Worth Staying For by Mary Eason

Title: Worth Staying For

Author: Mary Eason

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Publication Date: 1-04-2012

ISBN: 978-1-61217-194-4

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Length: 206 pages

BuyLink

AuthorWebsite

AuthorEmail

Heat Level: Sensual

Reviewer: TJ

Date: January 15, 2012

Dr. Jordan Scott is banking everything, including her life, that she can simply disappear into thin air, forget the nightmare she left behind in New York, and never be found again by her ex- fiance Caesar Santiago or his powerful family.

Detective Riley Donavan believes the pretty doctor knows more than she’s telling him. Can they work together to solve the murder of her brother, or will they end up the next victims of the crime lord?

Worth Staying For is a serious and sensual suspense story. While you know who the bad guy is for most of the story the tension is still ever present and the anticipation is palpable. I enjoyed the fact that Jordan was a smart successful woman who still found herself in a dangerous situation, it was a very believable scenario and I had no trouble imagining the intelligent woman still finding herself in such a mess. Riley took me a little to warm up to but once he did ease past my resistance he burrowed down deep and I could not have asked for a greater match for the heroine of the story. The chemistry between the two was wonderful and the attraction between them was almost as taut as the criminal mystery. I enjoyed this story and look forward to seeing what else this author has to offer. If you are looking for a romantic suspense story without the over-the-top sex and violence you will definitely like this one.

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

Buy Link

Author Website

Author Email

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.

Whispers in the Dark by Cia Leah

Title:   Whispers in the Dark

Author:   Cia Leah

Publisher:    Red Rose Publishing

Publication Date:    September 2010

ISBN: 9781604357783

Genre  Contemporary Suspense

Length:   32000 words

Buy Link    

Author Website   

Heat Level:    Sensual

Reviewer:  Suki

Date:   December 21 2011

Thriller novelist, Amanda Carter returns home to her childhood lakeside home to help her pregnant sister. Memories swamp her and fill her with dread and when night descends on Whispers, she feels her old childhood fears return. She must stay and help her mentally unstable sister, Tracy, who insists she is carrying the demon's child.

Whispers with its dark secrets and creeping lake fog enfolds many a nightmare and a terrifying killer.

Amanda has come home because her sister is in trouble after years of running away from her past. She is now faced with the very things she writes about.  Ms. Leah has created very engaging likeable characters in this story; every character has depth and secrets that are brimming to be told.

While I love the mystery surrounding the house, to truly enjoy this story my suspension of disbelief was stretched a bit too thin in this story. Warning Spoilers Alert.  I cannot imagine any person staying in a house where they know a killer can get in and out freely. To leave a pregnant traumatized sister in this house seems beyond the realm of reality. This is one of many instances that left this reader scratching her head as to the motivations of the characters. Small town or not, I could not believe that the sheriff didn’t do more investigations into certain matters.

And although I loved the hero and heroine, their love story seemed rushed and the conclusion happened so quickly it was jarring. Please do not get the impression that I disliked the story. It was enjoyable and it took me a long time to figure out who done it. I think for some this might be just what they were looking. 3.5 Diamonds.

He Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Desiree Holt

Title: He Came Upon a Midnight Clear

Author: Desiree Holt

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Publication Date: 6 Dec 2011

ISBN: 978-1-61333-039-5

Genre: Holiday Romance

Length: 35 pages

Buy Link: 

Author Website

Author Email

Heat Level: Sensual

Reviewer: Jo Pfander

Date: 11-14-2011

Colt Alvarez needed to be engaged by New Year’s Day or he’d lose his uncle’s ranch. He contacted Madame Evangeline’s 1Night Stand matchmaking service in hopes of meeting the bride requirement. Enter Libby Morris.

Libby was the chubby kid turned gorgeous babe. Her reason for contacting Madame Evangeline was to be with someone who didn’t know who she had been. Enter the wait for their mysterious dates.

Who they were didn’t seem to matter anymore, Cody and Libby could only think of each other. A letter is handed to Cody changes everything.

For those of you looking for short romantic holiday reads this season I suggest you check out He Came Upon a Midnight Clear. It hits the right spot with romance and holiday magic that only comes but once a year. Desiree Holt’s characters come across as real and relatable. Add a sprinkle of Christmas matchmaking and you have a read that you don’t want to put down. I know I couldn’t.

Santa, Cutie

Title: Santa, Cutie

Author: Cerise DeLand

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Publication Date: 6 Dec 2011

ISBN: 978-1-61333-128-6

Genre: Holiday 1Night Stand Romance

Length: 41 pages

Buy Link:   Decadentpublishing.com

Author Website

Author Email

Heat Level: sensual

Other:  oral play

Reviewer: Jo Pfander

Date: 11-16-2011

Susanna Corrigan wanted a man with no ties, no promises and no complications when she signed up for a 1Night Stand. Black hair and cobolt eyes, she’d found a companion. No what? She still hadn’t met her mystery date. Conflict. Love verses career. Who was she kidding?

Gil Santana was looking for a woman who wasn’t the Hollywood actress type. Susanna was it and the letter from Madame Eve confirmed it. She was perfect…until Hollywood reared its head. Could he love her even though she wanted fame?

If you’re looking for a short read while baking those goddies for the holidays I’d recommend you give Santa Cutie a try. It hits the right spot when mixing Christmas magic with the romance of the season. Ceris DeLand did a great job of making her hero and heroine real and believable. A dreamy romance with a twist of realism which I enjoy. Pick it up and check for yourself, I’m sure you will agree.

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

Author Email

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.

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

Buy Link

Author Website

Author Email

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.

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

Buy Link

Author Website

Author Email

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.

Something Different by Maureen O. Betita

Title: Something Different (1Night Stand series)

Author: Maureen O. Betita

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Publication Date: September 16, 2011

ISBN: 978-1-61333-099-9

Genre: Erotic Romance

Length: 35 pages

Buy Link

Author Website

Author Email

Heat Level: Sensual
Reviewer: TJ

Date: October 15, 2011

…We women, we know the truth of love and the human heart.
He will mourn me, dearest Evangeline. But as this illness steals my time with him, I want to leave him with hope. This dating service you
run…when you feel he is ready, find him a woman, Eve. Find him someone different so that he doesn't look for me in her eyes. Show him my letter, so that he knows I want this for him with all my heart.
Our children will follow your lead. He will resist, but be firm. Use all you know to bring love back into his life. My days are numbered, the drugs ease my pain. Help my Aaron to heal from his. Yours in spirit, Maria Consuelo Castillo 

He read the letter and slid into the chair at the family meeting. With a shudder, he met his son's eyes and sighed. They all watched him, waiting. She wanted this? His beloved wife, gone three years? It was a useless gesture, but he wouldn't deny the attempt. One date, to satisfy Maria. But that was all. He swore it.

Something Different was something beautiful. If this story is any indication that romance is not just for the young, I cannot wait to grow older. Aaron is a wonderful hero, made more endearing by the depth of the love he has for his deceased wife and children. He is so stoic but not indifferent and might be the Mr. Right the heroine has been searching for. Hannah is a mature woman with a full past and an uncertain future. She is optimistic, good-natured and candid. She is compassionate and playful and seems to be the balm Aaron needs for his wounded heart. I loved the setting, who wouldn’t want to be romanced on the beach. I felt myself swept up in the magic of the moment. If you are looking for a grown-up love story that people of all ages will enjoy this one is for you!

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

Buy Link

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.

Eighth Night by Sandra Sookoo

Title: Eighth Night

Author: Sandra Sookoo

Publisher: Liquid Silver Publishing

Publication Date: 2010

ISBN: 978-1-59578-768-2

Genre: holiday romance

Length: novella

Buy Link

Author Website 

Heat Level: sensual

Other: n/a

Reviewer: Brecken Stevens

Date: October 12, 2011

Eli loves his big, Jewish family, but he needs breathing room. Maybe he’s taken too much in recent years, but after years of being smothered, the break has been a relief. Rachel is unhappy with life as a whole, and adding Christmas gives her something to truly focus her discontent on. When Eli invites Rachel into his world of Jewish tradition and family, he thinks he’s being nice to a girl down on her luck, never imagining how well Rachel will fit in, let alone how much he’ll enjoy her company. The two have a lot of differences and Rachel has a lot of baggage. To make a Hanukkah to remember, they’ll have to decide if they want to celebrate together. 

I enjoy Sandra Sookoo’s stories. They’re uplifting and sexy and let love grow. I like the Hanukkah theme and learning a little about the Jewish faith. Rachel’s attitude was such a downer. With so many aspects of faith playing here, I never felt like she got the real meaning of Christmas from a true Christian sense—but then, maybe she didn’t have to. I also felt like there were a lot of stereotypes in the Jewish family, though I enjoyed Eli’s mother and sister very much. Eighth Night is a good holiday story if a reader is looking for something a little different.

Lost Wages of Sin by Rosalie Stanton

Title: Lost Wages of Sin: Sinners and Saints: Book 1

Author: Rosalie Stanton

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Publication Date: 2011

ISBN: 978-1-59578-824-5

Genre: paranormal romance

Length: 117

Buy Link

Author Website

Heat Level: sensual

Other: oral

Reviewer: Brecken Stevens

Date: July 19, 2011, 2011

 Ava is in a pickle. She shouldn’t have fallen for an angel, shouldn’t have shared her secret about being one of Lucifer’s embodied sins, and probably just shouldn’t have gotten out of bed that morning. On the run from demons and her former overlord Ava turns to Dante, a vampire and old friend for help and support. Always just buddies, she’s shocked when Dante reveals how much he cares for her and how much she reciprocates. With hell itself after them, Ava and Dante might not have the time they need to figure out just where they’re headed.

Ms. Stanton has a very creative little world going on here. I love the embodiment of the sins concept-lots of fun possibilities there. Dante and Ava are fantastic characters and I loved being their cheer leader as the story went on. It’s always tricky to write stories like this because the back story has been done in hundreds of different ways. I didn’t love the back story of hell and heaven in this one. It just hit on a few points I personally didn’t love because of my faith. Readers looking for a love story will find it here along with the start of a series that is sure to be a lot of fun.

The Company She Keeps by Barbara Kellyn

Title: The Company She Keeps

Author: Barbara Kellyn

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Publication Date: December 5, 2011

ISBN: 9781616503376

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 216 pages

Buy Link

Author Website

Author Email

Heat Level: Sensual

Reviewer: TJ

Date: October 11, 2011

Talk about taking your work home with you...
For better or worse, Harper Bukoski is married to her dream job at a small marketing agency. Thanks to the mismanagement of its morally-lax owners, it's on the brink of disaster. Despite the dysfunction around her--including a nagging suspicion that the clueless new account rep is her boss's mistress- Harper clings to the hope that her loyalty and diligence will keep the office on an even keel.
But the tightly-wound workaholic goes into a tailspin upon meeting Jed Sanderson, whose account is keeping the agency afloat. Harper is troubled by her undeniable attraction to a man with three potential dealbreakers stacked against him: he's a client; he's a recently-divorced father of three, and (the doozy!) he's buddies with her disapproving boss. If Harper listens to her head, she might miss out on something extraordinary with Jed. But if she follows her heart, she risks imploding her career and bringing down the entire agency along with it.

The Company She Keeps reeled me in from the beginning and like the television show Sex in the City, which it subtly and not-so-subtly references, it had me hooked. Jed had my heart from his first appearance. There is nothing I like more than a charming smile and a sense of sarcastic humor add in the fact that the man is smart and successful as well as utterly realistic and I’m a goner. I loved that this couple was far from fairytale perfect that they each had flaws and yet to me it made them all the more endearing. Harper is the kind of woman I’d like to have as a friend, if I could pry her away from the office, or pry myself away for that matter. The fact the supporting characters were so over the top, yet so downright believable (and recognizable as people I may have worked with) was such a bonus. I’m definitely keeping my eyes open for the next story by this author.

Phantom Lover by Kelly Wallace

Title: Phantom Lover

Author: Kelly Wallace

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Publication Date: 2011

ISBN: 978-1-59578-813-9

Genre: paranormal romance

Length: 88

Buy Link

Author Email

Heat Level: sensual

Other: n/a

Reviewer: Brecken Stevens

Date: July 19, 2011, 2011

 Killed one random evening in his new home, Ian Holt was far from done with his life. ‘The Voice” keeps him on earth in ghost form, but only in his home, which sits empty for years after his death. Paige Stanfield escaped an abusive relationship after a decade of marriage. She wants peace and to regain her confidence, but her ex-husband continues to terrorize her. Ian and Paige form a plan to keep the ex at bay, but when feelings grow between human and ghost, both know no good can come. What sort of future can Paige really have with a man who isn’t really there?

Phantom Lover takes a lot of classic ghost elements and adds interesting spins. I enjoyed the change up with the ex-husband and the abilities Ian had. The mother in law was also a really interesting character. For the most part the plot was very predictable and though there were some new things, I had moments of de ja vu reminding me of many other ghost lover type stories I’ve read in the past. Still, it was a nice story and hit all the right notes for someone looking for a sweet and sexy ghost story.

Red’s Wolf by PJ Schnyder

Title: Red’s Wolf

Author: PJ Schnyder

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Publication Date: Sept 2010

Genre: paranormal romance

Length: 70 pgs

Buy Link

Author website

Heat Level: sensual

Reviewer: Brecken Stevens

Date: October 6, 2011

 Carri needed a change and decided to make that change by visiting her mother’s adopted family, who happen to be werewolves. Once there she finds herself enveloped in family and warm fuzzies, but while the males flirt and try to catch her attention, only Jason-a lone wolf-grabs her interest. With mysterious villains kidnapping and killing weres, everyone is watching out for one another, but Carri is the only one with Jason’s back.

I’m always a fan of ‘us against the world’ romances and Red’s Wolf had an element of that. Carri and Jason step on each others’ toes when they expose weaknesses, yet they also grow together because of those instances—a real growing in love that I always enjoy. This is a great story of love with a twist on the usual werewolf theme.