Mahalia Levey, Satin and Steel

Title:  Satin and Steel

Author:  Mahalia Levey

Rating:  Four And A Half Siren Stones

Genre:  Paranormal Romance

Sub-Genre:  Erotic Romance

Keywords:  F/F/M Ménage, Bisexual Romance, Lesbian Romance, Shifter, Werewolves, Thriller, Suspense   

Word Count:  40,186           

ISBN E-Book:  978-1-61333-429-4  

Price:  $3.99 

Publisher:  Decadent Publishing 

Buy-Link:  http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=79&products_id=685&osCsid=hpe4q1j5hclott4tof56eu8pp1

Reviewer:  Stacey Krug

Blurb/Summary:

 Amaranta Costa uses her Kanima as an avoidance tactic, until the one person she cherishes most is taken from her. When Gavin Ford enters the fray uninvited, she’s forced to accept the help of his pack to find her mate. Trusting others isn’t her forte. Though her inner jaguar accepts him hands down, the woman in her fights his dominating, take-control nature. Unlike Marisol’s soft personality, Gavin’s wolf challenges her at every turn. She can find no escape. His abrasiveness both sets her on edge and pleases her. She finds being in Marisol’s arms isn’t enough; the all-consuming need to be his burns to her core. There’s no denying the chemical attraction arcing among the three of them. Will she reach out, and accept the love and support waiting for her?.

Review:

Amaranta is a jaguar spirit-shifter that is responsible for assassinating serial killers of the human or shifter variety.  Her brothers are jealous of her talent and don’t understand the pressure and stress; her mother is horrid in every way, and her father only supports her if she’s doing what he wants.

Marisol is Amaranta’s safe haven and support system.  Mari is Amara’s lover, mate, and human.  They have been in a relationship for the last three years.  Now the love they share together is being challenged by outside forces.  Being human, Mari is more willing to go with the flow, but Amara is a shifter and likes to have control over her world.  It makes for some interesting dynamics.

Gavin is a wolf shifter and is in love with both Mari and Amara.  He has known that he belongs to Amara and Mari since he first laid eyes on them.  Now all he has to do is convince them.  Therein lays his challenge.

When Mari is taken by a deranged man, Gavin steps in to help and ends up taking control over the situation, as much as Amara will allow.  Amara doesn’t trust Gavin, but Mari hands over her heart without reservation.  Gavin and Amara set off some fireworks while they come to understand one another.

I loved the fierce protectiveness between the three as well as their playful and teasing nature.  Their personalities complemented one another and they worked well as a trio.  The love scenes between one another and as a ménage were erotic and stimulated the imagination.

The secondary characters in both Amara’s family and Gavin’s pack helped to support the plot and added some humor.  Gavin’s pack members were interesting and written in a way that the reader wants to know more about their lives.

Ms. Levey takes a unique spin with this shifter story.  The usual standards of species sticking to their own and shunning humans were smashed in Satin and Steel.  There are other stories that have dealt with these issues, but Ms. Levey takes them all on in one story and adds some little surprises for the reader.

The cover art is gorgeous and the story is captivating.  If you like shifter stories then give this one a try. 

Raven Starr, Torn

Title: Torn

Author: Raven Starr

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Sub-Genre: Interracial Romance

Keywords: Thriller, Suspense, Kidnapping, Interracial

Word Count: 56,798

ISBN E-Book: 978-1-60435-766-0

Price: $4.99

Publisher: Red Rose Publishing

Buy-Link: http://redrosepublishing.com/books/product_info.php?products_id=827

Reviewer: Cia

Tagline: Step Into My World Where the Impossible Becomes Reality

Blurb/Summary:

Everybody falls in love and everyone gets hurt. Alyssa Kendall is no different. But what would you do if the love of your life was being held captive by a psychopath? How far would you go? Alyssa finds out just how far she’ll go for love, revenge and peace of mind. She’s not Torn between two men, but between the two halves of herself. Which half will win? Find out in Torn.

Review:

Torn by Raven Starr had layers of conflict. From the beginning I was pulled in by the pseudo charm of the Hero Julian. After he left her, I felt her pain and inability to gain a level of trust with another man.

Christian felt off to me. After hearing of his first betrayal of trust, I hoped he’d keep his slimy self away from Alyssa.

I fell in love with Kurt and Mo, and Charlie after he apologized. When Julian came back into her life a so called changed man, I wasn’t sure he was worthy of a second chance. But he did prove himself and kept on taking brutal punishment from Alyssa.

I wasn’t prepared for the twist with the law enforcement who failed to protect the needy. Still our hero didn’t give up and our heroine decided to take matters into her own hands to protect her love and family. This story is chock full of suspense, terror, love and sacrifice. I’d recommend it to my friends.

Dawné Dominique, Dark Diary, II: The First

Title: Dark Diary, II: The First

Author: Dawné Dominique

Rating: Three And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Sub-Genre: Erotica

Keywords: The First Series, Eden's Hell, Vampire, Mystery, Thriller, Serial Killer

Word Count: 70,912

ISBN E-Book: 978-1-936165-53-7

Price: $6.99

ISBN For Print: 978-1-936165-69-8

Publisher: Purple Sword Publications

Buy-Link: http://purplesword.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=57

Reviewer: Stacey Krug

Tagline: Blood battles and broken vows are just the beginning of Daniella Rolfe’s woes.

Blurb/Summary:

The lives of a deranged serial killer, a seven centuries First vampire and a City of Winnipeg police detective collide in this second novel of Dawné Dominique’s The First series.

Daniella Rolfe, a seven-century First vampire is unwittingly drawn together with a City of Winnipeg police detective, who happens to be investigating a string of some rather bizarre serial murders. It doesn’t take long for her to discover that this mere mortal man holds more power over her than any she's ever known.

And Aiden…he's only dreamed about women like Daniella.

Blood battles and broken vows are just the beginning of Daniella Rolfe’s woes.

Review:

Dark Diary, II: The First definitely lives up to its name. It is dark, some parts are disturbing, and some of the tale borders on horror. Not so disturbing that I couldn’t go to sleep, but if you are looking for a paranormal romance with a dark undercurrent and a thriller aspect then this is the book.

Dawn Dominique created a world with great characters and possibilities. She has her own version of a vampire and vampire powers. The story starts as if you are reading Daniella’s diary and then are sucked into her present life and happenings. It ends as a journal entry as well, reminding you that you were getting a glimpse of Daniella’s life.

Daniella Rolf, the heroine, is written as a strong and capable woman. You will feel her loneliness and isolation. Aiden Blackmore, the hero, is written as a friendly and loving man. Aiden brings some joy and much needed company to Daniella. The characters together make a nice balance and the chemistry between them sizzles off the pages.

Daniella and Aiden are brought together through a series of crimes. They are faced with stopping a serial killer before he strikes again. The serial killer brings a bit of mystery and thrill into the tale and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Based on this story, I would check out other creations by Dawn Dominique.

D. M. Slate, Isolated

Title: Isolated

Author: D.M. Slate

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Mystery

Keywords: Thriller, Mexico, Honeymoon, Abduction, Drug-Lord, FBI Search Team

Word Count: 50,000

ISBN E-Book: 1453676872

Price: $4.99

ISBN For Print: 978-1453676875

Price: $15.95

Publisher: Moongypsy Press

Buy-Link: http://www.moongypsypress.com/slate.php

Reviewer: Trinity

Tagline: No one could have foreseen their Mexican honeymoon horror

Blurb/Summary:

As Anthony and Jazmine embark on their honeymoon to southern Mexico, they have no idea the dark trail that’ll unfold before them. The couple signs up for an ATV tour and snorkel trip offered by their resort. Two days later Anthony stumbles out of the Mexican jungle bloodied, half dead and suffering from amnesia; he’s the prime suspect in Jazmine’s disappearance. Through his multiple interrogations, Anthony struggles to regain his memory in order clear his name and discover the whereabouts of his missing wife.

The international search for Jazmine reveals nothing and the F.B.I. are convinced that Anthony is involved, somehow. As bits and pieces of his memory return, he leads F.B.I. Special Agent Monroe on a trail of clues that implicate the couple’s ATV tour guides. Further investigation reveals that Jazmine has been sold to a drug-lord in Panama, and nothing will stop Anthony from trying to rescue her. As he enters the foreign country, the distraught husband only causes greater chaos.

With the F.B.I. in fast pursuit to Panama, the race against the clock begins. When the authorities close in on the suspect’s house hoping to recover Jazmine, a grueling discovery is made; Anthony is already at the house. As the case comes to a close, Anthony is shocked to discover that this wasn’t a random crime.

Review:

First and foremost, it will take weeks to get the cramps out of my feet from curling my toes in fear and anticipation thanks to D.M Slate!

To be in a situation where you are separated from your loved one, just after being married, and being made to wonder if the other is alive made my heart race. And then to add to that, the fact that there is an FBI agent hell-bent on believing one of them is to blame for the other’s disappearance.

And that is only half of it! D.M. has put many twists and turns in this road of mystery and intrigue that by the time the story ends, you don’t know what to think. This is one twisted read that will make you want to never go on vacation again!

Christy Poff, No Deal

Title: No Deal

Author: Christy Poff

Rating: Three And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Sub-Genre: Erotica

Keywords: Thriller

Page Count: 305

ISBN E-Book: 978-1-60313-675-4

Price: $6.49

Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press Torrid

Buy-Link: http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/torrid/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=488

Reviewer: Nikki

Blurb/Summary:

Alicia lived with a man who used her to further his legitimate financial climb in the corporate world. Every day she hated him more. Blake spent a cool million to get to know her for one evening. Will their love grow into a win/win result? Or will it be no deal?

Review:

Though this is stated as a romantic suspense, No Deal is not the traditional romance book type. The heroine starts out married, though in a loveless, abusive relationship. When Blake, the hero of the story places a bid on Alicia in an auction for a night, that's when things begin.

Her husband is a deceitful, hateful man who means to only get what he wants from his wife and that's her money. Blake and Alicia are now in a dangerous game against her husband.

I found this to be a very fast paced all around good read. There's plenty of action and suspense and hardly was there a scene that slowed the book down. There were a few formatting and editing issues, but they did not take away from the story too much.

I am interested in other tales by Christy Poff.

Ann Bruce, Dark Side of Dreaming

Title: Dark Side of Dreaming

Author: Ann Bruce

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Keywords: Thriller

Length: Short Novel

ISBN E-Book: 978-1419928406

Publisher: Ellora's cave

Buy-Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8476-dark-side-of-dreaming.aspx

Reviewer: Yvette Lowe

Blurb/Summary:

When she finds herself bound to a stranger’s bed, former cat burglar Cleo Moran knows she should’ve stayed in retirement. However, the thought of ending the cursed dreams that plague her sleeping hours was simply too enticing to resist. She also feels a strong sensual pull to her captor—but knows better than to act on it.

At first, Sasha Michaels wants only his captive’s professional expertise and contacts to track down the man who attacked his sister. Then Cleo wakes up and, with words and action, stirs something much more primitive within him. Neither understanding nor willing to accept her resistance, Sasha attempts to bind Cleo to him with sexual ties.

Their tentative relationship, however, is jeopardized by secrets on both sides…and a common enemy who is escalating in violence.

Review:

Cleo is shocked when the final heist she has planned so well ends up with her being held captive by one very dark and sexy Sasha. She is trying to calm her frequent nightmares and he seems to be the cure, but she isn't comfortable with it at. Sasha wants Cleo with a force he has never known but can they overcome the hidden desires and secrets that they both are hiding from each other.

Ann Bruce has written a great story with two people who have secrets to hide and still have this amazing attraction to one another that they can't seem to deny. She even has a few surprises in store for you. It is a great read that you will enjoy.

Ruth D. Kerce, Hot On Her Tail

Title: Hot On Her Tail

Author: Ruth D. Kerce

Rating: Five Siren Stones

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Keywords: Thriller

Length: Novella

ISBN E-Book: 978-1419927386

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Buy-Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8278-hot-on-her-tail.aspx

Reviewer: Yvette Lowe

Blurb/Summary:

Captain Aaron “Ace” Trainer is assigned to protect a witness who will be testifying against a drug trafficking ring. The problem? It’s a woman he’s known since high school. A woman he’s never been able to forget. A woman he had a one-night stand with years earlier.

Rachel finds herself in big trouble. She’s gotten involved with an organization that wants her dead. She’s shocked to learn that Ace will be her bodyguard—the same man who treated her so badly after their night of hot sex many years ago. Now her life is in his hands. He’s still hot as hell and as sexy as ever, but he’s also just as arrogant and irritating.

Stuck in the forest, running for their lives, Ace and Rachel put aside the past and rekindle the fire that never went out. This time it’s more than hot sex—their passion turns emotional. Only their newfound love and trust in each other will be enough to save them. Rachel’s just not sure it will last this time, either.

Review:

Rachel’s life is on the line and she needs help, and the one person she has tried so hard to get out of her mind is the one that is hired to protect her. She has never forgiven him for the way he has treated her, and so this is not only a fight for her life but for her heart and she doesn't know which one is worse.

Ace can't believe that the only woman to ever get under his skin is the woman that he must now keep alive. He is scared that this time he won’t walk away with his heart intact. They have to put aside their harsh personal feelings and learn to trust and maybe even love one another, which is maybe the only way they are going to make it out of this alive.

Ruth Kerce has written a very intriguing suspense story that will keep you guys hanging on till the end with the twists and turns. This story keeps you on the edge and so excited to turn to the next page to find out what happens next, combine that with the hot toe curling sex and all the emotions that come into play with these two, you won't be able to put the book down until you have finished the entire thing and you have satisfied your curiosity for what happens at the end.

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.

Brian L. Porter, Purple Death

Title: Purple Death
Author Name: Brian L Porter
Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Thriller
Keywords: Serial killer, Poison, Aconite, Police Investigation.
Page Count: 330 pages
ISBN E-Book: x978-1449954154
ISBN For Print (If available): 1449954154
Publisher: Moongypsy Press
Buy-Link (If available): http://moongypsypress.com/porter.php

Reviewer: Rhonda J Callum-King

Tagline:

A long held grudge, a femme fatale…a date with Purple Death

Blurb/Summary:

Tranquil suburban Richmond-on-Thames, home to such landmarks as Hampton Court Palace and Kew Gardens, becomes the setting for a series of shocking and particularly gruesome murders that lead Detective Inspector Sean Connor and his team into a labyrinthine investigation in which all roads lead towards a thirty-year-old unsolved murder. The victims, all apparently unconnected to each other, are being dispatched by the use of a singularly unique poison, previously more closely associated with the notorious medieval Borgia family. As the murders begin to multiply at an alarming rate, Connor finds clues hard to come by, and every lead takes him down yet another blind alley. The killer seems to be one step ahead of the police at every turn. Together, he and his assistant, Sergeant Lucy Clay, must piece together the shreds of evidence that will lead them to the mysterious Chocolate Woman and in turn to the brain behind the horrific murders that soon come to be known as "The Purple Death." Purple Death is soon to appear as a motion picture produced by Thunderball Films LLC of Los Angeles.

Review:

Set in England, Purple Death is a mystery thriller that keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
A serial killer is loose in the streets of England, or are there two, or maybe even three? Could he be male? Female? Maybe Both? Is there a puppet master controlling everything?
The plot continuously twists and turns, and each time that it seems as though you may be close to a conclusion as to the killer’s identity, the new suspect is added to the murdered list. The only certainty is that the deaths are from a poison that kills in a gruesomely horrific manner. Could this be a vendetta-spree for a thirty year unsolved homicide?

This is a fast paced thriller that travels all over England in search of clues. The story was engaging, and the characters believable. The only question I had throughout was the lack of mention of forensic camera surveillance evidence. Aside from that, the evidence was well done. This book constantly keeps the reader guessing and for this reason stands out among the many mystery stories. Brian L. Porter’s Purple Death was a wonderful read.