BookingIt

Posted By katie on September 2, 2010

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Late one evening, Lord Balek Grey hurriedly called Belinda, the town healer.  The dire emergency stemmed from Balek being unable to attend to his betrothed in the bedroom.  Having been in love with Balek for quite some time, Belinda treated his impotence, showing Balek that his body indeed worked well, especially with Belinda.  Night after night, Balek called up Belinda to repeat her treatment of special herbs, oil, and ministrations.

Can Belinda let go of Balek and allow him to marry his betrothed?  Or can she persuade Balek she is the woman for him?

Belinda is a smart woman, but she also is a manipulator.  On the other hand, Balek is almost blissfully naïve and seemingly allowed Belinda to manipulate him.  Belinda knew how to play Balek, even egging him on with words to boost his masculinity.  Interestingly, they work well together and they light up the pages with their erotic trysts.

Did I like either of the main characters?  Not especially, but my dislike of them did not prevent me from enjoying this short story.  I wanted to know how Belinda and Balek’s relationship was to end.

The Wise Woman reads quickly and is likeable.  Unfortunately, I could not like either of the main characters.  A twist at the end of this short story seals the deal, adding intrigue and depth that ends the tale on a pleasing note.  The Wise Woman is a spicy bedtime story that does not disappoint.

BookingIt Grade:  B+

• Publisher:  Breathless Press
• Pages:  23
• Release Date:  September 3, 2010
• ISBN: 978-1-926771-63-2

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Book Description

Belinda Cordrey, the village wisewoman, has loved Lord Balek Grey for as long as she can remember. Despite her devastation over his betrothal to another, Belinda rushes to his side when he sends for her aid. To her surprise and delight, Balek asks her to cure his impotence. Though solving his little problem may prove to be an enjoyable task, Belinda knows that she will surely lose him forever should she succeed. Despite the consequences, she decides to put forth all her skills and efforts to heal him. But as she sets to work with her special herbs and oil, Belinda hopes to show her lord that it is she who his heart truly desires.

Posted By katie on September 1, 2010

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

While attending a wedding, Ithiel was bored.  When Toby came over and introduced himself, Ithiel was interested in the handsome guy and at ease in his presence.  Eventually Jason joined them at the table, having escaped dancing with yet another single woman.  The three immediately connected and decided they all wanted a cure for their boredom in Ithiel’s hotel room.

Holy-smokin’-moly!  Jason, Toby, and Ithiel are intense together, pulling out all the stops to ensure they each find their pleasure.  I found it a bit disconcerting that they were all strangers prior to jumping into bed, but the budding ménage relationship may extend past the length of this mini short story.  I wish the characters would have known each other before the wedding, which would have added dimension and motivation beyond being bored and horny.

Carnal Connection is a quickie short story that definitely fits the description of “carnal” as well as being intensely erotic!   If in the mood for blazing hot male/male action, definitely pick up Carnal Connection.

BookingIt Grade:  B+

• Publisher:  Breathless Press
• Pages:  10
• Release Date:  August 27, 2010
• ISBN: 978-1-926771-61-8

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Book Description

Ithiel meets Jason and Toby at a wedding, and a night of hot passion follows. But what will happen the next morning?

Jason is darkly handsome and delicious. Toby is quicksilver lightness and fun—and Ithiel wants them both. But can three men form an ongoing relationship, or is one night all they will ever have?

Posted By katie on August 31, 2010

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sable Hendricks-Tade is a famous sculptress.  She and her agent Thomas travel to Naples, Florida to sell some of her latest work as well as attend an opening from another renowned artist.  Soon enough, she finds herself hunted by unknown creatures from the paranormal world.  Unfortunately, she does not know this world exists and believes herself to be losing her grasp on reality.

Thomas is an art agent as well as a paranormal marshal sent to keep Sable safe from the New Order and the Old World paranorms.  His orders do not allow him to tell Sable about the threats to her life and he knows the lies will soon pull apart their friendship as well as their budding romance.

I loved Sable and Thomas.  Both characters are very human, believable, and extremely likable.  Even though Sable cried more than I usually like in a heroine, she still embodied a strong woman who shed tears in extreme situations.  Thomas is all man and protector without exhibiting the normal caveman-like tendencies.  The sexual tension between Sable and Thomas grew slowly, keeping me engrossed in their story until they finally explode.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed Sable and Thomas, I felt the story moved really slowly for the first two hundred pages.  All of a sudden, I was hanging onto my seat because the pages flew by so fast with the action and erotic scenes.  The second half of the book proceeded like this, alternating between “can’t-read-fast-enough” to “snails-pace”.

The Darkness of Sable is likable mainly due to the strength of Sable and Thomas.  The erratic pacing makes for a disjoined story and I believe this book suffers from being too long.  Also, the addition of some characters, like Sable’s ex-husband, seems to bog down the story and take away the focus of the story.  But, the ending is open to allow for a sequel and may explain the presence of some unnecessary characters as well as the detailed world building, all which seemed to slow the pacing of the story.  All in all, I would like to see more of Sable in Thomas in the future.

BookingIt Grade:  B-

• Publisher:  Passion In Print
• Pages:  380
• Release Date:  August 16, 2010 (ebook),  August 31, 2010 (print)
• ISBN: 978-1-60820-196-9 (ebook),  978-1-60820-195-92 (print)

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Book Description

Struggling to deal with the disappearance of her daughter and in a creative slump, sculptress Sable Hendricks-Tade travels to Florida for rest and relaxation only to find herself thrust between divided paranormal worlds. One side wants her dead and the other will do anything to keep her in its “wicked” embrace. Determined to get answers, she searches for her missing daughter and spirals into the realm of immortals and goddesses where she quickly realizes her agent is her only anchor to reality. But can she trust him to keep her safe?

Thomas Valimar, a highly trained marshal working within a network of humans to maintain the line between the paranormal and human worlds, is assigned to protect Sable from the magic she doesn’t realize she possesses. Operating undercover as her agent, his duty soon turns to passion as he falls for the beautiful artist.

Drawing Sable into their world of sex, magic, and intrigue, the dark forces will do anything to keep Sable in their clutches so they may feed from her emotions and mysterious ability. Only through sheer determination and Thomas’ love can Sable walk through other realms and not only battle the paranormal creatures that wish to destroy her life but save her daughter as well.

Posted By katie on August 29, 2010

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Charlotte is a thirty year old spinster and happily to be so.  Her tall, gangly form possesses outrageous red hair and she dons glasses, which definitely doesn’t fit the description of a beauty in the harsh eyes of the ton.  Unfortunately, she has a crush on rake and libertine Adrian Rohan.

A member of the depraved and shocking group called the Heavenly Host, Adrian indulges in the pleasures of wealthy women.  He never fails in his seduction and he tires easily of his conquests.  That is, until he meets the red-haired Charlotte.  Her unusual looks and stubbornness burrow under his skin and he can’t seem to stop thinking of her.

Will Adrian be able to seduce Charlotte?  Will she be able to say no?

Reckless reminded me of Pride and Prejudice if Mr. Darcy tried to seduce anything with breasts and Elizabeth Bennett was gawky.  Both Adrian and Charlotte are prideful and stubborn, not easily giving in to their mutual attraction.  Unfortunately, I did not quite understand or buy into their relationship.  Also, Adrian toed the line a few times, not necessarily encompassing dubious consent since Charlotte did say yes, but manipulating the situation to ensure she did not say no.  Of course, Charlotte did indeed want Adrian’s attentions, but I still was not entirely comfortable for Charlotte at times.

Although my eyebrow rose during a few portions of this book, the story moved by quickly.  Not only is the spotlight on Charlotte and Adrian, but also family and friends play roles in the plot of this story.  The side stories are important to the ending of the story and added more interest, keeping the pages the turning.  I especially liked Montague and his matchmaking, even while his friends kept vigil at his sick bed.

I liked Adrian and Charlotte.  Their story is thoroughly enjoyable, especially when giving the benefit of the doubt that these characters really do like each other.  At times I was a bit uneasy with their relationship, but I kept turning the pages faster and faster.  I wanted to know how Reckless ended.  Definitely pick up this book, especially if you have read the earlier installment in The House of Rohan series, Ruthless.

BookingIt Grade:  B+

• Publisher:  Mira
• Pages:  416
• Release Date:  September 1, 2010
• ISBN: 978-0778328490

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Book Description

Adrian Alistair Rohan lost his faith, and now, a dedicated member of the depraved Heavenly Host, he loses himself in his only pleasure: the seduction and debauchery of beautiful women. Rich, charming and devastatingly skilled in the arts of love, he never fails in his conquests…until Charlotte Spenser.

Charlotte is facing a desolate, passionless future, none of which matters to Adrian, who imagines her a toy until better prey arrives. But beneath her drab exterior, Charlotte is a woman as enchanting as she is brilliant and, lured into Adrian’s world, soon she becomes the seducer, and he the seduced….

Posted By katie on August 27, 2010

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Carrie Overton has a huge secret:  she forged her son Sam’s birth certificate after illegally adopting him.  Sixteen years after her fake adoption, the small town of Shadow Falls was being overrun by journalists trying to find the identity of a baby that went missing after the death of its mother.  Carrie stayed quite about the ordeal, not wanting to jeopardize her medical license or her son’s happiness.  In the meantime, Sam’s friend Kyle went missing and the entire town as well as tourist were helping with the search.

Nomad and songwriter Gabriel Cane made his way to Shadow Falls after the stories of a missing baby.  He had a relationship with the mother sixteen years previous and believed the missing baby might by his child.  He meets Carrie and her son Sam and immediately is drawn to both of them.

Sixteen-year-old teenagers keep disappearing from the town of Shadow Falls.  Who is to blame for the kidnappings?  Can Carrie keep her secret?  Can Gabe find his missing child and maintain distance from the ever-intriguing Carrie Overton?

Kiss Me, Kill Me is the epitome of romantic suspense!  Although this book continues the Shadow Falls series, Kiss Me, Kill Me can be read independently and still enjoyed.

Gabe and Carrie have a fantastic relationship.  Outwardly, they appear very different:  she plays by the rules; he lives by his own set of rules.  Deep down, these two meld on a more basic level.

Speaking of characters, the teenage son Sam has an important and welcome part to play for this book.  I completely enjoyed how he noticed things his mother would purposefully not and the great relationship he had with Carrie.  He’s a kid yet he’s an adult and the author does a terrific job of showcasing his character.

The mysterious portions of the plot really move the story forward.  I kept turning the pages wanting to know who the kidnapper was and what happened to the missing kids.  Although the kidnapper is apparent to the reader throughout the story, the tough situations pushed Gabe and Carrie together, enhancing their relationship.

I adored this book!  I stayed up late reading because the plot flies by and does so logically.  Also, the characters are all likeable and believable, having faults and unique personalities.  Definitely pick up this book and the others in the series.  Highly recommended!

BookingIt Grade:  A

• Publisher:  Mira
• Pages:  400
• Release Date:  August 31, 2010
• ISBN: 978-0778328087

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Book Description

A long-ago act of kindness to a desperate woman changed Dr. Carrie Overton’s life forever. Before disappearing, the grateful stranger had given Carrie her newborn son. When the woman is murdered, the secret becomes Carrie’s alone.

She has kept both it and her son, Sam, safe for sixteen years. But now a friend of Sam’s has gone missing. The police believe he’s a runaway—until he’s found dead. Then another teen disappears, and talk turns to that long-ago murder.

Newcomer Gabriel Cain is asking too many questions, befriending Sam, getting too close. Carrie distrusts him even as she finds herself falling for him. But Gabriel has secrets, too….

Is it time for the lying to end?

Posted By katie on August 25, 2010

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

William is a squire desperately wanting to earn his spurs and become a knight.  When Sir Robert arrives home after five years he fought in the crusades, William seizes the opportunity to impress his master.  Soon enough, William makes himself known to Robert, but not necessarily the fashion William expected.

In addition, Sir Robert announces that his home will be host to some French dignitaries as well as his crooked clergyman brother.  Political intrigue begins, especially when William overhears a plot to assassinate Sir Robert.  Should William tell Sir Robert?  Or should he take matters into his own hands?

The relationship between William and Robert is key to The Lion of Kent.  Honestly, I found their romance a bit creepy, especially how the relationship began.  Robert is much older than William and I felt he was more of a father figure than a boyfriend.  At times, I felt Robert was taking advantage of an eager young man.  I found the relationship a tad inappropriate.

Although I found the relationship odd, I still liked Robert.  He seemed levelheaded and a good knight.  On the other hand, I felt William was a rowdy teenager vying for attention in all the wrong ways.  William is young and makes mistake after mistake, but the story does a good job of presenting him the chance to prove he is a man worthy of being a knight.

The intrigue of the story is pretty good.  There is a plot twist and some action to keep the reader interested.  Since the story is written in William’s perspective, I found a few portions slow, especially when he was trying to figure out things for himself.  But, this is probably my dislike of William in general.

The Lion of Kent is okay.  I found the story hard to like because I did not like William and I was a bit uncomfortable with the relationship with Robert.  Also, I found the ending disappointing.  Luckily, the political intrigue adds a great plot device to set up William’s test to manhood.  This aspect of the story was done well and partially saves this book.  In general, I found this short story simply average and uninspiring.

BookingIt Grade:  C

• Publisher:  Carina Press
• Length:  Short Story
• Release Date:  August 30, 2010
• ISBN: 9781426890512

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Book Description

Squire William Raven has only one goal-to finally receive his spurs and become a knight. When his lord, Sir Robert de Cantilou, returns from a five-year crusade in the Holy Land, William wants nothing more than to impress him.

After Sir Robert’s return, noble guests arrive from France, bringing intrigue to the castle. William is oblivious to the politics, as he’s distracted by nightly visits from a faceless lover-a man who pleasures him in the dark and then leaves-a man he soon discovers is none other than his master, Sir Robert.

But William can’t ignore the scheming around him when he overhears a plot to murder Robert. He becomes intent on saving his lord and lover from those who would see him killed…

Posted By katie on August 24, 2010

This review was written for and published by Night Owl Reviews.

A widower with eyes for political office, Adam Stanhope needed a wife.  He proposed to an old childhood friend and widow Felice.  They wed in spite of a family “curse”.  But, Adam didn’t realize that his new wife would require more than a marriage of convenience.

Felice married Adam Stanhope with hopes of being happy.  One their wedding night, she found that he did not really want a wife, but required one for his career.  She left and lived her life separate from her husband.  Unfortunately, her first husband had debts she still owed and made money writing a gossip column called Miss Proper.  Even more unfortunate, her editor twisted her words to verbally slay her new politician husband.

Can Adam get his wife back?  Will Felice be able to marry her secret identity as Miss Proper with her new, handsome husband?

This novella showcases the best of regency romance!  Adam Stanhope is a bachelor at heart.  Felice is a woman ahead of her time.  Together, they work well together, when given the chance.  I liked how they pushed the comfort zones of each other both in and outside of the bedroom.

The mysterious “Miss Proper” added a great depth to the novella, giving both motivations for the characters as well as conflict.  Also, the Stanhope family “curse”, where the men are unable to be happy in love, adds a bit of intrigue.  Although the curse is played up repeatedly, generally this plot device does not benefit the story much except giving Adam excuses for his bad behavior.

I really enjoyed Lord Stanhope’s Improper Proposal and the novella is everything a great regency romance should be:  hot, intriguing, and the epitome of not stuffy.  This novella begins a new quintet of stories and I eagerly look forward to the next additions!  Definitely give this one a try.

BookingIt Grade:  A-

• Publisher:  Resplendence Publishing
• Pages:  75
• Release Date:  June 30, 2010
• ISBN: 978-1-60735-164-1

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Book Description

Lord Adam Stanhope faces the Stanhope Challenge of wanting to marry…and knowing it will be loveless and tormenting. But he takes one look at his childhood friend, now a lovely widow, and proposes a marriage in name only. But when he learns that his bride is determined to be his lover as well as his wife, he faces a bigger challenge: Accept her delicious offer to delight them both in bed or spend his life in a greater torment…alone.

Posted By katie on August 21, 2010

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

After a tour bus accident in Scotland, Katie found she had traveled to the past.  Magda saved her and together the two women came up with the perfect con:  Katie acted as a blind seer and Magda played the part of elderly mother.  The con allowed the women to live comfortably.

The wealthy laird Robert Shelley paid a visit to Katie, but did not quite believe the farce.  Although pretending to be blind, Katie found she wanted the handsome Robert and knew Robert was also interested.  For the first time since arriving in medieval Scotland, Katie found a man she wanted to call her own.

The first short story in the Scattered Lovers series is simply wonderful!  Katie and Robert are a nice match.  His actions indicate he adores her and Katie believes he is a good man (who doesn’t smell!)  Since Katie is a modern woman thrown into the past, she doesn’t quite fit in with the times, but Robert likes that about her.  Together, they burn brightly and I really wanted their relationship to end happily ever after.

The romance in this story is the plot.  Luckily, there are aspects of the story that enhance the romantic storyline.   Every word of Her Laird Her Lover is completely enjoyable.

I loved this story!  I wished Her Laird Her Lover were longer because I didn’t want it to end.  I wait grudgingly and impatiently for the next installments of this new series.  I want more now!  Definitely recommended!

BookingIt Grade:  A

• Publisher:  Breathless Press
• Pages:  45
• Release Date:  August 27, 2010
• ISBN: 978-1-926771-70-0

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Book Description

Scottish border lord Robert Shelley doesn’t believe that the blind woman has the gift of knowing, and quickly learns that his suspicions are correct, but what he doesn’t expect is the searing lust she ignites inside him.

Katie Stewart has been swept back into medieval time and has adjusted the best way she knows how—by conning her way into enough coins to survive. She’s content with her life until a big Scotsman walks into her cottage and seizes her heart, making her want more than just his gifts and the occasional romp. Katie wants him—forever.

Posted By katie on August 19, 2010

This review was written for and published by Night Owl Reviews.

Rebecca is a demon with family connections.  She ran from Las Vegas to New York to escape a bad situation and her family hired Saul, a fallen angel and bounty hunter, to protect her.  Living up to his nickname of the Bastard, Rebecca finds Saul abrasive yet utterly irresistible.  Likewise, Saul is attracted to Rebecca, but must fight his attraction since he wants to earn his way back into Heaven.  Can they ignore their mutual feelings?  Will Saul be able to keep Rebecca safe?

Saul and Rebecca are both extremely likeable characters.  Rebecca is self-assured and intelligent.  Saul is tortured and secretly caring, but carrying a huge chip on his shoulder.  I adored their relationship, especially the teasing and the buildup.

Although I enjoyed Saul and Rebecca, I wanted more.  I felt their character and relationship development was rushed.  Also, I felt most of the plot was rushed, leading to several moments where I felt I missed something important.  Needless to say, this short story flew by, leaving me turning the pages but scratching my head.

I liked The Beauty and the Bastard.  The main characters seal the deal and the pacing of the story is lightening fast.  Unfortunately, I wish this short story were longer.  I believe with a bit more character and plot development The Beauty and the Bastard would have been fantastic.  In its current form, the short story is pretty good and still recommended.

BookingIt Grade:  B

• Publisher:  Liquid Silver
• Pages:  55
• Release Date:  July 19, 2010
• ISBN: 978-1-59578-728-6

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Book Description

Saul the Bastard is a fallen angel who works as a bounty hunter for powerful urban demon families. Rebecca Drake, a modern day demon princess, is being hunted by dangerous desert demons. When Rebecca’s family hires Saul to protect her, they are both unhappy with the arrangement, but before long sparks fly as they try to resist their strong mutual attraction. For the first time in living memory, Saul has someone to love; someone he is scared of losing; someone the desert demons have marked to be their next sacrifice.

Posted By katie on August 17, 2010

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Working his way up the ranks to Sergeant, Will Adkins is a great solider.  While marching to their new camp, he finds a woman in labor in need of help.  He stops and another lady, Anna Arrington who is the wife of an officer and a lady of wealth, helps as well.  He is awestruck by Anna’s bravery and beauty.

Anna had been “following the drum” with her husband while he fought in Wellington’s army in Spain.  Unfortunately, her marriage had turned sour as soon as it began and she found herself in a tough situation.  But, her husband is killed and she begins the journey home to England.  Will Adkins is in the company Anna travels with to return home and she finds herself intrigued by the man.

When Anna finds herself in a dangerous situation with some French soldiers, Will comes to her rescue and her heart melts for the lowborn sergeant.  Will reciprocates her feelings, but can the two of them ever be together?

The Sergeant’s Lady is an historical romance, but in a new, refreshing scene.  The majority of the story takes place in 1811 war-ravaged Spain.  The sense of danger adds to the romance because under normal circumstances, Anna and Will would never have met let along be pushed together.  Their romance is sweet but sad with impending doom hovering over their story.  In actuality, the sad portion of the romance only adds to the story, increasing emotions between the characters and engaging reader.

I found the pacing of this novel disconcerting.  The majority of the romance takes place in the first half of the story, which reads very quickly.  Unfortunately, I found myself asking, “What could fill up the second half of this book?”  At the halfway point of the story, the pacing has cycles of very slow parts followed by sections that read faster.  The hills and valleys threw me for a loop and I felt the experience of the book took a hit with the erratic pacing.  Simply put:  the book is too long.

The Sergeant’s Lady is pretty good.  The romance is key to the story and generally shines through the slow portions of the book.

BookingIt Grade:  B

• Publisher:  Carina Press
• Length:  Novel
• Release Date:  August 23, 2010
• ISBN: 9781426890505

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Book Description

Highborn Anna Arrington has been “following the drum,” obeying the wishes of her cold, controlling cavalry officer husband. When he dies, all she wants is to leave life with Wellington’s army in Spain behind her and go home to her family’s castle in Scotland.

Sergeant Will Atkins ran away from home to join the army in a fit of boyish enthusiasm. He is a natural born soldier, popular with officers and men alike, uncommonly brave and chivalrous, and educated and well-read despite his common birth.

As Anna journeys home with a convoy of wounded soldiers, she forms an unlikely friendship with Will. When the convoy is ambushed and their fellow soldiers captured, they become fugitives—together. The attraction between them is strong—but even if they can escape the threat of death at the hands of the French, is love strong enough to bridge the gap between a viscount’s daughter and an innkeeper’s son?

Posted By katie on August 15, 2010

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Rhianne and Bill decided to spend a hot summer’s day at the lake.  On the way, they stopped to pick strawberries, but their innocent activity turned into tryst to remember.

Strawberry Rendezvous is delightfully dirty.  The language is harsh and meant to shock, but works well in the tone of the story.  This short story does one thing really well:  showcases a gritty erotic scene in an unlikely setting.  Unfortunately, the characters have little to no depth and act as vessels to tell this seemingly pornographic tale.  Luckily, the story makes no airs to having much of a plot, but instead promises to serve up a portion of explicit sex.

I feel Strawberry Rendezvous belongs more in Penthouse or Playboy, but the short story does deliver a hot, erotic tryst that fits the bill when in the mood for something down and dirty.

BookingIt Grade:  B

• Publisher:  Breathless Press
• Pages:  13
• Release Date:  August 20, 2010
• ISBN: 978-1-926771-60-1

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Book Description

An afternoon in a strawberry patch turns out to be quite the adventure. Whoever said strawberry jam belongs only on bread?

Bill and Rhianne were long-time lovers. Although their sexual trysts range from sex against a U.S. mailbox to the back stairs of a wedding reception, none of their encounters is as memorable as the day they discovered a strawberry patch…

Posted By katie on August 13, 2010

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Chelsea Bellamy finds herself in a terribly difficult position.  Her beloved brother has been kidnapped and the kidnappers are asking five-hundred pounds for the ransom.  Unfortunately, she doesn’t have the money and must resort to theft, disguising herself as a man, but quickly finds herself in a pickle when she meets the handsome rake Anthony.

Lord Anthony Grenville and his boring but beautiful fiancé were robbed on the way to his country estate.  Although the thief got away with some of their valuables, he could not get the highway robber out of his head.  Later, he catches the same thief in his home and makes a deal with her:  he’ll help her find her brother.  Now, he has a few weeks before his impending wedding to find the kidnapped brother and seduce the redheaded Chelsea.

A Rogue’s Pleasure is everything a historical romance should be.   Chelsea is a strong, believable heroine especially in the confines of the Regency era.  Anthony is a handsome rake with a dark past yet he is still a gentleman.  The plot is riddled with sexual tension that continues to build before it finally explodes.  The romance is sweet yet hot with a feeling that Chelsea and Anthony can never have a future together.

I adored Chelsea and Anthony’s relationship.  At first, they acted on their attraction, but as the story progressed, they built a friendship as well as furthering the depth of their mutual adoration.  Soon enough, the reader gets sucked into the slow seduction and becomes emotionally involved in the well-being of Chelsea and Anthony.

The plot perfectly compliments the romance, using the kidnapping of Chelsea’s brother and the hoops she must jump through as a means to push her closer to Anthony.  The story moves smoothly and the pages keep turning.

I couldn’t put this book down!  I needed to know how the story played out, even getting teary-eyed at one point when Chelsea and Anthony’s relationship seemed doomed.  I enjoyed how the romance is sweet yet hot, playing within the rules of the time period, but without being stuffy and uninspiring.

If you’re looking for a superb historical romance, definitely read A Rogue’s Pleasure.  Highly recommended!

BookingIt Grade:  A

• Publisher:  Carina Press
• Length:  Novel
• Re-Release Date:  August 16, 2010
• ISBN: 9781426890482

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Book Description

Miss Chelsea Bellamy is desperate

Her beloved brother is being held for ransom. Impoverished after the deaths of her parents, Chelsea doesn’t have five shillings, never mind the 500 pounds the kidnappers are demanding. With no one to turn to, she resorts to highway robbery to raise the sum.

Lord Anthony Grenville is bored

The Viscount Montrose is on his way to London when his coach is overtaken by a highwayman – who turns out to be no man at all! Anthony hasn’t been this intrigued by anything, or anyone, since his return from the war. And when he catches the flame-haired thief breaking into his London house to further pad her coffers, he comes up with a plan to rescue her brother – and resolves to seduce her into his bed.

Their passion is mutual

To save her brother, Chelsea accepts Anthony’s aid, but she’ll never become his mistress – even if the thought of it fills her veins with liquid fire…

Posted By katie on August 11, 2010

This review was written for and published by Night Owls Reviews.

After being in a bad relationship and also loosing her parents, Morgan decides to make a living running a spanking business off of a yacht, the Magenta Starling, she bought with her inheritance.  But, her wish for reclusive living ends when she meets her client Dion.  Immediately, he becomes the center of her fantasies.

When Dion sweeps her off her feet and taking her on a romantic adventure, she falls in love.  When some of the lust settles, Dion reveals he is not what he appears.  Having been cursed, he is a living demon and resides in an alternate realm the majority of the time.  Dion believes that Morgan is his salvation:  she can break his curse.  Unfortunately, the witch that cursed Dion has other plans.

While reading the Magenta Starling, I kept thinking this book is an odd balance between the good and the bad.  What I mean to say is that the story has many things I adored and many things I did not.

For example, the relationship between Morgan and Dion is unusual in that they are steamy, romantic, and sweet all at the same time.  I really loved this about their story!  Unfortunately, I think the relationship happened too quickly and I became bored with the comfort they developed.

Also, Morgan and Dion both have pasts that influence their current behavior.  Dion’s past, present, and his curse are explored to great depth.  The reader understands Dion and his motivations.  On the other hand, Morgan’s past isn’t fully explained.  She had a bad relationship that haunts her, but I never understood why.

I believe Magenta Starling is too short and too long, erotic yet sweet, but likable and unlikable.  Dion and Morgan have a fantastic relationship early on in the story and the vivid telling of Dion’s cursed past is incredibly intriguing.  Sadly, the speed of the relationship and issues with pacing as well as lack of balance in regard to back-story leaves me with a yearning for more.

BookingIt Grade:  C+

• Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave
• Pages:  100
• Release Date:  July 7, 2010
• ISBN: 9781419925207

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Book Description

Cursed at birth, Dion is a demon who has searched for his beloved for centuries. Upon meeting Morgan, he knows she’s the one he’s been waiting for, the one woman he can love forever, the one woman capable of helping him break the curse. However, Jistin, the curse-giver, has other ideas…

Morgan longs for a relationship and release from her solitary life aboard her yacht, The Magenta Starling. She longs for Dion—who’s not all that he appears. When he reveals his feelings for her, Morgan allows Dion to take her to his world, the realm of Thradmos. Her love for him growing even as she struggles to accept his reality, Morgan realizes she would do anything for him—including give up her life in the real world.

At a party held in celebration of Dion’s impending freedom, Morgan is snatched away by Jistin. In a final battle, Dion will fight not only for his freedom, but also that of his beloved, lest he be cursed for all eternity…and lose Morgan in the process.

Posted By katie on August 9, 2010

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Since her divorce, Susan has been fantasizing about her widower neighbor Jim.  An avid gardener and environmentalist, Jim works long hours in his yard while Susan looks on with interest.  Finally, Susan gets enough nerve to ask him over to discuss placing solar panels on her roof with the hope saving some money on electricity, but most importantly, to seduce her sexy neighbor.  Jim is excited about the opportunity and falls into her trap, but is he willing to be seduced by the lonely Susan?

The Grass is Always Greener is a fantastic short story.  Susan and Jim have some depth to character that is unusual for a story of this length.  Also, I liked how the entire story wasn’t about their tryst, but instead the reader learns that both characters are lonely and looking for companionship.  With regard to their tryst:  holy smokes!  The scene is emotional, erotic, and completely believable.  Fabulous!

Definitely grab The Grass is Always Greener.  It’s the perfect length to indulge in during lunch or a long wait at the grocery store.   Recommended!

BookingIt Grade:  A

• Publisher:  Breathless Press
• Pages:  13
• Release Date:  August 13, 2010
• ISBN:  978-1-926771-58-8

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Book Description

Susan’s next-door neighbor, Jim, is Mr. Perfect. Environmentally conscious…tall, strong, and healthy—a good-guy all the way around. Susan should know; she’s been watching him from her side of the fence for months. She’s done with bad boys, and it’s been a year since her divorce and Jim’s wife’s death. Today, she’s decided to do something about the loneliness plaguing them both. It’s time to risk their friendship on the chance they can love again.

Posted By katie on August 7, 2010

The eighth Kitty Norville book begins with Kitty and her radio show as she investigates unusual happenings at Speedy-Mart, nationwide convenient store.  Soon enough, she finds herself slapped with a lawsuit from the CEO of Speedy-Mart.  At the same time, the military calls Kitty for her expertise because a werewolf took it upon himself to make an elite ground of solider werewolves.  Unfortunately, the leader died and the others are dangerous, especially since they have escaped captivity and are threatening Kitty’s territory.

Will Kitty be able to protect her fellow werewolves as well as her radio show?

The newest Kitty book is written well, but I found the story very slow at the beginning.  The two seemingly different plots were disjointed and I didn’t feel the worked well together.  Nothing in the story really caught my interest in the book until Cormac, a reoccurring character, started acting strange.  By the end, Cormac’s story is explained a bit more, but is opened ended.  I hope for more Cormac in the next book!

Like many series that have more than five or seven books under the belt and focus on one character, Kitty seems to be loosing steam.  I like her character, but she is too comfortable in her skin and in her relationships.  Yes, she has issues outside of her personal realm, but she in herself has become well adjusted.  And dare I say it?  A bit boring.  Maybe this is why I became attached to Cormac because something obviously changed with him since he had been released from prison.

Although I have griped a lot in this review, I did like the ending of Kitty Goes to War.  Also, I enjoyed how she is exploring more than werewolves and vampires, pushing the series into a slightly new direction.

Kitty Goes to War will appeal to fans of the series and I recommend picking up this newest installment if you have read the previous books.  Personally, I will keep reading mainly because I want to know more about Cormac.  I’m crossing my fingers he has a starring role in the next book.

BookingIt Grade:  B-

• Publisher:  Tor
• Pages:  352
• Release Date:  June 29, 2010
• ISBN: 978-0765365613

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Book Description

Kitty Norville, Alpha werewolf and host of The Midnight Hour, a radio call-in show, is contacted by a friend at the NIH’s Center for the Study of Paranatural Biology. Three Army soldiers recently returned from the war in Afghanistan are being held at Ft. Carson in Colorado Springs.  They’re killer werewolves—and post traumatic stress has left them unable to control their shape-shifting and unable to interact with people.  Kitty agrees to see them, hoping to help by bringing them into her pack.

Meanwhile, Kitty gets sued for libel by CEO Harold Franklin after featuring Speedy Mart–his nationwide chain of 24-hour convenience stores with a reputation for attracting supernatural unpleasantness–on her show.

Very bad weather is on the horizon.