Title: Silent Heat

Author: Vonna Harper

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Silent Heat Here!

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Deaf since age ten, Carlee Cooper has become a master gardener. She has developed a teaching greenhouse, funded by her rich landlord, at the local high school and she lives in the small guest cottage behind his home. Although she's attracted to him, she doesn't have much self-confidence when it comes to men.

Her landlord, BDSM Dom York Bridges, knows a sub when he sees one-when he touches and smells her. Carlee is drawn to York's control and power. She'll submit to the red collar her Masterplaces around her neck and his cuffs on her wrists, for now…

Review:

Carlee has been deaf since childhood and hides herself away from the world because of this. Yet her landlord sees nothing wrong with her and finds himself enjoying her company. On his arrival home from his latest trip York sees her as something else and suddenly Carlee and York find themselves with a whole different relationship that is more than just landlord and tenant.

Silent Heat is an interesting story of two people finding love. York is a well-experienced Dom who finds himself loosing interest in the world of BDSM. He is a man that knows what he wants and is in it for the long haul. Carlee does not see herself as everyone else sees her and when she starts to come out of her shell she blossoms. Watching Carlee find herself and begin a relationship with York was a nice read.

As hot as the love scenes were in this story I had a hard time falling into the world of Carlee and York. The connection just didn't happen for me with these two. I enjoyed both York and Carlee as separate characters but had a hard time with their relationship. Even though this was not a favorite for me Vonna Harper is a good writer and I will be sure to look for more from this writer.

Title: Dhampir Passions

Author: Mary Corrales

Publisher: Eternal Press, 2009

Buy Link: Buy Dhampir Passions Here!

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewer: Nerine Dorman

Blurb:

Can everlasting love be found in a paranormal cauldron of greed, bloodlust, passion and murder?

Living in the post-war American Western Barrans, Linea Kamiya is in danger of becoming a vamp master's minion. While she hides Desmondi's evil mark from the townsfolk of Whickeup, the town council intends to take her farmland for themselves. Linea's only hope lies with an enigmatic stranger.

Raduslav Dracula is hunting for the vampire who stole the Draculesti Bloodstone from his family's gravesite. When Radu's attraction to Linea turns physical, he knows he will have to battle with his heart as well as the demon Desmondi.

Is the half-blood Dhampir strong enough to embrace his own cursed nature to defeat Desmondi?

Review:

Dhampir Passions presents an intriguing premise in its dystopian futuristic setting but misses the mark when it comes to solid world-building and overall execution. For one, I feel that there's a lot of "tell" but not enough "show". It's all fine and well to have mutant "Mammoth Wheat" but I wanted to see this; know more about the mechanics and sociology of this post-apocalyptic world. The villagers seem to react with mob mentality, as an example. A lot of intriguing threads are presented, but are not fully developed.

The pacing also needed attention, progressing often in a very haphazard fashion. As a reader I felt rushed, the characters not given enough space to develop their motivations, which were murky, at best. At times the text felt awkward and some of the word choices out of place. Linea comes across as a bit of a Mary Sue, Radu idealized and a bit too stoic for his own good. I wanted to connect with them, but couldn't.

I felt that the author was holding me at arm's length, as though I were reading the script for a TV programme. In fact, I felt that distance of a viewer, rather than reader, who emotionally engages with a story. I really wanted to like Dhampir Passions but, to be quite honest, it needed a lot more work before publication. This is very much a case of "almost, but not quite there" for author Mary Corrales.

Title: Family Ties

Author: Jamie Hill

Publisher: Books We Love Publishing Partners

Buy Link: Buy Family Ties Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by: Val

Blurb:

With a couple of dead bodies thrown in, Detective Brady Marshall's stolen goods case has just become a lot more interesting. His love life takes a turn for the better when he meets Gina Morris, a feisty waitress at the club where the latest victim has surfaced. A happily unattached ladies' man, Brady isn't looking to settle down.

Review:

The passion between Gina and Brady sparks the moment they meet. Brady Marshall is a full on hottie whose character is multidimensional. I almost feel like he grows into the man he is meant to be when he meets his match in Gina. Gina is not your ordinary woman. She's not the type to get jealous if her man looks at someone else which could easily happen given her line of work. The way that Brady and Gina relate to each other just makes you want to sigh and say "Aw, how romantic is that?" These two have the passionate relationship I love to see in my hero and heroine.

One thing I loved about this book was since Gina is Italian, she would throw Italian words around and then have to translate to Brady what she had just said. After a while, he grew accustomed to certain words. On top of that, Brady's partner is also Italian. I am thrilled when I read a book and am not simply entertained but learn something along the way as well. It's always an added bonus.

Family Ties started out with a bang and kept me on my toes throughout the entire book. I must say that Family Ties is a little bit different than other books because of who you think is the bad guy is and how things are wrapped up in the end. I'm not going to drop any spoilers but I will simply say that you have to read this book. The ending has a twist you won't expect.

Ms. Hill did an outstanding job with the plotline, and I was literally biting my nails the entire time I was reading. There is one thing that Ms. Hill did and that was keep me awake at night. I couldn't put this fast paced, action packed book down. I HAD to find out what happened next. It was addicting. Ms. Hill has a gift of hooking the reader and not letting go until the very last word. And even then, there was a description of Family Secrets (the first book in the series). It's now on my HAVE TO BUY list. So let me just leave you with this one suggestion. You really want to go out and buy this book. It's a 114 page book that is filled with every emotion you can think of. You won't want to miss this one. Ms. Hill is an author to watch.

Title: Sex Symbol

Author: Tracy H. Kitts

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Sex Symbol Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Lucy Harper always thought of herself as an ordinary woman, but she suddenly finds herself in extraordinary circumstances. Her sleepy hometown of Peace, Mississippi, turns out to be far from peaceful, what with shapeshifters, vampires and other departures from the "good ol' Southern boy" stereotype cropping up. Her best friends are all hiding devastating secrets. Her ex-boyfriend is suddenly interested in making up. Her sexy new boyfriend is not only the hottest guy she's ever met, he's got some pretty big secrets himself, including what he really is and what he does-besides providing the best sex she's ever had, that is.

And her new tattoo might be more than a picture of her favorite flower-according to the local werewolf pack, it's a "sex symbol". There may be a fight to the death over who gets to claim her as mate.

Review:

When her new neighbor moves in next-door Lucy finds her life thrown into chaos. Friends and enemies have all changed sides and Lucy must find out not only whom she can trust but also whom she can love. Will she trust her heart to Eramus when things go awry or has Lucy been hurt too much already but does she have the time to decide? With werewolves attacking at every side Lucy must quickly find herself and what she wants.

Sex Symbol is a great read that had me hooked right from the start. Lucy is a great woman. She takes what life has thrown at her and deals with it, always ready to fight and get back on her feet. Lucy cares for her friends and is willing to stand by their side no matter what happens. Her new neighbor Eramus turns out to be more than she thought. He is a great man who loves with all his heart and will die to protect Lucy. Watching the attraction grow between the two was a great read. The two make a great couple. Lucy is feisty enough to stand by her man until the end even to the death if necessary and Eramus understands her need to do so.

Not only do we get to meet Lucy and Eramus but we also get introduced to many other wonderful characters in this book. I adored Ozzy, Chase and Justina each one with their own secrets and problems to hide, yet no matter what happens the three friends stand together and by Lucy's side fighting with her.

Tracy H. Kitts weaves a wondrous tale full of love and magic. I would love to visit Lucy and her friends again maybe even find out more about Ozzy or Crazy Wolf. With endearing characters full of emotions and depth this is a book that should not be missed.

Title: The Shadow Zone: Winning Madeleine

Author: Isabella Jordan

Publisher: Changeling Press

Buy Link: Buy The Shadow Zone: Winning Madeleine Here! Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

Blurb:

While tailing a Lycan soldier through the Shadow Zone, the dying world of the humans, the vampire Maddox finds himself falling for the frail, beautiful prostitute his subject visits. When Madeline is caught in the crossfire, Maddox takes her under his protection, and offers her a life with him as her exclusive client.

The Lycan, his plans foiled, wants revenge, putting everyone Maddox knows in danger. Maddox has only one recourse -- hunt the hunter, before he becomes the prey.

Maddox can deal with cold-blooded killers and the deep and seedy underworld of the Shadow Zone. But he has no clue how to win Madeline's heart. What will happen to him if she can't see past the monster to the man who wants her, body and soul?

Review:

This story is good, but nothing exceptional. The plot is well tread and the pace is smooth, but it takes no chances and nothing is a real surprise.

The characters are pretty stereotypical, but are used to their fullest extent so don't come off as stiff. The hero is sweet and the heroine is innocent and the bad guy is slightly off. The supporting cast is fairly bland, but they don't interfere.

The sexy is good and has plenty of spice. It also becomes an interesting point of interaction between the characters.

Overall, nothing special, but a good bedtime story.

Title: Releasing Kate

Author: Cyna Kade

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Releasing Kate Here!

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Kate Logan is unaware of her genetic imprint. All her life, she's suppressed the dark longings that haunt her. Twenty-first-century women should not want alpha males to protect or dominate them.

Michael Kyle immediately recognizes Kate as his mate. He can send violent sexual visions to her but she doesn't seem to understand what that means. She's unaware and untrained.

He's ready to show Kate that pain can liberate her pleasure. But first, he has to break through her resistance. She thinks her needs are wrong and fears her craving to submit to the sexual demands of this dominant man. Michael has to be patient-gradually increase her sexual pain to free her sexual pleasure and acceptance of her submissive heritage. If he rushes the process, or if he can't break through her barriers, she won't survive their mating.

Review:

When Michael finds Kate she has no idea about her heritage and nothing about being Clan at all but he recognizes Kate as his mate and must show her the world she comes from and the love that comes with it.

Releasing Kate is a very intense read. The people of the Clan heritage are Dominant men and submissive woman. These men and women enjoy this to the very extreme, which includes pain. Some readers may be offended by how far things go in this story so I would warn the faint of heart to be careful when deciding on whether or not to read this book.

Michael is a good man who fights for Kate with patience and love hoping to break past her barriers. Kate is a strong woman willing to give all of herself for love. The relationship that builds between Kate and Michael is a good read. Yet the amount of pain that is needed for Kate and Michael to connect was a bit much for me making it hard to enjoy Michael's seduction of Kate.

Cyna Kade writes a good story that pulls you right in and keeps you entertained to the end. If you enjoy your books on the edge this is one that you may enjoy.

Title: Tempted

Author: Brandi Evans

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Tempted Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed by: Brynna

Blurb:

The only thing standing between this fallen angel and redemption? The woman he loves.

Eons ago, Seth fell for another angel-literally-and was cast down from the Heavens. Seeking redemption, he works for the Angels of Death, taking the lives of those destined to die, his only desire to return home. But everything changes when a beautiful brunette explodes into his life and plunges his ordered world into chaos, tempting him with something he hasn't experienced in millennia. Love.

A busted radiator strands Lyndi Garrison on a deserted stretch of coastal Maine and shoves her directly into the path of a sexual predator. She fends off her attacker until an NFL-sized stranger appears from the darkness to help. She's instantly enamored of her quiet hero, and before the evening ends, they share a devastating kiss and a knock-out round of sex unlike anything she's ever known. Though she can't help but wonder… Has she finally received a second chance at happiness? Or is Fate being a bitch again?

Review:

When Lyndi is stranded with car trouble she's tossed into the path of a serial rapist. Still she's no stranger to trouble and knows how to defend herself. After putting the scum in his place, she is almost attacked a second time before being rescued.

A an angel of death Seth knows he shouldn't reveal himself to Lyndi, but when the predator he is preparing to destroy attempts to attack her, he has no choice but to step in. Neither of the two were prepared for their immediate attraction or the cost of finding love with each other.

Hot, passionate, all consuming heat radiates from Tempted. Seth is a fallen angel who sees in Lyndi a chance for happiness on Earth. Lyndi is wary of what she feels for Seth, but can't deny him. I enjoyed this quick, fast paced read.

Title: In His Arms

Author: Tina Donahue

Publisher: Ellora's cave

Buy Link: Buy In His Arms Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Owned by one man, loved by another.

Abducted and delivered into sexual slavery, Lori has surrendered her will in order to survive. For more than a decade, she's been known as Summer, her owner's possession until he gives her to his newest lieutenant, a mysterious man called RJ.

Commanding and virile, RJ controls without cruelty and possesses without threat, engendering a mixture of safety and passion. In his strong arms, Summer enjoys carnal pleasure she's never known and tenderness she's craved. In his heated gaze, she experiences a sense of recognition she doesn't immediately understand until it proves dangerous in a way she could never have imagined.

Bound by desire, need and growing love, RJ traverses the shadowy world of human trafficking, risking all for Summer's freedom. But when he learns she harbors a fateful secret that threatens to tear her from him, they stand to lose everything.

Review:

After being kidnapped as a young girl Summer has lived her life as a sexual slave for Anthony one of the cruelest men she has ever met and when he gives her to RJ, as a gift Summer has no idea what will come next.

In His Arms is an intense and emotional read. Summer is a strong willed woman, she may seem docile and compliant on the outside but on the inside she is always fighting for her life. When she meets RJ she finds herself wishing against all hope that things where different. RJ is a great man who wants to protect all that need it including Summer. The two make a wonderful couple and watching their relationship grow with its ups and downs was a great read.

Tina Donahue writes a very compelling story that grabs a hold of your attention right from the start and doesn't let go until the very end. I was taken on an emotional roller coaster ride right along with the characters. Which kept me turning the pages to see just what would happen next. In His Arms is well written and the characters are full of depth and emotion making this a book that should not be missed.

Title: Just Press Play

Author: M. A. Ellis

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Just Press Play Here!

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Erin learned a great deal during one of the workshops at RomantiCon. But she never dreamed, when she asked her friends to help act out one of her sex scenes, that her tape player would fall into the hands of a ridiculously hot, younger man.

Daniel loves older women and has lusted after Erin for years. He's been waiting for the perfect time to approach her. He can't wait to find out if she's channeling her own desires into the characters in her book. Daniel thinks Erin is a secret exhibitionist and it's finally time to step up and let her know he's ready for anything she's up for.

Erin isn't the only one adept at sexual choreography. Before she can say "watch me", Daniel-riding crop in hand-has her bent over a table at a sex club, determined to fulfill every dark fantasy Erin has ever had.

Review:

Daniel has loved Erin for years and now with the book she is writing he has found the perfect way to make his move. Will she finally see him as more than her friend's brother?

Just Press Play is an interesting story about going after what you want and enjoying life. Daniel is a strong man who longs for more from life, he longs for love and with Erin he thinks he may find it. Erin is a strong woman with a playful side that she loves to share. Watching Daniel show Erin just how much he loves her was a nice read. It was a very creative way to start a relationship. Erin and Daniel make a cute couple that enjoy themselves.

M. A. Ellis writes a fast paced story that is full of imagination and romance and at the end you wonder what more adventures Erin and Daniel will be going on.

Title: Ride of Her Life

Author: Anne Rainey

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Ride Of Her Life Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

It's been a year since her divorce and Lily Justice is ready to move on-but not with just any man. She's got a certain drool-worthy body shop owner in mind. It's almost convenient that her car needs some work. And when she meets Kyle Wolff up close and personal, her inner-slut has to have him, age difference be damned. With the car staying at the shop, Kyle graciously offers to give her a lift home.

While she accepts a ride on Kyle's hot motorcycle, Lily's inner-slut wants a hot ride on Kyle.

She's about to get what she wants. And it will be the ride of her life…

Review:

A year after her divorce Lily has finally decided to take the bull by the horns and ask Kyle out. Yet when she arrives at his auto shop she finds herself scared and worried that their age difference might be a problem but Kyle is not ready to let this beautiful woman slip from his grasp.

Ride of Her Life is a wonderful story. I just fell in love with Kyle; he is such a sweet man. As sexy as he is on the outside it is what is on his inside that endeared him to me. He loves with all his heart and wants to make Lily happy any way that he can. Lily is a great character as well. A woman who is mature and strong, she is able to stand on her two feet even after all she has been through. I just adored the banter that these two shared. They make a great couple never taking the other for granted.

Anne Rainey weaves a wonderful story full of love and emotion that keeps your attention all the way to the end. I really enjoyed this read and cannot wait to see what this author comes up with next.

Title: Synapses

Author: Ashley Mann

Publisher: Cerridwen Press

Buy Link: Buy Synapses Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Brynna

Blurb:

Mutation has a way of changing things.

Like who is watching you.

Joey Falcione doesn't look like a murderer. Sure, orphaned, homeless for years, she's learned to blend in at Chicago's tough Streeter High. But killing someone is not part of her plans for today. She won't be given a choice.

Like how you see yourself.

At Laureate Prep, Molly McGlone-cheerleader, semi-spoiled rich girl-seems too shallow to be a superhero. But when evil strikes someone she loves, the changes inside her suddenly make sense. If she can help someone now, shouldn't she?

Like what you fear.

Until the night his body betrays him, Nick Ingram is so focused on schoolwork that the rest of his life is a shadow. But now his destiny has changed to include danger, power and two very different girls. One of those girls will claim his heart from the very moment he sees her.

Mutation changes everything.

Even how you fall in love.

Review:

On the streets of Chicago, Illinois, three teenagers with different backgrounds and abilities are thrown into chaos by a dangerous power they can't comprehend. Molly, Nick and Joey must learn to control their newfound abilities without destroying each other or raising the suspicions of their classmates, administrators, families and more importantly the people out to get them.

Though it started off a little slow, Synapses became a page turner. At first I was a little lost while the author tried to keep up with each main character by following their very different lives. Molly is the sterotypical cheerleader who seems the least likely to be heroic. Yet, when those she loves are threatened she fights as hard as anyone. I enjoyed seeing the different facets of these character's personalities, both the ones the world sees and who they really are inside. I think this is a book YA readers will enjoy, though I did have some qualms about the book being sold on a site linked so closely to a clearly adults only book site. Synapses is still a you need to read.

Title: Inside Sanctuary

Author: Cyna Kade

Publisher: Ellora's cave

Buy Link: Buy Inside Sanctuary Here!

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Stephen has decided to return to Sanctuary before his libido rages out of control and somebody gets hurt. Then he sees Mary and they share a vision, which means she could be his mate. He's delighted. She's not. Mary just wants a ride to Sanctuary, not a ride on Stephen.

Once there, he is determined to find out what she's hiding. Why insist on visiting the most dominant sex enclave in the world if you're not ready to submit? Stephen pushes until Mary finally admits why she's denying her true nature-she is so powerful she burned out her last lover. She's fearful Stephen isn't strong enough to control her.

But Stephen was born for this…and for this woman. He's ready to show her just how far a truly dominant man can take her.

Review:

Stephen is ready to go back to Sanctuary. He can't fight his needs anymore. When he comes across a clan female demanding he take her to Sanctuary he finds that he may have just found his mate. Mary is hiding something and she wont let Stephen in, she can't risk it but she can't resist her attraction to him.

Once again we find ourselves in the world of Sanctuary. A world full of dominant men and willing females. Stephen is a strong man and willing to fight for his mates love. I loved that he not only was a very dominant man but he cares enough for Mary to show her his love. Mary is a woman who loves with all her heart but is scared of her one power. It was great to see the rest of the people at Sanctuary stand up and help Mary and Stephen. Showing that love can conquer fear.

Inside Sanctuary is a very intense read. Cyna Kade has developed a world with domineering men and submissive woman that some readers may be taken aback by the harshness of the sexual need and practices that are used in this series. I myself enjoyed this series and will be looking for more from this author in the future.

Title: What She Needs

Author: Cris Anson

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy What She Needs Here!

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Older widow Delia Barnes is sporting a black eye when she greets fellow authors before an erotic romance convention, which she explains away by joking "I didn't say 'Yes Master' quick enough." Sitting at the bar, burned-out ad executive and former Dom Kurt Reinhardt overhears the remark-and interrupts to suggest maybe she needs "a new Master".

Urged by her friends to accept the younger man's invitation to learn some D/s basics-hey, an author needs to do her research, right?-Delia joins him to get first-hand experience at being submissive, starting with removing her panties in a corner booth. Later, she learns more than she bargained for when she spends a weekend at Kurt's home…with his eager business partner added to the mix.

But an innocent misstep brings Delia's world crashing down around her. Can she trust Kurt with her heart…and her life?

Review:

Romance writer Delia Barnes makes a casual off handed remark about having a master at a bar one night only to be corrected by Kurt Reinhardt. Could Kurt be the dominant man she needs to help her with her writing or could he be more?

This story was a good read about love and trust. I enjoyed seeing Delia reach deep inside her and find her courage. She is a feisty woman who stands on her own two feet but is willing to let her guard down to see where the attraction between her and Kurt leads. Kurt is a strong man who is nursing a broken heart. When he meets Delia we see him open his heart once again. Watching the two develop and iron out their relationship was a nice read. As the sparks fly and Delia gets to explore many different things the bond grows between them but a grave mistake may end the relationship before it is even begun. I loved the way Kurt proves to Delia that she can trust him once again. Kurt shows just how much love for her that he has making this a hot read.

What she Needs is a well-written book about finding love and trust when you least expect it. Keeping you entertained until the end this is a book that many will enjoy.

Title: Warlord's Destiny

Author: Delilah Devlin

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Warlord's Destiny Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Mickey

Blurb:

Mora has no illusions she's anything other than the sacrificial lamb to ensure peace between her peace-loving planet and the warlike world that demands a royal union with one of their own. However, when she meets the rugged warlord who will be her husband, Mora decides in that moment to win his heart-she'll settle for nothing less.

When Lord Tetrik suspects his wife harbors tender feelings, he wonders if he can be the husband she desires. After all, love for a woman is a frivolous thing-and not a warlord's destiny.

Review:

There were many aspects of Warlord's Destiny that I found quite enjoyable: particularly watching the developing romance between Tetrik and Mora. There is nothing quite as much fun to read as a little conflict in an historical novel, one in which the heroine is forced into a situation she is powerless to control, and decides to shape her own future. While Mora makes the most of her circumstances in Warlord's Destiny, she is absolutely determined to have a husband who is going to love her at the end. And luckily for us, we get to read a detailed account of how Mora convinces Tetrik that a barbarian can truly fall in love with his wife and live happily ever after. Simple.

While Mora and Tetrik struggle to find common ground in their new relationship, they also explore the sensual aspects of the marriage bed with great abandon. Ms. Devlin has a lively imagination, and she uses it to give us a number of interesting scenarios for Mora, Tetrik and occasionally their friends as they play and explore the boundaries of what is allowed in their marriage. Watching these two grow is both amusing and touching: they learn quite a bit about each other and themselves and so does the reader as the book progresses. I found Warlord's Destiny to be a very well-written novel, and ultimately a very entertaining story to read.

Title: Never As It Seems

Author: Shiloh Walker

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Never As It Seems Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by: Mickey

Blurb:

Three years after he walked away and broke her heart, Leo is back in Chloe's life and that's the last place she wants him. Not that she has any choice in the matter. She's in big trouble. She needs somebody to watch her back, and he's the "somebody".

Three years ago, Chloe dumped a bombshell in Leo's lap. I'm psychic, she told him. As if he was supposed to believe that. His world is black and white, and he doesn't buy into that mumbo-jumbo. Walking away from her damn near killed him, but he couldn't be with somebody he couldn't trust.

His new job? Keep Chloe safe. That's it. He's not supposed to touch her. He's not supposed to make love to her. He's not supposed to want her…need her…love her. But he can't stop thinking about her, can't stop dreaming about her. Now that she's back in his life, he can't keep his hands off her either.

Review:

Second chances are always wonderful, especially when offering the opportunity to correct a past mistake, which is what we find in Never As It Seems. Chloe Perkins and Leo Gray have a past, a relationship that failed due to misconceptions. The pair now have the opportunity to try again if Leo will have an open mind, and if Chloe will give him that second chance. Ms. Walker's writing shows an unbelievable emotional range as she takes her readers from incredible highs to equally extreme lows. While Never As It Seems is categorized as erotica, it is so much more emotionally invested than the average novel.

The intricate plot, fascinating characters and complex storyline all seemed like a bonus to this reader, but one I gladly accepted while reading this novel. What is there not to appreciate in the witty dialogue between two people trying to re-establish a relationship, setting off sparks the entire time? Especially as the book still manages to contain a number of vivid and sensual love scenes to keep things steamy. Happily, Ms. Walker manages to keep the tension high, and her readers guessing at the outcome until the very end, eagerly turning each page in anticipation. I thoroughly enjoyed Never As It Seems, this is a charming story, well worth reading.

Title: Customer Service

Author: Wynter Daniels

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Customer Service Here!

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

April's husband divorced her for a snooty saleswoman, leaving her with a bruised and battered self-image. When she evaluates a new sex toy and lingerie store for her job as a mystery shopper, she finds much more than kinky gear. One by one and then together, two hunky salesmen give her the best customer service of her life-emphasis on service-and restore her confidence in the process.

Review:

April has found herself a new job as a secret shopper and her new assignment is to evaluate a lingerie store. Ever since her husband left her April has been loosing her self-esteem little by little. Hopefully this new job will bring it back to her in spades. When April finds herself in the shop being helped by not one but two wonderful salesmen that dote on her she can do no more than believe in her beauty and herself.

April is a great heroine. I enjoyed watching her blossom under the loving attention from Ty and Bernardo. As great as April is I had a hard time connecting with Ty and Bernardo. Physically they were very appealing but it seemed to me that they lacked some substance and with the strange twist at the end of the story I was left feeling as if something was missing. Wondering if April really had her adventure or not.

Customer Service is a hot read that is well written and if you enjoy your books with a twist than this is one that you may want to pick up.

Title: Icarus

Author: Sherry L. King

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Icarus Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Mickey

Blurb:

He comes to her in dreams, when she is most vulnerable to his stirring touches and burning kisses. He drinks her blood and binds her to him in ways no mortal lover ever could…but Morrigan doesn't want to believe that her water-dwelling blood drinker is anything more than a figment of her deprived imagination. Morrigan wants to be free of her addiction to the highly sexual creature she knows only as Az. But Az has other plans…and soon he hopes Morrigan will be too deeply under his spell to care that he wants to take her back to his homeworld…to be his mate for all eternity.

Review:

I love reading stories that can send chills down my spine as well as shivers over my body. Icarus is just such a novel, and Az is certainly that type of hero: dark and mysterious, definitely dangerous and otherworldly. The relationship between Morrigan and Az begins as a dream and progresses to a fantasy taking the reader into their soft and magical world. Ms. King does a compelling job of juxtaposing the fantasy with reality to keep us tied to her characters, somehow making her story even more sensual and mesmerizing.

I must admit some familiarity and fondness for Sherri King's books and her Horde Wars characters, making me eager to read Icarus. Did this sway me in favor of the story, not necessarily. If anything I believe my expectations were slightly higher due to that familiarity. I am just happy my expectations were not only met, they were surpassed by this novella. Once again, Ms. King continues to provide her readers with sensual and dreamy love scene that manage to retain a hard-edged level of eroticism keeping them from being to bland or "vanilla." As a bonus, she also added a villain to the story to add a little spice to the plot, which only makes it better rather than more confused or muddied. All in all, this is a very good story, one well worth reading.

Title: Zellia's Blade

Author: Kitty DuCane

Publisher: Loose Id. LLC

Buy Link: Buy Zellia's Blade Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Dr. Zellia Calderon journeys across Colombia to find the lab and the answers that have plagued her for six years. Her only problem is trying to lose the handsome man called Blade who insists on tagging along. He's too sexy, too male, and too hot for her. He makes her burn with a passion that she's never known.

Blade's wolf recognizes Zellia as his mate and knows that she has a secret that she won't share with him. But with two attempts on her life, he's determined to keep her safe and hopes she learns to trust him. The only thing harder than keeping his mate alive is keeping his hands off her.

But when Zellia is kidnapped, will Blade reach his mate in time to save her life and the secret that she's waited six years to find?

Review:

With great alpha male men and strong woman Zellia's Blade is a great read. This story takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. I really enjoyed reading this book.

Zellia may see herself as ugly and not a bit sexy but Blade finds her beautiful and plans on showing her just how sexy she is. I loved Zellia she is a strong woman able to stand on her own and never letting her bad leg and limp hinder her. She has gone through so much in her life and survived. Blade is as macho as can be and he can back it up. As tough as he is on the outside we find that he has the heart of a teddy bear and it is as big as he is. The two make a wonderful couple. Watching Zellia come into her self and bloom with the help of Blade was a great read. Not only are Blade and Zellia great characters but the others in the book are just as wonderful. I just adored Gertrude and Sarita and all those alpha males walking around with their baby monitors was a hoot.

Kitty DuCane does a wonderful job mixing the paranormal world with adventure. Each of the characters is full of emotion and endear themselves to the reader. This is the second book in this series and I hope that there are more in the works. I for one cannot wait to see Rat find his mate.

Title: The Parent's Guide to Facebook

Author: Kathryn Rose

Publisher: CreateSpace

Buy Link: Buy The Parent's Guide to Facebook Here!

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

Blurb:

The Parent's Guide to Facebook is a step-by-step guide focusing on using Facebook as another window into your children's life, friends, attitudes and online actions. Facebook is the world's largest social network. To make sure people enjoy connecting with their friends and loved ones while protecting their privacy online, just follow this simple guide. Let the author walk you through the steps from the start of the sign up process all the way through setting up a group, uploading pictures, writing status updates, and do's and don'ts of privacy on Facebook.

Review:

I'll start with a confession: I'm not a parent. I was a Sophomore in college when Facebook first started to get big, and I've had a page since then. So I can see this issue from both sides.

I have to give this book credit for not giving into the fear mongering that inevitably surrounds sites like Facebook. It is easy to blame these site for all the ills of the world, while forgetting that those ills have been around long before even computers were invented. This book instead focuses on using Facebook as safely as possible, while acknowledging that nothing is perfect.

On the down side, there are a lot of places that boarder on paranoid; saying that such things as relationship status should be hidden to prevent bullying by other children. There are also places where the books seems to suggest a parent should change their child's page. This is a major violation of privacy, and is not going to make your child open up to you.

Title: Road Mage

Author: Robert Roman

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Buy Link: Buy Road Mage Here!

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

Blurb:

Jason Rodriguez is a CSI with a checkered past, struggling to live an honest life on the side of the angels. Literally. Jason is more than just a CSI, he's also a Mage. His magical powers are put to the test when he discovers that Paul Dunn, the city's most decorated officer, is actually a psychopathic Death Mage, 'solving' crimes by framing others for the murders he commits. Jason can't let Paul keep getting away with it. Paul can't let Jason keep breathing knowing what he knows.

Review:

This doesn't feel like a story. It feels like an excerpt from something larger. There are a lot of words used as if the reader should know what they mean, even though they are never explained. Magic of some kind is used, but how it works and why some have it and some do not is wholly unclear.

The characters are rather bland, and without understanding of the magical forces at work, the action is rather confusing. While the blurb above does make the plot a bit more clear, it shouldn't. The blurb is not for explaining or a replacement for characterization, it is there to entice prospective readers. These things should be explained in the story itself.

Overall, this story could use some refinement.

Title: The Parent's Guide to Facebook

Author: Kathryn Rose

Publisher: CreateSpace

Buy Link: Buy The Parent's Guide to Facebook Here!

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

Blurb:

The Parent's Guide to Facebook is a step-by-step guide focusing on using Facebook as another window into your children's life, friends, attitudes and online actions. Facebook is the world's largest social network. To make sure people enjoy connecting with their friends and loved ones while protecting their privacy online, just follow this simple guide. Let the author walk you through the steps from the start of the sign up process all the way through setting up a group, uploading pictures, writing status updates, and do's and don'ts of privacy on Facebook.

Review:

I'll start with a confession: I'm not a parent. I was a Sophomore in college when Facebook first started to get big, and I've had a page since then. So I can see this issue from both sides.

I have to give this book credit for not giving into the fear mongering that inevitably surrounds sites like Facebook. It is easy to blame these site for all the ills of the world, while forgetting that those ills have been around long before even computers were invented. This book instead focuses on using Facebook as safely as possible, while acknowledging that nothing is perfect.

On the down side, there are a lot of places that boarder on paranoid; saying that such things as relationship status should be hidden to prevent bullying by other children. There are also places where the books seems to suggest a parent should change their child's page. This is a major violation of privacy, and is not going to make your child open up to you.

Technically, this book is dry. It is an instruction manual, after all, and unless you are interested in what it has to say, it will probably put you to sleep. Also, there are some rather obvious grammatical and syntax errors. There aren't many, but in a book like this they are quite jarring.

Overall, I have my doubts about the long term viability of this book. Technology changes at incredible speed, and in a year or two, this book will be obsolete.

Title: Play It Loud

Author: Gina Lee Nelson

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy Link: Buy Play It Loud Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewer: Nerine

Blurb:

Claire Ashton-Howard strikes out on her own to prove to herself, her Upper East Side family, and Downtown Magazine, she has what it takes to be a journalist. When she rescues Evan Price from the path of an oncoming subway train, she stumbles onto the story of a lifetime.

A devastating motorcycle accident stripped Evan of icon status. Now ready to make a comeback, the former pop star must confront the demons in his past and convince Insignia Braff Music he's more than a has-been. Drawn to Claire's passion, Evan allows her into his guarded heart.

Revealing his painful secrets will cement her reputation. Little does Claire know that immersing herself in Evan's life will cause her to question herself. As the days pass, Claire's heart and head take sides.

The love of her life? Or the story of her life? She can't have both.

Review:

Claire Ashton-Howard is determined to approach life on her own terms, despite her privileged upbringing. Although she was groomed to be a professional musician by her parents, she dreams of being a journalist. While out researching a story about homeless people, she inadvertently saves the life of a famous musician, Evan Price, who, after a horrible motorcycle accident, is intent on making his comeback. Sensing a story, Claire auditions as a backing musician, hoping to dig up dirt for an exclusive inside scoop. The only thing is, she never bargained on falling for the man and having her feelings returned with equal intensity.

Be it my background in music or my present involvement in the media industry, Play It Loud resonated instantly with me. I immediately empathized with the characters in this little page-turner. Gina Lee Nelson tells a heart-warming, engaging story and it was easy to forgive the few patches where her narrative could have benefited from stronger transitions. It's refreshing to see a contemporary romance author put effort into her setting and secondary characters, offering the right blend of romantic tension and textured story arcs. Gina Lee Nelson takes a well-worn trope and gives it a unique sparkle with undertones of humour drawing to a satisfying conclusion.

Title: Shell Shocked

Authors: Angelia Sparrow and Naomi Brooks

Publisher: Pink Petal Books

Buy Link: Buy Shell Shocked Here!

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewer: Nerine

Blurb:

Sean Dempsey came home from Iraq with artificial knees, scorched retinas and a lot of baggage. He supplements his disability checks with money made writing romance novels under a female pseudonym, ironic as he has grown very nervous around women since a certain suicide bomber. When he meets Gabriel Herne, legless phone psychic, the sparks startle him. It's everything he's written about and never believed.

Swept into a whirlwind romance, Sean has to learn about his newfound bisexuality and his lover's pagan faith at the same time. And when he has a religious experience of his own, he discovers everything changes in its time, just like the Wheel of the Year.

Review:

Now heavily dependent on his medication, Sean Dempsey is scarred both emotionally and physically when he returns from the war in Iraq. With extensive surgery to his legs behind him, he struggles to cope in NYC, his PSTD often making it difficult for him to go into public. Even sleep doesn't provide sanctuary, as he is plagued by terrible nightmares. Yet, incongruously, he gets by, writing romance novels under a nom de plume. Then he meets Gabriel Herne, a wheelchair-bound phone psychic, and the feelings of attraction are very much mutual.

Overall, this is a well-written, well-told story. While I felt there could have been more conflict (and I kept waiting for some massive try/fail cycle that never happened) I nevertheless found the authors' exploration of Sean and Gabriel's lives together very touching. I liked the realism. The characters are not super-rich. Hell, they don't even drive cars, and they work hard to get by. The fact that love isn't all wine and roses, is also a plus point here. The characters get pissed off with each other and they admit when they're wrong, they're ordinary folk just trying to get by without the false glitter of hyper-realism. Also, there are no miracle cures for Sean, no great epiphanies that shake his world other than the quiet realization of his love for Gabriel. Shell Shocked is a tale sensitively told by two ladies who deliver consistently good-quality prose.

Title: Born Again

Author: Joel Dodd

Publisher: Mundania Press

Buy Link: Buy Born Again Here!

Rating: You Want To Read

Reviewer: Nerine

Blurb:

Al's life has gone to the dogs. Memory blanks, nightmares, and a disturbing new appetite for small, furry animals. Not to mention his reclusive, nocturnally gothic frat brothers who never seem to attend lectures, and his deliciously-scented girlfriend and her pals.

Standing at the lamppost of the crossroads of his life, everything that is odd in Al's life comes together to unmuzzle his true, inner self and reveal who his true friends really are.

Review:

Al's got problems. He's not sleeping too well, he has heightened senses and he's been puking up bits of animal remains. At the insistence of one of his fellow students, he goes to see a psychiatrist who recommends him for a CAT scan, and that's when he starts discovering some very strange things about himself.

Born Again is a deliciously malicious short story that plays with the stock-standard university horrors we love to watch on late Friday evenings. Although I would have liked to have seen Al question his odd situation a bit more (it was abundantly clear to me, as a reader, what was going on) I enjoyed this tale very much. As a reader I would have liked to have experienced more of a sense of impending doom while Al tries to piece together his mysterious condition but overall Dodd is a strong storyteller who kept me engaged with the narrative.

Title : Finally, My Love

Author: Kate Richards

Publisher: Breathless Press

Buy Link: Buy Finally, My Love Here!

Rating : You Need To Read

Reviewer: Jodie Pierce

Blurb:

Amelia Staker meets her Internet lover, John Quincy, for the first time in the flesh. After a year of seeing John only through webcam, she's ready to show him a good time. Without a moment to waste, Amelia is prepared for two weeks with John-alone, with no computer screens between them-until the elevator puts a hold on those plans. Stuck in a darkened cab, their imaginations run hotter than their online trysts. Can this romance translate into a permanent future? Or will she send him packing?

Review :

Computer savvy Amelia Staker finds love and more in John Quincy. A chance meeting online leads to webcams, cybersex and even phone sex. It takes several months but John finally makes it out to California to meet Amelia. First thing that happens is they get stuck together in the dark in her apartments' elevator. They make the most of their time and enjoy the release the internet and phone could not provide. Once out and in her apartment, they both profess their love. Will John move to California to be with Amelia? Will they be forced to continue their long distance relationship? Is John hiding something at home?

The plot, though I craved more was well thought out. The whole "internet sex/relationship" thing is very popular these days so it made the story very contemporary and relatable. The characters were very much the every day person next door so the reader could easily replace themselves into the story. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for romance and erotic sex in a tight little bundle.

Title : Gypsy Crystal

Author: Lorrie Unites-Struiff

Publisher: Eternal Press

Buy Link: Buy Gypsy Crystal Here!

Rating : You Want To Read

Reviewed By : Jodie Pierce

Blurb :

When a ritual killer starts terrorizing her town, FBI agent Matt Boulet is sent to lead the task force to catch the murderer. While Rita feels she has a connection with Agent Boulet, she senses he is holding back a deep dark secret about the killer. Her suspicions deepen when she learns another secret about her Roma family-one she finds impossible to swallow.

Review :

Gypsy girl, Rita Moldova is of Romanian descent. Her mother is old school, she reads tea leaves and palms. Rita has a secret gift. She wears an amulet that gives of signals of good and bad. It has allowed her in the past to see into the eyes of the dead people they recover. The new FBI Agent, Matt Boulet who's come into town from New Orleans has a secret gift too. He is searching for the same killer Rita's department has been looking for. The killer exsanguates all the blood from the victims, cuts a hole in their neck and dumps the bodies somewhere random. Rita is caught by the killer on a sting operation but when he samples her blood he calls her poison and dumps her out of his vehicle. Rita and Matt go to her mother for answers. Together, they find out that the killer is a long lost relative of Rita's and he is a vampire. Will they be able to stop Lucian before he can kill again? Who will lose their life in battling him? Will Matt and Rita not only come together at work but come together in the bedroom as well? What is Matt's secret?

The development of the characters in this story was great. The background on Rita was well developed and placed perfectly in the story. She was very likeable, strong yet innocent in a way. The lack of background for Matt made him more mysterious at first. He was the outsider. The mysterious knight in shining armor. The whole back story on Lucian was brilliant and well placed within the story. He was really so awful and you really got the sense of that from reading it. I really connected with the characters and when we lost one of them, I actually felt a brief sense of loss myself.

I found the story to be very interesting with a new twist on the old vampire story. It was written so well it was as if I was right there in the book with the characters. The chapters were short and kept you moving quickly through the book. I would definitely recommend this story to anyone who loves a little action, paranormal and suspense in their readings.

Title: Outside Sanctuary

Author: Cyna Kade

Publisher: Ellora's cave

Buy Link: Buy Outside Sanctuary Here!

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Stephen just needs a little time to himself. He's tired of sharing every emotion with everyone in Sanctuary. He longs for privacy so he leaves the clan enclave. When Stephen is attracted to a human woman who likes rough sex, he decides to ignore all the rules he's been taught.

Darla stands tied to a tree at an isolated campsite. She's always longed to explore her dark side with a strong, dominant man. Stephen is sexy as hell, but he's hard and controlling. She's starting to question her decision to meet him in this isolated spot. He might be more than she can handle.

Stephen knows it's dangerous, but really, this is something he does very well. What could be the harm in fulfilling Darla's BDSM fantasies? He just has to maintain control of his powerful sexuality-not go too far-and he can show her how a little pain can enhance her pleasure.

Review:

This story is book two in the Power and Pain series. Darla is a small town waitress who finds herself longing for rough sex and when Stephen shows up at her diner she thinks that she may have found just the man to satisfy her needs.

Outside Sanctuary is a fast paced and emotional read. Both Darla and Stephen are attracted to each other and what they can give to one another but is it enough? I loved seeing Darla enjoy herself and dare to move out of her comfort zone. Stephen is an honorable man that comes from another place and cares for Darla and her happiness. This was a very intense and hot read that has both Darla and Stephen taking a hard look at themselves and deciding where they want to go from there.

This book is well written and has characters full of emotion. It is a nice addition to this series and should be on your to be read list. I cannot wait to see what is in store for Stephen in the future and what new adventures he may have.

Title: Dancing in the Dark
Author: Jennifer Dunne
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Buy Link: Buy Dancing In The Dark Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Review:

How many of us feel as if we are living in a rut? Doing the same thing over and over everyday? Keri finds herself in just that predicament until she gets an invitation to a fundraising costume party. She decides to take a chance and go for it. Throwing herself into her character she gets to live out her fantasies.

I enjoyed watching Keri find her new sexuality. She is a smart and strong woman who finds satisfaction in a way that she never expected. She may be a strong opponent in the boardroom but in the bedroom she is a submissive at heart. As her master takes her to new heights Keri must decide if she wants more.
The relationship between Keri and her master grows. It may be a hot one but the love they begin to have shines through. Showing us that given the chance love will find you.

I was pulled in to this story right from the start. With its well-developed storyline and characters full of depth this is a book that should not be missed.