Curling Up by K.T. Bishop

Title: Curling Up
Author: K.T. Bishop
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Publication Date: April 22 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60435-658-8
Genre: Contemporary, Interracial/Multicultural
Length: 79 pages
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Rating: 3.75 Diamonds
Heat Level: sensual
Other: oral
Reviewer: Suki
Date: August 9, 2010

“Robin Friesz skipped college to take a radio gig in Canada. He walked into a drug raid in Toronto. The charges were eventually dropped. He was befriended by a Lawn care owner who harnessed his skills as a Curler. He worked his way on the American curling team. Inga Johan found herself out of work as her TV series was cancelled in Sweden. She re-discovered the world of figure skating and beat out a talented squad to make the Olympic team.”

Awesome a love story that involves curling. And I am serious---I love curling. Mr. Bishop has the definite knack for righting a love story that involves sports he is able to talk about a reader may not understand but do it in a way that flows and is exciting.

I absolutely fell in love with the Hero Robin, he is charming and well mannered. It is unfortunate that his luck is as lousy as it is at the beginning of the book, but it’s all those bad things that lead to greatness.

I hated the Heroine, she isn’t supposed to be likeable in the beginning and she isn’t, she is self-centered and rude. Because of this, the transformation into a likable woman is a hard one but one that the author is able to eventually make.

If the reader is ready to suspend disbelief (because it hard to believe that these two could accomplish what they do) and take a jump of faith into this sports romance, you will enjoy it. Yes I would read this one again and yes I will read more by this author.

Gangster Moll by Karen Lewis

Title: Gangster Moll
Author: Karen Lewis
Publisher: Solstice Publishing
Publication Date: April 2010
Genre: Suspense thriller
Length: 90 Pages
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Rating: 3.5 for writing – Not a romance.
Heat Level: Sensual
Other: Discussion of Donkey Sex
Reviewer: Suki
Date: August 8, 2010

“Police Officer’s Affair with Gangster Moll Jeopardizes Case. The headline blazed from the newspaper lying on Cheryl Richards’ front doorstep. This is her husband they're talking about.

Devastated that her marriage was thrown away for a slut, a gangster moll, who’s been passed around by gang members and even done donkey sex shows, Cheryl walks out. But to make matters worse, she must now be isolated in a police safe house, which turns her world upside down.

While in protective custody, Nicky, the gangster moll, finds her rescuer in Brian. Their affair produces what he wants most in life, and hasn’t been able to have with Cheryl, a child. Nicky sees this as a way out of her gangster life and lures him into her web of deceit. When Brian, bored with his wife and enticed by Nicky, makes a life altering decision the results are not only catastrophic but potentially deadly.”

Okay, while this is an interesting read, I really have no idea why it was sent to a Romance Review site. This is not a romance...well not one that leaves you feeling good when you walk away.

First of all, it’s a story about adultery and deception. The characters were interesting and Cheryl begins the story with my sympathy but her change of heart seems too quick, too eager to keep it. And her husband is a jerk through and through.

The writing is good and had I gone into this book knowing it wasn’t a romance, if I was a reviewer for a site that reviewed other things than Romance, I would have given this a higher rating.

Slipping the Past by D.L. Jackson

Title: Slipping the Past
Author: D.L. Jackson
Publisher: Liquid Silver
Publication Date: January 11th 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59578-653-1
Genre: Sci-fi Futuristic romance
Length: 129 pages
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Author Email: dlareejackson1@gmail.com
Rating: 4 Diamonds
Heat Level: Sensual
Reviewer: Suki
Date: August 8, 2010

“Some love affairs last a lifetime…others never end.

Fifty years into the future, if you’re one of the damned, you don’t run for your life, you run to save your soul. Jocelyn Miller is wanted for crimes she committed before she was born. Homeless, blind and out in the elements on one of the coldest nights of the year, her desperation results in a bad decision. When Jocelyn and her brother Nate rob a convenience store, Jocelyn comes face to face with her worst nightmare and greatest love, a reaper named Gabriel.

Gabriel Solaris is an Enforcer, a genetically-enhanced psychic often referred to as a reaper for his ability to take souls, and he’s charged with collecting Jocelyn’s. When he finds Jocelyn outside the store, he’s sure she’s up to something illegal. Proving it isn’t necessary. He holds a warrant and it’s all he needs. But the closer Gabriel gets to Jocelyn, the more he begins to question his duty and why he believes her claims of innocence. When Jocelyn tells him she loved him once, Gabriel loses control and kisses her. Instead of taking her soul, he gives her a week to prove innocence in her past-life crimes, something he has no authority to grant”

What a wonderful, inventive, and suspenseful read. From the prologue you know you are reading a book quite different from most anything else out there. Slipping the Past takes place in the future when we as humans have learned to create super humans with extraordinary powers and how to harness the powers of those who are criminal. But what happened when all the criminals have been harnessed and you need more, you head to the past and find people whose souls have committed crimes in past lives. And that is just the beginning of this book full of twists and turns at every corner. But at the Center is a love affair that crosses the bounds of time and past lives.

Gabriel is the Enforcer Charged with finding Jocelyn, the woman he has he has always loved. But he isn’t alone and how do you prove your innocence through past lives and past crimes.

D.L. Jackson creates a world that is fascinating and asks the question how much power is too much.

Untouched Places by Grace Meadows

Title: Untouched Places

Author: Grace Meadows

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Publication Date: August 2010

ISBN: 978-1-936394-02-9

Genre: Erotic Fantasy

Length: Short Story

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Rating: 3 Diamonds

Heat Level: erotic – sort of

Other: oral

Reviewer: Dana Dean

Date: August 2010

Ruth Arnison wants attention from her lover, more she wants sex, but she’s not getting either. When he reveals a secret that sends her stomping into the rain soaked day, she has no idea where she’s going or what she intends to do with her life. After a short diversion submersed in Iceland’s rugged beauty, she realizes she needs to find herself and a purpose beyond men. Can she find it while working to pay the bills and entertaining a busload of equally frustrated women?

Parts of Untouched Places were fun and so real that I could hear my friends or myself venting over lost or dumped boyfriends through the years. Grace Meadows made me smile and laugh as I jumped into this story. Why then did it only get an average rating? Typos and easily checked but still incorrect information as well as insert tab A in slot B “we had sex” “they fucked” type scenes, which lacked the description to be truly hot, kept this from sucking me in.

In addition, Untouched Places does not read as a romance. While Ms. Meadows certainly can write a tale that will make readers smile, there are far too many stories in these few pages for any of the characters to truly develop beyond a glimpse. If you are looking for a bit of true romance I’d say pass. However, if a little fun and couple wild, though somewhat emotionless romps, are what you need then this is a perfect afternoon read.

Long, Hard Ride by Keta Diablo

Title: Long Hard Ride

Author: Keta Diablo

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Publication Date: 8/1/10

ISBN: 978-1-936394-01-2

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: Novella

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Rating: 4.5 Diamonds

Heat Level: Erotic

Other: anal/oral play, GLBT

Reviewer: The Man Y

Date: 8/3/10

From the very beginning we are wondering if Corporal Marx Wellbourne, will be saved by Dr. Grayson Drake. Marx Wellbourne confederate soldier, a mere corporal. Why does the sadistic Major Britton Darkmore, want this corporal kept alive? And why beyond the call of duty, does Dr. Drake take such an interest in the young man.

Keta Diablo takes us back to the civil war. And a pursuit that takes us from New York to Virginia. This spy thriller has it all the escape, the chase, and two men who fall in love. But aren’t sure what side the other is working for.

A very well written book. One becomes interested (hooked on) in the characters, from the very beginning. She describes the scene, so that you feel you are there. I didn’t want to put it down. Hope she keeps the story going with a sequel.

Eye of the Storm by Monette Michaels

Title: Eye of the Storm
Author: Monette Michaels
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publication Date: 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59578-694-4
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 135 Pages
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Author Email: monettemichaels@gmail.com
Rating: 5 Diamonds
Heat Level: Erotic
Reviewer: Shannon
Date: 7/28/2010

Enjoy feisty heroines? Alpha-male military heroes? Then look no further than Eye of the Storm!

Keely Walsh is one tough cookie. Petite, gorgeous, you’d never expect to find her trekking through a South American jungle, determined to save her brother. But this is one girl who can hold her own.

Ren Maddox is everything a military man should be. Tough, talented and beyond gorgeous.

Prepare yourself for one fantastic read. The characters are suburb. Keely was a shining star from start to finish. She drew me right in with her wit, humor and kick-butt attitude. And if she ever had a vulnerable moment, Ren was right there to protect her. His character was the perfect guy all the way around. Sexy, strong and dominant with a heart-melting soft side when it came to adoring Keely.

The Envoy by Delilah Stephans

Title: The Envoy
Author: Delilah Stephans
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Publication Date: July 5, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-61650-167-9
Genre: Romance/Paranormal/Vampire
Length: Novella 93 pages 553KB
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Author Email: delilahkstephans@gmail.com
Rating: 3 Diamonds
Heat Level: erotic
Other: none
Reviewer: Brandy B
Date: 07/30/2010

Diane Matthews is a saleswoman who is tired of the monotony her life has become and is looking for love. When leaving work she is saved by the hot rich mysterious customer of her dreams. She cannot seem to get him off her mind. Will the most romantic night of her life ruin it?

Francisco Bolle is a vampire trying to move up in Vampire Society. After saving Diane, he soon learns that they have more in common than he thought. He finds himself intrigued by her, but will that interest get her killed?

Soon danger, in the form of an old enemy, rears its ugly head and Francisco has to choose between himself or Diane. Diane is just as stubborn to save Francisco. Will one die for the other? Will circumstances bring the two lovers closer than they ever thought possible or will it tear them apart?

Overall, I was pleased with the book. It starts out fast, and then slows down before kicking back into gear. It could use a bit more lead-in on some scenes to keep the reader informed. This adventure has twists and turns that you as a reader will not see coming. It has a good story line that leaves you guessing till the end while entertaining the possibility for a sequel.