Review – Let It Snow by Leslie Kelly & Jennifer LaBrecque

Let It SnowTitle: Let It Snow

Author: Leslie Kelly & Jennifer LaBrecque

Publisher: Harlequin Blaze

Buy Link: Buy Let It Snow Here!

Rating: ★★★½☆ 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.

 

 

 

Review – Release Me by J. Kenner

Release MeTitle: Release Me

Author: J. Kenner

Publisher: Bantam

Buy Link: Buy Release Me Here!

Rating: ★★★★★ You Gotta Read

Reviewed By: Brynna

Blurb:

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You comes an erotic, emotionally charged romance between a powerful man who’s never heard “no” and a fiery woman who says “yes” on her own terms.

He was the one man I couldn’t avoid. And the one man I couldn’t resist.

Damien Stark could have his way with any woman. He was sexy, confident, and commanding: Anything he wanted, he got. And what he wanted was me.

Our attraction was unmistakable, almost beyond control, but as much as I ached to be his, I feared the pressures of his demands. Submitting to Damien meant I had to bare the darkest truth about my past—and risk breaking us apart.

But Damien was haunted, too. And as our passion came to obsess us both, his secrets threatened to destroy him—and us—forever.

Release Me is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

Review:

A Texan transplant, Nichole (or Nikki as she prefers) Fairchild is new to the LA scene. She’s taken a job in an area where she excels – computer programming and technology. Unfortunately, she is working for a creepy slime ball who wants to use her appearance instead of her brains to snag the monetary support of dazzling billionaire Damien Stark with whom she had a previous tense encounter on the pageant circuit.

At an art gala, Nikki is introduced to Damien, who is very rude to her at first. After escaping the embarrassing moment, she steps outside to look at the art. One particularly erotic piece captures her attention. She isn’t alone in her fascination, as Damien sweeps in, apologizes and talks her into staying at the party.  He also enlists her aide in helping him find a painting for the new house he is building.

With an already tense connection, things heat up quickly between the couple. Nikki has serious emotional and physical issues which does affect their intimacy. Instead of being an overbearing jerk about it, Damien takes this in stride. He slows down the pace to a teasing speed, allowing Nikki to open up to him a little bit at a time. I loved this about him. He is a tortured dominant hero, yet he knows where and when to give and it counts. Eventually, he coaxes the real Nikki out to play and it’s hot but sweet too.

Nikki is dealing with ‘mother issues’. (I hate her mother. There should be a special place just for mothers like her.) She’s still reeling from her sister’s suicide and fights every day with her need to cut to escape her emotional pain. On the other hand she’s independent, sarcastic and fun. I loved the contradictions of her character.  The characterization alone makes Release Me worth the read, but of course there’s so much more. I loved this book and can’t wait for the next one.  J. Kenner is a must read author.

 

Review – She Ain’t a Lady By Sadie Sinclair

She Ain't A LadyTitle: She Ain’t a Lady

Author: Sadie Sinclair

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Buy Link: Buy She Ain’t a Lady Here!

Rating: ★★★½☆ You Want/Need to Read

Reviewed By: Brynna

Blurb:

The Prince brothers are ready to start building a family dynasty on their large ranch.  In order to do this, they need women. Or as Heath points out, one woman. 

He’s observed his neighbors and their wives and has come to the conclusion that two women in one kitchen is not conducive to peace and harmony. Besides they’ve shared before. Horses, guns, and even an occasional prostitute. 

Heath and Jeb sit down to make a list of attributes they want in a wife. When Jeb adds ‘love’ to the list, Heaths says, “Love? I’m not sure we would recognize it if it jumped up and bit us in the ass.” 



Be Warned: menage sex (MFM), anal sex.

Review:

Brothers Heath and Jeb Prince have built a good life for themselves. Their ranch is thriving, but with success comes the need to pass it on. Neither are married and after witnessing the ways of his neighbors, both Jeb and Heath agree the solution to their problem is a woman. They need one–to share. After making a list, the brothers make a pact to begin their search soon. The most important characteristic? A woman they won’t fall in love with but fate has a way of changing things.

While on a working trip to San Francisco, Jeb meets a lady of the night who fits the requirements, but will Heath like her? And even then will she agree to the arrangement? Rosie grew up priviledged until her father died leaving her mother a penniless mistress. Soon her mother passed and she found herself with no other options but to enter “the trade.” She hates the life she is in and Jeb’s offer seems to good to be true. Both brothers are equally intriguing but seem wounded at heart. She aches to comfort them and herself.

I found Heath and Jeb to be endearing characters. They are in themselves like ying and yang, completing each other. They grew up together in an orphanage and this has made them very close. Rosie, while a flawed and likeable heroine, felt a little more distant to me. While I enjoyed She Ain’t a Lady, I think the story would have been more satisfying if her character had been developed further with more length to the story. All in all, I think this is one you will enjoy.

 

Review – Saffron Nights By Liz Everly

Saffron NightsTitle: Saffron Nights

Author: Liz Everly

Publisher: Kensington Books

Buy Link: Buy Saffron Nights Here!

Rating: ★★★★★ You Gotta Read

Reviewed By: Brynna

Blurb:

Wherever they travel, there’s an aphrodisiac waiting to whet their appetites…

Brazil…Hawaii…India….As a food writer, Maeve has just been handed the hottest opportunity of her career. She’s being sent on an international research tour for an aphrodisiac cookbook. The downside is that she has to travel with rock star photographer and womanizer Jackson Dodds. And the upside is that she has to travel with Jackson Dodds. Because once they meet, Maeve understands why he’s been named “America’s Most Eligible Bachelor”—and despite her best intentions, all she can think about is putting their arousing recipes to the test… 

Sexy and talented, Jackson can have any woman he desires. But lately, the thrill is gone—until he lays eyes on Maeve, who exudes sensuality like no one else. She’s determined to keep things professional, but he knows the attraction is mutual. And as they travel the world, sampling warming saffron, juicy papaya, silky avocado, rare herbs and teas—and a mushroom whose very aroma sends women to heights of ecstasy—both discover a hunger they’ve never known, and don’t want to resist, even amid unexpected danger…

Review:

Maeve has just been handed her dream assignment–Traveling all over the globe to research, write and test little know aphrodisiacs with her long distance writing partner, photographer Jackson Dodds. Also included in the adventure is Chef – a dear friend who is renowned all over the world for his recipes and less known for his very open lifestyle. It’s a dream team until on the cusp of their first trip Chef is found murdered.

With the project in danger of being put on hold, Maeve and Jackson decide to try out the first Saffron recipe on their own before leaving for Chef’s funeral in Mexico. Both Jackson and Maeve are strongly affected by the spice, but initially refuse to acknowledge their attraction.

Suffering vandalism, personal attacks and the death of more people closely tied to the project soon brings them to believe Chef was doing more than cooking up sexy recipes in his kitchen and it just may get them both killed.

Maeve is a strong, sassy heroine. She is in tune with her sexuality and doesn’t hide the fact. Jackson is confident and sexy with a personality that mirrors Maeve’s. Much of the tension between these characters stems from that oneness. Together they conquer the obstacles thrown between them with tenacity, but when it comes to romance, their sexuality and fear of commitment causes them to stray from the destined path. Eventually, they do find their way back to each other. The different types of aphrodisiacs are well researched.

I found the suspense side of this plot well planned. Though one might discover the killer, the motive for murder remained masked until the end. Readers who enjoy sexy romance and heart stopping reads are going to love Saffron Nights. I can’t wait to read the sequel.

 

Review – Highlander Most Wanted By Maya Banks

Highlander Most WanterTitle: Highlander Most Wanted

Author: Maya Banks

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Buy Link: Buy Highlander Most Wanted Here!

Rating: ★★★★★ You Gotta Read

Reviewed By: Brynna

Blurb:

Maya Banks, the New York Times bestselling author of erotic romance, romantic suspense, and contemporary romance, has captivated readers with her steamy Scottish historical novels, perfect for fans of Julie Garwood. In Highlander Most Wanted, a reclusive woman content to live in the shadows shows a Highland warrior the true meaning of love.

Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.

Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.

Review:

On her way to be married, beautiful Genevieve McInnes was captured, her guards killed. She has suffered horrific abuse, repeated rape and scarring at the hands of the evil Ian McHugh. Her family and betrothed believes she is dead. No one came to her rescue. A year later, Ian McHugh has been killed, but Genevieve still suffers the abuse of his clan. Ashamed of what her parents will think and with no where left to go, she chooses to hide and remain with those who hate her. She wants to be free, but doesn’t believe she can be until she makes a bargain with Bowen Montgomery.

When Bowen descends on the McHugh keep to reap vengeance for a wrong done against his brother, he is shocked to find the spineless McHughs using a boy as their speaker. Genevieve alone presents strength and courage. Appalled at the way the McHughs treat the young woman, he becomes her protector and soon falls in love with her. Still, his duty to his clan demands she be returned to her father. Even after learning of her betrayal to his clan, Bowen knows he can no longer deny his heart.

Highlander Most Wanted  brings in all the elements of a sweeping historical romance with wonderfully flawed characters that pull your heart right into the story. You want them to find a way to be together. *spoiler alert* When Genevieve returned to her rightful home and family, I actually cried for her. Bowen broke my heart when he let her go. Still, that made the happy ending even better. Maya Banks has written a beautiful romance that proves love conquers all. Get this “gotta read” and savor it.

Review – The Scoundrel Takes a Bride By Stefanie Sloane

The Scoundrel Takes a BrideTitle: The Scoundrel Takes a Bride

Author: Stefanie Sloane

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Buy Link: Buy The Scoundrel Takes a Bride Here!

Rating: ★★★★☆ You Need to Read

Reviewed By: Brynna

Blurb:

In Stefanie Sloane’s irresistible Regency romance series of spy games and seductive passion, a rogue discovers that his desire for the wrong woman is so very right.

A notorious scoundrel, the right Honorable Nicholas Bourne has spent years in the East Indies amassing a fortune through questionable means. Still, his loyalty to his older brother, Langdon, and his childhood friends remains true and trusted. But when Lady Sophia Southwell, the woman promised to Nicholas’s brother, seeks his help on a dangerous mission, he is troubled—and torn. Unable to dissuade her from her quest to find a killer, he vows to keep her safe. This makes his mission the hardest test of his wits, honor, and skill. For Sophia is the secret love of his life.

For years, Sophia has planned her daring act of revenge against her mother’s killer. She has painstakingly prepared herself by studying the criminal mind. Now she knows that the moment is right and that Nicholas is the man to help her. But she doesn’t count on the reckless temptation of his rugged sensuality or the captivating intensity in his deep eyes. When desire and emotion intoxicate her as they venture together into the darkest corners of London’s underbelly, Sophia must contend with a yearning even more powerful than the quest for vengeance: the call of love.

Review:

Since birth, Lady Sophia has been betrothed to her dearest friend Langdon Bourne, Earl of Stonecliffe. They have a comfortable but passionless relationship. Neither are in any hurry to walk down the aisle, though their friends think they should.

When Sophia was a child, her mother was murdered. Unfortunately, Sophia and her friends Langdon, Dash and Nicolaus were the ones to discover her. Now new information has come to light that may lead to the man responsible for ordering her mother’s death. Knowing Langdon, who prefers Sophia to follow quiet pursuits, would fight her efforts to find the killer she seeks out Nicolaus to aide in her scheme.

Nicolaus has hidden his love for Sophia with bad tempered teasing and snippy attitudes since they were children. The younger brother of Langdon, Nicolaus was free to live a life of whim. Wild and unattainable, he prefers to bury his frustration in a bottle. When he fails to change Sophia’s mind, he chooses to protect her during her dangerous pursuits.

Sophia is daring, definitely a woman out of her time. She has good handle on criminology and works with Bow Street runners (scandalous for sure). She has a lot of grit for a lady of her time. Nicolaus is more of a gentleman than he would like the world to believe. He takes in an orphan, allows an Indian healer to turn his house upside down, and does try to reign in his feelings for Sophia.

Still, aside from their admirable qualities, both Nicolaus and Sophia lie to hide their exploits and eventual affair from Langdon. I felt they should have been upfront with him as soon as they admitted their feelings for one another. Langdon seems to be clueless as to why his brother and fiancé are spending so much time together, going off on excursions. I have to wonder why he is blind to their actions. Aside from that, if you like murder mystery with your historical romance, then The Scoundrel Takes A Bride is must read.

Review – Wicked Kiss By Michelle Rowen

Wicked KissTitle: Wicked Kiss

Author: Michelle Rowen

Publisher: Harlequin

Buy Link: Buy Wicked Kiss Here!

Rating: ★★★★★ You Gotta Read

Reviewed By: Brynna

Blurb:

My kiss can kill.

I used to be ordinary Samantha Day, but that’s changed. Now, after one dark kiss from a dangerous boy, I can steal someone’s soul…or their life. If I give in to the constant hunger inside me, I hurt anyone I kiss. If I don’t…I hurt myself.

Bishop is the one whose kiss I crave most, but if I kiss him, I’ll kill him. Then there’s another boy, one I can’t hurt. One whose kiss seems to miraculously quell my hunger. They’re both part of a team of angels and demons that’s joined forces in my city to fight a mysterious rising darkness, an evil that threatens everyone I know and love. I just wonder if I’ll be able to help Bishop—or if I’m just another part of the darkness he’s sworn to destroy….

When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising…

Review:

Samantha Day is just like any average seventeen year old girl. She wants to go to parties, hang out with her friends and maybe get around to getting her driver’s license finally.  But Sam’s life is anything but normal. After being “kissed” by her crush Steven and losing her soul, Sam has become a gray — a soulless human that must feed on living souls to survive or risk going into “stasis”.  If she’s ever going to get back to her real life, she’ll have to find Steven and convince him to return her stolen soul. Trouble is, Heaven and Hell are working together to destroy all the grays and right the shaky balance of good versus evil. Eventually, the guy she craves the most will have to destroy her too.

Wicked Kiss is the second book in the Nightwatchers series and although I haven’t read the first, I didn’t feel lost. Ms. Rowen does an excellent job of explaining the rules of her world without tons of back-story to bog down the pages. Samantha is an endearing character, strong, brave and still a little scared. I love the way she charged right into the thick of things even though she lacked the same supernatural abilities as her angel and demon guardians. Her angel, Bishop, is anything but a goody two shoes, often breaking the rules when necessary for the greater good. Kraven, Bishop’s demon counterpart and older brother, provides just enough temptation and wickedness to keep things interesting. The characters seem to leap from the pages and become part of your world.

I recommend this book to anyone who has never tried a young adult title. Ms. Rowen keeps the tension and suspense flowing. Nothing is a given. Nothing is easy. And when it’s over you’ll be wishing for more.

 

Review – Good Cop Bad Cop By Lily Harlem & Natalie Dae

Good Cop Bad CopTitle: Good Cop Bad Cop

Author: Lily Harlem, Natalie Dae

Publisher: Lily Harlem

Buy Link: Buy Good Cop Bad Cop Here!

Rating: ★★★★½ You Need To/Gotta Read

Reviewed By: Brynna

Blurb:

Fame and fortune is a blessing that, for me, has changed its taste from sumptuously sweet to murderously bitter. Leaving me no choice but to look over my shoulder at every turn and question the scruples of even my most faithful friends.

I would give up all the glowing adoration from my fans in a heartbeat in exchange for not running for my life. But fate doesn’t deal cards that way, and instead I find myself far out at sea and being bounced between two hot cops—one so chilly just his glance gives me frostbite, and the other showing a kindness that barely covers his own demons.

So with nowhere else to turn, quite literally, I have to trust two men I hardly know with my life and cope without the luxuries my status usually affords me. But it’s not long before I discover when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Turns out these cops are not only the wrong guys to mess with, they also have partnership skills above and beyond the requirements of their day job. And for once, while just being me without the frills, I get to discover that they are as sinfully bad as they are dreamily good in every department, and it seems, I am the one they want cuffed and controlled at the same time as they are protecting and serving.

Review:

Superstar country western singer India Moore is living the dream on top of the music charts, unfortunately she has gained the unwanted attention of an admirer. One who wants her dead. Even though her manager has increased security, its impossible for her to leave the spotlight for safety. While dining out with friends, India makes a brief escape to the ladies room where she is followed by her stalker. Terrified, she flees through an open window and runs to the docks where she hides in an empty boat.

DEA agents Dillon and Jose have ended a long investigation and are looking foward to a couple of weeks of fishing and quiet. What they get is a sexy stowaway and plenty of trouble. After learning she is beling stalked, both men vow to protect her until her attacker can be caught. Dillon tries to keep his distance, while Jose is determined to enjoy his time with the beautiful star, but soon find the chemistry between them won’t be denied.

Good Cop Bad Cop is fast paced, wicked-hot fun. Ms. Harlem and Ms. Dae have delivered a scorching romance that will leave you breathless. The suspense plot started strong, but I was just a bit let down in the middle of the story, as the stalker seemed to be all but forgotten at one point and faded into the background until his capture. Still, I think Harlem fans will enjoy this naughty tale and I’m looking forward to her future books.

Review – Angel In Chains By Cynthia Eden

Angel In ChainsTitle: Angel In Chains

Author: Cynthia Eden

Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp

Buy Link: Buy Angel In Chains Here!

Rating: ★★★★★ You Gotta Read

Reviewed By: Brynna

Blurb:

Mortal Sin

As a fallen Angel of Death, Azrael is cursed to walk the earth alone in search of redemption. One night, as he wanders the streets of New Orleans, he discovers a woman surrounded by panther shifters. No longer able to contain the anger simmering within, Az summons his dark powers and attacks, determined to protect this innocent human from certain death.

Only Jade Pierce is no delicate flower. She’s spent years learning to survive and fight the evil forces sent by her ex-lover who refuses to let her go. But after seeing Az in action, she figures she could use a little supernatural help. And so she plans a course of seduction guaranteed to arouse his interest and his angelic passions…

Review:

Once the leader of all Angels of Death, fallen Azrael is still trying adjust to his new existence on earth. He lands in New Orleans, a city smothering with Others aka shifters, vampires and other paranormal creatures.  Looking for a fight, Az stumbles into an alley where a human woman is fighting off a gang of panther shifters. Something about Jade pulls at him this time he isn’t going to stand by and watch an innocent die.

On the run from her ex-boyfriend, a vicious panther shifter, Jade has learned to accept death and deal it to those out to destroy her. Az isn’t exactly a knight in shining armor, but he may be the only one who can keep her safe.

Jade is a strong heroine. Tough, definitely able to hold her own, but still willing to acknowledge her limitations.  She’s fierce, yet soft where Az is concerned. Azrael is everything you’d expect a fallen angel to be. Tangled with his need to follow the good path that ruled his existence is a dark side that craves sin. Once he crosses path with Jade, he’ll do everything within his power to keep her safe, even from his own kind. Yet, he isn’t afraid to throw the rules out the window if necessary.

Although part of a series, this book was easily read as a standalone. The world-building aspect is seamless. Secondary characters, whose stories have already been told, blend in well without leaving the reader in the dark. This is the first of Ms. Eden’s novels I’ve picked up, but she is definitely going on the auto buy list. Her angels are addictive, wicked fun. Angel In Chains is a sexy, heart-racing read.

Review – Secretary for Two By Sindra van Yssel

Title: Secretary for Two

Author: Sindra van Yssel

Publisher: Loose Id

Buy Link: Buy Secretary for Two Here!

Rating: ★★★★☆ You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Brynna

Blurb:

Executive assistant Nicole Kerrigan has been in love with her boss, idealistic genius Austin Summers, since she first saw him. She has no idea he’s fallen for her just as hard. Or that when Austin needs to be two places at once, his identical twin brother Tony steps into help. Tony’s a hardboiled private eye who doesn’t have qualms about sleeping with his secretary — or his brother’s — and makes the move on Nicole that Austin didn’t dare make. But when a hit man tries to take out Austin, she rushes to his side, and deception gets piled on top of deception.

Now Nicole is torn between two very different men who happen to look exactly the same. Can the three of them unravel the half-truths they’ve told, and can a woman serve two masters? Nicole is about to find out.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: BDSM theme and content, menage (m/f/m).

Review:

For several years Nicole Kerrigan has been the perfect docile secretary, even arranging “dates” for her boss, but she quietly yearns for Austin Summers who doesn’t have a clue she wants him in that way. Enter Anthony, Austin’s twin brother, to stir things up.

While playing stand in for Austin who is attending a meeting on the east coast, Tony finds Nicole intriguing and after quickly picks up on her unrequited love for his brother and decides to cause a little trouble for the pair, the good kind of trouble.  Taking her to his bed changes the rules of the game—for everyone.

With Secretary for Two, Ms. van Yssel creates a story of romance, love, passion and heat while shedding light on the BDSM lifestyle. Amidst the cooperate takeover attempts, Austin fights his feelings for Nicole, while Tony embraces his impulsively expecting them to be temporary. Nicole has a deep love for both men and though she is the submissive in the relationship, their love for her makes them equals, free to explore their passion with trust. Expertly woven plots and sizzling love scenes make this one a “need to read”.

 

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