Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Outlaw’s Kiss by Nicole Snow

Outlaw’s Kiss by Nicole Snow
Grizzlies MC, Book 1 (Prairie Devils MC Spin-off Series)
Publisher: Ice Lips Press (December 2014)
318 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Before her dad succumbed to cancer, he let Missy know about the fortune stashed in their basement that he’d sold his soul for so Missy and her little sister could have money for the future . . . too bad the Grizzlies came to take it back before they had a chance to doing anything with the nest egg, and it looked like they’d be giving up their lives for their father’s indiscretion as well, until one of the Grizzlies, Brass, stepped out and claimed Missy on the spot as his old lady. I wasn’t sure about Brass at first, having seen him betray his sister in previous Prairie Devils stories, but he was off the drugs this time around and making a new start looked good on him. It opened his eyes to the nastiness around him and what his MC actually was. I liked that he stayed loyal and tried to make a change from within, instead of just ditching. Missy was a little impulsive and foolish at times, but she had good strength. It was nice to see that there are a few good Grizzlies (loved Blackjack). Rabid next? Great read!

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Finding Love Between Terror and Rage by Marla Monroe

Finding Love Between Terror and Rage by Marla Monroe
The Howling Death MC, Book 1
Publisher: Siren Publishing (December 2014)
131 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.24)
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Brothers Rage and Terror are coming in to take charge of the Settler’s Point charter of The Howling Death MC, hoping to rebuild in anticipation of trouble with the neighboring Vipers MC, so the last thing they need is to get distracted by the cute waitress at the bar their MC frequents, but Mia gets under their skin, and they struggle to keep away from her for her own safety as things start to heat up in town. I loved this story! This was a little more gritty than other books I’ve read by this author, but I thought it really suited the characters. Mia was smart and tough, and really easy to relate to. Rage and Terror were great alphas, Terror a bit softer than Rage, and their protectiveness of Mia was fantastic. There are so many great secondary characters (Scooby, Hawk, Gunner, Bear) and I can’t wait to read further stories from this series. Great read!

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Barracuda’s Heart by Jayne Rylon

Barracuda’s Heart by Jayne Rylon
Hot Rods, Book 6
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.(December 2014)
177 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.44)
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

With all of the changes and new additions to their unconventional arrangement with their roommates, Roman’s (Barracuda’s) demons get the upper hand on him and his spiral downward leads him to an overdose and a frantic dash to the hospital to save his life, after which he goes away for rehab, giving everyone involved ample space for thinking time. I have been waiting for Roman and Carver’s story since this series began, and it did not disappoint! Of everyone, Roman isn’t quite so happy to share Carver with the others, and it was interesting to see that explored a bit. It was great to see Roman open up a bit more after he came back from rehab and share his struggles with Carver. Great story and I look forward to Touch of Amber, coming in April 2015!

Monday, December 22, 2014

The Healer by Allison Butler

The Healer by Allison Butler
Publisher: Escape Publishing (October 2014)
224 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.53)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Lynelle is an outcast among her father’s people and disowned by her father, so when her half-brother is taken by Scots she hopes getting the boy back will finally win her father’s favor, but in order to get the boy back she promises to act as a healer for a few weeks, neglecting to tell the Scottish Laird she has healing knowledge but no actual experience with real patients. This scenario could have gone far more wrong than it did for Lynelle, but I found her determination inspiring, seeing her through even during the few times when she lacked self-confidence. William is tortured by grief, having lost many close family members and he is very reluctant to let Lynelle past his protective walls, until he fears he might lose her. I liked the short sex scenes—longer is not necessarily better, and I really appreciated the “abbreviated” length of those in this story. Interesting story of Scots/English relations along the border.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

The Gift by Margaret Mallory

The Gift by Margaret Mallory
Publisher: Margaret Mallory (December 2014)
128 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Lily feels she must leave London and the shop she has for her healing practice in the midst of the witch hunts overtaking the city, and though she intended to head north, she didn’t quite intend to become lost in the wilds of northern Scotland, nor to be found freezing to death by a handsome Highlander, but Roderick saves her and brings her back home with him unclear whether this was the lass his grandmother foretold him finding. Despite Roderick’s rocky past in the love department, it was Lily who was more stubborn about being unable to believe in their feelings for each other and that got a little frustrating, especially when Roderick was trying so hard to make things right. But, they had such great chemistry from the start and it was a great holiday-themed highlander tale. For those who read the All the King’s Men Trilogy, Lily was featured as a child in the last story from that series, Knight of Passion. Nice, short read!

Friday, December 19, 2014

MacAlister’s Hope by Laurin Wittig

MacAlister’s Hope by Laurin Wittig
Kilmartin Glen Novella, Sequel to The Devil of Kilmartin
Publisher: Laurin Wittig (October 2014)
91 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Fia is grateful for everything her foster family has given her, but she has largely been hovering in the shadows working hard to learn the ways of being a healer and giving aid where she can, so when the MacAlisters show up demanding her aid, she finds she must step out of the shadows and come into her own as a healer in her own right. Kieron recognizes her immediately as the girl he’s loved ever since a small word of advice from her change his outlook on life, and instilled him with confidence. I love stories of people who glimpsed each other as children, then grow up to reunite and fall in love. The mystical/paranormal qualities of the Winter Stone made a great backdrop for the story. Great short story!

Loving Sanctuary by Becca Van

Loving Sanctuary by Becca Van
Slick Rock Series, Book 12
Publisher: Siren Publishing (December 2014)
125 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.40)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

After inadvertently opening one of her boss’s emails, Sabrina overhears him order her death, which sends her on the run and she ends up in Slick Rock where she collapses in the diner from fatigue and a bad case of the flu. Lucky the Wendall brothers (Trick, Trent & Tristan) are there and they take her back to their house to nurse her back to health, but when they find out about the danger she’s in, they all move out to the Heritage brothers Ranch for a while, hoping to lie low. I thought the illness was a bit of an interesting twist, the brothers fawning over her in her fevered state, but she seemed better way faster than I thought was realistic. Maybe it’s just me but the kissing, and interest in other things, while she was sick, seemed a little unrealistic as well. Nonetheless, Sabrina had great chemistry with all three Wendell men, and it was a really enjoyable read. I hope the Heritage brothers (Hank, David & Barry) are next! Great Series!

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Sweetwater Springs Scrooge by Debra Holland

Sweetwater Springs Scrooge by Debra Holland
The Montana Sky Series, Book 4.75
Publisher: Debra Holland (December 2014)
50 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Sensuality: White Heart

Elias messed up his chance to marry Marian years ago, and she ended up marrying someone else, while he ended up living alone on his parents farm and turning into the town Scrooge. But Elias happens to run into Marian’s grandson at the mercantile, and everything seems to fall into place to give him a second chance with the now widowed Marian. Sweet story of two people trying to right past regrets, with a holiday theme. This story takes place at the same time as those in the Sweetwater Springs Christmas collection. Nice, little holiday treat for Montana Sky fans!

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Bound Between Brothers by Powerone

Bound Between Brothers by Powerone
Publisher: Sizzler Editions (November 2014)
196 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

After finding her fiancé cheating on her, Monika leaves her high-powered job and the big city to return home and work as an architect for her father’s company, only to meet Martin, a man she’s interested in personally as well as professionally, but he seems very shy of initiating anything. After dating Martin for a while, Monika finds he seems to have two sides to his personality, a sweet, timid side and a more harsh, domineering side, so when she finds there are actually identical twin brothers (Martin & Michael) in her life, everything makes more sense. Apparently this story was originally released in a shorter version under the title Opposites. The constant change in personality of the man she was with made it so Monika never quite knew what to expect, but eventually the two personalities started meshing into one and it was interesting to see the brothers take on the traits of the other as time went along, and in the end both men were pretty harsh and demanding. I almost felt it would have been more interesting if Martin had stayed the sweet, gentle one, but oh well. This includes bondage, whip play and menage scenarios, as well as so much more. At the end, there is also a sneak preview included of the first installment of a new sci-fi (alien) BDSM series due out in 2015 called Intergalactic Bondage Colony.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Bitter Kind of Love by Nicole Snow

Bitter Kind of Love by Nicole Snow
Prairie Devils MC, Book 5
Publisher: Ice Lips Press (November 2014)
237 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

After going along on a weapons run gone wrong with her father, Alice lost her memory and was held captive by a ruthless MC, so when Stinger came in and rescued her, all she could think about was getting away from all the MCs, but it didn’t turn out quite as she imagined and Stinger was starting to look like the knight-in-shining-armor she’d left behind—little did she know he had no intention letting her stay gone. Alice is essentially an innocent wrapped up in all this by her father’s choice of employment, but she has a little sharpness to her a times and unbelievable strength of mind, and I found her very easy to relate to. Alice’s lack of sexual experience mixed with Stinger’s wealth of knowledge in that area was an interesting contrast, and though the sex scenes got a little long and numerous for me, there was definitely a strong connection between the characters, and that I liked. Roller next? Great series!

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

The Chieftain’s Feud by Frances Housden

The Chieftain’s Feud by Frances Housden
The Chieftain Series, Book 3
Publisher: Escape Publishing (November 2014)
73 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $1.93)
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Sensuality: Pink Heart

Jamie had a reputation with the ladies, but that all ended when he met Eve, and despite the betrayal of his first love, he hoped things with Eve would be different, but they were barely hand-fasted when her father discovered them and took Eve away. With no word from Eve, Jamie feared he was betrayed once again by love, until he and his friends found Eve’s near frozen body in the snow, as if she had been trying to reach him. This is a sweet story built around misunderstandings of past and present, and with the guilt that plagued Jamie over his failure to act in the past, it was great to see him find something that meant enough to him to make him stand his ground. Great holiday-themed story. I hope Rob’s story is next! Great series!

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Cost of Repairs by A. M. Arthur

Cost of Repairs by A. M. Arthur
Cost of Repairs Series, Book 1
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (June 2012)
246 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.24)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

After his lover is murdered, Sam moves across the country in the hopes of making a fresh start, and the new beat he is assigned to includes a little diner with a fry cook that he’s immediately drawn to, but Rey seems to have as many secrets and demons as he does. Great story of two men beaten down by life that find strength in each other to help them move on. The first part of the book is told from Sam’s point-of-view, as the new cop in town, then we switch to Rey’s point-of-view, with the last few chapters being a mixture of the two, and I really liked the way it was organized. Sam for the most part was laid-back and easy-going, definitely the calming influence in the relationship, but I liked that he a few dramatic outbursts to make him interesting. Both characters had a lot going on and a lot of complexity. The next book in this series is Color of Grace, about Rey’s ex, Schuyler (Sky).

Monday, November 17, 2014

Chieftain by Command by Frances Housden

Chieftain by Command by Frances Housden
The Chieftain Series, Book 2
Publisher: Escape Publishing (September 2014)
212 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.53)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Neither Gavyn nor Kathryn are very pleased by the King’s decree that they wed, but after some prideful posturing and a two-year absence in which Gavyn goes abroad to seek fortune with his mercenaries, both seem resigned to make the best of things, though they have a rough start of it even then, a lunatic on the loose not helping things. This is a romance story with a bit of murder mystery woven in the background. Gavyn and Kathryn both had quite a temper, leading to many frays where they both said things in haste that they later regretted, and I did wish they wouldn’t hurt each other so deeply, so often, but it was very true to character. There were so many great secondary characters in this and their stories were just as touching as the main characters. I can’t wait for Rob’s story, and I look forward to reading Jamie’s story in the next book in this series, The Chieftain’s Feud!

Sunday, November 16, 2014

The Chieftain’s Curse by Frances Housden

The Chieftain’s Curse by Frances Housden
The Chieftain Series, Book 1
Publisher: Escape Publishing (February 2013)
253 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Fourteen-year-old Morag, in scouring a battlefield for her beloved brother finds instead one of the enemy still alive, sixteen-year-old Euan, whom she nurses back to health in secret in a cave. Naive decisions made while in the flush of youth had long and dire repercussions for both Morag and Euan, but they are drawn together once again as if fate was allowing them a second chance, but would they be brave enough to take it? There are such old deep wounds on both sides of this story, Morag’s resentment of Euan’s desertion all those years ago and the curse that Euan believes has taken all his wives and sons since, that it was understandable that misunderstandings abounded between them, but I did wish it could have been otherwise. This more than most other historical romances I’ve read, really captured the harsh realities of a medieval life and displayed it’s effect on a romance of the time, with all the ugliness and beauty it might have contained, without trying to sanitize it overly much. Moving story, and I look forward to reading Gavyn’s story in the next book in this series, Chieftain by Command.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Captured by a Laird by Margaret Mallory

Captured by a Laird by Margaret Mallory
The Douglas Legacy, Book 1
Publisher: Margaret Mallory (September 2014)
344 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Alison is relieved to finally be a widow after suffering for years with a marriage that had been a daily nightmare starting when she was wed at the age of 13, so she is dismayed when David takes the castle and she finds herself forced into another marriage. Both of these characters had so little first-hand experience with healthy relationships between men and women, that their problems with communication and misunderstanding each other’s feelings and motivations became really frustrating. Had they been more open with each other, they could have helped each other with the trials they were facing, but instead it just made everything harder. I really liked both characters. Alison still seemed really naive, despite all she’d been through, but she had a good heart. David was a complex and rich character, and though he was stoic and reluctant to talk about things, his feelings came through loud and clear through his actions from the beginning and I couldn’t help but love him. Great story and I look forward to reading about the other Douglas sisters. Sybil is up next in Claimed by a Highlander. Hope to see it out soon!

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

The Sheriff and the Madame by Powerone

The Sheriff and the Madame by Powerone
Publisher: Sizzler Editions (September 2014)
167 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Due to their anti-slavery beliefs, John, his wife Amanda, and their daughter Phebe, have become outcasts in their small southern town, and as the Civil War draws closer to their town they fear it would be dangerous to remain, so they set out for California, hoping to find a new farm out West to make their home. After John’s death, Amanda finds herself taken advantage of by a sinister brothel Madame, while Phebe is exploring the wonders of city life with her saloon/brothel owner suitor. This story includes: glove fetishes, voyeurism, drugged participants, F/F, and other multiple partner scenarios. A coarse, raunchy story with a Happily Ever After at the end, what could be better than that?

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Her Highlander’s Promise by B. J. Scott

Her Highlander’s Promise by B. J. Scott
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing (October 2014)
160 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Pink Heart

On the day of her father’s burial, ten-year-old Laurel met thirteen-year-old Blair, and taken with her by love at first sight, promised to return when they were both of age and wed her, giving her a promise ring to remember him by. Laurel has a difficult life with her evil guardians and Blair returns to her not a moment too soon. I couldn’t decide if Laurel was too naive or if she was just too trusting, but she seemed easily fooled by her nemesis for a goodly portion of the story, but she was a very likeable, noble person and I liked her throughout. Blair was everything you could wish for in a knight in shinning armor. The ending hinged on a great many miraculous events and discoveries, that may have been more than a tad unrealistic, but I found it enjoyable. Great story. Dare I hope it will be followed by any sequels to tell the stories of Blair’s three older brothers (James, Ian and Keenan), Katie from the inn or her Uncle Lachlan’s story?

Monday, November 10, 2014

Wildsmith by J. J. Sachs

Wildsmith by J. J. Sachs
Wildsmith Series, Book 1
Publisher: J. J. Sachs (October 2014)
155 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Lucy is sexually unfulfilled with her first boyfriend, Kieran, so when a new college lecturer catches her eye the mutual attraction between them forces her to give more serious consideration to breaking up with her boyfriend. This story starts out with a heavy dose of sex scenes and sexual fantasies, but eventually heads into topics with a bit more substance, and I was impressed with the emotional depth the characters had by the end. Lucy could be immature and petulant, and at times self-centered, and I didn’t particularly like her, but Wildsmith was a man of many layers, and their combination softened Lucy a bit, making her more palatable. Poor Kieran, I really felt for him, so I hope he doesn’t just get left in the dust with this situation. This is part one of a series, so you are left hanging at the end here.  The characters really draw you in, and I can’t wait to read part two! Great story!

Friday, November 7, 2014

Highlander’s Redemption by Emma Prince

Highlander’s Redemption by Emma Prince
The Sinclair Brothers Trilogy, Book 2
Publisher: Emma Prince (November 2014)
291 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Garrick is focused on his part as a prized archer in the Scottish Resistance, so a little side trip into the borderlands for cognizance requiring more schmoozing than fighting ability isn’t exactly something he’s looking forward to, feeling his talents would be put to better use elsewhere, but he does his duty, and though he usually works alone, accepts that Burke will accompany him. Jossalyn is under her abusive brother’s thumb, and wishes to practice her healing abilities more openly. I thought Jossalyn was a very strong character. She bided her time, trying not to make waves when it wouldn’t help her cause, but she pushed ahead defying her brother in her own way. Sometimes it is both smarter and stronger to suffer quietly, waiting for the right moment to strike, and I really admired her for that. Garrick was so focused on all the roadblocks to their relationship for so long that he got a little frustrating at times, but his ready acceptance of Jossalyn and her dreams was a beautiful thing. Great book and I look forward to reading both Burke’s and Daniel’s stories!

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Love Scars: Bad Boy’s Bride by Nicole Snow

Love Scars: Bad Boy’s Bride by Nicole Snow
Publisher: Ice Lips Press (October 2014)
156 pages, eBook
(borrowed from the Kindle Owner’s Lending Library)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Anna’s father’s business affairs have gone awry and she’s become part of the plan to stabilize things, but she’s given virtually no information about anything and dropped off at a ramshackle house by her father’s men, only to be picked up by a man named David, who claims to be her husband and has the documentation to prove it. It appears she’s been used as a bargaining chip, so the only thing left to do is choose a side, her father or David? David is a mob boss, bad boy—coarse, forceful, and driven—determined to have Anna for his own, and failure is not a concept he is familiar with. His determination and confidence in achieving his goal of having Anna as his own was bewitching. He could be harsh and savage, and he wasn’t particularly compassionate, especially in the beginning, but despite his rough facade, I always felt his heart was in the right place. The dialogue got a little cheesy at times, but it was a good short read.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Steamroller by Mary Calmes

Steamroller by Mary Calmes
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 2012)
120 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.99)
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

As the star quarterback on his college football team with the very real possibility of playing in the pros, Carson is used to being highly visible, but he's found it's a very lonely position to hold, wanting just one person who sees him and not his social status or athletic ability; and he thinks he's found that in Vince. This is a Cinderella story. The prince notices the one person that is invisible to everyone else and carries them off. Carson's persistence and his self-confidence were a huge draw and I absolutely loved him; his stubborn pursuit of Vince was a beautiful thing. Great story!

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Boone's Bride by Christy Chapel

Boone's Bride by Christy Chapel
Courage and Cowboys Mail Order Bride Series, Book 1
Publisher: Christy Chapel (October 2014)
114 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: White Heart

Ally had escaped a family that didn't want her by becoming a mail order bride, but arrived to find her betrothed a villain, so when she saw her chance to escape she took it and ran right into the arms of Boone, who risked his life to protect her. Boone was stubborn and difficult, thinking up all kinds of excuses about why he couldn't or didn't want to be involved with a woman, but his brother, Bryce, and his friends kept nudging him along until he was honest with himself.  Nice short read. I hope we get to know Boone and Billy's friends, Roll and Connor, in future books and hope to read Bryce and Cathryn's story next!

Colby's Mail Order Bride Sassy by Cia Leah

Colby's Mail Order Bride Sassy by Cia Leah
Publisher: Cia Leah (September 2014)
61 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: White Heart

Sassy agrees to be a mail order bride, hoping her dangerous uncle will be happy with taking the farm, but when it seems danger has followed her to her new home, Sassy fears for her new husband, Colby, his brother and all his ranch hands and feels the only option is to leave to keep them safe. Sweet story and I just loved Colby. Sassy is a little unconventional, but Colby took her just as she was, and loved her for her quirks. Colby's brother, Chase, was a little aggravating, and it would be nice to see a woman whip him into shape, though I'm not sure I'd want to inflict him on a woman as is. Decent short read! 

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Mindy’s Mail Order Husband by Cia Leah

Mindy’s Mail Order Husband by Cia Leah
Publisher: Cia Leah (May 2014)
53 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: White Heart

After Mindy's father dies, she feels her only option to enable her to keep the ranch is to advertise for a mail order husband. Brett eagerly responds, looking for an escape from the life his father's laid out for him and he despises, preferring life on a ranch to life behind a desk. Sweet little story about a grieving young woman who is in need of a man to keep the ranch hands in order and help out around the place, but finds she's gotten a man who is so much more than that. 

J. T. Morgan's Mail Order Bride by Cia Leah

J. T. Morgan's Mail Order Bride by Cia Leah
The Morgans’ Brides, Book 4
Publisher: Cia Leah (September 2014)
63 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)
Book Rating: 3 Stars
Sensuality: White Heart

J. T.’s mother had picked out a bride for him, from among the young ladies at the orphanage she volunteers at, and he was looking forward to starting a life of his own with his new bride, away from the family ranch and the hustle and bustle of his large family, but Annie shows up for the wedding with a young boy in tow, and J. T. realizes he won’t be getting the quiet life he imagined now that he has a ready-made family, but dangers threatening from Annie’s past make him realize what’s important. Sweet historical western romance. I would have liked to see a bit more development of the relationship between J. T. and Annie, but this was a very short story. Entertaining short read.

Carter Finds Two Mates by Becca Van

Carter Finds Two Mates by Becca Van
Pack Law Series, Book 7
Publisher: Siren Publishing (April 2014)
115 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.24)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Carter was feeling lonely and a little jealous of all his cousins who not only had siblings to keep them company, but more so those who had found their mates; so he was pleased to scent his mate as he was leaving the club one night, but confused to find it was another man. Crag and Carter adjusted to the surprise that their mate was male, only to find they had another mate and they recognized Tammy the moment she came in the club. This story takes the formula all the books in this series follow and throws in a bisexual relationship, and I thought is was really nice to see things changed up a bit. All three main characters were really open-minded people and didn't fight things too much, which I really liked. Fun read.

Love Found by Becca Van

Love Found by Becca Van
Pack Law Series, Book 6
Publisher: Siren Publishing (February 2013)
140 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.24)
Book Rating: 3 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Rylan and his brothers, Tarkyn and Chevy, were feeling sorry for themselves and a little jealous after watching all the newly mated wolves from their pack with their mates, and wishing they could find their mate, when she shows up as a delivery person at the club and nearly falls into their lap. Alyson could be abrasive and overly difficult at times, and I didn't like her as well as some of the heroines from previous books in this series, but in her defense, her men were a bit more pushy and arrogant themselves (particularly Rylan, my least favorite of the three brothers). I also thought the climax was a little rushed, and there was no mention of evil chick, Cherry, and her involvement in things afterward. Nonetheless, a nice short shifter read.

Monday, October 20, 2014

Vegetarian Mate by Becca Van

Vegetarian Mate by Becca Van
Pack Law Series, Book 5
Publisher: Siren Publishing (October 2012)
126 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.24)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Rochelle struck out on a road trip looking for whatever was missing from her life, and an urgent need to use the bathroom leads her the front gates of the Friess wolf pack's den, where brothers Jarrod, Malcolm and Braxton immediately recognize her as their mate. This series keeps getting better as it goes along. Rochelle is the biggest klutz on the face of the planet, leading to various amusing situations, and her quirky personality was very likable. The men have a surprising amount of depth for such a short story, and I felt like I got to know each of the three brothers individually. The vegetarian problems seemed a little unnecessary, but whatever. Fun, short romp.

Werewolf Mates by Becca Van

Werewolf Mates by Becca Van
Pack Law Series, Book 4
Publisher: Siren Publishing (July 2012)
115 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.24)
Book Rating: 3 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Sam is on the run from a stalker and runs low on money, luckily she meets the Domain brothers (Justin, Roan and Chet) who immediately recognize her as their mate and offer her a job to keep her in town. This is much the same as previous stories in this series, although I think this is my favorite so far . . . the characters seemed to have a bit more depth and though there were plenty of sex scenes, they didn't seem as needlessly abundant in this book as they had been in the previous books in the series. Some of the dialogue and the endless endearments can get a little cheesy at times, but this is a good light-hearted short read. If you are looking for a fun little romp, this'll be right up your alley.

Friday, October 10, 2014

Mate for Three by Becca Van

Mate for Three by Becca Van
Pack Law Series, Book 3
Publisher: Siren Publishing (March 2012)
99 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.24)
Book Rating: 3 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Talia's ex-husband has sinister plans for her and she's on the run, hoping he won't catch up to her, when she gets stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire. Luckily, Blayk is happening by and recognizes her as his and his brothers' fated mate, so he offers her a place to stay for the night. If you like the first couple books in this series, you'll probably like this one, too. They stick pretty close to the same formula. This one seemed a bit more reliant on sex scenes, and it got to the point where it was becoming repetitious and almost boring for me, but others may like a little less plot/character development and more sex; I guess it depends on what you're after here. Light, raunchy read.

Monday, October 6, 2014

Keira's Wolf Saviors by Becca Van

Keira's Wolf Saviors by Becca Van
Pack Law Series, Book 2
Publisher: Siren Publishing (February 2012)
98 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.24)
Book Rating: 3 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Kiera's on the run from a brother who is out to kill her for her trust fund, and she just so happens to run out of traveling funds in front of the Club where the Domain brothers (Greg, Jake & Devon) work. The men immediately recognize her as their mate and set about keeping her nearby, offering her a bookkeeping job at the Club. This story had the potential to be really good, if it had been fleshed out a bit more. It read like a story outline at times (very rushed) and the characters (particularly the men) lacked depth, and the sex scenes where so numerous that I started to get bored with them. Kiera was very likable, as were the men, and there were a few really good one liners. If you liked the first story in this series (Set Me Free), you'll like this one, because it closely follows the same formula. Nice short raunchy read.

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Set Me Free by Becca Van

Set Me Free by Becca Van
Pack Law Series, Book 1
Publisher: Siren Publishing (February 2012)
101 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.24)
Book Rating: 3 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Michelle is new in town and working as a librarian, hoping small town life will agree with her, when the Friess Brothers (Jonah, Mikhail and Brock) catch her scent and realize she is their mate, prompting them to aggressively pursue her. Michelle displays drastic personality shifts and sudden debilitating attacks of pain which make for unpredictable plot twists. The guys could have been fleshed out a bit more, but were good generic handsome alphas. Nice fun romp. The story's a little rushed, lacks detail and contains some editorial mistakes/plot holes, but at around 100 pages I didn't expect anything too elaborate. If you are looking for a quick shifter menage read and don't plan to get overly hung up on the details, this is a fun option, and I look forward to continuing the series.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Prymal Obsession by Jianne Carlo

Prymal Obsession by Jianne Carlo
Prymal Series, Book 2
Publisher: Hartwood Publishing Group (October 2014)
231 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.99)
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Brut (alpha cat/wolf/human shifter) is still grieving the loss of his mate and his pack, and his focus is on gaining revenge for those he lost, so his undeniable attraction to Sidonie (a human female) is both aggravating and mystifying. Sidonie's brash, trampy facade hides a vulnerable, insecure woman with a difficult childhood that continues to haunt her and she was such an interesting character to get to know. Brut had his own complexities and insecurities dealing with his mixed heritage and appearance, but his main hurdle is the guilt he feels over his feelings for Sidonie. Brut and Sidonie had such a strong connection, and excellent chemistry. Great story. I hope Lycus's story will be coming, and I'm looking forward to Bandit's story in Prymal Passion due out December 2014.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

The Highlander’s Bride Trouble by Mary Wine

The Highlander’s Bride Trouble by Mary Wine
The Sutherlands Series, Book 4
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (August 2014)
319 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

After being grievously betrayed by a relative that was to have acted as a guardian to Nareen, she carries deep emotional wounds and has sworn never to put her fate under anyone else's control, especially a man, but Saer has just as many demons from the past haunting him, understands her quirks like no else ever could, and hopes they can be what each other needs in life. I loved Saer! He was determined to have Nareen, no matter how difficult she was determined to be and I loved that he never gave up, no matter what. Nareen's resistance got really old after a while and it got to the point where, I'm not sure even she knew why she was still holding out, but she was a likable character, so at least there was that. Their love-hate, fire and passion fights were definitely entertaining. Maybe Nareen's brother, Kael, will be next? Great series!

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

West Winds of Wyoming by Caroline Fyffe

West Winds of Wyoming by Caroline Fyffe
Prairie Hearts Series, Book 3
Publisher: Montlake Romance (September 2014)
320 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: White Heart

With the ranch work falling a bit behind since her husband’s death, Nell hopes Charlie will be the helping hand she and her brother need to get the ranch back in shape, but Charlie’s past may put them all in danger. Both grieving the death of a spouse, Nell and Charlie are drawn to each other from the beginning, but many factors stand in there way, the situation only compounded by Charlie’s secrets, and I wish he would have confided in Nell a bit earlier on, instead of dragging it out for so long making Nell’s insecurities worse. I liked Nell’s mystical connection to the animals, and thought that was a neat aspect to her personality. As with the second book in this series, there are multiple storylines all going on at the same time, giving it a bit of a soap opera feel, that I really enjoyed. There are so many interesting characters in this series and I can’t wait to continue with the next installment in their adventures!

Glorious Montana Sky by Debra Holland

Glorious Montana Sky by Debra Holland
The Montana Sky Series, Book 4
Publisher: Montlake Romance (October 2014)
350 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Sensuality: White Heart

After the death of his wife, Joshua returns from doing missionary work in Africa with his young son, and hopes some time spent in his parents' home in Montana will revitalize him, repair his relationship with his son, and ease the guilt he carries regarding his unhappy marriage; and a striking young woman he meets on the train home seems to help his state of mind, but Delia carries secrets she's ashamed of and she's in constant fear of discovery. Delia's situation provided an interesting look at what an illegitimate mixed-race woman of the time period may have had to face, and it was an interesting combination with a pastor who'd done missionary work in Africa, providing complexities of propriety, differing cultures, personal compatibility and questions of faith. It was a great story and it was fun to see many of the previously introduced characters from both the Montana Sky series and the Mail-Order Brides of the West. Caleb Livingston had a role in this one as well and is just the sort of antagonistic character that you have hope for, despite his faults, and hope to see corrected; hopefully a woman who is up for the job is on the way. I'm most eager to read his story and see him reformed. I also look forward to reading Healing Montana Sky and hope to see it out soon!

Monday, September 29, 2014

My Rebel Highlander by Vonda Sinclair

My Rebel Highlander by Vonda Sinclair
Highland Adventure Series, Book 6
Publisher: Vonda Sinclair (June 2014)
277 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Rebbie had never seriously entertained the idea of marriage, despite his father's prodding, but seeing Calla again, years after a one night stand that he'd never been able to forget, has him rethinking what he wants out of life and what kind of woman he may want to share his life with. Calla was a sweet young woman that was easy to relate to, but her secretive nature and unwillingness to trust Rebbie with her problems became frustrating rather quickly, making the big reveal much worse of a betrayal than it needed to be. Rebbie was so protective and sweet with Calla, and I loved him even more in this story than I had from the glimpses of him in the previous books in the series. Lots of close-contact horseback riding and clandestine bedchamber visits. Great story and I look forward to further stories from this series!

Friday, September 26, 2014

Merciless Love by Nicole Snow

Merciless Love by Nicole Snow
Publisher: Ice Lips Press (August 2014)
300 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Evan was desperate to get his son back from the evil man that was holding him hostage, desperate enough to hand over an innocent young woman to be tortured in his son's place . . . or so he thought, but as he got to know Cassie, things became more complicated than he'd thought they'd be. This story is dark and gritty. Evan isn't all good, and he certainly never pretends to be, but his internal conflict over his unique code of right and wrong is what made this story so good. Cassie was interesting too, providing a twisted internal struggle to go along with her feisty fits of rebellion. Great dark romance with a HEA.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Wicked Kind of Love by Nicole Snow

Wicked Kind of Love by Nicole Snow
Prairie Devils MC, Book 4
Publisher: Ice Lips Press (September 2014)
328 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Hoping to make some extra cash, Emma signed up to pull medic duty for the Prairie Devils MC, thinking it would just be a moonlighting thing and she could keep things on a professional level, not getting involved in the riskier side of their operations . . . that is until she met Tank and things became a whole lot more personal. Tank spends a lot of time and energy trying to protect Emma from his lifestyle, by pushing her away, but once he gave in and accepted things, his intensity and passion with regard to their relationship was unbelievable, and I loved his unshakable loyalty to both Emma and his MC. Emma was a "good girl" drawn into another side of life, and I like the mixture of her clean cut facade with that little bit of vixen that she sometimes showed to Tank. I hope Stinger's story is next! Great series!

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Highlander’s Ransom by Emma Prince

Highlander’s Ransom by Emma Prince
The Sinclair Brothers Trilogy, Book 1
Publisher: Emma Prince (August 2014)
243 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

As a part of the Scottish resistance, Laird Robert Sinclair was in the borderlands hoping to raid a supply delivery meant for his nemesis, Lord Raef Warren, when a much better means of revenge fell into his lap, and he captured Warren’s betrothed hoping to ransom her. Alwin was a strong heroine, that managed to show a lot of backbone, without being abrasive or unreasonable about it, and I really liked her. Robert could be frustrating at times, as all males are, but I couldn’t help but like him and his strong sense of honor. The style of writing reminded me a lot of Julie Garwood’s Highlands’ Lairds Series (The Secret/Ransom/Shadow Music).  Great book and I look forward to reading Garrick’s story!