Book Reviews

Review – Let It Snow by Leslie Kelly & Jennifer LaBrecque

June 18, 2013 by Brynna Curry Leave a Comment

Title: Let It Snow

Author: Leslie Kelly & Jennifer LaBrecque

Publisher: Harlequin Blaze

Buy Link: Buy Let It Snow Here!

Rating: You Want/Need To Read

Reviewed By: Brynna

Blurb:

Put some heat in your holidays with these scorchin’-hot fairy tales from bestselling authors Leslie Kelly and Jennifer LaBrecque.

The Prince Who Stole Christmas by Leslie Kelly

Between her ne’er-do-well brother and her candy shop, Claire Hoffman has her hands full. But when sexy sparks start flying between Claire and her gorgeous but enigmatic tenant “Phil,” Claire wonders if all the chocolate has made her a little Christmas crazy. But what will happen to her fantasy when her dishy fling tells her that, er…he’s actually a prince?

My True Love Gave to Me… by Jennifer LaBrecque

Years ago in the town of Good Riddance, Alaska, Gertie and Knox were best friends—until Knox fell under the “spell” of a rather cold, remote woman. But three years later, Knox and Gertie are reunited at the Chrismoose festival…and all it takes is a snowed-in night in a cabin for Gertie to turn Knox’s chill into a red-hot blaze of sexstasy!

Review:

In The Prince Who Stole Christmas, Ms. Kelley spins the sweet, steamy tale of chocolatier Claire Hoffman. When her trouble making brother owes money to dangerous people, he goes behind Claire’s back and rents out her vacant apartment to two men. These guys are out of this world er realm…literally. Turns out her gorgeous tenant is in a bit of a predicament of his own. Claire allows him and his friend to stay.

Phil is looking for true love outside his realm. He only has a short time to meet his princess and then hope she falls in love with him. For not only will she help rule his kingdom one day, she’ll have to leave her world and those she loves behind. There is plenty of steam, surprises and “aww” moments to make this modern fairy tale a fun read.

In My True Love Gave to Me-

Gertie and Knox were the best of friends, until a jealous girlfriend ended that friendship. After the death of his grandmother Knox cut ties with Gertie for what he thought was love. Fast forward a couple of years, the former friends are reunited at the Chrismoose festival. Knox sees Gertie in a different light, while Gertie realizes she loves Knox but fears losing him again.

The premise of old friends meeting and falling in love is a great one. Still, I found these two missing that instant meshing that comes with friends reunited, even after a long time apart. Part of this comes from their trust issues. I think this story lacked the space needed to fully develop its potential.

Overall both stories were good reads. I did feel the holiday element wasn’t as strong as it could have been in either story. These snippets did intrigue me and I plan to pick up a longer book by each author to see how their longer stories fare.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Brynna, Harlequin Blaze, You Want/Need To Read

Review – The Dragon’s Egg By Resa Nelson

June 17, 2013 by EmeraldDragon Leave a Comment

Title: The Dragon’s Egg

Author: Resa Nelson

Publisher: Mundania Press

Buy Link: Buy The Dragon’s Egg Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

Blurb:

In the fourth and final book of the Dragonslayer series, Mandulane’s army is poised to attack the Northlands in the name of a powerful god, but in truth Mandulane is using the act of spreading this new faith as a way to disguise his own personal greed and hunger for power.

Astrid has succeeded in warning her beloved country of imminent danger, and the Northlanders scramble to set up a clever defense, never realizing a spy in their midst is poised to take critical information directly to Mandulane.

After sacrificing herself in order to set her brother Drageen free for the sake of protecting the Northlands, Astrid finds herself controlled by the stone of light. Although it forces her path of destiny, Astrid learns she must make one final choice about who she wants to be.

Most important of all, her new sweetheart Trep encounters a dragon that entrusts him with the care of a dragon’s egg. Trep embraces a dangerous journey and accepts the duty of protecting the unhatched dragon, knowing that its safety could impact the fate of the entire world.

Review:

This is the fourth book in a series of four, and I have not read the first three. It is a lot like reading the last chapter first. The characterization has already happened, the set up is already set, the plot threads are being tied up. It is because of this that I found the story hard to get into, even though it is well written.

I do like the characters, they are fun and react well to the events going on around them. The story seems like it would be very enjoyable. I really like the villain, he’s kind of nuts. He openly despises women while being rather effeminate.

The world feels large and expansive, though I do wish a map was included so I had more of an idea where everyone is relative to everyone else.

I do recommend this one. I only wish I could give this story a better review, because I truly think it deserves it.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Janelle, Mundania Press, You Need To Read

Review – Victorian Scoundrel By Stephanie Burkhart

June 17, 2013 by Admin 5 Comments

Title: Victorian Scoundrel

Author: Stephanie Burkhart

Publisher: Desert Breese Publishing

Buy Link: Buy Victorian Scoundrel Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Lupa

Blurb:

It’s 2010 and compressed natural gas has taken over form the coal producing steam machines of the Victorian Age. Alice Windsor, Princess of York, follows her mischief-making cousin, Prince Edmund of Wales back to the past and 1851 where Prince Albert is hosting Britain’s Great Exhibition.

Alice soon discovers Edmund has struck up a friendship with their great-grandfather, Prince Albert, and his mischief making entails leaving a dinosaur-sized footprint in history. She also meets Grayson Kentfield, Earl Swinton, and the Prime Minister, Sir John Russell. The Prime Minster finds her odd, to say the least.

It’s only when Alice falls for the handsome Earl Swinton does she realize the dangers of time travel. How can she give her heart to a man from the past while striving to stop Edmund from changing time with his forward thinking ideas?

Review:

What happens when an impish Prince and his Princess cousin travel back in time from a steampunk 2012 to an earlier steampunk 1851? Well they find their hearts and get themselves in trouble with the Queen.

Alice follows her cousin Edmund back to the time of their great great grandparents, to keep him from getting into mischief. What she finds when she gets there is intrigue, love, and some things that aren’t what they should be. SO she sets out to make sure her cousin doesn’t leave a “dinosaur sized footprint” in the past and ends up leaving a trail of her own.

I loved this story. I have long been a fan of Stephanie Burkhart’s writing and this addition to her catalog is not disappointing.

My favorite character is actually neither the prince or the princess but Grayson Kentfeild, Earl of Swinton. He is smart, charismatic, strong and passionate. Though he does make one big flub in his relationship with Alice all ends well as their lives take a turn for the future.

I cannot wait to see how Edmund solves the dilemma he has found for falling in love with the Prime Ministers daughter, in 1851 that is.

Victorian Scoundrel is vividly written and filled with great characters. I love the steampunk aspects of the story.

Bravo Stephanie and I cannot wait to dive into more of your work.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Desert Breese Publishing, Lupa, You Need To Read

Review – Claiming His Bride by Marie Medina

June 16, 2013 by Donna B. Leave a Comment

Title: Claiming His Bride

Author: Marie Medina

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Buy Link: Buy Claiming His Bride Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

Victoria cannot even muster a smile on her wedding day. Her groom is handsome, titled, and wealthy, and her marriage will save her family from financial ruin, but she is still saddened when she contemplates the long, loveless years ahead of her.

Bastian never intended to marry, but he gives in to his father’s scheme because the more he thinks about the bride, the more he wants to capture her heart. He sweeps her into his arms at the reception, determined to make her smile and laugh, though he only manages to make her blush and stare at him incredulously.

Was he wrong to believe he could turn a marriage of convenience into a love match? Or does another man already hold the heart of his reluctant bride?

Review:

Victoria is used to being a wallflower, so when her new husband – the husband who was supposed to wed her sister – tells her he was happy that he had gotten his wish to marry her instead, she is flabbergasted. Why would anyone prefer her over her sister?

Bastian has admired Victoria for ages. Although he had never planned to marry, when he was offered Victoria on a silver platter, he jumped at the opportunity. Now he just has to convince her that he wants her as a wife in every sense of the word.

Claiming His Bride is a short, sweetly romantic tale. The characters are charming, the setting is well described, and the love scenes are arousing. I would love to have had more.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Donna, Evernight Publishing, You Need To Read

Review – The Queen’s Consorts By Kele Moon

June 15, 2013 by Donna B. Leave a Comment

Title: The Queen’s Consorts

Author: Kele Moon

Publisher: Loose Id

Buy Link: Buy The Queen’s Consorts Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read!

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

The Queen’s Consorts. Just laying eyes on one is a death sentence. So when Sari, who spent most of her life on the streets, ends up entangled in a steamy relationship with the two most forbidden men on the planet, she knows it can’t end well.

After a brutal attack, Sari’s taken to the Sacred City, exposing her to the secret lives of the Rayians who rule in the long lost queen’s absence. It’s in this darkly sexual world where she first meets the legendary consorts.

Too handsome and talented for their own good, Calder and Taryen have learned to trust only each other in order to survive. Bred to be feared warriors and exclusive companions to a queen, instead they’re slaves to other Rayians desires for them.

Their brutal lives make the two consorts hesitant to care for Sari when she’s unexpectedly dumped in their laps, but they soon discover she’s different from the cruel women they’re used to serving. Drawn to Sari on a soul deep level, Calder and Taryen can’t seem to stop themselves from going back for one more taste of the beautiful outsider… even when it puts the fate of the entire world in jeopardy.

Review:

The Queen’s Consorts tells a tale of two men who are lifemates, battered and abused but in love with each other and awaiting their queen’s return. Having a bedraggled young woman brought to them for healing and care, they never imagine that it is the woman they are destined to love and protect to their dying breath.

Auroria is a whole new world of imaginative characters, cultures and customs. The plot is full of intrigue and danger while the setting is vividly described and picture perfect. The characters are wonderfully different with clear personalities, qualities and flaws. As a reader, it was easy to get lost in the story and believe that it could be real. As a reviewer, I was impressed with the writing style and the fact that there were very few errors (I only remember seeing one minor typo). I would love to hear more about this new world, perhaps through the eyes of Aria?

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Donna, Loose ID, You Gotta Read

Review – Misplaced Cowboy by Lexxie Couper and Mari Carr

June 14, 2013 by Donna B. Leave a Comment

Title: Misplaced Cowboy

Author: Lexxie Couper and Mari Carr

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Buy Link: Buy Misplaced Cowboy Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

Foreign Affairs, Book Two

Flying halfway ’round the world to meet his potential soul mate sounds like a fine idea to Dylan Sullivan—until he discovers said soul mate, Annie, has gone looking for him. In Australia. Now Dylan’s adrift, a bloke from the Outback alone in the bloody big city. Until he’s rescued by Monet, a gorgeous local artist…and Annie’s best friend.

A dyed-in-the-wool New Yorker, Monet has never met anyone like Dylan. Taking temporary care of the sizzling-hot cowboy is easy; he’s friendly, funny and interesting. Keeping her hands off him is decidedly not easy. That horny accent, that killer grin…and as a successful artist, Monet is very much a hands-on sort of girl.

Dylan and Monet hold back until they learn Annie is engaged in her own foreign affair in Oz. Then all bets—and clothes—are off. But it can only be a fling. An Aussie cowboy doesn’t belong in New York any more than a city girl belongs in the Outback.

Now if only their hearts would listen.

Review:

Dylan is a stockman from Farpoint cattle station. He has no desire to live in a city, or even to vacation in one, until he meets a woman online and travels to the other side of the world to meet her. She isn’t there, but her neighbor and best friend is even more beautiful than the woman he came to meet. He just can’t stay where the sky is hidden by the buildings and the noise is enough to drive a sane man crazy.

Monet is an artist whose life is situated in New York City. She loves the city and has never thought of leaving it. Until a sexy, smooth talking cowboy walks into her life and takes over her heart.

I’ve never understood the phrase “sexy enough to eat with a spoon”, but somehow that phrase applies to the Sullivan twins. Dylan is irresistible, and Monet is just what he needs. The setting is fascinatingly described with both Australia and New York City scenes. The sex is yummy, too. I am looking forward to more books in this series.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Donna, Ellora's Cave, You Need To Read

Review – Lover’s Return by Rebecca Airies

June 13, 2013 by Donna B. Leave a Comment

Title: Lover’s Return

Author: Rebecca Airies

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Buy Link: Buy Lover’s Return Here!

Rating: You Want To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

After her lover left the colony, Charleigh lost herself in work. Now Jericho’s back and intent on renewing their relationship. Desire burns between them as fiercely as ever, but Charleigh wants more than hot sex. She needs to know that this time she’s important enough for him to stay.

Jericho left his home to ensure a future with Charleigh. Now that he’s returned, nothing will stand in the way of getting her back into his arms and bed. Not her stubborn resistance or another man determined to claim her for his own. Getting close to Charleigh again is easy; convincing her to believe in his love is more difficult. But Jericho isn’t willing to accept anything less than everything. Her love, her trust and her delectable body.

A Romantica® futuristic erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Review:

They say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, and Charleigh definitely sees herself as having been scorned. Now that Jericho is back on the planet, she doesn’t want to have anything to do with him. He is several years too late if he thinks he can just walk back in her life and take over again.

Jericho is back and has fulfilled his task of making a future for himself and Charleigh. Now, he is taking over, kidnapping her to a certain extent, and demanding that she admit her feelings. Breaking down her defenses is a task that he will enjoy, and he will especially enjoy punishing her for making him wait.

Lover’s Return is a short futuristic story about a very stubborn woman and the man who wants her. The characters are annoyingly stubborn, the plot is interesting, and the setting is earth-like. Overall an entertaining read.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Donna, Ellora's Cave, You Want To Read

Review – Misplaced Princess by Mari Carr and Lexxie Couper

June 12, 2013 by Donna B. Leave a Comment

Title: Misplaced Princess

Author: Mari Carr and Lexxie Couper

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Buy Link: Buy Misplaced Princess Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

Foreign Affairs, Book One

Annie Prince has impetuously flown halfway ’round the world to visit a sexy cowboy she met online—only to find herself stranded in Sydney. Seems she and Dylan crossed wires, and he’s on his way to New York. His twin, Hunter, saves the day and whisks her back to the family cattle station. Hunter’s as easy on the eyes as Dylan, and even easier to talk to. Annie might have flown to Oz to meet one brother, but soon sparks are flying with the other.

Hunter considered Dylan a dumb arse for jetting off to America for some stranger—until he met Annie. Turns out the New Yorker is a smart, funny, hard-working jillaroo…and hotter than the Aussie desert. Hunter’s not normally one to poach his brother’s women, but he can’t keep his hands, lips, tongue and other body parts off this sexy city girl.

When raging lust leads to emotional attachment, where does that leave Annie and Hunter when her vacation comes to an end—or when Dylan finds out?

Review:

Annie is tire of paparazzi following her everywhere, invading her privacy and stealing what little peace she has. She is tired of her boss being a jerk and she is fed up with men only wanting her for her money. On a whim and a dare, she tries Australia on for size, looking for peace, quiet, and hopefully a little cowboy action. What she finds is home.

Misplaced Princess is a wonderfully romantic tale of lust at first sight, followed by dreams coming true. The characters are strong and independent, the setting is vivid and the sex is steaming. Mari and Lexxie make an awesome pair.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Donna, Ellora's Cave, You Need To Read

Review – Man Hungry by Sabrina York

June 11, 2013 by Donna B. Leave a Comment

Title: Man Hungry

Author: Sabrina York

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Buy Link: Buy Man Hungry Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

Blind dates are hell. At least that’s what Justin thinks before he’s set up with Jessica, a sizzling-hot schoolteacher who captures his heart—or at least his lust—at first sight. He can’t let their date fail so he does what any sane, rational prankster would do—he pretends he’s there to meet someone else. A man-hungry schoolmarm.

Jessica knows full well that Justin is her date, so she decides to have a little fun and show him exactly how man hungry a “schoolmarm” can be. And Jessica’s hunger is all for Justin. On the dance floor, atop a table, up against a door…she just can’t get enough.

Review:

Justin and Jessica have been set up on a blind date with each other. The cousin and the best friend, meeting at a cowboy bar. But Justin doesn’t like to do anything halfway, and blind dates are not a great way to get started. So, he cranks up a prank and plays Jessica into his arms on the dance floor.

Man Hungry is a short story with tons of scorching sex and a lust at first sight plot. The characters are likable and sexy and the setting is perfect for the story. Overall, it’s a very entertaining and arousing read.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Donna, Ellora's Cave, You Need To Read

Review – Wild Child By Shelley Munro

June 10, 2013 by Donna B. Leave a Comment

Title: Wild Child

Author: Shelley Munro

Publisher: CrushStar Multimedia LLC

Buy Link: Buy Wild Child Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

Zoe Underwood is one sexy disruption.

From the moment her father married Matt’s mother, Zoe has tempted Matt Cantrell with her seductive curves and driven him crazy with her flirting and provocative manner. The thing is they have no future because Zoe is his stepsister. Determined to dodge trouble, Matt leaves Auckland to live and work in the Gold Coast of Australia. A sea between them should do the trick and let him move forward without the “Zoe” distraction in his life.

Matt Cantrell is one stubborn dude.

No one presses Zoe’s buttons like the tall, dark and gorgeous Matt. In fact, every other man pales in comparison. One last play. Zoe decides to invade Matt’s territory and make her move before some other clever woman snaps him up. She’ll bust through emotional walls and push boundaries. By the time she’s finished, Matt won’t know what hit him. Yes. Good or bad, she’ll stir things up and take a chance on love.

Review:

Zoe is a wild child, and what Zoe wants, Zoe gets. Including her stepbrother. Call her childish, but she is all grown up and simply knows what she wants.

Matt moved away from home to avoid an embarrassing situation with his too sexy stepsister, but the crazy girl simply followed him, broke into his house, and crashed naked in his bed. Now how can he behave after that?

Wild Child is a short story with a long-suffering male and a determined female. The plot was familiar but still entertaining, and the setting was comfortable. Overall, an enjoyable read.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: CrushStar Multimedia LLC, Donna, You Need To Read