Annmarie Weston has a problem. A problem in the form of a six-foot, longhaired, bare-chested, Italian construction worker with a body that just makes her drool every time she sees him. Annmarie is a fashion designer who has built her business from the ground up, and she didn’t need any of “daddy’s” money to do it either. Weston Designs is on the verge of being a major design house. The deadline on meeting her biggest order to date is being threatened by the young hunky construction workers renovating the building next door. It just so happens that any time the temperature rises above sixty-eight degrees, they doff their shirts, and her staff of impressionable young women stops their work to stare out of the window at the shirtless young hotties. Deciding to put an end to this nonsense once and for all, Annmarie goes to find out who the boss is on the site. Low and behold, she runs into the very blue-eyed wonder she’s been unable to stop secretly ogling herself—the object of her most erotic dreams, Nick Marone.

Nick Marone doesn’t mind working right along side his employees, for he is a hands-on kind of employer. Nick has been admiring Annmarie from afar since he first started the work on the house next door to her business. Having been hurt in the past by a woman who came from money like Annmarie, Nick has been hesitant to approach her. Fate is on his side when she shows up one day demanding to see his boss. Unable to help himself, Nick kisses her and so begins the love story of the fashion designer and the blue-collar construction company owner.

The sexual tension Nick and Annmarie generate is off the charts. Nick is a down-to-earth guy, who is totally enamored of Annmarie. Always responsible and totally in control, Annmarie has been hit with a bolt of attraction so strong for Nick that she can barely think straight when in his presence. A construction site isn’t the only place where our Nick is an expert; Annmarie’s body is a project he never wants to finish completing.

68 & CLIMBING is an awesome read, full of humor and blood-sizzling erotic love scenes. Ms. Douglas pens a truly delightful romantic read. 68 & CLIMBING is a fast-paced story that I read in one sitting, and it made me sigh with enjoyment until the very last page.

BAER AND THE THREE GOLDILOCKS
Dee S. Knight
ISBN: 1-59578-025-4
Liquid Silver Booksv www.liquidsilverbooks.com
Erotic Contemporary Fairy Tale
Reviewer: Joy
Rating:

As the owner of Baer Hugs, a successful fitness center, Susan Baer has become quite the successful businesswoman. Susan is very different from the overweight teenager she used to be, but in her mind, she still feels like that unpopular girl trying to fit in. Susan was the brunt of some very cruel pranks during her high school years, and her personal life still reflects how she used to feel back then.

Susan was so busy making Baer Hugs into a successful business she has never had the time for a personal life, and her lack of confidence in that area is evident. Her personal life is in direct contrast to her professional one. Susan has had three very handsome, but different men come into her life recently: Toby, with whom she used to have a crush on in high school, Bill, the owner of the construction company who is building her newest fitness center, and Duncan, her newly hired personal assistant. Who of these three will be the perfect man for her, the one to love the woman that she has become?

Ms. Knight explores a number of sexual situations and themes in Susan’s journey for love. All three of these men aren’t whom they seem to be. BAER AND THE THREE GOLDILOCKS is a different kind of fairy tale, but one that leads the reader to a very satisfying tale of happily ever after. Choosing Mr. Right turned out not to be so hard after all. Passions flare when our heroine finally chooses the man who is just right for her. Following on the heels of Ms. Knight’s previous fairy tale, THE CINDERELLA CURSE, BEAR AND THE THREE GOLDILOCKS is an enjoyable read indeed.

BAYOU GOLD
Alicia Sparks
ISBN: 1-932866-24-8
Triskelion Publishing
www.trisklionpublishing.com
Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by: Robin Taylor
Rating:

BAYOU GOLD is from Triskelion Publishing’s Amethyst Inferno Line. In this spicy read by Sparks, Justin Thibodeaux is determined to find his past. There are keys to his past that Justin must solve if his mind will ever be at ease. Cajun and proud, his ancestry is not in question. But something inside of him screams to the point of him truly believing something had gone terribly wrong in his past, and with his ancestry.

In LaTreche, where Justin resides, heritage is important to everyone. For once and for all, Justin wants the mystery of his heritage revealed. There has been a rumor of gold hidden in the bayou. This gold supposedly belongs to Justin’s family. He is carefully maneuvering his boat among alligators, but he is suddenly attacked. When Justin awakens, it is by a voodoo priestess who can help him seek the gold, but it comes with a price: Justin is now a changed man – he can change into an alligator, and that will get him that much closer to his gold.

This is not enough, however. He needs a woman from his past – Jean-Marie LaFleur. The only woman he ever loved. But he cheated on her, and she shot him. Still loves her though, and needs her desperately now. Will she come help Justin? Jean-Marie realizes the help must go two ways. When she left Justin, she got involved with a very dangerous man, and she needs to hide for her safety. The only safe place is the Bayou, and with Justin.

As Jean-Marie still has powerful feelings for Justin, it appears that Fate has given them another chance. The intense connection of the past has not been broken, despite ten years apart. While it is true that the trust must be rebuilt, their focus has changed, they have changed, and now their future is at risk. Will these two find a future together, and be able to get past the anger, hurt, and betrayal of the past? How does this play into Justin’s heritage, the curse, and the gold?

Wowza! What a story by Alicia Sparks. There are almost too many elements to mention – voodoo, spiritualism, passion, tenderness, anger, betrayal, danger, and intrigue. While it is remarkable to see Justin and Jean-Marie to find love again, the action and danger never ends, and the amazing fact that Justin can transform is a unique aspect of the story. Be sure to pick up a copy of this fantastic read by Sparks.

BEATING LEVEL NINE
Sahara Kelly
Ellora’s Cave
www.ellorascave.com
ISBN: 1-84360-940-1
Erotic Vampire
Reviewer: Joy
Rating:

What does a 300-year-old vampire do to occupy his nights in a modern world? Why he becomes addicted to the newest online game Nihilism On Line, aka NOL. Night after night Dr. Stefan Delouise, aka “Vlad1754”, our pizza-loving vamp tries to best “The German Whore”, his online nemesis. The German Whore beats him every time by reaching Level Nine of NOL, which is the last level of the game. The first person to reach Level Nine and kill the Gargoyle guarding the gate on Level Nine becomes the overall champ. Stephan decides that he will invite his nemesis into one of the online pubs in NOL, get her drunk, and seduce her into giving up her secrets.

Caroline, aka “The German Whore” is intrigued by “Vlad 1754”, aka “The Dark Knight”. She has the skills to reach Level Nine, but she doesn’t have the strength to best the Gargoyle, but “The Dark Knight” does. Caroline is determined that she will be the one to beat NOL and agrees to an online date with The Dark Knight. Caroline plans on using her feminine wiles to seduce him into giving up some information.

The battle of wills begins and while trying to outwit each other Caroline and Stefan get very distracted by the chemistry between their online alter egos. Their online date culminates in a very surprising way with neither giving up their secrets. Exhausted by being up so late the night before, Stefan answers the door for an appointment he’s forgotten about. My, my, my, I wonder who that could be?

Ms. Kelly’s protagonists are hotter than a BBQ in July. Ms. Kelly’s portrayal of a vampire in today’s society is hilarious. No blood sucking for Stefan, pizza is his downfall. I absolutely loved BEATING LEVEL NINE for its originality; Ms. Kelly has a flair for writing a humorous tale no matter what genre she writes in. Our Ms. Kelly also knows her way around a sex scene and once again, she didn’t disappoint her fans. BEATING LEVEL NINE is an Ellora’s Cave quickie that had me wishing I had more time to spend with Caroline and Stefan for I really enjoyed the interaction between them online and off. BEATING LEVEL NINE is a definite for the keeper shelf.

BIRDSINGER’S WOMAN
Sherry Derr-Wille
ISBN: 1-59374-113-8
Whiskey Creek Press
www.whiskeycreekpress.com
Time Travel Romance
Reviewer: Renee
Rating:

Even though her father has been dead for five months, Kit Lancer decides to continue their yearly tradition of attending an Indian powwow. Not only will it help her feel closer to her father, but it will also give her a chance to see Carter again. Kit met Carter at her first powwow four years earlier, and their friendship has grown with each passing year. She plans to give herself to Carter, but before she gets her chance, a strange storm transports her back in time.

While out hunting, Atiko finds a beautiful woman lying on the sandy beach surrounding a lake. Her strange dress and manner fascinate him. When he learns she has no place to go, he takes her back to his village. Atiko quickly falls in love with Kit, but he knows they can never be together because he’s the second son of the village shaman. As the second son, Atiko must provide food for his family, and because a wife would distract him from his duties, he can never marry. Unable to face being near Kit without having her, Atiko leaves the village.

Will Atiko and Kit be reunited, or will someone else claim the powerful Spirit Woman?

This fabulous time travel romance is a captivating read. It’s full of amazing characters and wonderful surprises. Early on, it seems as if there’s no way there will be a happy ending for everyone, but the author delivers one in a believable and delightful way. BIRDSINGER’S WOMAN is well written and highly enjoyable. If you’re a time travel lover, you don’t want to miss this one.

BITE ME
Jaci Burton
ISBN: 1-84360-870-7
Ellora's Cave
www.ellorascave.com
Paranormal Erotic Romance
Reviewer: Miaka
Rating:

Gina Capelli is almost thirty years old, and she is also still technically a virgin. Having a shy personality and being a little overweight have only added to the problem. She longs to be sexy, mysterious, and alluring...just like the characters on her favorite nighttime serial, Bite Me. When she wins the grand prize in a contest sponsored by the show, she is ecstatic. What is in store for her at the black-tie gala? Will she meet the man of her fantasies and star of the show, Deacon Black? Will he be the one to help her with her “problem”? Stay tuned...

Jaci Burton pens another great quickie in BITE ME. Deacon Black was an absolute stud, and any woman would be happy to have him in bed. He was suave, sexy, and made Gina feel like a goddess. I really liked Gina, and I admired her spunk and her take-charge attitude. Tired of being the shy girl, she was determined to shine at the black-tie gala and shine she did. When she meets her fantasy man, Deacon, she is shy at first, but then she seizes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it changes both her and Deacon's lives forever.

I recommend BITE ME to everyone who loves a good vampire story with memorable characters and steamy love scenes. My only regret was that it was a short story, over just as we become embroiled in the characters lives. It would be nice to hear from Deacon and Gina again in the future.

BLOOD AND SOUL 1: VAMPIRE MASTER
Kate Hill
ISBN: 1-59596-039-2
Changeling Press
www.changelingpress.com
Vampire
Reviewer: Kelly
Rating:

Mel is a vampire in need of a new challenge. She has always fantasized about the ancient alpha males of vampires and the only one around is Zigor. The question is how to get his attention?

The minute I read that Zigor was an alpha, I knew that this story was going to be good. An alpha that was also a vampire—those are two premises for a steamy read. And Kate did not let me down. Zigor was as dominant out of the bed as he was in the bed, a true alpha. Mel, on the other hand, was fit enough to be the mate of an alpha. She was sassy, opinionated, and unafraid to let Zigor know what she thought of him. Great characters! Good job, Kate!

BLOOD AND SOUL 2: VAMPIRE CRUSADER
Kate Hill
ISBN: 1-59596-042-2
Changeling Press
www.changelingpress.com
Vampire Romance
Reviewer: Kelly
Rating:

What’s a vampire in love to do when his beauty, his best asset, is cruelly taken from him? Will Kara still love him even though the reason for their meeting is no more?

I had the chance to read Kate Hill’s first Blood and Soul book, VAMPIRE MASTER, and I must say that this was a great followup. I loved the fact that Marie and Charles were already in love in direct contrast to VAMPIRE MASTER. I never expected any serious harm to befall Charles, but after looking at the cover again, I realized that was what the story was about. I loved how Marie stayed true to Charles before, during, and after Charles’ self-imposed exile.

CAPTIVE MASTER - TAROT: THE FIVE OF WANDS
Jackie Rose
ISBN: n/a
eXtasy Books
www.extasybooks.com
Historical Erotic Romance
Reviewer: Renee
Rating:

For years, Simon Legree enjoyed being a slave master, but now he is about to be repaid for all his cruelty. A wounded prisoner of the Union Army, Simon faces imprisonment in Elmira, a Yankee prison, where death is almost a certainty. His only hope of escape is Cassy, his former slave and lover. She is now a Union Army nurse and holds the key to his cell. Will Cassy help her former master?

CAPTIVE MASTER gives readers a look at the lives of the characters from UNCLE TOM’S CABIN during the Civil War. It is a unique, thought-provoking short story, told from the viewpoint of Simon Legree, one of literature’s most infamous characters. It’s a story of love and revenge, one that explores a brutal man’s need to dominate and a proper woman’s secret desire to submit. Instead of focusing on sex, CAPTIVE MASTER focuses on what drives the characters, but there’s never a lack of heat. There’s a strong current of sexual tension flowing through this story, making it a sultry read. It’s the perfect choice for someone who enjoys exploring the emotional aspects of domination and submission.

CARNAL THIRST
Celeste Anwar
ISBN: 1-58608-484-4
New Concepts Publishing
http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/
Paranormal Romance
Reviewer: RogueStorm
Rating:

Maggie O’Roarke’s feeling a little bit sorry for herself. The business she’s sunk every last dime into, not to mention her life into, has just went down the toilet. Her ass is fat and her diet isn’t working. How could things possibly get any worse? With that thinking in mind, Maggie decides to go for death by calorie intake and get some chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream from the local market. She’s on her way to the market by foot when someone or something attacks her from behind, biting into her neck. The next thing she knows, she’s awakening in an unfamiliar room with an unfamiliar man.

Danior Blake is irresistibly called to what he believes will be a sumptuous feast of blood partaking. However, what he finds instead is a human female with a will so strong that she continues to fight despite having been bitten by a vampire not once, but several times. One whom it is said cannot be forced to mind control or paralysis. Coming to a rapid decision, he sends the other vampire on his way, because he is curious to see where her resiliency will take her.

Maggie is drawn to Danior’s inky-black hair and arresting face, which sets her heart to pounding. Even so, she still tries to kill him. She thinks he’s crazy when he suggests that she’s a vampire. And now she’s fighting her instinct to be dominated by him. Danior is equally drawn to Maggie, even though she tried to kill him. He admires her spunk and resiliency, not to mention that when he sees her naked a fog of lust overwhelms him. Now in addition to fighting their attraction for each other, the Nesani, have been sent after them to kill them because Danior broke one of the oldest dictates of the New Orleans underworld—allowing a human to be turned into a vampire.

Celeste Anwar’s CARNAL THIRST is wonderful. At times, you find humor in CARNAL THIRST, such as when Dana repeatedly attempts to kill Danior. While at other times, you feel empathy for Dana’s insecurities regarding her body and her lack of self-confidence. Readers will cheer on Danior’s stand to go rogue. After all, some rules are made to be broken! And as we find out more about this world of vampires, we are drawn further into the world of CARNAL THIRST.

To be sure, this world of vampires is truly imaginative. Ms. Anwar provides a unique description of what makes up a vampire and how a vampire is made. I find that I’m much more inclined to like her idea of a vampire than even Bram Stoker’s DRACULA. But to find out why that is, you will have to read Ms. Anwar’s CARNAL THIRST yourself!

THE CURSE OF THE MIDNIGHT STAR: BOOK 2 – INTRIGUE
Esther Mitchell
ISBN: 1-932866-22-1
Triskelion Publishing
www.triskelionpublishing.com
Paranormal Romance
Reviewer: Robin Taylor
Rating:

Remy Terreau wished his troubles would’ve ended with the FBI’s investigation of the Scarlet Oak Manor that he is renovating. In BOOK I – THE DISCOVERY, there were a lot of eerie events—including ghosts, dead bodies, and a curse. It is that very curse—the Curse of the Midnight Star—that is still plaguing Scarlet Oak and sabotaging Remy’s renovation attempts. What ’s more is that Remy himself has to face the paranormal. He no longer has to wonder if he believes in ghosts, as he is facing them daily, but he now wonders if he should indeed fear them. Remy’s pride, however, is in the way, and he’s reluctant to admit the paranormal things happening around him.

For right now, Remy’s determined that Scarlet Oak will open on time. For that to happen, he needs a good chef. He gets the chance to taste the delicious food that the voluptuous Gillian Martin prepares at a friend’s restaurant, and Remy offers her a job. Gillian agrees to work on a trial basis, as the rumors have traveled far enough that she herself is a bit concerned about the ghosts haunting Scarlet Manor and of the Curse that seems to be the root of the problem.

In this hot and exciting read by Mitchell, Remy and Gillian are a combustible pair. Their desire is overwhelming, but their connection quickly runs far deeper than just the physical. It is this powerful attraction that makes such an eerie story work, especially when there is a nefarious character determined to ruin things for Remy and for Scarlet Oak. Along with the unusual goings on at the Manor, Gillian has her own secrets and fears. The impact of that situation plays into the relationship that develops between her and Remy. The Curse is still around, leaving room for more stories in this excellent read by Mitchell.

DEAD MAN’S PARTY
Stephanie Vaughn
ISBN: 1-59632-019-2
Loose Id
www.loose-id.com
Contemporary/Historical Romance
Reviewer: Angel
Rating:

Catherine has set out to protect a building that is over one hundred years old. However, the owner, Rick, has no such plans of saving it. She doesn’t care that the building used to be a brothel; she just sees the historical aspect. Then she has an erotic, almost out-of-body experience with Rick and knows things are not as they seem. Why does it seem like they know each other?

Rick Ericksson’s construction company bought the property with the hopes of restoring it and turning it into a hotel. However, finances did not go as planned, and he has to salvage it to keep his company afloat. Then in walks Catherine from the historical society stating that it is one of the oldest brothels in the state and should be protected. While touring, they have an erotic encounter that seems very familiar. What’s with the sense of déjà vu he feels?

DEAD MAN’S PARTY is super-hot, but may contain some aspects that may be disturbing to some readers. The main story takes place in present day, but the back story is in the past and does involve two lovers with one being married. There is also the very hot sex scene involving a threesome with Catherine, Rick, and his brother. This may not agree with some readers, but for those that can get past it, the plot is great. Rick and Catherine make a great duo, and the story of Thomas and Cat is a great back story. Pick up this book of ghostly lovers looking for each other even after death.

DEADLINE
Marly Chance
ISBN: 1-84360-939-8
Ellora’s Cave
www.ellorascave.com
Contemporary Romance
Reviewer: Joy
Rating:

Stop the press! Marly Chance is back with a bang.

Ryan O’ Roarke needs some rest and relaxation in his life. Ryan is a top editor at a newspaper with deadlines to meet, he not only has a crazy ex-girlfriend and a parrot that had been taught to embarrass him verbally, but he has it real bad for his ace reporter Jillian. As her boss, he thinks it would be inappropriate to approach her sexually, but Ryan is slowly being driven mad with his desire for her.

Jillian is determined to seduce her boss Ryan, by hook or by crook. Jillian has covered all the bases and Ryan will not escape her web of seduction. Jillian is going to give Ryan the loving of a lifetime. Jillian is well prepared and has everything in place and before this night ends, Ryan will be naked.

Ryan is a vulnerable hero, vulnerable to Jillian that is. When Ryan arrives at Jillian’s home for a “business” meeting, the seducer becomes the seduced.

Marly Chances’ DEADLINE was well worth the wait. The readers are gifted with another story from this talented author. Ryan and Jillian generate enough electricity and sizzle to light up the Manhattan skyline. There is an eroticism to Ms. Chance’s sex scenes that are out of this world. Ryan and Jillian are fully fleshed out and wonderfully written characters. Humor is a big plus with me and Ms. Chance shows her sense of humor, especially when we are introduced to Pete the Parrot. An Ellora’s Cave quickie, DEADLINE deserves a place of honor amongst your collection. I am biting my nails awaiting the next read from Ms. Chance.

DEADLY TIES
Jaycee Clark
ISBN: 1-58608-389-9
New Concepts Publishing
www.newconceptspublishing.com
Romantic Suspense
Reviewer: Ansley
Rating:

Taylor is a social worker who has worked hard to make a home for Ryan, the boy that she adopted after his mother nearly killed him. She encounters Dr. Gavin Kinncaid when one of the children that she was checking on ended up in the hospital and then dead. The moment that she meets him, something rubs her the wrong way. Perhaps it is the insulting way that he assumes that she could have prevented the child’s death, or maybe it’s the underlying sexual attraction that seems to spark between them. She wants nothing to do with him, but fate has other ideas. When her car veers off the road in the middle of a storm one night, he is her savior and takes Ryan and Taylor to safety. She learns soon enough that she will need him for more, because there is someone out to harm Taylor and Ryan, and Gavin is the one that can keep them safe.

Taylor is the only woman that Gavin has ever battled himself over. He can’t decide if he wants to kiss her or strangle her. At first, neither side wins. He has to play the good doctor and help her when she needs him. His heroic escapades aren’t nearly finished, though. He will have to play the hero to Taylor and Ryan again, and the next time, it might be much more serious. It could be life and death.

Ryan lives with Taylor. As a young child, he was taken away from his mother after she tried to kill him. He has an innate ability to read minds and see things that others can’t. So he senses when things aren’t as they should be. He feels that Dr. Kinncaid isn’t evil, but he does feel that there is something bad that could happen. He always feels when something bad is going to happen. His premonitions prove to be right, because there is someone out to harm him, and Taylor also, and they won’t stop until they win.

DEADLY TIES is an eerie romantic suspense. There is action, adventure, and spooky activities that occur in this novel. It is chilling at times, making the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Gavin is handsome and dashing as he plays the ill-tempered knight in shining armor to Taylor numerous times. Taylor is attractive and stubborn as she tries to evade her feelings for Gavin. Ryan, with his sixth sense, is a little odd and, at times, creepy, as he knows things that are occurring, without even being there. The three of them make an unconventional group, trying to survive deadly ties and stay alive. Packed with action, adventure, and danger, Ms. Clark pens a spine-tingling read about the ties that bind and those that can be detrimental.

DINNER IS SERVED
Sahara Kelly
ISBN: 1-59596-026-0
Changeling Press
www.changelingpress.com
Horror Erotica
Reviewer: Avalon Sydney
Rating:

DINNER IS SERVED is an unexpected and somewhat twisted novel.

Lady Mildred Derby works as a famous author. She lives with a mostly male staff and that staff is expected to serve her in all ways and by any means necessary. She is also a bit of a gourmet in her unusual choices of cuisine and relies on her staff to discover new types of main courses. She also holds her male employees in thrall.

Cassie and her friends are shocked and excited to be invited to their favorite author’s house for dinner. They’re titillated by the spicy content in these books, but at the same time, they wish to know more details. But when Cassie is attracted to the wrong man, the man who belongs to Lady Mildred, their lives may be in danger. All Cassie has to help her give voice to her nervousness is a necklace. The amethyst feels hot and nearly burns her flesh when death is near.

DINNER IS SERVED never really delivered in its suspense. I enjoyed the basis of the novel, but found it to be too plodding and a bit too disturbing to be enjoyable. While the characters and Sahara’s writing style were in good supply, the tone of the story was too much for this reader to get beyond.

THE ENSNARING OF SUSAN & OTHER TALES OF WOMEN IN THE TOILS OF LOVE
Jay Lawrence
ISBN: 1-58873-387-4
Renaissance E Books
www.renebooks.com
Anthology of erotic tales, lesbian, BDSM
Reviewer: Nancy
Rating:

Jay Lawrence has written a series of short stories included with THE ENSNARING OF SUSAN, which is a novella. Susan is an eighteen-year-old woman whose mother has just died. She quickly moves out of her stepfather’s home to become independent. Susan works for a law firm, but doesn’t have much money. A gray-haired man gives her a free ticket to Jack Shepherd’s hypnotist show. When she attends, she finds herself swept up into a new life of luxury and wealth. Jack takes her everywhere, but she is strangely under his power. He treats her as an object, a doll, and uses her harshly. Yet she would rather live this life of luxury than struggle with a low-paying job and trying to make her own way in the world. Jack has to decide if he would rather have money or Susan.

This novella includes lesbian interaction, nonconsensual sex, and other subjects not for the faint of heart. The remaining short stories vary from a BDSM scenario to sex with strangers. The difference between erotica written by a man versus that written by a woman has become much clearer to this reviewer. Women tend to focus more on the relationship aspects of the situation, whereas men tend to write more about the sex. In addition, the lesbian interactions written in this anthology tend to be anonymous, brief, and focus on physical sensations. If you want a quick, titillating read, this could be satisfying. If you are looking for steamy romance, you’ll be happier with other authors.

ESMERELDA’S SECRET
Adrianna Dane
ISBN: 1-59279-238-3
Amber Quill Press
www.amberquill.com
Contemporary Erotic Romance
Reviewer: Renee
Rating:

Ten years ago, Willow MacKenzie left her hometown of Esmerelda to escape the pain of losing J. W. Dalton, her first love. When her mother’s death forces her to finally return, Willow decides to seek out J. W., who is now the sheriff, and put an end to the painful memories that have haunted her since she left. She intends to explain what really happened the night J. W. found her high on drugs and half-naked in his cousin’s arms. Instead of giving her a chance to explain, J. W. had turned his back on her all those years ago. Will he listen to her now and give their love a second chance?

ESMERELDA’S SECRET is a passionate, well-written short story. Ms. Dane keeps the sexual tension and suspense high all the way to the end. She throws in some shocking twists that will blow your mind. Your heart will break when you learn what really drove Willow and J. W. apart. It’s sad to think about all those years they lost, but it also makes the ending so much sweeter. These two wonderful, likable characters truly deserve a happy ending. If you’re looking for a quick read that’s full of intense emotions and explosive sex, ESMERELDA’S SECRET is sure to satisfy you. I highly recommend it.

ETERNAL FLAME
Lynn Warren
ISBN: 1-932866-31-0
Triskelion Publishing
www.triskelionpublishing.com
Vampire Romance
Reviewer: Robin Taylor
Rating:


Sinclair Drayloch is a vampire who wants to be a human. He secretly donates his DNA, and adds an unusual antigen, to a curious doctor. Sinclair knows Dr. Hillary Tennyson is going to work hard to find out what is so unusual about her newest client’s DNA. What Hillary doesn’t expect is to find that her DNA is similar in some fashion to Sinclair’s. However, for quite some time, Hillary has no idea that Sinclair is a vampire, so once the research comes in, she only knows one thing for certain: he is not human. For a moment there, Hillary feels she’s just stepped into an episode of the X-Files. Humorous thoughts and comments of that nature come up frequently in ETERNAL FLAME.

Christian Blackthorne is a vampire that saves a terrified woman from a brutal assault. This woman is none other than Hillary Tennyson. Drawn to her in a way that defies logic, Christian marks Hillary, but she doesn’t know this at first. Thus begins an unusual relationship, one that pushes boundaries on both ends and begins to tug on their emotions.

Hillary has always been a very curious doctor, more interested in research than patients. Somehow, the fledgling vampire Sinclair knew that and was able to get Hillary interested in his DNA. Even when Hillary suspects something is really wrong, her acceptance of Christian in and out of her life seems almost too easy. She’s a smart woman, yet accepts just about anything Christian throws her way, with little or no fear. Also, the sex between her and Christian often seemed crude, or rushed, without the tenderness I tend to expect when reading a romance, of any genre.

Not to worry. ETERNAL FLAME is rich with intriguing characters—guardians, vampires, vampire hunters and warlocks—and this seems too unreal to Hillary. Yet, she is suddenly living under very strange circumstances. Already drawn to the enigmatic Christian after he saved her life, Sinclair’s quest for his DNA to be reversed brings Christian—and the nearly unbelievable truth—back to Hillary. This, in turn, causes the question of existence to come up to many characters in this story. To Sinclair, who wants to be a human. To Hillary, who wonders what it would be like to be a vampire. And, to Christian, who, until now, has never questioned his existence.

Ms. Warren has left room for more stories with this interesting bunch. Sinclair’s future is still unclear. Also, Christian is one of a set of triplet vampire brothers. I’d love to see their stories, including a story with one of Hillary’s friends. Though the aspects above concerned me while reading this story, I am definitely interested in seeing more of this engaging world Ms. Warren has created.

THE EX FILES: MAXIE’S MAN
Dakota Cassidy
ISBN: 1-59596-047-3
Changeling Press
www.changelingpress.com
Contemporary Erotic Romance
Reviewer: Avalon Sydney
Rating:

Maxie Rodriguez is trying as hard as possible to put the spousal abuse she suffered by her ex behind her. She’s toughened up and studied how to protect herself with self-defense classes and soon rises to the rank of teacher. She spends time with her friends and is trying to keep the painful events of her past behind her.

This could be easier. Maxie has been suffering from brain trauma that began after her last beating. These episodes manifest themselves in lusty ways. These dreams get more and more explicit, and soon, Maxie isn’t able to get beyond them. Then she discovers that her dreams were even more than she expected, and the man behind them is someone she could never have imagined. She’ll have to fight to keep him at her side.

I enjoyed MAXIE’S MAN a lot. The characters felt real, and the reactions were very true to life. Sometimes, I felt as if the humor was a bit over the top, but even this didn’t take away from the story too much. Unfortunately, the book never held my attention the whole way.

EXILED
Kaitlyn O’Connor
ISBN: 1-58608-213-2
New Concepts Publishing
www.newconceptsppublishing.com
Futuristic Romance
Reviewer: Kelly
Rating:

One minute, Danica is scuba diving and looking for her ditz of a partner, and the next, she’s on an alien vessel. She’s left on a strange planet and is rescued by a handsome barbarian named Taj, only to become his slave.

I started reading this story with the preconception that there would be sex galore for the simple fact it was rated Spicy. There are only a few sex escapades, so if pure sex is what you’re looking for, this is not your book. I didn’t even notice there wasn’t any sex in the plot because the characters were so strong. I became so involved with the people of Glaxon and their chieftain Taj. I love the name Taj; it fit his personality fully. I loved the humor interlaced with Danica’s introduction into the village. The fact that the enemies weren’t human made this futuristic romance even stronger. Great read!

FOXY: A SMOKING-HOT TALE OF BIKERS AND BIKER BABES
D. Musgrave
ISBN: 1-58873-359-9
Renaissance E Books
www.renebooks.com
Sizzler Erotic Romance
Reviewer: Ansley
Rating:

Jake is finally settling down. He has spent years traveling from place to place on his bike, but has chosen to settle down at last. His old friend, Pick, has the perfect job for him. He wants to be the silent partner in a business that Jake will run. Jake will open a bar and bike repair shop called Foxy Cock’s. Next to Foxy Cock’s will be Foxy’s Toybox, a business that Pick’s wife Tiny will run, specializing in adult toys and sexual aids. Jake’s right hand man is Crash, a female that quickly gets under his skin. The more that he is near her, the more that he wants her. He can even picture himself with her in the future. That is a scary thought for a loner/biker like himself. However, his future plans might be jeopardized by Pick’s personal agenda for Jake’s businesses and personal affairs. Pick wants to see Jake’s business fail and run Jake out of town. Pick’s selfish motives bring Jake into contact with Linda, a judge in town who is also a dominant. Together, Jake and Linda attempt to bring Pick to justice while dabbling in some sexual pleasures. Yet all the while that Jake is playing with Linda, he is teasing Crash as well, and a few more on the side. Jake has his hands full with all of the biker babes that have shown up in his life. Which one will he choose to be with permanently? Or can a man like Jake settle down with only one? Maybe he needs numerous partners to be content.

FOXY is foxy! Jake has numerous sexual exploits with just about every female in the novel. The sex scenes are riveting, several involving group sex and multiple partners. In this SMOKING-HOT TALE, you will meet bikers, biker babes, and read about their indulgences in domination, submission, and wild sex. Take a walk on the wild side with Jake and his women in FOXY: A SMOKING-HOT TALE OF BIKERS AND BIKER BABES. It is smokin’.

FUTURE KNIGHT: BLACKSTAR
Cheyenne McCray
ISBN: 1-84360-915-0
Ellora’s Cave
www.ellorascave.com
Futuristic Romance
Reviewer: Kelly
Rating:

Adan, a High King of sorts, is on a mission for a super-crystal that can either make or break his world. The crystal is discovered on Earth, but what Adan isn’t ready for is the woman who shows up every time he hones in on the crystal’s signal.

Cheyenne has already proven that she can step outside of her usual world of elves, cowboys, and BDSM kings with VAMPIRE DREAMS. This new series, Future Knight, only supports that claim. I wasn’t too sure what to make of this special crystal that everyone seemed to be searching for, but I did love the imagination and imagery that the author used. I loved how the Ice Witch’s kingdom seemed to have a strong relationship with peppermint and spearmint. I loved that. I saw the world and pictured the characters better with this description. It allows the reader to incorporate something they know of to better see the world that she is creating. Kara, as a character, was exactly what I love in a modern-age heroine—strong, sexually independent, and sassy. Gotta love that sass! Adan, as a character, was great. I loved how his character didn’t feel as if he owed people an explanation for his actions—the perfect royalty. Great job, Chey!

THE GENTLE MASTER
Vivian Hart
ISBN: 1-55410-193-X
eXtasy Books
www.extasybooks.com
Fantasy Erotic Romance
Reviewer: Miaka
Rating:

Ariana had been a slave for most of her life. Kidnapped at a very young age and brought to the Pierran Kingdom, she had been in service to others and a favorite of the Queen since she was eighteen. Political unrest in the kingdom puts Ariana on the run and out on her own into the wilderness. Here she meets her Gentle Master.

General Karan was once a high-ranking officer in the Pierran Army. Framed for making an attempt on the Queen's life, he was branded a traitor and banished from the Kingdom. When he happens upon Ariana, he is suspicious of her. In time, their bond grows and they fall in love. Together, will they be able to overcome the obstacles of their past to live a happy future?

THE GENTLE MASTER is a touching story of lonely people who find love with each other through unlikely circumstances. As a slave, Ariana has lived life only to pleasure others. No one has cared about Ariana and her desires, needs, and wants. Karan, too, was kidnapped from his native land and used by the Pierran kingdom. After his exile, Karan has become a callous and mean man, experiencing terrible loneliness at the lost of his wife and child. Once he meets Ariana, he is able to love again and be loved in return. Their love for each other is very sweet and compassionate. Their love scenes were tender, sensuous, and arousing. Their feelings for each other were reflected in their every action.

I thoroughly enjoyed Vivian Hart's THE GENTLE MASTER. Ms. Hart's introduction to the Weiran Masters series is stirring and kept me reading nonstop until the end. This is just a beautiful love story with compelling characters and a simple yet intriguing plot. I recommend this book to anyone who craves a good love story, especially if you love a happily-ever-after ending.

HOT AUGUST NIGHTS
Evelyn Starr
ISBN: 1-5510-008-9
eXtasy Books
www.extasybooks.com
Contemporary Romance
Reviewer: Angel
Rating:

Bax has been hounded by the press for almost two years, after being accused of murdering his boss, and would hope that after all this time they would just leave him alone. When he sees the beautiful woman, he figures her for another reporter trying to get a story. Then he finds out she’s trying to find her sister and figures he can help her. When he catches her watching his house, he can’t hold back the desire he feels, and they wind up sleeping together. After hearing her story, he decides to help her, but what will they find?

Tannie is looking for her sister, who has disappeared. The only thing she knows is her sister changed after marrying some guy named Ricky, and they went from having a close relationship to not talking to each other. The only way to find her sister is to find Ricky, and the only way to find him is through his ex-boss, Bax. Only Bax doesn’t seem to know anything, and soon their relationship turns sexual, and Tannie can’t resist. Bax agrees to help her, but will she find her sister before it’s too late?

Evelyn Starr has done it again and created a book with a plot that keeps you interested and reading until the very end. Tannie is a strong and determined woman who is not going to stand by while her relationship with her sister is totally destroyed. Bax has been accused of murder in the past, so he has some issues to deal with and get over, but is sweet enough to help Tannie. The sex is really intense and totally hot, so have some ice handy. I love this book and recommend it if you are in the mood for a book that takes you on an emotional roller coaster.

HOT IN THE CITY – SIN CITY
Lacey Alexander
ISBN: 1-4199-0013-7
Ellora’s Cave
www.ellorascave.com
Contemporary Romance
Reviewer: Ansley
Rating:

Diana is trying to be a good girl. She has been trying to live down her bad girl reputation and be the good girl that her parents want her to be. However, her trip to Las Vegas for business and a healthy dose of pleasure is just the opportunity that she needs to be a bad girl and enjoy herself doing so. Her trip to Vegas brings her into contact with Marc, a man that works for the same company that she does. They have been flirting via email and the telephone for months now, and now they have the chance to meet. When they do come face to face, there is no chance of Diana managing to be the slightest bit good. Marc loves that she is so bad, and she loves the idea of being bad for him. Together, they push the limits of sexual exploration and experimentation. Anything goes, and everything will in their adventures in SIN CITY. Diana’s trip to Las Vegas will be anything but dull and definitely will be memorable. Possibly a little too memorable, because she might have a hard time forgetting Marc and their sexual exploits when it is over.

SIN CITY is HOT!!! Before starting this one, turn up your air and have something cold to drink. It’s a scorcher, sizzling from page one! Ms. Alexander heats up the nights and days in Las Vegas. Diana and Marc set the city on fire and let the fire burn out of control. Take note, though, this novel contains group sex scenes, bondage, and female/female scenes. However, if that doesn’t bother you, indulge and enjoy. It is worth the read, if your heart can take it…

HOT STUFF
Carly Phillips
ISBN: 0-373-77001-4
Harlequin Romance
Contemporary Romance
Reviewer: Robin Taylor
Rating:

Yank Morgan is a man that should be proud. His nieces’ parents died while they were very young, and he’s raised all three girls – Annabelle, Sophie, and Michelle – to be very responsible young woman. Yank’s gone so far as allow his sports agency – The Hot Zone - to also become a PR agency, and all three women, with their business degrees, play very important roles in their joint venture.

Presently, Brandon Vaughn needs The Hot Zone to represent him. Brandon has bad blood with Yank. Formerly a fantastic football player, and having suffered a career-ending injury, his former wife drew him to Yank’s competition. Now that Brandon is trying to create a business in his hometown, and missing the fatherly relationship he once had with Yank, Brandon needs someone to represent him. This is critical because there is some serious sabotage going on at the lodge Brandon is building.

With Sophie and Michelle busy with other clients, Annabelle Jordan is forced to take on Brandon. The only problem is that her reaction to him – and any jock – is all-consuming. Will she be able to work with Brandon, with all the explosive chemistry brewing between them? One thing is for certain, Brandon is not just another jock. He has some powerful values that surpass anything Annabelle could have imagined.

Carly Phillips writes another winner with HOT STUFF! The characters are wonderful, and the story is written with exceptional pacing. I was drawn into the family dynamics, with eager anticipation for future stories in this series. Also, the side story of Yank’s love life, or lack thereof, was a really nice touch. This August Harlequin single title of Phillips’ will be followed in August of ’05 and ’06 with HOT NUMBER and HOT ITEM. Be certain to visit Ms. Phillips’ website in order to find out more about this series, and other upcoming titles by this prolific New York Times Bestselling author.

HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM
Erin McCarthy
ISBN: 0-7582-0597-X
Kensington Brava
Contemporary Romance
Reviewer: Robin Taylor
Rating:

Dr. Houston Hayes reduces Josie Adkins to a simpering, clumsy puddle. She’s on a surgical rotation, and Houston cannot take Josie serious, as she seems completely inept. This doesn’t match her high IQ, and her amazing grades. Yet Josie wants to be a surgeon, knows she can be a good surgeon, so she falls under his tutelage. Now, only if she can stop dropping things...

What is it about new resident Josie Adkins that makes Houston's blood boil - and his body rise to the occasion? What will the little minx think when she realizes all he can think of is getting her into bed? But no matter how attracted he is to her, he has two rules that he has no intention of breaking - no long-term relationships, and no fooling around with any hospital employee.

While Houston finds Josie inept, she knows the real problem. It is her attraction to him that is so powerful; it leaves her shaking. Besides, she’s always been called the two p's - perky and plump – what would sexy Dr. Hayes want with her?

It doesn’t take long for Houston to realize that the brainy Josie's heart is not in surgery. And, Houston is only a man, a man with a problem. He knows he has to have at least one taste of the sexy Josie. Even while waiting for their first assignation, Josie can't help but wonder with the intensely handsome Houston could possibly want from a woman like her. He is so sexy, so charming, he could have any woman he wants.

Erin McCarthy has written another winner. Her characters play off of each other in a smart, quick way, as in all of her books. Even when two people fight an incredible chemistry, no matter how intelligent they are, they seem to believe that fighting it off will work. But will it? Or how long before they realize that their paths came together for a reason?

Denial is not only a river in Egypt. Josie realizes that when Houston, an avid surfer, is a victim of a vicious shark attack. She needs to be around Houston, and he realizes he needs Josie to be around him. It is now that both of their futures in surgery are about to take a rapid turn. This allows more time for them to develop the sensual, passionate relationship that has indeed won over. Btw, has Houston given up surfing? You’ll have to read HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM to find out how Houston got back on his surfboard. What a titillating way to overcome his fear, thanks to Josie’s presence at the right time. Also, the question about Josie’s choice of career comes up more than once, showing Houston’s intuitive nature.

Ms. McCarthy is an amazing writer. No doubt about that. When it comes to choosing a Reviewers’ Choice for Sizzling Romances, we look at certain characteristics a book contains that may appeal to the reader. Evidence shows that your readers love your work, and when you create characters such as Josie and Houston, as well as some warm supporting characters, you make certain to bring your story right to the reader, making it a real drama, one thoroughly enjoyable, accentuated by your trade-mark humor.

HOW TO BE A WICKED WOMAN
MaryJanice Davidson, Jamie Denton, Susanna Carr
ISBN: 0-7582-0707-7
Kensington Brava
www.kensingtonbooks.com
Contemporary Romance
Reviewer: Robin Taylor
Rating:

THE WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST SIDE by MaryJanice Davidson

Jeannie Desjardin has a tough job as an editor. Her boss, Bob Anderson, frowns when she tells him she's swamped, underpaid, and under-laid. Her boss describes Jeannie as near genius, poor social skills, and an uncontrollable temper. Despite her adamancy over her too-full workload, her boss assigns her a new author, a woman Jeannie is sure she’ll despise. Now she’s assigned another author who has missed her latest deadline. But Jeannie is in for the surprise of her life. Hope Desiree is a pseudonym for the yummy Steven McCord. Oh, how Steven just loves his loud-mouthed new editor. Yeah, she’s an intense bitch, but she’ll be his, and he’ll have her no other way.

Reader beware: I was riding in a cab while reading this novella and had to put the book away, as I was laughing out loud more than once! Yes, MaryJanice Davidson writes with such a hilarious flair that I couldn’t wait to get to my destination to pick this book up again and finish it!

INSTRUCTION IN SEDUCTION by Jamie Denton

Eden Matthews has been dumped by her latest boyfriend, who claims she is lousy in bed. She needs to practice on learning how to please a man, and who better than her partner Jackson Hunt, who's been fantasizing about her for the better part of a year. However, they are partners at the Sheriff Department, and if they change the dynamics of their relationship, they won’t be able to continue working together.

This may have started as no-strings attached, but this emotionally-riveting story reveals so much more. Understanding Eden's reticence does not come easy for Jackson Hunt, but his loyalty and devotion run deep. This is one powerful novella by Jamie Denton that you won't want to miss. The sensual seduction—by way of instruction—is rich and deep on a level of sensuality that it almost comes through the pages. Women, you don't want to miss Jackson's seven levels of ultimate pleasure and the resulting emotional impact it carries.

WICKED WAYS by Susanna Carr

Peyton Lovejoy knows she's in deep. For over a week, she's been calling the library she's affiliated with New Answer Hotline. After speaking with the hotline operator several times, his voice is affecting her deeply. However, their first meeting face-to-face, with a simple handshake, nearly causes her to explode into a ball of flames. Peyton is the president of Our Friends of the Library group, while Mike Ryder is posing undercover investigating possible embezzlement. Unbeknownst to Peyton, she is Mike's primary suspect. This ought to get interesting real quick, because Mike is just as aware of Peyton as she is him.

In the meantime, Peyton is suffering from her nerd status and is quite embarrassed by some of the intense questions she asked Mike. But he doesn't know it was her—yet. Can she boost herself a bit, become a wicked woman so that Mike won't connect her to the woman asking explicit questions, thereby guessing her naiveté? How will Peyton turn herself into a scandalous woman overnight? Read Carr’s delightful addition to this anthology and you’ll be certain to find out.

HOW TO BE A WICKED WOMAN is another fantastic anthology by Kensington Brava. The Brava editors sure know how to put the right authors together in order to create successful anthologies. In this one here, you have a truly wicked woman, who is not about to change her ways, a woman who’s tough, but not so wicked, and a woman who’d love to project a wicked image. This tantalizing package was released in August, but be sure to pick it up if you haven’t already, as it is too good to pass up.

THE HUNTERS: BYRON AND KIT – BOOK 3
Shiloh Walker
ISBN: 1-84360-934-7
Ellora’s Cave
www.ellorascave.com
Erotic Shape-Shifter/Paranormal
Reviewer: Joy
Rating:

A master Vampire caught in the trap of his own making. A trap of love that is!

Byron is a Hunter; a Hunter’s duty is to kill rogue shifters that have turned evil. Byron promised his dearest friend on his deathbed that he would care for his daughter, Katrine. Byron has kept that promise by making her his second in command over all whom he protects. He trusts her above all others in all areas except one, trusting that she wants him. Byron thinks Kit is too young to know what she’s asking for in wanting to be his mate. Everything that he has done to push her away so far has failed. He craves her touch and it’s killing him to hurt her so, but feels it’s only fair that she see some of the world before she makes such an important decision.

Kit is one determined werewolf. Byron is who she wants and Bryan is who she is going to get. Kit is no shrinking violet and has weathered each and every test of her love that Bryon has put in her path. Byron has another thing coming if he thinks she’s going to give up the man that she knows to be her life mate. Once Kit learns that Bryon is going to send her away, she takes matters into her own hands and seduces Byron. Believing that Bryon hasn’t changed his mind come morning about sending her away, Kit leaves Byron. When Bryon catches up to our errant, Kit, he has a decision to make.

THE HUNTERS: BYRON AND KIT is an Ellora’s Cave quickie that doesn’t disappoint the fans of Ms. Walker’s Hunter series. Kit is a strong heroine and I respected her for going after what she wanted. Sometimes men can be knuckleheads, as Byron is at times and it is up to us women to show them the right path to take. Wow, Byron and Kit ignite the pages like kerosene to a book of matches. The Hunter series is a continuing saga of some very sexy shape-shifters. We catch up on a couple of characters from previous books, but I felt THE HUNTERS: BYRON AND KIT could be a stand-alone book. As a big Shiloh Walker fan, I quickly filed this one under “keeper” and look forward to the next book in this series.

IMMORTAL OPS
Mandy M. Roth
ISBN: 1-58608-485-2
New Concepts Publishing
http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/
Erotic Paranormal Thriller
Reviewer: RogueStorm
Rating:

Even though she doesn’t want to, Peren Matthews allows her friends to convince her to go out for a night on the town to celebrate her birthday. She’d prefer not to, having recently lost her fiancé, but they keep telling her she has to get back in the saddle again. On arriving at the nightclub, she knows immediately that it is a mistake to be there; especially when she realizes her friends have sneakily set her up with a blind date once again. She’s just getting up to leave when Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Sexy shows up with his buddy. There is something about this man that calls to her, filling her with lust, but leaves her feeling guilty.

Captain Lukian Vlakhusha is shadowing a target on a search-and-destroy mission. He knows the rules: don’t get attached, and don’t put a face to a name. Luke’s just broken both of these rules. Set to take down Peren Matthews, he calls a halt to the mission after recognizing that something about their assignment doesn’t add up. Added to his instinct that something is wrong is his own deep need to provide for her, to make her his, to protect her with his life, and to claim her for his mate. And he’s going to need every instinct he has if he’s going to save Peren from an unknown enemy intent on her death.

What can I say! Mandy Roth is truly a wonderful writer. Her stories show imagination, originality, and suspense. Then she throws in plain, old-fashioned sex appeal and you have one rockin’ story! IMMORTAL OPS is one of those stories that draws you in from the beginning and then doesn’t let you go until the very end. My only complaint would have to be that I wish IMMORTAL OPS could have been longer. This would have allowed time for Ms. Roth to explore what Peren was truly capable of.

It is this reader’s belief that Peren could be one kick-ass heroine. The type of heroine never seen before, and one who could very well outdo those alpha males that we’re all so fond of reading about. I sincerely hope that Ms. Roth plans to go back to the drawing board and write about more of the secondary characters in IMMORTAL OPS, although I’d much prefer to see a longer story about Lukian and Peren in the very near future. If you want to read a good erotic paranormal thriller, then you’re not going to find one much better than Mandy M. Roth’s IMMORTAL OPS.

JACK SAYS
Cheyenne Thomas
ISBN: 1-59578-026-2
Liquid Silver Books
www.liquidsilverbooks.com
Contemporary Romance
Reviewer: Ansley
Rating:

Carol and Jack have an online romance full of passion and spark. Yet they’ve never met. Every evening they sign on, release their inhibitions, and indulge in some flirting and seduction. Soon, it isn’t enough for Carol; she has to meet him. So she sets up a three-day trip into the mountains, with Jack as her guide. Using an alias, she plans to meet him and see if he really is what she is hoping. It turns out that he is all that she had in mind and then some. She can’t help herself from falling head over heels for him. There is only one small problem with that. She feels like he is cheating on her, with her. She thinks that he doesn’t value his relationship with Carol if he is so willing to cast it aside for a fling with another woman. What a quandary she has gotten herself into! What does she do now, tell him who she is or enjoy the moment?

JACK SAYS is a humorous novella of misconstrued identity. The more that Carol gets to know Jack, the more she likes him. By then, she can’t tell him the truth about who she is, so she gets in deeper in her deception. It is amusing to see how she handles the situation. Especially when she begins to feel like he is cheating on her, with her. Carol’s very understandable female reactions are amusing. Combining a light touch of comedy with some spicy, yet not too risqué love scenes, JACK SAYS satisfies the craving for something sweet, yet a tad bit spicy.

LESSONS IN LUST MAJOR
Tawny Taylor
ISBN: 1-84360-987-7
Ellora’s Cave
www.ellorascave.com
Erotic Contemporary Romance
Reviewer: Joy
Rating:

Surprises abound in this lusty romp between a music teacher with the hots for the school’s newest music instructor.

Kate Evans, music teacher at a Catholic school, considers herself a plain Jane. Every time she comes within a few feet of Lukas Krupke, she blushes and can’t look him in the eye. Her lust is at a fever pitch when unexpectedly she’s told that she and Lukas have been chosen to attend the Regional Music Educator’s Conference. Holy Toledo, how is she to keep her wits about her when they will be in such close quarters driving to the conference in her small compact car?

Just this shy of being seven feet tall, our bookishly handsome Lukas has been very respectful of Kate since taking his new position. He’s very attracted to Kate and unbeknownst to her, she’s been the star of his fantasies for some time now. This teacher’s conference is the perfect opportunity for him to see if she is as attracted to him as he is to her. Lukas considers himself to be a gentleman, as one of ten boys he has made sure that he hasn’t overstepped his bounds with Kate.

In this Ellora’s Cave quickie, Tawny Taylor once again takes the readers on a very erotic ride. Our Kate considers herself to be overweight, but damn if Lukas sees her as anything but beautiful, sigh. LESSONS IN LUST MAJOR builds the reader into a fever pitch of desire filled with sexual tension and then delivers the gratification with such gusto that it will take your breath away.

LUCY’S LOVER
Arianna Hart
ISBN: 1-84360-969-x
Ellora’s Cave
www.ellorascave.com Futuristic Romance
Reviewer: Ansley
Rating:

Lieutenant Lucy Malone is the Chief Medical Officer on board The Federation. Lately, her job has been irritating her quite a bit. The men on board have been amusing themselves by playing foolish gladiator games and then end up having to be tended to. Her only choice is to give Captain Drog a piece of her mind and insist that he have a little more control over his men. However, when she goes to say her piece, he takes complete advantage of the situation and uses it to attempt to seduce her. She is shocked by his advances, but not at all appalled. Turned on and curious are better terms for what she is feeling for the sexy Captain. Yet before she can focus on her new feelings for him, she has to concentrate on a problem in the medical quarters. Someone has stolen a large amount of narcotics, enough to kill someone, and she must find out who it was, because now The Federation is a dangerous place to be. With lost drugs, a thief, and Captain Drog chasing after her, Lucy has her hands full.

Captain Drog is captivated by Lieutenant Malone. Her fiery hair and temper to match, teases and tempts him like no female ever has. He is intent on having her, no matter how he has to go about getting her. Before he can focus on getting Lucy in bed, though, he has to help her find the culprit who stole the drugs. He can only hope that they find the thief soon, because he wants to concentrate on being Lucy’s lover and all of the pleasure that job entails.

LUCY’S LOVER is a quickie that is short on pages, but long on sexiness. Captain Drog and Lucy heat up The Federation while chasing down an elusive drug thief. Drog is relentless in his attempts to be Lucy’s lover, and the chase is well worth the wait. It is delightful both for the reader and for Drog and Lucy. The passion that they share heats up the fifty odd pages of this quickie, making for a short, hot read that is anything but sweet. Ms. Hart delivers a red-hot read.

LUNA TEN 1: CASSIOPEIA
Ann Jacobs
ISBN: 1-59596-012-0
Changeling Press
www.changelingpress.com
Futuristic/Sci-Fi Romance
Reviewer: Sharon
Rating:

Guy Stone had been in a starship crash and barely survived. When they put him back together, they had to use cyborg parts, so he is no longer fully human. Guy is on the planet Obsidion seeking sexual pleasure, and he spots her standing with a small group of her friends

Cassie and her friends have arrived on Obsidion also seeking their pleasure. Cassie leaves her friends to go to a sexbot shop where she plans to rent a sexbot for her pleasure. She ends up leaving with Guy, thinking he is a sexbot. Guy finally confesses to Cassie that he is human and that his body has been surgically enhanced and he can’t return to Earth because of their laws. Guy knows Cassie is his soul mate, and he must convince her to go to Luna Ten, a planet where they can live together in happiness.

If you enjoy futuristic erotic romances and don’t mind a master/slave relationship, then I recommend LUNA TEN: CASSIOPEIA with its steamy sex scenes and sci-fi worlds. It’s a highly imaginative story with a happy ending that leaves you waiting for the next book in this series.

MASTER MY VIKING
Angel Lynn
ISBN: 1-58608-134-9
New Concepts Publishing
www.newconceptspublishing.com
Historical Romance
Reviewer: Renee
Rating:

For years, an annoying young wench has tormented Sigurd Thorgest, and he doesn’t know why. Most women want to share his bed, but all this one seems to want is to drive him crazy. He thinks her latest stunt—stealing his clothes while he takes a swim—is her worst yet, but then, after walking home through his village naked, he finds an even worse surprise waiting in his bedroom. Oh, how he hates that infuriating wench!

On the day Sigurd Thorgest killed and skinned her pet rabbit, Hilde Greylock vowed he would never know peace again. It’s a promise she has kept, and she has thoroughly enjoyed doing so. Oh, how she hates that arrogant Viking!

What will happen when Sigurd and Hilde are forced to marry each other? Will their feuding continue, or will they admit their true feelings?

MASTER MY VIKING is a wickedly funny tale. I can’t remember when I’ve laughed so hard. Sigurd is a bit arrogant and conceited, but Hilde has plenty of tricks to put him in his place. She enjoys being wild and independent, but Sigurd is just the man to tame her. These two are perfect for each other. This fun, quick romp through the Viking land is a must-read for lovers of spicy, lighthearted romance.

MAYAN NIGHTS
Therese MacFarland
ISBN: 1-932866-19-1
Triskelion Publishing
www.triskelionpublishing.com
Paranormal Romance
Reviewer: Miaka
Rating:

Professor Saint John Twaine (Sinjin) is head archeologist on an excavation site believed to be the final resting place of Shield Jaguar, once King of Pacal. Known as the Ivy League Beast, he didn't know what was in store for him when he sent for a new assistant from the university.

Dr. Tamara Martin jumped at the chance to work with Professor Twain. He was known to be a tyrant, usually running his assistants off in a few days. Undeterred by his reputation as Professor Sin, among other things, she sets off to prove her worth as an up and coming archeologist.

> What an auspicious debut for Ms. MacFarland! There is nothing I didn't love about MAYAN NIGHTS. Tam and Sinjin are wonderful characters and they are HOT together, though they got off on the wrong foot (and that's an understatement of colossal proportions). The secondary characters are well-written and add spice and heart to the story.

Ms. MacFarland has incorporated into MAYAN NIGHTS everything you want in a spicy romance--passion, humor, and suspense. I enjoyed this story from beginning to end and I recommend it to anyone who likes a great story, great characters and hot sex! I am waiting impatiently for more in the Mayan series.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY
Donna Kauffman, Nancy Warren, Erin McCarthy,
MaryJanice Davidson, Lucy Monroe, and Susanna Carr
ISBN: 0-7582-0886-3
Kensington Brava
Contemporary Romance Anthology
Reviewer: Ansley
Rating:

MAKING WAVES by Donna Kauffman

Burke Morgans’ first mate and cook on his ship leaves him in the lurch in the middle of the busy season, leaving Burke very uncomfortable about the status of his cruises. Then Dorsey, his questionable friend and first mate, tells him that his granddaughter Kamala is going to take his place. She is a fabulous chef, having worked in five-star restaurants and is more than qualified to run Burke’s kitchen. Burke is uneasy, but decides to go along with it to humor Dorsey. Then she arrives—beautiful, sexy, and seasick. How is Burke supposed to set sail with a chef that gets seasick every time the boat makes a tiny motion? Furthermore, how is he supposed to set sail with a woman on his boat that he can’t look at without wanting to kiss and do more to?

Kamala desperately needs this job on Burke’s catamaran. Her little issue with seasickness is one that she is determined to get over. It might not be that easy, though, because every time the boat sways, her tummy turns upside down. Moreover, every time she looks at Burke, her tummy does crazy things that are worse than the seasickness that threatens to overtake her. What is she supposed to do with a captain that she wants to take to bed and seasickness that threatens to keep her in bed?

LET IT SNOW by Nancy Warren

Marisa can’t believe her rotten luck! On Christmas Eve, she gets stuck on the roof of her building, in a power outage, with her cameraman who hates her! It is snowing outside, and there isn’t any chance of them getting back inside where it is warm and where she can get away from him. However, the more time that they spend in the elements together, the more obvious it is that Rob doesn’t hate her and that she doesn’t hate him. They seem to have much stronger feelings for each other; they just needed a little blizzard to make them acknowledge it.

YOU, ACTUALLY by Erin McCarthy

Josh has been in love with Cassidy for years and has been trying to convey the message to her lately, but she seems to be a bit dense in the reception. So for Christmas, he has decided to tell her his feelings, no matter what her response might be. He just can’t hold it in anymore; she has to know. What will his best friend say when she realizes that she is the object of his affection?

UNDERCOVER CLAUS by MaryJanice Davidson

Corinne can’t believe that she has been reduced to this level of service. She is a police officer that is being forced to dress like Santa Claus and to take donations on a street corner to catch a purse-snatcher. The job is miserable, it is freezing outside, and people have no respect for Santa. The only bright spot in her day is Grant, the handsome, blue-eyed stranger that drops ridiculous amounts of money in her bucket every day to make up for the mishaps that he brings to her. She really wants nothing to do with him; he doesn’t seem at all the type for her. Yet she can’t stay away from him, and soon, she finds that she wants to get undercover with him, preferably not in the Santa suit. Hopefully, the feeling is mutual.

SILVER BELLA by Lucy Monroe

Bella is a fashion model whose sexy reputation has been threatened by a jealous ex-boyfriend. He has gone to the tabloids blabbing about the notorious “Ice Queen” and her cold lovemaking. However, the moment that she sees Jake Barton in the audience of her show one evening, he awakens her senses, making her long for all that she has given up for her career. When he continues to frequent her shows, she makes her mind up to talk with him and see what is going on between them. She might just get more than she bargained for.

SNOW DAY by Susanna Carr

Karen has been avoiding Tyler for quite some time, ever since she accidentally showed up in his bedroom, sans clothing, looking for her boyfriend. He has made no secret out of the fact that he wants to start an affair with her, but she has denied any sort of attraction to him. But then another case of mistaken rooms and identities changes things.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY is Brava’s annual anthology of Christmas stories. As usual, it is amusing, touching, and downright sexy. I love reading their collections and this one didn’t disappoint. The characters are appealing in their sensuality, and the storylines are ripe with passion and desire. I enjoyed my taste of Christmas in the middle of the summer. I’m looking forward to seeing what is in my stocking this year after reading these sassy, sexy tales.

MOUNTAIN'S CAPTIVE
Michelle M. Pillow
ISBN: 1-58608-544-1
New Concepts Publishing
http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/
Contemporary Romance
Reviewer: Miaka
Rating:

Chloe Masters is a successful author and maintains a successful publishing house. Despite the façade of a perfect life, Chloe is about to marry a man she has never seen because her inheritance depends on it.

Everest Beaumont meets Chloe under unusual circumstances. Together they share a night of incredible passion that neither truly remembers due to the large amount of alcohol consumed. Then, Chloe shows up to Everest's home with their marriage certificate.

MOUNTAIN'S CAPTIVE was an enjoyable read from start to finish. Michelle M. Pillow has a talent for creating interesting and three-dimensional characters and Chloe and Everest are fine examples of this. On the surface, Chloe seems shallow and pampered, however, later in the story, she turns out to be much more noble and altruistic. Everest's personality resembles the mountain that he's named after, strong and indomitable. His pride keeps him from admitting that he has strong feelings for our heroine.

Chloe and Everest are a very sexy couple. Their love scenes nearly ignite the page. Their attraction was undeniable and the passion palpable.

Ms. Pillow knows how to construct a satisfying love story and MOUNTAIN'S CAPTIVE is one of her best. I recommend it to anyone who loves romance that blossoms under unusual circumstances and seeming insurmountable obstacles. MOUNTAIN'S CAPTIVE is a shining example of Ms. Pillow's talent and I am eagerly anticipating more of her work.

NEVER LOVE A STRANGER
Ellen Fisher
ISBN: 1-58608-539-5
New Concepts Publishing
www.newconceptspublishing.com
Futuristic Romance
Reviewer: Angel
Rating:

Imagine Annie’s surprise when she walks into her kitchen to find a sexy, naked man waiting for her. Scared, thinking he has broken in, Annie has no idea what to do, then she thinks maybe amnesia is the cause for his strange behavior. She figures he’s completely insane when he tells her he is from the future. Now she is helping the man called James, and she knows nothing about him. What has she gotten herself into?

James is from the future and appears naked in Annie’s kitchen. He knows nothing about his new surroundings. He needs Annie to teach him everything he needs to know, but there is a reason why James is running from his life, and it’s not long before it catches up with him. His race has nearly been wiped out, and now he’s the last one left, and they will do anything to get their hands on him. Now, he has to keep Annie safe from those that hunt him.

NEVER LOVE A STRANGER is action-packed and sure to keep you entertained all the way through. James is the sexy and confused man who drops into Annie’s world and forever changes it. Annie is a strong woman, who at first is determined not to believe James about his futuristic story, but soon she doesn’t have much choice and does what she can to help. I love that she stands up for what she believes in. The love scenes are really sensual and sure to please, as James and Annie prove they are a good couple both in and out of bed. I think this book is an excellent read, and I look forward to seeing what Ellen Fisher comes up with next.

NIGHT ELVES 2: DANGEROUS OBSESSION
Nelissa Donovan
ISBN: 1-84360-973-8
Ellora’s Cave
www.ellorascave.com
Fantasy Erotic Romance
Reviewer: Renee
Rating:

The land of Tir na n-Og is in turmoil. The evil sorcerer Garethan has amassed a vast army of demon-like golems, which he plans to use to enslave the people of Tir na n-Og. They must join together to fight Garethan or all will be lost.

King Serosen of the Winter Kingdome sends his sister Eristta on a mission to recruit troops for their army. After completing her task, Eristta decides to find Red Claw, a powerful Terran shaman and shape-shifter, who is also gathering allies. Helping Red Claw with his mission isn’t Eristta’s only reason for finding him. She has wanted him for years, but he has always treated her like a little sister. She intends to finally make him see that they are destined to share more than friendship.

Not long after arriving in Tir na n-Og, Red Claw had a horrific vision, and in order to keep it from coming true, he has kept Eristta at arm’s length ever since, even though all he has ever wanted is to make love to her. When Eristta finds him and makes her feelings known, Red Claw realizes that he’s not going to be able to resist her for long. If Red Claw gives in, will the vision come true?

In this magnificent sequel to WICKED PLEASURES, the first book in the Night Elves series, Ms. Donovan takes you deeper into the magic and mystery of Tir na n-Og, and she makes it a thrilling ride. This story’s amazing twists and stunning characters keep you turning the pages. Red Claw and Eristta couldn’t be a more perfect couple. Eristta is wild and reckless, and Red Claw is steady and determined. When these two powerful magical beings finally admit their feelings, it’s nothing short of spectacular.

DANGEROUS OBSESSION is a real treat for lovers of fantasy erotic romance. I can’t wait to read the next book in the Night Elves series.

ONE TOUCH
Susie Charles
ISBN: 1-59578-039-4
Liquid Silver Books
www.liquidsilverbooks.com
Contemporary Romance
Reviewer: Kelly
Rating:

Cassie has never really gotten over her first love, her best friend’s brother Jake. The one night of passion that they had five years ago didn’t end the way she had hoped. Now, at Jake’s sister’s wedding, they both have to deal with the feelings that still burn out of control.

I loved this story from the cover to its last page. Cassie and Jake were such wonderful characters. Cassie was such a sweetheart, but she had an underlining of steel. How else could she raise a daughter single-handedly? Jake was sexy from his first appearance, even through his angry tirades. The story of these two characters and those involved was grade A. I can’t count how many times I wanted Cassie to tell Jake that Chloe was his daughter. The author was great with building that tension, as well as injecting a “bitch” character. There always has to be a character, male or female, that stands in the way of the main character’s happiness, and Jake’s ex-wife did a great job. This story was so good I would love to watch it as a made-for-television movie. Good job, Susie!

OPERATION SPACEQUEST
Ravyn Blackwood
ISBN: 1-59279-291-X
Amber Quill Press
www.amberquill.com
Futuristic Erotic Romance
Reviewer: Miaka
Rating:

Julie is a game developer at SciVirtua. Her next project is Operation Spacequest, a virtual reality adventure set on Earth in 3246 in the midst of an intergalactic war. The star of the game, The Jackal, in real life is Julie's boss, Dorian. The real Dorian seems oblivious to Julie's existence. Through the game, she can live out her fantasies with Dorian using The Jackal.

One night, Julie and Dorian take home a beta copy of the game to test it, and both end up in the game, battling for their lives and against an overpowering lust for each other.

Ravyn Blackwood's OPERATION SPACEQUEST: EPISODE I is an interesting story with a very interesting premise. I liked the plot, and this story has a fair amount of action. There was also a lot of sex between the hero and heroine, which I found to be almost gratuitous and not at all integral to the story. These scenes, however, are passionate and extremely erotic.

This short story is the beginning of the Operation SpaceQuest series. Readers who enjoy short stories with lots of sex and cliffhanger endings should enjoy this story.

OPERATION: PLEIADES DESPERATE MEASURES
Esther Mitchell
ISBN: 1-932866-33-7
Triskelion Publishing
www.triskelionpublishing.com
Paranormal Romance
Reviewer: Robin Taylor
Rating:

DESPERATE MEASURES is Book III of the Operation Pleiades series. As previously explained, seven women, all kidnapped as children, have all had their DNA reprogrammed by aliens known as the Anaz-voohri. In Books I and II of the series, the Anaz-voohri’s attempts at taking over the planet Earth have been thwarted.

Astoria Blair is a unique thief. She takes advantage of a gift she has to give her the privilege of being called a second-story thief. The ability to climb buildings and heights gets her profitable jobs. However, her latest job seems almost too easy. But, before we get into that, it would be good to talk about Tori a bit. She is highly rebellious. Furious with the CEM (Center for Evolutionary Medicine) for altering her DNA and training her to be much more than a thief, she revels in showing any type of rebellion possible. Her job as the best mercenary thief around has netted her quite hefty profits. But, again, this latest job is simple, too simple. She received an email from someone known only as “Hardwire,” and her job is to retrieve an unusual orb. With her Self-Commanded Incline Descent System, or SCIDS, retrieving the orb containing a valuable disc, is all she needs to do.

Little did Tori realize that once she had this orb in her possession, everyone precious to her would die. Going to her close friend for help, with his unique computer skills, was the first sign that something serious was going on. This dear friend was the first of Tori’s nearest and dearest to be killed. Even though at some point the orb was snatched, Tori’s life still remains at risk, including the lives of all of those around her.

ORION is most certainly Tori’s enemy. But there is someone else who always seems to be there just when Tori needs him, Marcos Devante. Who is he, and why is he always saving Tori? Is Tori the only gifted one in the picture? No, she’s not, but Marcos is reluctant to share his gift of premonition with her. Marcos is a Mythos operative, and Tori is his target. Much like the operatives of the first two books in this series, his responsibility is to kill Tori should she go along with the Anaz-voohri and present a danger to the human race.

What an exciting addition to a thrilling series! I don’t know what got to me the most—the ever-present fear facing Tori, or Marcos’ premonitions when she was in danger. Add to that the fact that he had to get this woman—Astoria, as he refuses to call her Tori—to trust him, while not telling her who he is and what his true mission is. Such intrigue is the name of the game in this fascinating read by Mitchell.

Also, the slimy Jason Carrick is still on the scene, running ORION, and the evil Anaz-voohri are doing their best to control another of the women, in this case Tori. Will Tori do as much harm as the Anaz-voohri would like, or will she, along with Marcos, defy their plans, and use her strong will to survive this incredible challenge?

Intrigue, danger, passion, trust, and desire all parry around with a surprising twist in the story, thereby increasing the tension. If you are a fan of continuity series and if you’ve had a chance to read FULL CONTACT and RELICS, Books I and II of this series, then, by all means, pick up a copy of DESPERATE MEASURES. You will NOT be disappointed!

OPERATION: PLEIADES RELICS
Vijaya Schartz
ISBN: 1-932866-21-3
Triskelion Publishing
www.triskelionpublishing.com
Paranormal Romance
Reviewer: Robin Taylor
Rating:

OPERATION: PLEIADES RELICS is Book II of a series where seven women, all abducted as young children, had their DNA reprogrammed by aliens known as the Anaz-voohri. After this, each girl was placed in an adoptive home and their early past forgotten. Now women, the Anaz-voohri, intent on taking over the planet Earth, has preprogrammed each woman to do serious damage to the planet, which could result in the death of millions of humans.

In this story, Celene Dupre is the target who has been assigned to Kin Raidon. Kin is a member of Mythos, and his order is to kill Celene should she aid the Anaz-voohri. Celene’s father and his crew, archaeologists, are all murdered right before her eyes. Even stranger, Celene suddenly becomes invisible, allowing her to witness this massacre and to see that her father’s former best friend, Emile Blanchard, was the man responsible.

Terrified for her life and of the fact that she can now attain invisibility at will, Celene doesn’t know where to turn. Celene is also plagued by nightmares of her early childhood. Determined to solve these mysteries on her own, Celene manages to grab a couple of shards that Emile is trying to pack away, certain that if she can translate these, she can find out why her father was murdered and perhaps learn more of her past.

After trusting a close friend, Sergei, he is quickly killed. She then runs into a collector named Kin Raidon. When he says that he specializes in Anaz-voohri artifacts, Celene takes pause. Celene is afraid of ORION and the corrupt Jason Carrick and of the GSS, so she must wonder if Kin belongs to one of these units. Though Kin can’t tell Celene who he works for, he knows he must get her to trust him. She must translate the relics, and he must find out what the Anaz-voohri have in store for her, because he just may have to kill her.

Both Kin and Celene have strong feelings for one another that show up immediately. Both try their hardest to fight these feelings, because so much is unknown, and the matter of trust is quite the delicate issue. Book II of the OPERATION: PLEIADES series is quite intriguing, has a wonderful romance, sheer danger, and much more. Schartz delivers a powerful and alluring story in this fascinating series. Readers must remember—as each woman is protected by Mythos, the Anaz-voohri gets more agitated, thereby creating a bigger danger to the human race. Don’t miss Book I or II, and be sure to stick around and collect books III to VII is this thrilling series.

PETA AND THE WOLFE
Book 3 in the Guardians of Time series
Sahara Kelly
ISBN: 1-84360-691-7
Ellora’s Cave
www.ellorascave.com
Contemporary Romance
Reviewer: Nancy
Rating:

Sahara Kelly continues to write scorching-hot, sexy novels. This is the tale of Peta Matthews and Max Wolfe. Peta is an editor for Mayfield Masterpieces, run by Phoebe Dunford. Max works for Peta doing line edits and is past his deadline. Peta finds him at a bar with another woman and leaves without confronting him. On her way home in a snowstorm, she crashes her car. The guardians of time have to intervene to keep the timeline intact. They send her back to the time of the crash, and this time she doesn’t die.

Max Wolfe is a true love-’em-and-leave-’em guy. After an earsplitting bout of sex with Tuesday, the girl from the bar, he falls asleep after she leaves, and then the roof caves in on his apartment. Max and his cat, Mr. Peebles, are left homeless. Phoebe plays matchmaker and has them stay in Peta’s house, so Max can take care of her after her car wreck.

The URST—unresolved sexual tension—smokes through the pages as Peta and Max dance around each other. Finally, they give in to the urge and proceed to enjoy each other in inventive and enticing ways.

The town is reeling from a late snowstorm, and then the body of Sandra Deane is found. Sandra was the receptionist at Mayfield Masterpieces. As the police investigate, a killer is looking for something. Mike Dean is Sandra’s ex-husband and is now working as a deliveryman in Mayfield. He is involved with Diana Stiles, along with Edward Sharp, the mayor. Diana likes it rough, and Ms. Kelly gives us every detail, including the threesome with both men.

The contrast between the relationships is marked, as the good girl gets loved and the bad girl gets abused—and loves every second of it. Max has to come to terms with falling in love for the first time in his life, and Peta has to deal with the uncertainty of their affair. She expects him to walk away sooner or later and tries to guard her heart, but isn’t successful.

I really enjoyed this tale and recommend it to others. There are violence, anal sex, and threesome scenes, so be aware of this prior to reading.

POSEIDON'S HEART
Diane Taylor
ISBN: 0-932866-29-9
Triskelion Publishing
www.triskelionpublishing.com
Mythological Romance
Reviewer: Robin Taylor
Rating:

Jamie Lakewood survived a vicious shark attack that left her boyfriend dead and ended her archaeological and diving career. She lived away in isolation in the mountains of Greece until she gets an odd request and a cell phone. When the phone rings, she is offered a lucrative job to retrieve two items. This job would require deep-sea diving, and just the thought of that causes her cold sweats and nightmares. The person she would be working for is the reclusive Vasilios Okeanos, owner of Trident Shipping. Will Jamie head off to Bora Bora to validate a find for him, thereby overcoming her fears?

A chartered airboat, with more than a few promises, and Jamie's on her way. The woman procuring the job offers much in the way of helping Jamie with her fears. Her expertise when it comes to underwater archaeology is unrivaled. When Jamie arrives in Bora Bora, she finds that her impending search—and Vasilios—is very enticing.

What soon ensues in this titillating tale by Taylor, part of Triskelion’s steamy Amethyst Inferno Line, is a love story of mythological proportions. The way Jamie's heart is quickly snagged by Vasilios and his true identity and that of the other characters she soon meets are pleasantly shocking.

What makes this such a touching story is when Jamie realizes that Vasilios is really Poseidon of the Sea and that she holds the power to return him to his underwater home, and that’s when love becomes the factor in Jamie’s life, fears, and decisions. For a story to start off with such a shocking injury to Jamie and the devastation to her heart that follows, it is thoroughly heartwarming to see her feelings grow with Vasilios, and this opens amazing hope. What a terrific story!

PROMISES KEEP
Sarah McCarty
ISBN: 1-84360-962-2
Ellora’s Cave
www.ellorascave.com
Historical Erotic Romance
Reviewer: Renee
Rating:

Cougar McKinnely hasn’t been able to perform sexually since his fiancée died the previous year. He goes to Madame Cecile’s Pleasure Emporium to finally get over his problem and finds the perfect cure. When he sees the beautiful temptress writhing on the bed, Cougar knows his problem is over. He has no problem making love to the woman, but after it’s over, he realizes he’s made a terrible mistake. The woman had been drugged, and therefore, she hadn’t been a willing participant. After a deadly fight with the madam and her bouncer, Cougar kidnaps the woman and vows to protect her and make her his.

But Mara Kincaid doesn’t make it easy for Cougar. Though she doesn’t remember him being with her at the Pleasure Emporium, she refuses his protection. She’s determined to stand on her own two feet. But Cougar is even more stubborn than Mara, so she eventually gives in and marries him. What will happen when she remembers that Cougar is the man who raped her?

is a wonderfully detailed novel. It sizzles from the first page right to the very last. The sex scenes are frequent, scorching, and original. Ms. McCarty’s dynamic characters will steal your heart. A lot of words can be used to describe Cougar—sexy, powerful, honorable, and caring are just a few—but I think alpha describes him best. He absolutely has to have exactly what he wants, when he wants it. Though Mara is vulnerable and feels unworthy of love, she’s more than a match for Cougar’s strong nature. He works hard to win her love, using gentleness and patience.

This well-written book flows fast and smooth, so it’s over before you know it, but it’s one of those stories that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it. If you enjoy Westerns with lots of scorching sex, you don’t want to miss PROMISES KEEP.

PROMISES TO KEEP
Janet Miller
ISBN: 1-58608-478-X
New Concepts Publishing
http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/
Futuristic Romance
Reviewer: RogueStorm
Rating:

Earth, 2488

Doctor Sarah Johnson wants a husband, children, and a place to call her own. The problem is, the men on earth aren’t interested in any of these things. Thus, when New Life Collective releases a recruitment ad asking for women that are interested in marrying and having children to come to a special meeting, Sarah decides to go. After attending the meeting, she decides to go for it and ends up on a ship full of women heading to the outer colonies among the stars. Not too many days into their journey, they are put out into a life pod and then picked up by another ship. The ship turns out to be Gaian and their capturer, none other than the Gaian Beast.

General Garran Doranth, the Gaian Beast, swore he would find his men wives. He just didn’t want it to be Earther women. However, since there was a shortage of Gaian women and his men needed to have some hope of being able to “Attach,” he was going to have to follow through on his promise, even if it was with Earther women. The only problem is, he hadn’t counted on “Attaching” to an Earther woman himself. He thought he was immune to the essence of a woman. At least that’s what the doctors told him. Now he’s gone and “Attached” to Doctor Sarah Johnson just because she neared him enough to slap him.

Sarah can’t believe she slapped the Gaian Beast! What’s he going to do to? Why is her hand tingling? Garran can’t believe he “Attached” to an Earther woman! What will his men think? Forget about that, what will Sarah think when she finds out that her husband to be is the hated Gaian Beast?

Janet Miller does a good job of creating a futuristic Earth and Gaian world. While set in the future, there is much in the way of realism in PROMISES TO KEEP. Take, for example, the loss of plant and tree life on the planet Earth. If things continue as they have been here on Earth with the rainforests being cut down, etc., we could very well lose our forests and plant life.

The characters of Garran and Sarah are interesting. They play off each other’s emotions and reactions beautifully. I liked the secondary characters of Karen and Jeffrey and hope Ms. Miller writes a prequel to PROMISES TO KEEP, featuring them in their own story since they appear to be the first of the interplanetary couples. It is also my hope to see future books in the Gaian world as well! If you’re looking for something a little bit different, a little bit out of the norm, then Janet Miller’s PROMISES TO KEEP is the book for you.

REAL MEN SELL BRAS
Cathy McDavid
ISBN: 1-932866-34-5
Triskelion Publishing
www.triskelionpublishing.com
Romantic Comedy
Reviewer: Robin Taylor
Rating:

If you missed Cathy McDavid’s book, REAL MEN SELL BRAS, the first time around, don’t worry, because you now have a chance to get this wonderful book as an e-book. It’s a terrific story, and as a reader, I’m thrilled that Triskelion is publishing this now, thereby providing me an opportunity to read it.

Now, the story. Why would a real man sell bras, especially an athlete and a sports coach? Well, the hunky high school basketball coach, Scott Karstetter, has his reasons. One reason is that he’s had to give his mom a hand, especially since his stepfather has fallen ill. But Scott has other reasons too. In the meantime, Casie Malcavey has been dragged all around by her exuberant, pregnant sister. Annoyed that she now has to take her to purchase maternity bras at a store called The Happy Stork, her annoyance quickly changes to attraction when she sees the salesclerk. Only too happy that her sister forgot her wallet, Casie is pleased to pay by check. Will her flirting and the address on her check be enough to get Scott’s attention?

Meanwhile, Casie’s car, lovingly called The Lush, is dying, and her best friend Roe knows she needs some extra money, either to fix The Lush or to buy a newer car. So, when a position at the high school where Roe works opens up—starting a cheerleading squad—she encourages Casie to go for the job. After all, Casie was a superior cheerleader, and the eight-week assignment would be plenty enough for a down payment on a car. On the first day of her new job, Casie meets the sexy Scott for a second time. Now she intends to avoid him at all costs. Why? He’s an athlete, and having been burned and heartbroken by one, she is determined never to date an athlete again.

Let the chase begin! Scott likes Casie. Casie likes Scott. Scott takes it upon himself to remove the obstacles—one by one if he has to. The story is a quick, delightful read. The conflict is present from the start, but once that conflict is passed, the couple finds that they are more than compatible. Of course, there is a wrench in the plans, so to speak, but the man Scott truly is shines through in a most remarkable and touching way. Indeed, the story itself is as remarkable and touching as Scott is. How can Casie resist such a man? Well, she can’t; and neither will the readers of REAL MEN SELL BRAS. Kudos to Ms. McDavid, and I can’t wait to read more from this fun author.

RIVER OF DREAMS: A VAMPIRE’S KISS
Myra Nour
ISBN: n/a
New Concepts Publishing
www.newconceptspublishing.com
Vampire Romance
Reviewer: Sharon
Rating:

Violet’s fantasy was to be kissed by a vampire and for them to make wild, passionate love. She had always referred to a vampire bite as a “kiss.” She did not want to become one—she just wanted a one-time encounter. That’s why she took a trip to the Amazon to make a wish at the shrine of The River Goddess, the waker of dreams.

Violet returned home to her small apartment. As she slept, she dreamed that her vampire came to her. He gave her a vampire’s “kiss,” and then they made love throughout the night. When Violet woke the next morning, she felt tired, but headed in to take a shower. As she stood in front of the mirror combing her hair, she noticed two small marks on her neck. But it had been a dream, or was it? It must have been a bug bite.

Violet returned to work, where she had a job as a realtor. Her boss told her they had a new client, a very wealthy one, who had asked that she personally show him some houses. When Violet met her new client, she was shocked to find out he looked exactly like her dream vampire!

If you are looking for a really good vampire romance, but don’t have time to read a long one, then you won’t want to miss reading this. Even though it’s a short book, it has wonderful characters, and the ending is so romantic. How wonderful to have your dream man walk into your life and sweep you off your feet as Adrian did with Violet! Then add some erotic sex scenes, for a great quickie romance that I recommend highly.

RUTLEDGE WEREWOLVES 2: HIDE AND SEEK
Elizabeth Lapthorne
ISBN: 1-4199-0002-1
Ellora’s Cave
www.ellorascave.com
Werewolf Romance
Reviewer: Kelly
Rating:

There was a time when Josephine’s life was normal. But ever since she found discrepancies in her company’s reports, she’s been on the run for her life. That is, until she meets William Rutledge. She allows herself to become involved with him, but that quickly ends when she discovers he’s a cop. For all she knows, he could be involved in the cover-up too. What she doesn’t know is that William is a werewolf, and she is his True Mate.

I loved Josephine and William’s story. In part one, William was so devastated that she had run from him, and in this story, I was able to see the background of Josephine and their relationship. I just have to say I loved the body-painting scene. Classic! What I loved the best, though, was when William caught up with her and discovered that she was pregnant with twins. The author built up the tension up to this point perfectly. I was sitting on the edge of my seat wondering when William would find his mate and find out that she was pregnant. LOVED IT - and I can’t wait for the next installment.

SAND CASTLE
Megan Hart
ISBN: 1-59279-228-6
Amber Quill Press
www.amberquillpress.com
Erotic Paranormal Romance
Reviewer: Joy
Rating:

Friends since college, “The Fellowship” meet for a week each summer at the beach house they all chipped in to buy.

Claire and Malcolm, two of the friends had a relationship that went sour when Claire caught Malcolm cheating on her years earlier. For the sake of the fellowship, Claire has remained civil to Malcolm, but just barely, for she never spoke to him again. This year it is Claire’s turn to open the house before the others arrive, but imagine her surprise when she sees signs that someone else has gotten there ahead of her.

Malcolm wishes that betraying Claire was something that had never happened. It was a youthful indiscretion for which she has never forgiven him, but Malcolm has never given hope that one day she would. He comes to the house every summer, hoping that maybe, just maybe, she will let go of the past and give them another chance to be together once again.

Something doesn’t feel right to Claire, things seem out of place, the furniture looks unused, and why does she suddenly feel cold? Malcolm seems to know something that Claire doesn’t. As Claire seems to show signs that she is finally coming around to forgiving him, he is afraid to upset the fragile balance that exists between them. Can love really conquer all?

SAND CASTLE caught me totally by surprise. What starts out a simple love story begins to take on a paranormal twist. Ms. Hart had me turning the pages the swiftly until the very last page, that had my mouth hanging wide open in surprise. Ms. Hart has written an erotic tale that carries you away with the passion between Claire and Malcolm. SAND CASTLE is a different type of love story unlike anything that I have ever read and although it is a short story, you will not be disappointed that you picked it up.

SAVAGE DESTINY
Jewel Adams
Keep It Coming eZine
http://www.keepitcoming.net/
Historic Indian/White Captive Romance
Reviewer: Sharon
Rating:

Blackhawk is a Shawnee Indian and Chief of his tribe. He and two of his braves are far from their village hunting for game when they come across a wagon train of white people camped out. As they keep watch a young woman with a bay walks from camp to hunt for berries. Blackhawk decides to steal her away for revenge against the unwelcome whites.

When he arrives at the Indian village with his captive, he takes her to his sister to translate since neither can speak the other’s language. He finds out her name is Cali and the baby is her sister’s. Cali is not married. Over a short period of time Cali and Blackhawk fall in love. He wants Cali to be his wife, but she has to be approved by the Indian counsel for that to happen.

This romance is set in the 1700’s and is about the bravery and determination of two souls from different races and a totally different way of life who go through a great deal to share their love for each other. Cali shows her strength and bravery as she goes through the tests put to her by the Indians to prove she is worthy to be the wife of Blackhawk. And Blackhawk battles many times to keep the woman he loves safe and in his life. Even though he is a great warrior and leader of his people, he can be very tender and loving with Cali when they are alone with each other.

I don’t usually read books of this genre, but I must say how much I liked this book and enjoyed every minute of reading it. It’s one of those highly sensuous romances where you feel touched by the emotions they share with each other and when you finish reading it, you smile and give a satisfied sigh. I’ll be watching for Ms. Adam’s next book eagerly and I highly recommend this one!

SCARLET CAVERN
Vonna Harper
ISBN: 1-84360-971-1
Ellora’s Cave
www.ellorascave.com
Contemporary Romance
Reviewer: Angel
Rating:

When Shana sees her best friend on an Internet site called the Scarlet Cavern tied up and being beaten, she knows she has to do something to find her. She contacts Recovery to help her find her missing friend, and they assign her a man named Ranger to her case. However, he feels before they can find her friend she has to go through what her friend went through and become completely submissive. Even though Shana has been curious about bondage, she doesn’t know if she’s ready for the full experience.

Ranger knows from the second he meets Shana that he wants her. To help her find her friend, he must teach her a lesson in submission. He plans to make Shana submit to him in any and every way he can think of. Being a master at domination, he is sure he will have Shana begging him for everything he can do to her. Used to keeping an emotional distance from his submissives, there is something different about Shana. Will he lose his heart in the process of training her, and what will happen when she finds her friend?

Be warned, this book is certainly not for the faint of heart and contains explicit and graphic BDSM situations. Shana wants to experience and experiment with BDSM, and this is how she sees the pictures of her friend. Ranger is an ex-dominant who was very good in his field and sets the standard for other dominants. Together this couple is explosive and shares some very intimate experiences. Shana has to come to terms with her desires, and Ranger has to come to terms with his past. If you do not like BDSM, then you may want to give this book a pass. However, if you have ever been curious as to what it is and why so many people are into it, this book gives great insight and an inside look at the world of dominants and submissives.

SOLITARY MAN
Carly Phillips, as written by Karen Drogin
First Printing: December 2000
Current Release Date: September 2004
ISBN: 0-7582-0662-3
Kensington Zebra
Contemporary Romance
Reviewer: Robin Taylor
Rating:

Kevin Manning is plagued with guilt for more than one reason. He's a cop who feels responsible for his partner's death. Then, one night when he offers comfort to his partner's sister; that comfort quickly turns into desire, leaving them both with something Kevin will soon learn that he cannot stay away from.

Nikki Welles is the first to admit she's changed since her night with Kevin two months ago. First, she’s just one credit short of her teaching degree, now tending bar, looking like a sexy siren. Seeing Kevin at her bar is quite the shock, but seeing him with her dead brother's wife immediately clues her in. She’s been set up, and now must confront the man that broke her heart.

Attracted and aroused since their shared night together, the new Nikki is even more alluring. However, it takes only one extended glance into her eyes for Kevin to see she's also changed on the inside, a tired, stressed type of change.

Though SOLITARY MAN is certainly a change of venue from the fun and sassy Carly Phillips books of today, this is not one to be missed. I hope to make it my aim to reread all of Ms. Phillips books written under the Drogin name. With SOLITARY MAN, a change of venue occurs when we see Ms. Phillips’ amazing talent shine through when she wrote the character Kevin Manning. There is a wonderful level of intensity in this story. What caught me is likely the same moment that caught Nikki, and any observant reader should pick up on it. It is when Kevin’s focus changes. This scene is written in such a profound way that it gave me pause. This shows how well-drawn the character of Kevin is. A change like that occurred—a hint: vulnerability—hits the reader like an excellently timed punch. Quite naturally at this point, you’d expect the dynamics of this story to change from this point on. But keep reading…

The storyline isn’t new. Heck, there aren’t a lot of extremely unique storylines out there. But, the situation of Nikki being pregnant, and Kevin wanting to protect her, that is unique. Why so? It is not like a simple marriage of convenience will make everything right. Something far more is needed, and to find out what that is, I highly encourage you to head to your nearest bookstore and to grab a copy of SOLITARY MAN. Because, in this story, Kevin has to deal with his past, his present, his guilt, and his future—all while trying to offer Nikki the security she so desperately needs. Kudos to Ms. Phillips, and THANK YOU to Kensington Zebra for putting this story back into the hands of Carly Phillips readers.

SUBDIVISION
Robert Buckley
ISBN: 1-59279-253-7
Amber Quill Press
www.amberquill.com
Contemporary Erotica Romance
Reviewer: Renee
Rating:

After taking a refreshing shower, Harry walks into his kitchen and gets the surprise of his life. Tara, his gorgeous next-door neighbor, is sitting at his kitchen table. She blurts out that she wants to sleep with Harry to get back at her cheating husband. Although it nearly kills him, Harry turns her down. He then decides to talk some sense into Jim, Tara’s husband.

Talking to Jim doesn’t help, and Harry soon learns that Tara’s situation is going to get worse. Jim wants Tara to have sex with another man at an upcoming neighborhood orgy, which will initiate them into the neighborhood swing club. Harry’s the only one who can save Tara. Can this average guy get the job done?

SUBDIVISION is a fast-paced, sexy short story. It starts off with a bang, and from then on, there’s never a dull moment. Harry is a great character. He’s just a normal, everyday guy who gets his chance to be a hero. I didn’t connect as well with Tara, though. She gives in to her husband’s outrageous demands too easily, which makes her a little too weak for my taste. All in all, though, I have to say that this is a very entertaining read, and I hope Mr. Buckley will give us another peek at the wild shenanigans going on in this kinky subdivision.

TEMPTING JASON
Lisa Renee Jones
ISBN: 1-55410-093-3
eXtasy Books
http://www.extasybooks.com/
Contemporary Erotic Romance, series
Reviewer: Miaka
Rating:

Heather Cameron lusts after Jason Alexander. Jason is her brother Matt's best friend and is also like a brother to Heather. That fact however has not stopped Heather from lusting after Jason all these years. What can she do to tempt Jason and get out from under the baby sister stigma?

Jason has lusted for Heather all these years as well. He considered her off limits because she was his best friend's baby sister. He even went so far as to move away for a few years hoping the distance would quell his feelings. It was all for naught because as soon as he saw her again, his passion was again ignited. Will Jason give in to temptation or will he let the “forbidden fruit” he has long for slip away?

I enjoyed Lisa Renee Jones' TEMPTING JASON. Both Heather and Jason are three-dimensional, believable characters. I loved that Heather was a strong woman who knew what she wanted and went after it. I felt for Jason because he was stuck between a rock and a hard place and was really torn between a special woman and his best friend. Ms. Jones was extremely effective in her characterizations of Heather and Jason because anyone could identify with them, their dilemma and their motivations. I'm sure most of us would react the same way if we found ourselves in a similar situation.

TEMPTING JASON has an easy to follow plot and was a quick read. I read the story in one setting and love every bit of it. If you like a story that is quick and satisfying with realistic and passionate characters, look to Lisa Renee Jones' TEMPTING JASON.

TENDER LIGHTNING - TAROT: THE MAGICIAN
Audrey Godwin
ISBN: 1-55410-113-1
eXtasy Books
http://www.extasybooks.com/
Paranormal Romance
Reviewer: RogueStorm
Rating:

Dana Perrin was on her way to catch a flight when lightning struck the road in front of her car, leaving her stranded alongside a dark and deserted highway. She begins walking up the road when it starts to rain, and she sees an old structure ahead. Now she’s stumped! The heroine on the cover of her romance novel looks remarkably like her, and she’s fleeing from a mansion that looks exactly like the structure up ahead of Dana. It’s almost as if the story’s coming to life! She arrives at the gate surrounding the mansion and sees a plaque with the name of Staresini on it and is struck by a sense of déjà vu, but proceeds up the driveway anyway. Once under the porch overhang, she’s met by an imposing steely-eyed, eerie-sounding elderly man with a gray pallor. After entering the mansion, Dana becomes dizzy and proceeds to faint. She awakens in an era long gone.

Franz Staresini is The Magician. He has extraordinary powers and resides between the human world and the dim regions of a kingdom called The Isle of Tranquility. The Mighty One has just informed Franz that he has been called home to his human domicile. Furthermore, the Mighty One goes on to say he will reward Franz if he makes the correct choice while residing in the human world. However, he won’t tell Franz what he is supposed to make a correct choice about. When Franz arrives at his home, he finds a breathtakingly beautiful fantasy of a woman lying as still as death on his couch. He’s instantly attracted to her and finds himself caressing an unconscious woman. And the unconscious woman writhes and moans at his touch, causing him to become even more excited. Before she awakens, he hastens away, choosing to avoid contact with the woman.

At night, she dreams passionate dreams of a man named Franz, only to awaken and find him gone as if he was never there. Soon she begins to search for the elusive master of the mansion and, instead, becomes the prey as he begins to lead her along toward a destination that only he is aware of. As the touches and the ghostly breaths begin to occur with increasing frequency, Dana recognizes she has become infatuated.

Audrey Godwin does a fantastic job with TENDER LIGHTNING. The story is well written, shows imagination, and the characters are well-rounded, making it easy to follow along with the story and easier still to get involved in what you’re reading. I thought the idea of the heroine identifying with the heroine in the historical romance novel she is reading was a unique idea. And I loved the fact that she was unable to put her romance book down even during her dates. I could really identify with her on this point, having had some very boring dates myself. (Chuckling) If you want to read a different type of story and a story that is good, try reading TENDER LIGHTNING.

TIMELESS SPELL
Rachel Carrington
ISBN: 1-932866-23-X
Triskelion Publishing
www.triskelionpublishing.com
Paranormal Romance
Reviewer: Robin Taylor
Rating:

Rachel Carrington delivers a powerful Book Two in her sequel to INDIGO SPELL. In this first book, where we are introduced to powerful wizards and witches, we find that Falcon Kendrick, the long-standing leader of the Assembly of Wizards, has retired and handed over his position to Jaxon Richards. Falcon has chosen to live a life among humans, attending the Assembly whenever required.

Danni Condrey is a third-grade teacher whose life has begun to unravel uncontrollably. Ordinarily content with her life, suddenly, she is in fear. Not only is she consistently feeling someone’s presence around her, but she’s also getting strange phone calls, and freaky things are happening at her home. Going from contentment to agitation, fear and hopelessness have raised the attention of a stranger who Danni will be getting to know very soon. Falcon Kendrick senses the extreme danger Danni is facing, and now must come to her aid. Before he can truly help her, she must trust him. Yet, this is something so very hard for her to do. For one thing, a stranger is harassing her, and now a stranger is offering her help. Who is she to trust, and why is she suddenly in such danger?

It is this extreme situation that opens TIMELESS SPELL. A rush of tense emotions washes over the reader, just as it does Danni. With incredibly accuracy, Falcon always manages to save Danni from certain death just in time. Though his appearances seem weirdly coincidental, Danni doesn’t fear the intriguing stranger—allowing him much leeway into her life.

Though Falcon is quite the powerful wizard, he consults with the Assembly members, as he’s not certain what entity is trying to kill Danni, or why. In the meantime, Falcon cannot reveal his identity to Danni. This becomes especially difficult, as Falcon feels a strong compulsion towards Danni, and she herself feels quite the same. Will the trust that is so desperately needed on both ends be there in time before a life, or more lives, are lost?

Rachel Carrington had already captured my attention with the first book in the series, and she’s done that and more with TIMELESS SPELL. The world of wizards, both wicked and good, is rather exciting, especially when honor plays a huge role in a story where revenge could’ve been the major factor. For a story rich with intense characters, wizards on both sides of the issue—good and bad—and powerful emotions warring between Falcon and Danni, this captivating story is sure to enchant the reader. I’m eager to read more from Ms. Carrington on this exciting series.

TRAIL BOSS
Julia Templeton
ISBN: 1-932866-36-1
Triskelion Publishing
www.triskelionpublishing.com
Contemporary Romance
Reviewer: Robin Taylor
Rating:

Krista McGillicutty is focused on her career. She conned her boss into paying for a trip in order to comfort her sister, who found her boyfriend cheating on her. Krista is positive that she’ll write an article that’ll get her promoted to the job of her dreams. When she arrives at the Lazy Z Ranch, Krista is more than annoyed that her sister has bailed out. A city girl and proud of it, Krista would rather just turn back around and head home. However, her boss is expecting a fantastic article, and if Krista will admit it, she’s more than a bit attracted to the trail boss himself, the sexy Landon Richmond.

Landon loves his life at the Lazy Z. While he thoroughly enjoys showing city folks about life on a ranch, that’s as close to the city as he ever plans on getting—and with good reason. Landon’s heart was broken ten years ago by his true love. She went to the city to go to school, and a tragedy occurred. Therefore, Landon’s kept his heart locked up tight. Now, all of a sudden, he’s breaking his own rules, because he can’t seem to keep his hands off of one of the guests—the alluring Krista, city girl extraordinaire.

If you enjoy cowboy romances, then TRAIL BOSS is for you. Templeton has written Landon as sexy as all get out: “…muscular arms crossed over his equally impressive chest…at least six-foot-three, built like a brick-shithouse body…” Yes, indeed, Landon is the type of hero just about any woman would like to read—and fantasize—about. Krista can’t believe he’s interested in her, and oh, how interested is he! Yet, there is a conflict—he’s all country, she’s all city. Where will their attraction lead?

When you read TRAIL BOSS, one of Triskelion’s Flashburn titles, you will find this to be a quick, one-sitting read. The trail is fun and rich with interesting characters, while in the background, Krista and Landon find a way to be together as much as possible. Not that I’m looking for a sexy, tall cowboy, but Templeton makes spending three weeks on a trail sound so very exciting. Kudos for Ms. Templeton writing a hot story that truly sizzles.

UNCHAINED: MAC’S LAW
Sarah McCarty
ISBN: 1-4199-0028-5
Ellora’s Cave
www.ellorascave.com
Erotica Contemporary Romance
Reviewer: Joy
Rating:

Good girl Jessica “J.C.” Sterns is looking for a bad boy strong enough to help her unleash the bad girl just dying for a chance to be let loose. Jessica has spent the last ten years caring for her mother, who has now passed on. Jessica now wants to explore life and a change of environment. Applying for a job as a cook on a ranch, going from city gal to country gal is just the beginning of the challenges she has set for herself. At twenty-nine, our Jessica is looking for the perfect candidate to help her fulfill her sexual fantasies. Enter Mac Hollister, owner of The Circle H and her new boss.

Mac Hollister is thoroughly dismayed to learn that his newest cook, J.C. Sterns, is a woman. This delicate city girl, with the perfect hair and perfect manicure, can’t possibly keep up with the demands that the job will require of her. He doesn’t even want to think about how his ranch hands are going to react after seeing this beauty. Although not his normal type of woman, Mac can’t deny, though, his spunky, feisty new cook certainly intrigues him. Before Mac knows what hit him, he is agreeing to an affair and being Jessica’s temporary lover. Unfortunately Mac underestimates our ’lil Jessica, who takes him on a ride of lust and emotions that he has never experienced before. In fulfilling her every sexual need, Mac realizes that he has found the perfect woman for him, but will she stay with him or go back to her city life when all of her fantasies are fulfilled?

Mac is a true Alpha male in every sense of the word, but is willing to do anything and everything to please this woman who has snuck into his heart. Jessica is fearless in her quest for adventure. She has a wicked sense of humor and uses her intelligence to best the harshest of her critics.

UNCHAINED: MAC’S LAW took this reviewer on a roller coaster ride full of emotions, laughter, and the hottest love scenes that had me gasping for air and on the edge of arousal. Sarah McCarty’s attention to the minutest detail never fails to pull me right into her stories. I felt like I was on Mac’s ranch. I could smell Jessica’s cooking, hear the shuffle of cowboy’s feet coming to dinner after a hard day’s work, and hear their camaraderie amongst them at the table. Ms. McCarty’s love scenes are so full of intimacy and emotions that sometimes I felt like a voyeur. Speaking of which, Mac and Jessica explore that, plus so much more. I became an instant fan of Ms. McCarty’s after reading her first book PROMISES LINGER; her books are seamless, and she is the master at fleshing out secondary characters. MAC’S LAW is Book One in Ms. McCarty’s Unchained series, and I am very much looking forward to what she has in store for us with some of Mac’s hunky friends.

VIOLET AMONG THE ROSES
Divine Interventions Book One
Cricket Starr
ISBN: 1-84360-668-2
Ellora’s Cave
www.ellorascave.com
Mythology/Fantasy Romance
Reviewer: Ansley
Rating:

Narcissus has been frozen as a statue in the park for years. He was punished by Aphrodite because he refused her nymph, instead choosing to gaze at his own reflection in the water of the pond. Due to his self-infatuation, he withered away upon his perch at the pond. Never has he been sorry about his love of self, until recently. He has grown tired of staring at his reflection, especially since he has been in statue form. He desperately wants to know what it is like to love another human. The human that he has chosen is Violet. Violet has been coming to the park and talking to him since she was a small child. He has always found her lovely, but she is now heartbroken, having lost her job, her boyfriend, and her cat in just a short amount of time. Narcissus begs Aphrodite to make him human for just a few days, so that he can show Violet what it feels like to truly be loved by another, by a man. She grants his wish, and at the end of his few days, he must return to the park and back into a statue. Will he be able to leave Violet after just a few short days? Especially after she has taught him so much about love, laughter, and lovemaking? Will Violet be able to let him go?

VIOLET AMONG THE ROSES is a twist on the Greek myth of Narcissus. In this rendition, Narcissus finally finds inner peace and is able to love another, besides himself. Violet proves to be his saving grace, introducing him to human feelings and self-discovery. Together, they embark on a sensual journey that awakens him to the joy and wonder of sex and her to the freedom of love. It is a touching love story that teaches that selflessness and the ability to put another before yourself will lead to happiness. Ms. Starr seems to have written a new version of a classic myth that manages to teach a lesson, a modern day fable.

VOICES CARRY
Melissa Schroeder
ISBN: 1-59632-018-4
Loose Id
www.loose-id.com
Paranormal Romance
Reviewer: Angel
Rating:

Shana is a telepath in the future where that is a very bad thing; it’s one of the reasons why she hides her gift. Suddenly, she’s getting very strong sexual thoughts from someone she works with and imagine her surprise when she finds out it’s her boss, Marcus. She knows he’s against telepaths, and if he knew she had the ability, he would fire her, but she can’t resist the intense attraction she feels for him. All of a sudden, she’s sleeping with the boss and has no idea how to handle the situation, not to mention the fact that they have a case to solve. What’s a girl to do?

I loved this book and couldn’t put it down until I finished it. The plot is great and kept me interested throughout the entire book. Marcus is a very dominant man used to having things done his way and always getting what he wants; Shana is not an exception. Shana, on the other hand, is not used to dealing with someone as high-handed as Marcus and can’t help but give in to him. Together, this couple creates fireworks, and the sex scenes are just as intense. I recommend this book for anyone who loves to curl up with a great book. You won’t be disappointed.

WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?
Susie Charles
ISBN: 1-59279-252-9
Amber Quill Press
http://www.amberquillpress.com
Contemporary Romance
Reviewer: Sharon
Rating:

Nick had been trying to get Kate into his bed for the last six months, but she had held him off. Now they were flying out for a weekend together. They planned on lots of mind-blowing sex so they could get rid of the craving they had for each other and get on with their lives as single people.

They spent the weekend with the mind-blowing sex they had hoped for, but when they weren’t looking, love had jumped in there too.

This was a short story, but the author still managed to write lots of loving emotion along with the hot, steamy sex scenes between Nick and Kate. It’s a wonderful book about two people who were probably already in love with each other, but just refused to see it. If you are looking for a well-written erotic romance, but don’t have the time for a long book, then this one is perfect and comes highly recommended.

WHEEL OF FATE - TAROT: WHEEL OF FORTUNE
Master Nage
ISBN: 1-55410-114-X
eXtasy Books
http://www.extasybooks.com
Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Reviewer: Kathi
Rating:

Charlotte, Candice, and Ellen are three friends searching for the same thing...love. Turning to the power of the Tarot, they use the Wheel of Fortune card as a window into their future. Walking through a magical doorway, they see a vision of their perfect mate. But the card only shows what could be; it is up to each of them to decide if the path shown is one that they will follow. What will happen when one friend must choose between her heart’s desire and the desires of another?

Though short in length, this story goes far in showing the true strength of friendship and love. Once again writing from a woman’s perspective, a lesbian perspective at that, Master Nage does a wonderful job of bringing a wide array of feminine emotions to his characters. A tale of three close friends with diverse personalities, each with their own story to tell, this is definitely a book you will read in one sitting. Drawn in by the joys and fears of these women, you’ll be spellbound by the arousing erotic tales they have to tell. WHEEL OF FATE does contain one lesbian scene, so you might want to steer clear if that makes you uncomfortable. I think this is a wonderful addition to eXtasy’s Tarot series, and one you don’t want to miss.

WICKEDLY HOT
Leslie Kelly
ISBN: 0-373-69191-2
Harlequin Temptation
Contemporary Romance
Reviewer: Robin Taylor
Rating:

Ryan Stoddard lives for his job as an architect. A bit spoiled, and more than a bit bored, his interfering, but his loving grandmother, Lynnette, has a plan. She schemes to match Ryan up – again – with the perfect woman. Though Lynnette’s attempts at matchmaking for Ryan have failed before, she’s certain that a woman that she’s recently met, Jade Maguire, is indeed the perfect match for her wonderful grandson. Jade owns and runs a spooky walking tour in Savannah, Georgia. Lynette, after having spent some time talking with Jade, was so impressed with her, that she’s determined to find a way to get her city boy out of Manhattan and down to Georgia.

Ryan can’t believe that a woman would steal a painting from his grandmother, Lynnette. He can’t bear to see her in distress, so it’s off to Georgia to find and confront the woman suspected – Jade Maguire. As there is currently an architectural conference in Savannah, and the fact that Ryan has an article to write, he’ll fit right into Jade’s little world. Lynnette has convinced Ryan that Jade is going to display her painting at a historic museum, and begs Ryan to go. Of course, things are not at all as they seem, and Ryan is about to meet the beautiful Jade Maguire.

What happens when these two meet? An amazing and instantaneous chemistry. However, Jade has a plan. She’s certain that Ryan broke her younger sister’s heart, so him showing up at the museum is just the perfect timing. However, she must fight an attraction almost too powerful to resist. Jade follows through with her plan of revenge. Things are far from over, as Ryan still thinks she stole the painting in question, and he now, has to get her back from the stunt she pulled.

WICKEDLY HOT is a quick, passionate read where the characters discover a powerful sexual, and surprisingly emotional, bond. How distracting for Ryan, because if indeed Jade is a thief, he can’t imagine a future. Leave it to Leslie Kelly to write such an engaging treat, where the conflicts are clear, and more than a bit fun, as they are resolved. Though things start off as a game, aided by a matchmaking scheme, the conclusion is a warm and rewarding one as Lynnette was indeed right: Jade and Ryan are perfect for one another.

WILD BLUE
Evelyn Starr
ISBN: 1-5510-019-4
eXtasy Books
www.extasybooks.com
Contemporary Romance
Reviewer: Angel
Rating:

After the day she’s had, the last thing Maureen expects is to nearly get hit by some guy on a motorcycle, but that’s exactly what happens. Maureen is determined not to let a sexy body and handsome face get in her way. She has no idea what to think of the man who introduces himself as Troy, but she can’t stop thinking about him. Then he comes back to check on her, and before she knows it, they are burning up the sheets. Is Maureen getting into something she can’t control?

Troy almost hits the woman that steps in his path and can’t help worrying about her, in spite of the fact that she claims she’s all right. When he comes back later to check on her, he never expects the passion that sparks instantly between them. It’s not long before Troy has Maureen right where he wants her, in his bed. He soon finds out that Maureen is running from her past and hopes to find happiness where she is, but can he be the man she needs?

WILD BLUE is a great book with a wonderful plot. Maureen has to come to terms with her past and handle Troy coming into her life. Troy is a jack-of-all-trades, so to speak; there is almost nothing he can’t do. His sexy nature will keep you turning the pages and reading for more. There is also the mystery surrounding the little girl named Lyla that adds something extra to the story. The love scenes are so hot they nearly set the pages on fire, and Evelyn Starr is a master at drawing out sexual tension.

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