Showing posts with label Fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fantasy. Show all posts

Monday, January 16, 2012

Dragon Training 2: Dragon Fire by Emily Carrington

Title: Dragon Training 2: Dragon Fire
Author: Emily Carrington
Publisher: Loose Id
Publication Date: July 2011
ISBN: 978-1-61118-455-6
Genre: GLBT paranormal
Length: novella
Heat Level: Erotic
Other: Oral, anal 
Reviewer: Brecken Stevens
Date: January 13, 2012

Luke and Mark are committed and hitting the hurtles that arise when lust turns to love. Luke wants to be more to Mark and Mark wants Luke to be happy. In their floundering the two must deal with Mark’s past, namely his family. With love in place, the rest of the relationship must cement, and if Mark can’t trust his lover, all the love in the world won’t make either of them happy.

I can honestly say I’ve never read anything like Dragon Fire. A gay, Jewish dragon who has trouble shedding and has deep seeded trust issues? To say Mark has a nicely complex personality is an understatement. My favorite parts of this story were the main characters. Luke and Mark are great characters who work well with and off of each other. It is erotic and harsh at times, but Mark and Luke made it so I couldn’t put Dragon Fire down. 


Sunday, January 1, 2012

Romancing the Hero by Cate Masters

Title: Romancing the Hero
Author: Cate Masters
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: 10-26-2011
Genre: Fantasy Paranormal
Length: 70 pages
Heat Level: Sensual
Reviewer: TJ
Date: December 31, 2011

For romance writer Jody Feather, love is wonderful—on the page. Her books are instant bestsellers and readers love her delectable hero, Jake Emerson. He's the kind of man who knows exactly how to please a woman. The kind of man who doesn't really exist. Or at least not for Jody—she's too busy writing about delicious heroes to find one of her own.

When a man shows up on her doorstep claiming to be Jake Emerson, Jody's hormones shoot sky high. This would-be hero is everything she imagined him to be, and when Jody takes him to her book signing, readers swoon. But Jake only has eyes—and compliments—for her. Before long, Jody stops doubting his story and starts doubting her sanity.

When Jake convinces her she is overdue for love, Jody begins to wonder—instead of just writing about adventures, has she conjured one?

Romancing The Hero is a sweet escape from everyday life. As a long-time fan of romance novels I have always wished for my favorite heroes to come to life and that is exactly what happens here. Jake is a fantastic leading man so make no wonder all the fans adore him at the conference. Jody’s ex is a completely entertaining jerk, the kind of guy we all love to hate. I’m sorry to say I didn’t really have a good connection with Jody, she seemed a little arrogant to me, however the story idea itself and the setting made it an enjoyable read and almost convinced me I was judging the heroine a little too harshly.


Friday, December 30, 2011

Wishful Thinking by Sandra Sookoo

Title: Wishful Thinking
Author: Sandra Sookoo
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publication Date: December 5 2011
ISBN: 978-1-59578-885-6
Genre: Contemporary/Fantasy
Length: 54 pages

Heat Level: erotic
Other:  oral play
Reviewer: Gabrielle
Date: 12/29/11

 This book brings us a hot retelling of a childhood fairytale. Jovie has been evading her coworker’s roaming hands for what seems like forever and now he has tricked their boss into thinking the impossible. Who in their right minds would actually think a woman could transform paper into gold bars but that is exactly what has happened. Jovie is locked in a conference room and threatened with not only her job but her reputation as well.

 Just like the fairy tales that we grew up with this one brings us a romance and a story of evil versus good. Yet this story contains so much more in the romance department. I loved Rand, he is a great man who has spent centuries locked away by a curse and when he is finally able to be release he must make a hard choice. Seeing the relationship build between Rand and Jovie was a nice read.  As with all fairy tales the characters must make a life altering choice to save their true love.

If you enjoy fairy tales and romance this story is one that should not be missed.


Thursday, December 22, 2011

Sweet Magik (Klaus Brothers Series, #2) by Penny Watson

Title: Sweet Magik (Klaus Brothers Series, #2)
Author: Penny Watson
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: 11-04-2011
ISBN: 1-60154-921-0
Genre: Holiday, Paranormal
Length: 302 pages
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: TJ
Date: December 22, 2011

Oskar Klaus' job is killing him. Not even his favorite hobbies (extreme snowboarding and browsing old bookstores) are enough to snap him out of his funk. It's not easy living in the shadow of four successful older brothers and a father named Santa. Little does he know that a kiss on New Year's Eve is about to turn his life upside-down.

Kiana Grant's Manhattan life is a world away from her childhood in Oahu. She traded sunsets and surfing for a respectable career in library science, but Oskar Klaus is a temptation that's hard to resist. Before she knows it, she's in the midst of an outrageous adventure in the North
Pole, dealing with mischievous elves, wicked demons, and a devastating attraction to Santa's youngest son.

There's just one problem...a bitter elf hell-bent on revenge threatens the future of everyone in the North Pole, even Santa himself...
 

I can honestly say that I have been holding my breath waiting for this story to come out. I absolutely loved the first Klaus brother book and could not wait to read more. Thank goodness my very high expectations were met with this adventure. Penny Watson has a charming style I just can’t get enough of. Oskar is a bad boy who loves books so that makes him perfect in my eyes. Kiana is a likable heroine who I found easy to relate to. Watching the youngest Klaus hottie land his happily-ever-after was fantastic. I enjoyed witnessing Oskar and Kiana figure out their feelings for one another. The inclusion of some black magic and many laugh out loud moments makes this a lovely holiday fairy tale. I absolutely love the world Ms. Watson has created, in fact I wish I could move there myself. I hate the snow but I would be so willing to bear it for a chance to live in this magical place and meet the fabulous Klaus family. I cannot wait to see what the other brothers get up to. I look forward to making reading this and the first book a new holiday tradition. All I need is a big cup of hot chocolate and a copy of the Klaus brothers’ romances and my holiday is complete.


Saturday, November 12, 2011

Disenchanted Christmas By Sandra Sookoo

Title: Disenchanted Christmas
Author: Sandra Sookoo
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publication Date: Out Now
ISBN: 978-1-59578-769-9
Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance
Length: 71 pages
Author website
Author Email
Heat Level: Sweet
Reviewer: TJ
Date: November 6, 2011

Christmas in 1899 starts as a joyless affair. Bethany Cundiff has hit a rough patch in life. While caring for her young niece and nephew, she's evicted from her residence and fired from her job ten days before Christmas. To make matters worse, a gentleman who desires her company for the holiday, and has the money to back up the promise, propositions her for sex.

Blake Wenchal is a disenchanted elf that's been banished from the Northern Realm and Santa's court because he's lost the spirit of compassion and charity. Lonely from years spent by himself, he's thrown off balance when Bethany accepts his ill-advised offer of paid bed mate—except she arrives on his doorstep with children in tow.

Neither one counted on the power of love, acceptance and the miracle of family to make the holiday unforgettable.

Disenchanted Christmas is a heart-warming holiday keepsake that I will be sure to reread every year. Bethany is in desperate straights and even while facing an ethical dilemma she is still a strong and principled woman. Blake is malcontent with the season and humans in general until Bethany and her niece and nephew burrow their way into his disgruntled heart. Experiencing his interactions with the children and his reviving joy through them is such a treat. I loved how well developed every character introduced was and Blake’s neighbor is someone I hope to see make a reappearance in upcoming adventures. This story left me feeling that holiday miracles definitely can come true and that even our bleakest moments can lead to a lifetime of happiness.


No Such Thing by Sandra Sookoo

Title: No Such Thing
Author: Sandra Sookoo
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Publication Date: April 4, 2011
ISBN: 9781616502591
Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Length: 48 pages
Buy Link
 Author Website
Heat Level: Sensual
Reviewer: TJ
Date: November 6, 2011

When magic fails, sometimes trust and a second chance are all you need.

Magical things are happening once again in the tiny town of Crystal Falls, Indiana. But this time, the source of that magic is in trouble. May (Malaya) Wiggins, the owner of a boarding house, has been called to task by a member of the Magical Enforcement League. It seems May’s been practicing magic and nurturing the special spark in others without a license.

Enter Tavian Brightmore—the good-looking, play-by-the-rules Magical Enforcement officer sent to drain May’s energy. He’s also her former lover and the man who betrayed her ten years ago.

As Mrs. Wiggin’s May Day celebration nears, she and Tavian must learn to interact with each other, regardless of the attraction and anger that sizzle between them—magical and otherwise—before the power-hungry dean of the Institute of Magical Instruction kills them both.

No Such Thing is a charming, enlightening story. We get to learn a little more about our mysterious boarding house owner and her former lover. Tavian is an enigmatic hunk of a magical man and his powerful presence unsettles the seemingly serene leading lady. Malaya is a complex heroine and while she usually has an unruffled façade her sexy visitor has the unique ability to fluster her.  Once again we get to visit the town of Crystal Falls and we also get to visit May’s past. This was another remarkable Holiday Magic Series story and I cannot wait for the next adventure. This author always provides me with an exceptional experience, I love her whimsical tone and this tale did not let me down.


Midsummer Night’s Steve by Sandra Sookoo


Title: Midsummer Night’s Steve
Author: Sandra Sookoo
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Publication Date: Out Now
ISBN: 9781616502782
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 58 pages
Heat Level:  Sweet
Reviewer: TJ
Date: November 6, 2011

Three months have passed since Steve Compton’s last visit to Crystal Falls. Now he’s back, but far from pleased about it. Convinced there is more in the air than clean living, he’s a journalist on the hunt for a story that'll launch his career into the stratosphere.

Zoe Nickles loves the small-town atmosphere, the people, and most especially the great hiding places in Crystal Falls. She’s heard rumors about the magical aura in the tiny town, and when her powers come to fruition one June night, she knows the whispers are true. She’s the Tooth Fairy--with a sexy new look!

But there's a problem: a nosy reporter is on Zoe’s trail, with just enough street smarts and cynicism to thwart her ability to practice her newfound skills. Can she convince him Crystal Falls is harmless before he tells the world about the town’s “unique” quality, or will Steve blab the news, putting Zoe and all the paranormal residents at risk?

Midsummer Night’s Steve was another fabulous Holiday Magic Series story. Zoe is one of the sweetest heroines I have ever come across and her child-like belief in magic is infectious. Too bad Halloween has just passed as I think her outfit might have made a wonderful costume. Steve borders on the obnoxious until you delve into his past and personality and then his determination is almost admirable. Once again the setting is a fabulous one as this little town is full of fascinating inhabitants. It was nice catching up with some characters I’d already met and it made me eager to acquaint myself with those I’d yet to. This author has a solid spot on the top of my must-read list and this short story helps to cement it.


The Demon Side by Heaven Liegh Eldeen

Title: The Demon Side (Book One of the Demon Side Series)
Author: Heaven Liegh Eldeen
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Publication Date: October 21, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-61333-142-2
Genre: New adult/YA, paranormal romance, fantasy romance
Length: 127 pages
Heat Level: Sweet/Sensual
Reviewer: TJ
Date: November 6, 2011

Every kid has problems. Every kid has even more problems when they move to a new home. But when a kid with problems moves to a new home that has a Demon living inside it—look out!

Etta’s world is about to spin out of control when she encounters her new roommate—and Rahovart, that ancient trickster, is in for a few surprises too. So don’t mind all the crashing and rumbling; that’s just the normal noise Angels and Demons make when they’re fighting an epic war in the attic.

One thing’s for sure: Etta and Rahovart will have to go through Hell to Heaven and back again before that old Victorian home in Quantico Town finally quiets down…

The Demon side is a fantastic beginning to a new series. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a copy because I was interviewing the author. The story at times is sadly intense and Etta is an amazing heroine. She is strong and sweet, damaged and delightful and I cannot wait to see how this young woman is going to grow in the coming adventures. Rahovart is a truly complex hero with his multifaceted personality that seems to fascinate and surprise himself as much as it does the readers. I found this to be a raw read that left me wanting more. The emotions in this piece are so intense, entertaining and left me hypersensitive in a good way. The lead characters secure a deep connection with each other and I quickly became invested in the outcome of their interactions. The supporting cast was just as well developed and I cannot wait to read the follow up to this story.


Monday, October 17, 2011

Of Ghosts and Geeks by Molly Ringle

Title: Of Ghosts and Geeks
Author: Molly Ringle
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: 10-12-2011
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Length: 103 pages
Heat Level: Sensual
Reviewer: TJ
Date: October 16, 2011

Gwen Walberg, literature teacher and self-professed geek, is thrilled to acquire a priceless antique book but soon learns why it came so cheap.

The book contains the ghost of Violetta, its former owner, who spices up her boring afterlife by playing matchmaker. Gwen is her new target—and if she won't cooperate, Violetta is prepared to throw a storm of dangerous tantrums. Rather than give up the treasured book, Gwen reluctantly surrenders, and learns Violetta has already chosen the
man for her: Gwen's gorgeous gardener and friend, Paul Chang.

Paul is stunned that a ghost wants to cast him as a romance hero but intrigued enough to cooperate. Step by awkward step, Paul and Gwen allow their weird voyeur to force them into compromising positions. But what if the unlikely couple starts enjoying their bizarre, steamy situation?


Can they ever cultivate a healthy relationship with an unstable ghost
tagging along?

Of Ghosts and Geeks is a giggling good time. Violetta is the most annoyingly funny apparition I have come across in a long time. She is so undeniably selfish yet her antics provide so many laughs for the reader. Gwen and Paul are a fabulous couple and they should be grateful for the interfering specter who is helping them along with her matchmaking demands. I love that Gwen sees herself as a geek and is fine with it, almost proud of her nerdiness. I love how she takes Violetta’s presence in her life all in stride and is more concerned with her treasured acquisition. Paul is even more blasé about the voyeuristic ghost and her quixotic demands. He has the right mixture of geek and hottie to measure up for Gwen and I have to agree with her conclusion. I loved Gwen’s uncle even though I learned more about him than she would have liked. I am looking forward to reading more from this author this story left me with a big grin on my face and the occasional recurring chuckle.



Friday, October 14, 2011

Loving a Fairy Godmother by Danielle Monsch

Title: Loving a Fairy Godmother
Author: Danielle Monsch
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publication Date: 2011
ISBN: 978-1-59578-808-5
Genre: fantasy romance
Length: novella
Heat Level: sensual
Other: n/a
Reviewer: Brecken Stevens
Date: October 12, 2011

When Tiernan made the wish to be a fairy godfather, he had no idea what it all meant. Reina, one of the head fairies never warmed up to Tiernan, but maybe that’s because she secretly lusted after the unorthodox fairy. Affirming Tiernan among the ranks of fairy godmothers will take him finally giving a human a happily ever after, but to get there will mean letting go of his own dissolutions and maybe even finding his own with the fairy godmother of his dreams.

The love story between Tiernan and Reina was the story to watch. I enjoyed watching their love grow despite their personal issues. I didn’t love the side story with Cinderella nearly as much as the main storyline. Overall, a very interesting and entertaining (oh and steamy) take on the fairy godmother idea. A great story for a reader looking for a steamy fantasy story with a familiar twist.


Monday, October 10, 2011

Wolf by Dakota Cassidy, Kira Stone, Marteeka Karland and Sierra Dafoe



Title: Wolf
Author: Dakota Cassidy, Kira Stone, Marteeka Karland, and Sierra Dafoe
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publication Date: August 12, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-60521-546-4
Genre: Erotic Romance, Collection, Paranormal; Werewolves; Magic
Length: 248 pages
Author Website:
Author Email:
mkarland@gmail.com
sierra@sierradafoe.com
Heat Level: Erotic
Other: Anal/oral play, GLBT, foursome, sex with human while shifter is in animal form
Reviewer: TJ
Date: October 9, 2011

Werewolves are tenacious creatures, hunting their prey -- and their lovers -- with deadly accuracy.

Rarely do they miss their mark. Give that wolf a human form and he's almost invincible. Except when it comes to matters of the heart. Their lovers aren't the type to submit easily. It will take all their skills -- both human and lupine -- to get what they want. But then, they never settle for anything less…

Werelock by Dakota Cassidy
Addison Ross agrees to go on an All Hallows Eve pumpkin picking expedition to appease her niece and nephew. Hoo boy does she ever pick a winner. Beneath her pumpkin lies a talisman that brings the delish Caleb Marsden into her life. Caleb Marsden, the werelock…

Wild Ones by Kira Stone
Bitten by a ferocious wolf, Billy's need for solitude leads him to carve out a territory in the Canadian wilderness. Luc's small pack is made up of weres with the ability to control the elements. They need
Billy to complete the circle… but first the Wild Ones will have to
catch him…

The Witching Hour by Marteeka Karland
Hazel really wants to be the witch her Grandma always said she could be.
Unfortunately, though her spells always work, they never quite work the
way they're supposed to. Drake, the hunky werewolf next door, has an
appetite for a certain witch… and it's all for her own good.
After all, who ever heard of a virgin witch?

Wolf Bound by Sierra Dafoe
When Jenna's lover strands her on a ski slope in the Canadian
Rockies, an enigmatic lone wolf rescues her -- only to transform into a
naked, stunningly sexy man! Now Jenna is faced with a bitter dilemma:
if she stays, she'll be putting his life at risk. If she leaves, it's his heart she'll be destroying…

Werelock is a fresh and fun read. Addison and Caleb make a wonderful couple and their Halloween adventure provided me with some steamy moments and quite a few chuckles. Every character in this story is so completely developed from the big bad demon, to the annoyingly honest children. This author has a spot on my favorite list and this story confirms why she is there. This is a five-star story and I just know I will read it over and over again, perhaps making it my own holiday tradition.

Wild Ones is a spiritual shifter short full of action and folklore. It is raw and magical and completely mysterious. I love how I was drawn into the pack and how protective I felt towards Billy. Luc is a wonderfully complex hero and his genuine affection for Steve and Jacques is palpable. The unusual dynamics of the relationship easily fall into place and feel right. I enjoyed how in-depth Luc’s feelings and sentiments were and I appreciated the glimpses into the emotions of the newly turned Billy.

The Witching Hour is a fabulous fun and flirty story. I cannot describe how much I adore Hazel and Drake and all the fellow inhabitants of their delightful town. I am still chuckling over the groping Drake was subject to by the feisty seniors in his apartment building. I have to say that to be completely honest I wish there had been a warning that the story involved sex while the shifter was in animal form with the partner in human form, personally this is too taboo for me and I honestly wish it had not been included as it greatly diminished my enjoyment of an otherwise fantastic tale.

Wolf Bound is an unusual story with an amazingly detailed heroine. Jenna is a strong and intelligent character who finds herself in circumstances beyond her control. I found the erotic interaction between animal and human to be way too uncomfortable to be enjoyable and wish the sexual contact had solely occurred when both parties were in human form. I really wish that I could have gotten glimpses into our hero’s thoughts and feelings. My enjoyment in a story comes from a connection with the characters and I was unable to truly connect with this wild wolf with so much potential.

Overall Wolf is an interesting collection that admirers of our fine furry friends will love to add to their collection.


Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Inked 3: Mountain Men by Kate Hill


Title:  Inked 3: Mountain Men
Author:  Kate Hill
Publisher:  Changeling Press
Publication Date:  2011
ISBN:  978-1-60521-485-6
Genre:  Paranormal
Length:  Novella
Heat Level: Erotic
Other: Menage, Bisexual, anal, more
Reviewer:  Starla Kaye
Date:  10-4-11

While I had trouble with Lydia so easily accepting being taken to this magical realm, I still enjoyed the story. Kaelen and Jay were two very hot men, and wonderfully different. Their conflict was fairly believable and the way Lydia helped resolve it was nicely done.

All in all, this was an enjoyable, hot read.


 

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