Friday, December 23, 2011

Francesca Hawley, Alpha vs. Alpha


Title:  Alpha vs. Alpha
Author:  Francesca Hawley
Rating:  Five Siren Stones


Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Keywords:  Shape-Shifter
Length:  Novella     
ISBN E-Book:  978-1419936234
Price:  $4.45
Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave
Reviewer:  Cia



Blurb/Summary:
Alpha female Serena Goldwolf has spent a lifetime vowing never to be a submissive mate to any Alpha male. But all it takes is one surprisingly sexual meeting with Damien Blackwolf, a dissatisfied client of her shapeshifter dating site Predator-Match.com, and she’s down on all fours, wanting to be mounted by the hottest male on two legs—or four—whom she’s ever met.

Damien Blackwolf doesn’t understand why the voluptuous Serena won’t admit they’re True Mates. To convince her, he decides to bring out her baser desires by dragging her off to someplace private to get to know her…intimately. But how can he convince her of their destiny when she runs away from him? Guess he’ll just have to hunt her down and persuade her.

In a passionate battle of wills, there most definitely can be two winners.

Publisher’s Note: Previously published elsewhere but has been revised and expanded for Ellora’s Cave.




Review:
Alpha vs. Alpha by Francesca Hawley was one powerful read.  Heat and magnetism jumped off the pages.  I loved Serena’s call it like it is sexy, dominating personality offset by Damien’s very alpha attitude.  Seeing them go toe to toe felt very real and intense.  I literally wanted to grab a spray bottle to douse myself off with.  The red hot sex set off my internal alarms for near system melt down on the laptop.  I loved that she ran a dating service and that he was a partner in a law firm.  Those two careers were meant to collide!  Serena handled her workers well including that of a meddling family member who needed to be handed his ass…literally.  Serena had her soft moments though they didn’t shine near as much as her bossy side, her internal strife regarding mating and how to find balance with a mate made me sigh.  Damien’s fortitude in giving her space made me smile.  I enjoyed every piece of this story and would recommend it to anyone who wants a super-nova hot read with a great plot.

Desiree Holt, Bedroom Eyes


Title:  Bedroom Eyes
Author:  Desiree Holt
Rating:  Siren's Best Book Stone


Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Keywords:  Navy SEAL, Masked Ball, Skin Deep Series 
Length:  Short Novel     
ISBN E-Book:  978-1419935725
Price:  $5.20
Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave
Reviewer:  Cia



Blurb/Summary:
Part of the Skin Deep series.

Bridget Reilly has lived her entire life using dark glasses to hide her deformed eyelids. But she also hides her real self, working a dead-end job and locking herself away from any social life. In secret she lusts for her next-door neighbor, Navy SEAL Clay Randall, a lust unexpectedly fed during an electrical blackout.

When a masked ball provides the opportunity for her to have an entire night of glorious, unrestrained, erotic sex with Clay, how can she ignore it? The night more than exceeds all her expectations and now she wants to find a way to have a real relationship with him, without the mask. She applies to the Durban Trust, a fund set up by a former movie star to provide plastic surgery, and the surgery is successful. But what she hadn’t counted on was Clay’s reaction when she revealed all to him—and the wedge it would drive between them.



Review:
Bedroom Eyes by Desiree Holt led me into a heartfelt story of a young woman struggling with self-image caused by the cultivation of years of cruel words, looks and the way people react to disfigurement.  Bridget deserves her shinning night and no one was happier than I when she found a way to live her life’s greatest desire even if she went about it in an underhanded way.  I both understood her need for her faceless identity and felt sad that she couldn’t trust Clay with her secret need to hide herself away.  I loved the foundation that helped her and the words of wisdom that came her way that all might not turn out as she planned.
Clay grabbed me from the start.  I love those who protect our country and he was a top of the line perfect hero for this heroine, even though she didn’t see it at the time.  I knew deep down what she considered her disfigurement wouldn’t have made him turn from her.  I’d loved to have seen him hold her hand during the procedure and to know that there’s more to love than what’s physical.  Their connection in that one night of passion and their reconnection proved that chemistry is based on just more than what can be seen with the bare eye.  Lord for a moment I thought he wouldn’t forgive her and my heart just plummeted.  This story made me cry, made me laugh and exhausted me, but it’ll be a memorable one.  I can’t wait to read the next instalment of the Skin Deep series.




Saturday, December 17, 2011

Carys Weldon, Candy's Kisses


Title:  Candy's Kisses
Author:  Carys Weldon
Rating:  Three And A Half Siren Stones


Genre:  Erotic Romance
Keywords:  Scarlet Rose 
Page Count:  400     
ISBN E-Book:  1-60154-993-8
Price:  $7.00
ISBN for Print:  978-1601549938
Price:  $16.99
Publisher:  The Wilder Roses
Reviewer:  Nikki



Blurb/Summary:
City girl Candy Merrill can't see herself falling for a country bumpkin. But her best friend’s cousin, Levi Bishop is hard to resist in his tight jeans and country charm. This has to be lust at first sight…because it couldn’t possibly be love.

It’s been a long time since Levi has kissed a woman as sweet as candy. And this Candy is looking for a guy who can kiss her socks off. Levi's never been afraid of a challenge. But after one kiss, he's hooked on sweets. Now he’ll just need to get Candy to see past their differences and show her she needs him for more than kisses.




Review:
Opposites can attract.  They can fall in love.  They can easily get past the lust and needing something physical to actually maintain a relationship.  Sure, it's possible.  Is it a long road of compromises and soul searching?  Absolutely.
Candy and Levi are as different as night and day.  Neither one is sure about the other, but after being pushed together on a blind date, they had to give it a whirl. Yes, the sparks are there, but the hesitance (at least in Candy's case) is there when it comes to thinking in the long term.  She loves the city, and Levi....well, doesn't.
Candy's Kisses is fun, erotic, and all around a great read.  The beginning didn't hold much attention for me, but after a few chapters, I was able to get more emotionally invested in the book.  I wanted to see where this would go.  The cover and title really grabbed me and after all was said and done, I'm glad I picked up the story to read.
If you like a story with opposites as the hero and heroine and enjoy erotic romances, then don't think twice about getting some of Candy's Kisses

Sharon De Vita, The Estrogen Posse


Title:  The Estrogen Posse
Author:  Sharon De Vita
Rating:  Four Siren Stones




Genre:  Comedy
Sub-Genre:  Mystery
Keywords:  Mystery, Humor
Word Count:  125,000     
ISBN E-Book:  978-1-61937-059-3
Price:  $5.99
Publisher:  Musa Publishing
Reviewer:  Nikki



Tagline:  "The Estrogen Posse is a hoot! I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down! For every woman who needs a pick me up, this is the book for you!” 
Janet Evanovich, NYT bestselling author of the Sephanie Plum mystery series

Blurb/Summary:
Once upon a time Ellie Briotti had a quiet life as a suburban housewife. Until… she confronts her wealthy husband Nicky about doing the pecker polka with another woman, and Nicky tosses Ellie out of his life like some misbehaved household pet. Until… Gram Crackers, her dotty mother begins passing out house keys to homeless bums. Until… Joey, her eleven-year old son starts on a new career path: breaking and entering. Until… Rina, her best friend, a single, successful, entrepreneur learns she's about to become a mother. Until… Candi, Nicky's 22-year-old mistress turns up murdered with traces of furniture polish on her bare backside! A rip-roaring ribald mystery about a woman’s journey to discover what she really wants in life. Now, if Ellie can keep her son from becoming a second-story man, while trying to hide everything from the gorgeous cop who’s started sniffing around, Ellie might be able to get a new life. That is—if she doesn’t go to jail for murder first!

Review:
A blast of humor, a dash of mystery, and a pinch or two of romance, The Estrogen Posse is a romp of fun!  The characters are so quirky and unique, and the plot is filled with action and drama.  Sharon De Vita writes with such humor and spunk that this book was hard to put down.  The author really put a lot of time into the characters because I felt various emotions for each of them, depending on the scene.
The book revolves around Ellie, and what a heroine she is.  Despite being faced with life altering events, she holds herself well and has to learn to adapt and deal. The cast of people around her help bring this story to life and make it charming.
This is one of the most refreshing books I've read in awhile.  If you love genre's blended into one great novel, then don't miss The Estrogen Posse


Bess McBride, Across the Winds of Time


Title:  Across the Winds of Time
Author:  Bess McBride
Rating:  Four And A Half Siren Stones


Genre:  Fantasy 
Sub-Genre:  Time Travel Romance
Keywords:  Faery Rose, Sweet
Page Count:  308     
ISBN E-Book:  1-60154-970-9
Price:  $6.75
ISBN for Print:  978-1601549709
Price: $14.99
Publisher:  The Wild Rose Press
Reviewer:  Nikki



Blurb/Summary:
While on a genealogical research journey through the Midwest, Molly Hamilton impulsively buys a 100-year-old Victorian house in the middle of a cornfield, and falls in love with the house’s owner...the original owner, that is. Can he be a ghost? The handsome, intriguing attorney certainly feels solid—and somehow her soul knows she has always loved him.

Darius Ferguson has no idea how he has come to present-day Iowa. The last thing he knew, the year was 1880, and he had just buried his fiancée, who happens to look exactly like Molly. He cannot separate the two women in his heart—to him, they are one.

In spite of being drawn to him, Molly thinks Darius is unhinged. Darius wonders if he has joined his fiancée in purgatory. If time travel is possible, will love be enough to build a future together?




Review:
Across the Winds of Time is one of those stunning time travel stories that makes the reader believe in magic.  The laws of reality have been challenged, as Molly and Darius find their paths to love.
Intriguing and fast paced, I enjoyed this book greatly.  I didn't want to do anything else.  My mind came racing back to this book, needing to know what would happen next.  Bess McBride created such lively characters and a plot that is full of twists and turns.  The book is in first person, featuring the heroine, Molly.  With a cast of characters that are unforgettable, this book stole my heart, left me with a smile on my face.
If you're a fan of time travel romances, then I'd suggest getting a copy of Across the Winds of Time.  I want to know what else Ms. McBride has to offer.  I'm a new fan! 

Lillian Duncan, Pursued

Title:  Pursued
Author:  Lillian Duncan
Rating:  Four And A Half Siren Stones


Genre:  Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Keywords:  Sweet, Lawyer, Farmer 
Page Count:  270     
ISBN E-Book:  978-1-61116-093-2
Price:  $5.99
ISBN for Print:  978-1-61116-092-5
Price:  $13.99
Publisher:  White Rose Publishing
Reviewer:  Nikki 


Blurb/Summary:
Reggie’s a big city lawyer and Dylan’s a country farmer. In the normal course of events, their lives would never intersect but some accidents just aren't meant to be avoided. When Reggie crashes into Dylan, it makes a bad day even worse or so she thinks. Dylan, on the other hand, is intrigued by the feisty lady lawyer and wrangles a way to spend a bit more time with her by offering to drive her home after the accident. And so the journey that will change both their lives begins…
Review:
One could say Reggie is having a bad day.  How was she to know things were only going to get worse from there?  On a good note, Dylan, the man she's collided with in an accident, is kind enough to stay by her side.
From there the two are taken on the ride of their lives.  Someone is after Reggie, and they seem to stop at nothing to mark her for death.
Wrapped up in plenty of suspense, Pursued delivers a whirlwind of action in a chaotic chain of events.  I felt for Reggie and Dylan.  Dylan's character is unbelievably amazing, for him to stick around for someone he's barely met, let alone the person who caused the accident.
I enjoyed this thrilling story very much.  Lillian Duncan delivers a wild ride that grips you by the heart and leaves you breathless as you anticipate the next move. Don't miss this great novel! 

Suzanne Rock, Unholy Pursuits


Title:  Unholy Pursuits
Author:  Suzanne Rock
Rating:  Three And A Half Siren Stones


Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Keywords:  FBI Agent
Length:  Novel     
ISBN E-Book:  978-1419936746
Price:  $5.95
Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave
Reviewer:  Kristin Boyd



Blurb/Summary:
Darien let his guard down once, and Arianne stole the demon stone from under his nose. Now he has to get it back, no matter what the cost. It doesn’t matter that the feisty redhead calms the voices in his head, or that her body tempts him beyond reason. Only the stone will ensure his survival. He decides to appeal to her feminine side and use gentle seduction to get it back. As he begins, something inside him changes and the voices in his head compel him to use pain to heighten desire.

As Darien’s touch turns dark, Arianne’s lust escalates and a connection forms between them. Yet despite her need, she can’t let the sexy FBI agent have what he wants. If placed in the wrong hands, the stone would release an unholy force intent on destroying everything she loves—including Darien.

If only he wasn’t so persuasive…




Review:
Arianne wants nothing more than to prove herself to her sister and her people. The survival of her species depends on her stopping the deahmon Lord, Bathin, from once again converging upon Celestial Wood and killing the Iatros.  The Iatros are protectors of the portal from Hell to Earth, thus keeping earth and her home, Celestial Wood, safe from Demonic rule.  She would do anything to protect the Iatros and the portal, even if it means mating with somebody who rejects the idea of bonding with her.  If she succeeds, she will be able to establish herself as a figure of strength and worth and validate her decision to turn her back to a life of royal comfort in favor of the life as a guard and warrior.  If she fails, death is imminent.  Her death, the death of her beloved mate, and the death of her people. In the beginning of the story, Arianne is written as strong, skilled, quick thinking fighter.  As the book progresses, her strengths are not built on and she seems to lose some of her character.
Darien is a charismatic but hardened FBI agent.  Great at his job, he is loyal to his purpose as well as his team.  His strong will keeps him from heeding Arianne's advice not to cross the portal into Hell where he is tortured by Bathin for months. While in Hell, his inner deahmon is awakened and strengthened because he touches the stone.  The one thing that keeps him from giving up is Arianne. Throughout the story, his connection to her is established and reinforced.  While he is in Hell, it is her image that keeps him fighting for his life, once he returns it is her touch that allows him to control the demon within.  Like Arianne, he has the drive to prove himself.  Their goal of destroying the stone, and ultimately Bathin, is the same.  Their ideas of accomplishing this task are very different.  He must learn to compromise and give himself over to Arianne mind, body, and soul.
The existence of a race and the security of Earth are on the line as these two individuals join forces to battle the evil that is Bathin and the deahmon race.  The chemistry between Arianne and Darien is unmistakable and the passion they share both sexually and in the pursuit of realizing their goals keeps the reader engaged.  Although I enjoy the tension the author builds and the descriptive scenarios of bondage and love making, I found myself flipping through pages in order to get back to the plot of the book.  The scales were tipped in favor of impassioned love making scenes where plot could have been thickened and character development could have taken place.  There just didn't seem to be balance.  A great book for the reader who enjoys erotic fantasy, a decent book for the reader who prefers action and adventure with amativeness woven in.




Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Tricia Jones, Bull at the Gate

Title: Bull at the Gate

Author: Tricia Jones

Rating: Three And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Keywords: Champagne Rose, Sensual

Page Count: 250

ISBN E-Book: 1-60154-975-X

Price: $6.00

ISBN for Print: 978-1601549754

Price: $12.99

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=175_133&products_id=4648

Reviewer: Nikki

Blurb/Summary:

Alexander “Bull” McKinley’s reputation as a hard-nosed businessman is tested when an old Fairy Gate and local superstition stand in the way of a lucrative development contract. Alex has his hands full trying to convince the villagers to play ball, without the unexpected—and definitely unwanted—attraction to the feisty redhead leading the revolt.

Dee Ashman detests those who put profit before people, and she’s damned if an arrogant, insensitive and, okay, wildly attractive capitalist is going to destroy the symbolic heart of the village and break her beloved grandmother’s heart.

But they cannot deny the desire that burns between them nor the unleashed passion neither can resist.

Review:

Dee is a woman who is standing up for what she believes in. Currently, that is trying to get developers to leave a legendary Fairy Gate where it is. The gate is important to the people in her village, including her grandmother.

Alexander is the one trying to convince the villagers. They're not budging. They want to leave the Fairy Gate. I'm not fond of Alex for most of the book. He's one of those money hungry people that doesn't care about what others feel about landmarks. He just acts businesslike.

Dee's best friend is pushing her towards dating Alex. I don't find that very realistic, because why would a friend push her towards a man who is going against what she believes? I don't understand that thinking at all.

Other than that, the story is enjoyable. The tension is definitely there, as the pair stands on opposing sides of thinking. How are they going to resolve the biggest issue that could keep them apart? Bull at the Gate is a good contemporary story. If you enjoy contemporaries with plenty of conflict and tension, then don't miss out on Bull at the Gate.

Monday, November 21, 2011

J.A. Saare, The Renfield Syndrome

Title: The Renfield Syndrome

Author: J.A. Saare

Rating: Five Siren Stones

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Keywords: Vampires, Werewolves, Demons, Rhiannon’s Law Series

Page Count: 201

ISBN E-Book: 978-1-60659-265-6

Price: $4.99

ISBN for Print: 978-1-60659-266-3

Price: $12.95

Publisher: Mundania Press, LLC

Buy-Link: http://www.mundania.com/book.php?title=The+Renfield+Syndrome

Reviewer: Rhonda J Callum-King

Blurb/Summary:

Book 2 of the Rhiannon's Law series

Vampires, and werewolves, and demons, oh my.

Rhiannon thought facing off against a deranged child vampire was the most dangerous task she would ever have to undertake, but she's about to discover making a deal with a demon is far, far worse. Sent forward into another reality, one in which vampires are now dominating nearly extinct

humans, she realizes the sooner she returns to her vampire lover, Disco,the better.

Unfortunately, time changes a lot of things, including those most trusted around her. When she's faced with a loss and betrayal unlike any she has ever known, her focus shifts from severing the debt between the demon that wants to kill her, to exacting a revenge that will bring forth consequences she never could have fathomed. By reaching out to the darkness lingering within her, she'll find the strength to push forward despite the circumstances that would see her dead and buried.

After all, when it's all said and done, all that she has left to lose is her soul.

Review:

In Dead, Undead and Somewhere in Between, we are basically left hanging. Wondering... oh no what will happen next, The Renfield Syndrome picks up exactly where Dead, Undead leaves off. The Renfield Syndrome continues as smoothly as if it was just the next chapter. It does, however, also leave you hanging, waiting for the next book, because again there are so many changes that we need to know...what will happen next.

In the first instalment Rhiannon learns to trust and love. She finally lets her hair down and tries on a relationship. Throughout Dead, Undead though, I suspected there was someone on the side, watching this relationship develop and wishing it were him instead. The Renfield Syndrome moves from the development of Rhiannon, to the education of Rhiannon. Now she has been thrown 101 years into the future by flippantly accepting a deal with a demon. In the future, everything she just earned is gone. People are blood slaves. The world is a wasteland. Demons are masquerading as vampires, driving the destruction.

Rhiannon must find Disco and deliver a message in order to complete the Demon's deal. But before she can do that, she'll have to escape the compound of a lovesick werewolf and his crazy werewolf stalkerette. Carter, the werewolves' leader, had Rhiannon scooped up by his team, the instant she stepped out of the past. He intends to keep her for himself, for her own good of course, he explains. Once that issue is dealt with, Rhiannon discovers that Disco is dead. He has been for 101 years. Deals with demons never work out like you think. In this world, demons are in charge and they are interested in Rhiannon.

Paine, steps forward and claims Rhiannon before the demon in charge can have her way. It seems that on Disco's passing Rhiannon's mark passed to Paine. He is more than happy with that arrangement and has been waiting 101 years for her. Over time, Goose and Paine had figured out what happened to Rhiannon, but they did not know when she'd reappear. Paine has been waiting a long time to touch someone, and Rhiannon is the only person that fits the bill.

So, in this instalment, let's call it educating Rhiannon, Rhiannon learns there are consequences to brash acts. Love has many forms, even if some of them start as heartrending empathy. And finally, you can't go home again, even when you can. To do that, she lost the love she found with Disco, as he no longer trusts her and she has a small piece of future Paine in her heart. Rhiannon has not learned enough though, to know that you probably shouldn't make deals with fallen angels either. To return home, save Disco and save the human race, Rhiannon enters into a deal with a fallen angel to free her in one years’ time. Has she forgotten, aren't fallen angels... devils? What could possibly go wrong with this arrangement? We'll have to wait for book three to see. The Renfield Syndrome is an excellent weekend read.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Frankie Robertson, Veiled Mirror


Title: Veiled Mirror

Author: Frankie Robertson

Rating: Siren's Best Book Stone

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Keywords: Crimson Rose, Spicy

Page Count: 282

ISBN E-Book: 1-60154-945-8

Price: $6.50

ISBN for Print: 978-1601549457

Price: $13.99

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=137&products_id=4628

Reviewer: Nikki

Blurb/Summary:

Beth Hart is alive and well and hunting for her killer.

When her brother-in-law Chris and her twin sister Ellie die in suspicious accidents, Beth impulsively switches identities with Ellie to lure the murderer into revealing himself. Beth can’t rest until she finds the killer, and neither can the real Ellie who haunts Beth's dreams, sometimes providing clues.

FBI fraud investigator Jason Blackforth fell hard for Beth at Chris and Ellie's wedding, but he left her as quickly as he found her—undercover work and relationships don’t mix. Now, grieving and believing Beth is dead, Jason is appalled to find himself fantasizing about the widow of his best friend. He wants to help “Ellie” through this difficult time, but she reminds him so much of Beth. Something just doesn’t add up.

Can he discover what secrets the widow is hiding and find the killer before they both end up dead?

Review:

On impulse, Beth makes a decision that she hopes will lead her to finding a killer....

From the get-go, Veiled Mirror grabbed my attention. With plenty of suspense, and a small touch of paranormal, this is one of the best romantic suspense books I've read in a long time. There's deceit, murder, lies...I was left guessing the whole way through. I worried for Beth, cried for her family that died, and was at the edge of my seat, hanging on to every word because I never knew what to expect next.

Frankie Robertson is a new-to-me author, and from my journey with this book, I will be keeping an eye out for more. The characters are so well created, the tension is high and it never wavers. I stayed up late into the night-hours to finish this book. I read it in one sitting, not wanting to miss a thing, yet I didn’t want it to end either.

Kudos to you, Frankie Robertson. You've created an amazing suspenseful story. Readers, if you're a romantic suspense fan, add this book to your list right away.

Eddie Jones, Bahama Breeze

Title: Bahama Breeze

Author: Eddie Jones

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Comedy

Sub-Genre: Romance

Keywords: Sweet

Page Count: 272

ISBN E-Book: 978-1-61116-124-3

Price: $5.99

Publisher: Harbourlight Books

Buy-Link: http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/bahama-breeze

Reviewer: Nikki

Blurb/Summary:

ANNA FORTUNE is a government intelligence analyst who longs for tropical sunsets, early morning beach walks, and a man bold enough to steal her heart. SONNY CAY is a large, lumbering toilet paper salesman with a terminal disease, unpaid medical bills and the haunting memory of a girl he lost years ago. She knows the location of terrorist cells, corrupt politicians and that no man can be trusted to keep his word, wedding date or promise to love forever. He knows life is for the taking, love for the making and both end all too soon. So when Anna is ordered to protect a presidential candidate polling in the single digits on a fund-raising junket in the Bahamas, both get a second chance at true love. He came because he loved her, because all those years ago, she’d stirred him the way no woman ever had. She was his Mt. Everest, the pinnacle of his small world. His head told him to run; his heart made him stay. Now only the gale force winds of a “Bahama Breeze” can cool the white-hot embers of old flames erupting.

Review:

Bahama Breeze is a sweet and funny romance that will leave the reader with a smile on their face after the story is over. A refreshing story, it's fairly light and very comical. I enjoyed the turn of events in the book. Anna and Sonny are unique characters that were well thought out and they shined brightly through the pages.

I enjoyed this story, with all its quirky, amusing moments that happened throughout the plot. Anna works for the government, but she is quite forgetful in some aspects, like using a security code when she makes phone calls. It’s simple things such as those that make Anna a well rounded, believable character that readers can relate to on various aspects. Sonny has his moments, too, and the path to the pairs HEA is quite humorous.

Readers, if you enjoy a sweet romance guaranteed to make you laugh, don't miss Bahama Breeze.

Nicole North, Blade of the Wolf


Title: Blade of the Wolf

Author: Nicole North

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Keywords: Shape-Shifter, Werewolf, Immortal, Clairvoyant, Incubus

Length: Super Plus-Size Novel

ISBN E-Book: 978-1419935138

Price: $6.99

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Buy-Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9449-blade-of-the-wolf.aspx

Reviewer: Nikki

Blurb/Summary:

Ronan, immortal werewolf and Scottish Sgian Dubh Guardian, faces his most challenging, yet enticing, mission in centuries. He must protect sexy clairvoyant medium Syrena Ellis from an evil incubus intent on stealing her powerful life force. She awakens a raging arousal in Ronan, but if he gives in to temptation, he will be punished.

Dark and edgy, Ronan captivates Syrena. He is hot, hard and in control, yet his scorching glances and sinful kisses tell her he yearns for her. Even though she’s only a job, she finds a way past his iron-willed resistance. She’s determined to explore the depths of erotic passion with him. They’re unaware that their explosive sexual encounters are providing the enemy incubus with heightened energy, making him almost impossible to defeat.

Syrena’s forbidden desire and scorching lust for Ronan could destroy them both.

Review:

A sexy hero, a strong heroine, and a paranormal twist. All wrapped up in a great book, Blade of the Wolf. The characters are captivating, the plot is full of surprises, and the pace only goes up from the beginning to end. It has its own unique appeal in the paranormal market, and readers who love reading about psychics, shape-shifters, and many things of the paranormal, this book may appeal to you.

Syrena must learn to embrace her powers. She knows she's different, but doesn't fully understand how to embrace them. Ronan, her protector, shows her a whole new world. But there's a reason Ronan is there, to keep her safe from harm, and it's hard to remember that when he's very attracted to Syrena.

This book kept me interested the entire time. This author, Nicole North, creates a captivating story with strong leading characters. If I saw another book with this writer's name on it, I would most definitely check it out.

If you love the paranormal genre and are looking for a great voice, pick up a copy of Blade of the Wolf.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

New Rating System

To All Authors,


As of November 9th 2011, Siren Book Reviews have started to post One and Two Siren Stone reviews. You can read more about the new rating system on our rating page at the top of the blog.


Thank you,


Kayden McLeod

Monday, November 7, 2011

Scarlett Parrish, A Little Death


Title: A Little Death
Author: Scarlett Parrish
Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Keywords: Vampires, Graphic Language
Length: Novel
ISBN E-Book: 978-1-61118-447-1
Price: $6.99
Publisher: Loose Id
Reviewer: Stacey Krug
Blurb/Summary:

Seeing dead people is all very well...unless one of them wants to kill you.
To Mallory Sharpe, vampires are a fact of life. They exist, walk the streets, and for the most part mind their own business. As a second-year university student, she doesn’t pay the undead much attention until she meets Jonathan Cutler. He has needs, and blood is only one. The other, Mallory is more than willing to help him with. After all, he has but one rule: to never spend more than one night with a woman. He won’t get attached, or consciously put anyone’s life in danger.
Another vampire, Cian Ambrose, isn’t so troubled by conscience. Mallory’s fair game, a weapon to taunt Jonathan with. In fact, it might be fun to make her his grail, or living blood donor, and Cian Ambrose doesn’t take kindly to the word no. He hasn’t heard it often in his one hundred and fifty years and it usually results in the other person ending up dead.
So with Mallory’s tolerance for undead guys running very low, Jonathan has to re-gain her trust, stop Cian killing her, oh...and for God’s sake, not fall in love.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content and graphic language.
Review:
A Little Death by Scarlett Parrish is an interesting story that will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. The main characters of the story are Mallory, Jonathan, and Cian. However, I really enjoyed the banter between Mallory and her friend Duncan. The two of them had me laughing out loud.
Jonathan is a vampire and has become smitten with Mallory. He starts a yearning in Mallory that only he can quench. Cian is also a vampire that makes Jonathan’s life miserable by honing in on and hurting anyone that is important to Jonathan. Cian is a slippery, conniving, miscreant that, as a reader, you just want to smack upside the head. Jonathan does what he can to protect Mallory from Cian. There is plenty of mystery and suspense surrounding both Cian and Jonathan. The suspense keeps the pages turning.
Jonathan’s conscience and his need and love for Mallory make the erotic love scenes sizzle on the page. Mallory is a strong, independent woman, but she is putty in Jonathan’s hands.
This story is a wonderful addition to any paranormal romance lover’s library.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Invisible, By Jeanne Bannon

Title: Invisible
Author: Jeanne Bannon 
Genre: YA
Sub-Genres: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Solstice Publishing


Links:


Summary:
Lola’s not pretty. Lola’s not popular. Lola wishes she could disappear … and then one day she does just that...

For seventeen-year-old Lola Savullo, life is a struggle. Born to funky parents who are more in than she could ever be, Lola’s dream of becoming a writer makes her an outsider even in her own home. Bullied and despised, Lola still has the support of her best pal Charlie and Grandma Rose.

Not only is she freakishly tall, Lola’s a big girl and when forced to wear a bathing suit at her summer job as a camp counselor, Lola’s only escape from deep embarrassment seems to be to literally vanish. Soon after, she discovers the roots of her new “ability”.

Slowly, with Charlie’s help, Lola learns to control the new super power. The possibilities are endless. Yet power can be abused, too…

Then, when tragedy strikes, Lola must summon her inner strength, both at home and at school. She has to stand up for herself, despite the temptations and possibilities of her newfound super power.

A coming-of-age story that will warm the heart

Excerpt:




Chapter Three

I always leave Grandma Rose’s apartment with a smile on my face and an ache in my heart. I wish my mother were like her. How lucky for my mom to have such a wonderful, almost normal, mother. I’m stuck with a parent in an ever-present state of adolescence, whose life’s mission is to desperately hang onto what’s left of her looks. My mom, with her rat’s nest of hair stacked high on her head, dyed cherry red with chunky blonde highlights and dark brown lowlights, and extensions thrown in for good measure. A woman can’t ever have too much hair, she’s forever saying. Giving me her version of what passes as parental advice. I prefer Gran’s words of wisdom – “extensions make a woman look trampy” and “dye your hair only when the white comes in.” It seems more dignified, because I think a woman can have too much hair.

Dad’s just as bad, with his funky jeans, Ed Hardy T-shirts, pointy-toed boots, pierced ears, tattoos and a soul patch. He’s going to be fifty next year, for God’s sake. The thought makes me cringe. I live with dim-witted middle-aged teenagers.

Gran tells me all the time it’s not what’s on the outside that’s important and I know she’s right. I suppose I’m a bit of a hypocrite, since I’m always complaining about my weight or my height, or the fact I don’t have a boyfriend. But I’m supposed to be obsessed with fitting in and with my looks; after all, I’m the teenager.

It’s only a ten-minute walk home from Gran’s. I tilt my face toward the sun, soaking in the warmth of the spring day as I make my way along familiar streets. When I approach the park on the corners of Whiteside Avenue and Moorehouse Drive, I stop dead. Sudden dread causes the beat of blood to fill my ears.

There are three boys and a girl - Nino Campese, Tyler Campbell, his girlfriend Julia and Jon Kingsbury. They’re seniors like me and even though we’ve known each other since kindergarten, once adolescence hit and separated the weak from the strong, the cool from the nerd, I became prey. I was hunted by those better looking, and with more attitude, simply for their entertainment.

I plunge my hands into the pockets of my jean jacket and hang my head. Taking large quick steps, I tread quietly. They’re talking and laughing and the foul scent of cigarette smoke wafts past me in the breeze. From the corner of my eye, I spot Julia and Tyler sharing a butt as they cling together under the large plastic orange slide. Nino’s holding court and Tyler’s laughing at something Nino has said and Jon, well Jon just stands there, looking bored.

Why is he with them? My heart sinks. I thought Jon was different.

Tyler’s eyes flicker my way; immediately I pick up my pace.

“Hey!” someone yells.

I don’t answer.

“Where do you think you’re goin’, ya fat cow?” Nino hollers, as he jogs up beside me followed by Julia and Tyler.

“Home,” I say, not stopping.

Nino jumps into my path. “Where’s your girlfriend, Savullo?” He sneers and spits a snotty gob at my feet.

“Lesbo freak,” Julia chimes in and flicks a butt at my face.

It bounces off my chin with a burning sting. I glare down at her with her hawkish nose and eyes that are too close together. “Get out of my way,” I growl through gritted teeth and try to step around them, but Tyler grabs my elbow, his fingers bite into my flesh and a small groan escapes me.

“We’re not done talkin’ yet, hippo,” he snarls.

I yank free. Tears sting my eyes and the heat of anger and embarrassment reddens my face.

“Leave me alone!” I scream and push. Tyler’s tall, but skinny and I manage to knock him on his ass. But as soon as I take a step, Nino and Julia are on me.

“Leave her alone,” Jon calls. He hung back from the action and is still standing by the orange slide.

I slam a shoulder into Julia’s face and hear a crunch as my bulk meets her nose. Blood spurts and the purple blur of manicured nails flash past, as she whips a hand to her face.

She gazes up at me in surprise. “You broke my nose, you bitch!” Then she looks at Tyler with eyes that say “you better do something about this.”

My heart beats so hard, the swishing of blood in my ears is a roar. They’re swearing, yelling and threatening me, but panic has taken over as adrenaline pushes into my veins, and I make out nothing coherent.

I turn and try to run back the way I’d come. But another hand is on me, biting the flesh of my upper arm through the fabric of my jacket. Then a fist smashes into the back of my head. “You’re nothin’ but a fat dyke.”

My knees smack the gritty concrete as my legs buckle, and deep heaving sobs erupt from me. Why do they hate me?

“Where the hell did she go?” Nino asks, his voice laced with astonishment.

“Holy shit!” Julia and Tyler exclaim at the same time. “What the…?”

Slowly, I pivot and look at them. They’re turning in circles, searching for me.

Jon is with them now. “She’s gone,” he whispers in wide-eyed disbelief.

“What? How?” Nino asks.

I creep away on elastic legs.