature. So why on earth would they ever be attracted to each other, even just sexually?

Add to this mix the possessive human ex-lover, hell bent on seeing them both dead, and the result is a high paced, adrenaline fueled battle for survival.

This is a really great book. A well written and well edited page turner. Even though you kind of think you sort of know what might be going on as you read it, it really doesn’t give too much away at the beginning.

The subtitle, Legacy of the White Wolf Book One suggests a great start to this series, and I can’t wait to read the rest!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Terry Odell, Nowhere to Hide

Title: Nowhere to Hide

Author: Terry Odell

Rating: Four And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Keywords: Thriller, Crimson Rose

Page Count: 314 pages

ISBN For Print: 978-1601547675

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/nowhere-to-hide-p-4109.html

Reviewer: Nikki

Blurb/Summary:

The trouble with running away is you take yourself with you. After a case goes south, Colleen McDonald leaves her police job in Oregon for a fresh start as a civilian in Orlando. The last thing she needs is some cop with killer blue eyes coming around, looking for her missing landlord. The quickest way to get Deputy Graham Harrigan out of her life is to beat him at his own game. Finding Jeffrey Walters might be Graham's ticket to a slot in the Criminal Investigations Division. Determined to prove he's the man for the job despite the stain of an unsavory reputation passed down by his training partner, he can't afford to be distracted by the pretty tenant in Walters' guest house. A tenant who seems to know more about the case than he does. A tenant with her own demons. Will Colleen's secrets destroy Graham's chances for a promotion, or will love make theirs a permanent partnership?

Review:

From the first page, Nowhere To Hide had me hooked. With a woman hiding from her haunting past, a missing man, a landlord who is mysterious and forgetful, and a cop who asks a lot of questions.

The inner conflict with the heroine and the surrounding suspense make for a chilling, suspenseful read. It left me guessing until the end, and has a perfect blend of romance and intrigue. Fast paced, energetic, and full of mystery; fans of romantic suspense should not miss out on this one.

Terry Odell is another author to add to my buy list. I found this to be a highly enjoyable, satisfying read.

Eliza Knight, Take It Off, Warrior


Title: Take It Off, Warrior

Author: Eliza Knight

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Historical

Sub-Genre: Erotic Romance

Keywords: Time Travel

Page Count: 84 pages

ISBN For Print: 978-1419928154

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

Buy-Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-takeitoffwarrior-441860-144.html

Reviewer: Lisa Fitzpatrick

Blurb/Summary:

Sixteenth-century Highland laird Camden MacLeod wakes up in the modern world. Confused with his surroundings, he haphazardly throws on his kilt and goes in search of whoever has played such a foul trick on him. What he finds instead is beyond tempting…

Valerie is thoroughly exploring the medieval Scottish castle she’s rented for her best friend’s bachelorette party. Not only does an oddly shaped stone in tower catch her fancy—it somehow brings her dream man to life.

Review:

Valerie is drawn to the Isle of Skye in Scotland. A love of castles and tales of clans and honour is one reason she uprooted from England, and indulged her love of books by purchasing a local bookstore.

While organising a bevy of hot, kilted highland dancers for her friend’s bachelorette party, she gets a little more than she bargained for when the old faerie magic takes a hand in her fate, and draws her soul mate warrior from the very history she adores.

Unlike some stories of this type, which sacrifice actual ‘story’ for a plethora of sexual encounters, this tale blends those two aspects well. Definitely on the more tasteful side of erotica, which is brought about by the deeper connection between the two main characters, this book was a pleasure (no pun intended!) to read.

I am usually rather sceptical about the historical accuracy of some tales based on Celtic legends, being of that heritage myself; this story flows easily and is clearly well researched. My only criticism is that when referring to Scotch, whisky is spelt without the additional ‘e’.

Based on this book, the first I have read from this author, I’d definitely look up her other titles.

Title: Despite the Ghosts

Author: Dylan Newton

Rating: Three And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Fantasy

Keywords: Faerie, Faery Rose

Page Count: 296 pages

ISBN For Print: 978-1610547699

ISBN E-Book: d4170

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/despite-the-ghosts-p-4122.html?zenid=c6ceb7eaf6d3328ce95a85eaba1b43c8

Reviewer: Nikki

Blurb/Summary:

For spirit medium and parapsychology professor Nola Richards, love is as dead as the ghosts she communicates with. Then one spirit’s cryptic message on her shower door forces her out of the paranormal and into the arms of his hot bachelor brother—business tycoon and complete skeptic Parker Sebastian. As if dealing with funeral arrangements, an ugly internal audit and his greedy step-family weren’t enough, Parker’s newest problem arrives in a gorgeous, if eccentric, package. After hearing Nola’s “message from beyond,” Parker knows two things: he wants her…and she’s a con artist somehow responsible for his brother’s death. To help this restless ghost, Nola must overcome Parker’s disbelief. Although sexual energy crackles between them, she knows corporation and meditation don’t mix. It’ll take more than spirit interference and otherworldly signs to make their romance work, Despite the Ghosts.

Review:

A story where the heroine communicates with ghosts, definitely my kind of read! The opening begins with a good pace and kept me going.

The part I had the most difficulty with was that it's written in first person, and it took me a few chapters to realize that the point of views changed. That's when I noticed that it said right next to the chapter 1, 2, etcetera, the name of the person the point of view was in. I had to pay attention each time a new chapter started so I knew.

The heroine and hero meet when a ghost seeks out Nola (the heroine) and she finds out that it's the brother of Parker (hero). What a fun scene when she goes to his workplace to speak to him!

While I did enjoy this thrilling story, I think I might have liked it more if it were written in the third person. Don't let that stop you from reading this though, because Despite the Ghosts it is filled with mystery, suspense, secrets, and scenes that make you laugh, and it keeps you guessing until the end.

Mari Carr, Sweet Thursday (Wild Irish, Book Four)

Title: Sweet Thursday (Wild Irish, Book Four)

Author: Mari Carr

Rating: Five Siren Stones

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Keywords: Menage

Word Count: 40,383

ISBN E-Book: 978-1419928376

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy-Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sweetthursday-439843-149.html

Reviewer: Yvette Lowe

Blurb/Summary: Wild Irish, Book Four

In high school, Lily was too shy to do anything about her feelings for her best friends, Justin and Killian. Now she’s ready to put to rest her regrets with a proposal that might shock even her oversexed friends—the three of them, together, one night, multiple positions.

K and J are more than a little surprised to see Lily at their ten-year reunion. The plain Jane they remember is now a stunning woman—who wants to have sex with both of them. Who are they to deny her? Even if Killian suspects they might be treading on dangerous emotional territory.

The night stretches into the weekend and, as K suspected, none of them want it to end. But he and Lily know people live in pairs, not trios, and they call a halt now, before it’s too late.

Justin, however, knows a good thing when he sees it. He’s ready to fight for what he wants…what they all need. He just has to convince Lilly and Killian that unconventional can also be extraordinary.

Review:

Mari Carr has done it again with this amazingly hot and erotic love story.

Lily was Killian and Justin's best friend in high school even though she was the plain Jane in school she has turned out to be an extremely hot woman. She knows what she wants and it is her two best friends.

Killian and Justin are all too eager to please Lily, but in the end can they just walk away or are they willing to fight for more. This story is a scorching hot story that will keep you reading till the end.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Cherry Lee, Show Pony

Title: Show Pony

Author: Cherry Lee

Rating: Four And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Erotica

Keywords: BDSM, fetish

Word Count: 18,000

ISBN E-Book: 978-1609823399

Publisher: Excessica Publishing

Buy-Link: http://excessica.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=25&products_id=406

Reviewer: Stacey Krug

Blurb/Summary:

Shrinking Violet her school mates once called her. Violet has never grown any bolder than she was back then. She has spent the last couple of years as a full time slave to a wheelchair-bound Master, content to live quietly doing his bidding.
When he tells her she’s to be sold to a trainer who prepares women to be ponies, Violet is afraid. She doesn’t do well with change or venturing out of her comfort zone. But Tom, the trainer takes her in hand and expands her horizons. Bit by bit he brings out the confident show pony in the demure woman.

Warnings: This title contains anal, oral and vaginal sex, blow jobs, whipping and ass reaming, and a lot of girls who enjoy playing at being My Little Pony.

Review:

Show Pony gives the reader a great look at a very different kind of sexual fetish. The story will keep you glued to the pages with anticipation of what’s to come.

In this story, Violet submits to the dominant Tom Deerfield to become one of his stable mares. Violet must break out of her shell to overcome her fear of standing out and lack of confidence. We get to see how Tom puts her through training to become the ultimate show pony.

Show pony is an erotic tale and sexually descriptive. It is also a story about a woman trying to find her way and fit in somewhere. I enjoyed the story and it ended on a hopeful note.

Scarlett Sanderson, Owned by the Night


Title: Owned by the Night

Author: Scarlett Sanderson

Rating: Three And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Erotic Romance

Keywords: Vampire, Erotic Scarlet Rosette

Page Count: 48

ISBN E-Book: d5110

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=86&products_id=779&zenid=28cb05e41932eaf12021dfba6c5d84e3

Reviewer: Stacey Krug

Blurb/Summary:

Once enslaved by the vampire who turned her, Allegra Augusta finally has it all—her freedom and the untold power to keep it. Yet she craves the one thing missing from her immortal life—a mate. Stumbling across handsome druid Kyrian de’Tame in Dark Age England, she seduces him with the promise of power and immortality, confident she can control the feral wizard. As her mate’s power grows, so does his dominance. Each sultry encounter propels her closer to submission, forcing Allegra to spend centuries running from his enslavement. When Kyrian catches up with Allegra in modern day America, she finds herself unable to resist his seduction. Will Allegra refuse her mate or find herself Owned by the Night?

Review:

This is a good tale of a woman coming to terms with a traumatic past, so she could move forward with love in her future. We are taken on a journey through a vampire’s memories of power, blood, and sex.

Allegra makes Kyrian into a vampire thinking that she can control him. Kyrian soon becomes very powerful and possessive of Allegra. Unfortunately, Allegra is terrified of her past repeating in her present life. Too bad no one had ever taught her how to trust.

Owned by the Night is really erotic and descriptive. The small inconsistencies in the time line and editing didn’t take away from the overall story being told.

If you are looking for an erotic tale with a happy ending and turmoil in between then check this out.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Ava McKnight, Satisfying Sophie


Title: Satisfying Sophie

Author: Ava McKnight

Rating: Five Siren Stones

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Keywords: Menage

Length: Short Novel

ISBN E-Book: 978-1419928734

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy-Link: http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/ava-mcknight/satisfying-sophie/_/R-400000000000000261770

Reviewer: Stacey Krug

Blurb/Summary:

Sophie has never had an orgasm. Too much guilt and a horrific teenage tragedy have left her self-conscious about her body. But her two roommates and best friends, Sam and Jordan, find Sophie beyond desirable. Together, they set a steamy seduction into play that awakens Sophie’s passion…and her love for Sam.

Both men are more than willing to help satisfy her sexually. To finally free herself from the pains of the past and accept love in her life, Sophie must reveal her darkest secret to Sam. And hope he returns her love, even knowing her deepest flaws.

Publisher’s Note: This story was previously published elsewhere under the title A Subtle Seduction and has been revised for Ellora’s Cave.

Review:

Satisfying Sophie takes you on an incredible emotional journey. This is a wonderful story of how love and friendship can help heal personal and physical tragedies.

Ava McKnight weaves a spell-binding tale that is revealed bit by bit. We get to see and feel Sophie’s emotional pain as her failed relationship spurs her on to reveal a little about herself to Jordan and Sam. Jordan and Sam being the best friends they are; let Sophie come to terms with her pain in her own way, but they help push her along with their unconditional love and support.

Love is evident throughout the story and especially in the sexual encounters. The relationship between the three friends is very sensual and intimate, which is sustained in a mutually caring and loving environment.

This is a great story that you won’t want to put down until it’s finished. Based on this story, I would seek other creations by Ava McKnight.

Teri Wilson, Rodeo Redemption



Title: Rodeo Redemption

Author: Teri Wilson

Rating: Four And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Romance

Keywords: Inspirational

Page Count: 245 pages

ISBN For Print: 978-0971252295

Publisher: White Rose Publishing

Buy-Link: http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/Rodeo-Redemption

Reviewer: Nikki

Blurb/Summary:

Josie Turner spends her days at the local dog grooming shop pampering the pooches of Angel Springs, Texas. When rodeo season rolls around again, the townfolk are excited about who their new Rodeo Queen might be. Josie, on the other hand, finds herself reminded all too often about a night she'd just as soon forget. A Former Rodeo Cowboy Luke Anderson lived for three things – riding, roping and rodeos. Until the day he met Josie Turner, the girl who gave his life meaning, and whose heart he was destined to break. Now, ten years later, he returns to Angel Springs to find the town hasn't changed much, but the girl he left behind has become a stranger he hardly recognizes. What, he wonders, will she think of him, and the man he’s become? A Rodeo Weekend Determined to break through the wall Josie has erected around her heart, Luke must face his demons while at the same time helping Josie overcome hers. With the whole town cheering them on, can Luke mend Josie’s heart and can one rodeo weekend help them both find redemption?

Review:

The story of Luke and Josie...Luke returns to his hometown, and to the woman he was going to marry, after ten years. I loved this story! Reading about Luke and Josie was an absolute pleasure. As Josie learns the reasons Luke left her all those years ago, I sympathized with them both.

A heart-warming tale of trusting, finding love again, and forgiving. The characters in the town are wonderful. Rodeo Redemption brought a smile to my face, and happy tears to my eyes.

Don't miss it...this is the kind of book that will linger in your mind long after you've finished it, and you'll want to read and re-visit again and again. Teri Wilson has me hooked!