ARC Review Stone Cold Seduction by Jess Macallan

Title: Stone Cold Seduction (Set in Stone #1)
Author: Jess Macallan
Source: Publisher Request and NetGalley
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy Romance
Format: Paperback, 245 pgs
Release Date: September 5, 2011
When a regular night of Robin Hood-ery results in the manifestation of some, um, unusual paranormal abilities, perfume-maker Elleodora Fredricks realizes the normal world she lives in isn't quite... normal. And neither is she, thanks to her father, king of the shadow elves. Not only is he evil incarnate and the reason Elle moonlights as a burglar-someone has to take care of all his victims-he's stolen her memories.

And only reading her fate can fix that.

Good thing she's got a trio of hotties willing to help her find said fate, but only if she gives them something in return. Saving her oracle BFF's fiance, falling in love with the gargoyle, and making up for breaking the phoenix's heart ought to be a piece of cake for the princess of the shadow elves.

If only the king didn't want his daughter dead...

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My Review:

A Shadow Elf King, gargoyles, oracles, phoenix, light elves, fae, demigods, halflings, an evil father and not one but two romances are featured in this paranormal fantasy romance that grabs you from the first page.

It is a very humorous yet intense story told first person from Elle's point of view. One day she's just an ordinary 27 yr old woman trying to get back at her father for all the years of abuse and his murdering of innocents. The next day her life is turned upside down when she learns her world is not what is seems, nor are the people in her life.

Not Teryl, her best friend since she was ten. Not her gorgeous new employee Jax, who she thinks is "hot, sweaty, bring-the-roof-down sex poured into jeans" with a voice which reminds her of "her favorite chocolate. Dark, smooth, and so delicious, you can only eat one small bite at a time". Not even her father nor Mac, who she doesn't remember but tells her they were engaged.

Both Jax and Mac claim Elle is their mate. What? She doesn't even know what that is supposed to mean, let alone know why she has two.

Has very funny lines such as "No more manversations. Use your words, please. I’m not up for interpreting meaningful stares and growling."

The chemistry between Jax and Elle is steamy and the sex out of this world good. When she gets a few of her memories of Mac back, he is like a comfortable old sweater to her.

I read this is one sitting as I got so caught up in the story I was surprised when I reached the end so quickly. I cannot wait for the sequel.

Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
The story ends with a cliffhanger which leaves you wanting to run right out and get the sequel.

Review Breaking the Cowboy by S.K. Yule

Title: Breaking the Cowboy
Author: S.K. Yule
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Format: eNovella, 87 pgs
Release Date: June 9, 2011
Mason Kane never expected to see his best friend, Nick Bowden, again after he abandoned their new found love twelve years earlier. While Mason can’t deny he still has feelings for Nick, he is worried his heart will get broken again.

Leslie Morgan, Mason’s long-time friend, knows the true reason Nick was driven away all those years ago and thinks Mason should give him another chance. While Mason tries to work through his anger and forgive Nick, he’s amazed to find he’s fallen in love with Leslie. Can Mason, Nick, and Leslie find a way to be friends…and lovers?

Warning: Two sexy cowboys + one stunning cowgirl = one hot read that will make your blood pressure soar and your body temperature skyrocket. Prepare to go on one intense, mind blowing, fever-inducing ride. M/M sexual situations.

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My Review:

Wow! The warning in the description says it all.

Nick, Mason and Leslie have been friends and neighbors for most their lives. They all loved each other as kids but while Leslie had dated both guys for a while as kids, she knew their love for each other overshadowed anything they may have felt for her. When Nick ran away twelve years ago, it broke Mason's heart. Leslie kept in touch with Nick but Nick was afraid to try to get in touch with Mason.

Now Nick is back to stay and enlists Leslie's help to get Mason to listen to the reasons he left. One thing leads to another and both Nick and Mason realize they are in love with Leslie too.

The chemistry between all three is smoking. There are several very hot m/m/f menage scenes, one of which takes place on the front porch, and some m/m encounters.

This was a very quick read and I read it in one sitting. I would have liked to see this be a little longer to explore Nick and Mason's issues and have them worked out in a more realistic fashion but for a short eNovella, this is an enjoyable story.

Interview and Giveaway with Author Lisa Kessler

Please join me, WildAboutBones , in welcoming author Lisa Kessler as we talk about her book Night Walker (The Night Series #1) and other goodies.

Author Bio:
Lisa Kessler is an avid reader and writer of dark fiction. Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award.

Lisa recently signed a 4 book deal with Entangled Publishing to release her Night Series. The first book, Night Walker, was released August 2nd.

When she's not writing, Lisa is a professional vocalist, performing with the San Diego Opera as well as other musical theater companies in San Diego. You can learn more at http://Lisa-Kessler.com

Lisa lives in southern California with her incredibly fun husband and two amazing kids.

Would you tell us a little about yourself?
I’ve been publishing short stories for ten years and just had my first novel released in August. When I’m not writing, I also sing professionally and I’m a total Disney-a-holic.

Do you have a process or any special rituals in your writing routine?
I need the right “mood” music when I write. I usually make a playlist for the book before I start writing it. I also chew gum. Lots of gum! LOL It helps me focus while I’m writing, but it’s not pretty when all the gum wrappers start to encroach on my keyboard! ☺

You write several different genres. Which is your favorite genre to write and why?
That’s a tough question! I love short stories because they’re so powerful and character driven. You can pack a big punch in only a few words, but I also love writing paranormal romance because I enjoy watching two characters come together and learn to trust one another in order to face their foes. So I guess it’s safe to say I don’t really have a favorite… LOL

How did you come up with the idea for Night Walker and this new series?
I wanted to write a vampire novel, but I wanted to set it in San Diego and I wanted my vampire to be from the Americas not from Europe. I started researching San Diego, and also the oldest civilization in the Americans, the Mayans. The more I read, the more the story started to come alive in my head.

Tell us one quirky thing about Night Walker’s Calisto? Love the name by the way.
My favorite Calisto quirk, besides his thick Spanish accent, is the way he usually answers your questions with another question. It drives Kate crazy in the book, but it really endeared him to me as I wrote it… ☺ And I’m glad you like his name! When I was trying to come up with a Spanish name that also sounded sexy and old fashioned, I poured through Spanish baby name sites, saying the names out loud, and once I found Calisto I knew that was it.

There are several intriguing characters in Night Walker. Can you tell us a little bit about what’s next for this series? Who, from the book, might get the lead in upcoming books?
I can tell you that Lukas is the lead in Book 2, Night Demon. Calisto mentions him in Night Walker and he has a brief appearance in one of the flashbacks. He’s still alive and has spent his eternity researching the origins of the Night Walkers. Also Edie and Lori are still around too. You’ll see them more in Book 3, Night Child.

Out of the books and short stories you’ve written so far, do you have a favorite hero or heroine? If so, who and why.
Ack! That’s like picking your favorite child! LOL I can say that Calisto will always hold a special place in my heart because Night Walker really was the “book of my heart” and he helped me reach my dream of publication. I can also say that Muriah, the heroine in Night Child is one of my favorite female characters I’ve ever written. She’s a little rebel, but not snarky, and independent, but not cold. I really have fun writing her!

There is also a character from one of my short stories that I will always love. His name is Sheelak. He’s a demon who has a guilty pleasure. He loves Christmas! ☺ I’m publishing a short story anthology later this year, and Sheelak’s story is definitely a shining star…

Who are some of your favorite authors and what are some of your favorite books? And which has made the biggest impact on your writing career?
I love Anne Rice, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Kelley Armstrong, Jeri Smith-Ready, and the list goes on and on. I’m not sure which has made the biggest impact on my writing, but Kelley Armstrong definitely made a huge difference in my publishing path because she encouraged me to join RWA and network. I would probably still be searching for a publisher if she hadn’t nudged me toward RWA.

Do you have a hobby for when you aren’t writing or something to help you unwind and relax, if so, what?
Singing definitely relaxes me, but my favorite thing to unwind is to visit Disneyland. It’s such a wonderful escape for me to walk through those gates! Love it!

What is/are your favorite type(s) of paranormal character(s) and why?
Immortals are my favorite because I really enjoy being able to twist history into my stories. Plus someone who has experienced lifetimes on earth usually has much deeper scars than the rest of us. Fun to write about! ☺

Is there something you’d like to tell your fans that no one ever asks you in an interview? Every time someone tells me on facebook, twitter, email, or my blog that my book touched them, they totally make my day!!! It’s scary to toss a book out into the world, but it’s worth every second of worry to know that you connected with the story. Thank you SO much for reading!

Can you tell us a little bit about what, if anything, you’re working on next, besides The Night series?
I’m almost finished editing my first anthology of short stories, Forgotten Treasures, and I’m also working on placing my werewolf series, so hopefully I’ll be able to share those books with you soon…

Some Fun Quick Questions:
Boxers, briefs or commando for your hero? Boxers
Dog, cat or ferret person? Dog
What’s your favorite fairy tale? Beauty and the Beast
What’s your favorite cartoon character? Evil Queen from Snow White
What are you currently reading? Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
What is your favorite movie and/or TV show? Rocky
What’s the first book you remember reading? First Book was probably Hop on Pop! I thought that was the funniest book ever! First novel - The Phantom Tollbooth
What character name have you been dying to use as a main character, but haven’t found the right fit for yet?
Logan, but he will get a book in my werewolf series. He sings lead in a rock band… Yum! ☺

Find Lisa online at:
Lisa says, "I’m very chatty online, so feel free to connect!"

http://Lisa-Kessler.com
http://lisakessler.wordpress.com
http://twitter.com/LdyDisney
http://facebook.com/LisaKesslerWriter
http://facebook.com/NightSeries
http://goodreads.com/LisaKessler
http://www.entangledpublishing.com/night-walker

Purchase Links:

Amazon.com
Barnes & Noble
BooksOnBoard
diesel eBook Store
iTunes Store

Thanks so much, Lisa Kessler, for taking the time for this interview.

WildAboutBones' Review of Night Walker

GIVEAWAY

Giveaway and Contest Policy

Giveaway open September 2 - 5, 2011 (midnight)

Lisa Kessler will be giving away a copy of her eBook Night Walker to a lucky winner.
This is an International giveaway.
To enter, be a follower and make a comment and/or ask Lisa Kessler a question, along with your email address so we can contact you if you win.
Good luck, everyone!

Cheerwine Cake recipe and a think you!

Before I get into the recipe I want to think everyone that commented and payed for my family when my dad died. I have been trying to get caught back up and didn't add a think you post yet. So, I want to think you guys for all the cards, prayers and thoughts for me and my family!

I live in the town where Cracker Barrel was born, so I have loved their Coke Cola cake for a long time. But once I found Cheerwine I had to see what it would takes like in the cake instead of the Coke Cola. So I gave it a shot a few weeks ago before dad when into the hospital. I wanted to post it then but I didn't have the time. After he came home when my family started to come in I made the cake again. I never thought it would be such a hit. But it's the taste it's so wonderful. If you can get Cheerwine please try this. My bother and sister bought a bunch of Cheerwine and took it home so they could make the cake later.

When one of my sister put it in her mouth she said, "that should be sinful" I have to agree with her on this one LOL. 

Cheerwine® Cake

Adapted from “Cracker Barrel® Double Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake Recipe”

Ingredients

1 ½ cup Cheerwine®

1/2 cup canola oil

1 stick of butter melted

4 tablespoons cocoa powder, I use Dutch process cocoa but it you want a darker chocolate by all means use it.

2 cups sugar

2 cups flour (I use King Arthur flour®)

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 eggs

1/2 cup buttermilk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F and grease or spray with cooking spray a 13x9x2″ baking pan.

2. In med sauce pan mix the Cheerwine®, oil, butter and cocoa powder bring to a slight simmer over medium heat then turn stove off.

3. Mix dry ingredients together (sugar, flour and baking soda), add to mixture in saucepan and mix well, by hand. DO NOT OVER BEAT.

4. In a separate small bowl lightly beat the eggs and buttermilk together, then add them to the saucepan and combine batter well by hand, but again, do not over beat.

5. Pour into a greased baking pan and bake at 350° for approx. 23-28 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Be careful not to over bake.

Chocolate Frosting Recipe

Ingredients

1 stick butter melted

4 tablespoons cocoa powder, I use Dutch process cocoa but it you want a darker chocolate by all means use it.

8 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons of cheerwine®

4 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine butter, cocoa powder and milk together over medium heat, stirring occasionally until melted and smooth.

2. Add in the powdered sugar a little at a time, combining after each addition until smooth.

3. Pour over warm cake and make your mouth happy.

Review Dangerous to Her by Virna DePaul

Title: Dangerous to Her
Author: Virna DePaul
Genre romantic suspense
Source: Author requested
Format Kindle 224 pgs or paper back

"I'm not afraid anymore."

For years, court reporter Mattie Nolan kept her child a secret. The man she once loved chose his dangerous job—undercover cop—over her. But now, Sacramento detective Dom Jeffries is all that's standing between her and the drug kingpin set on revenge against everyone who put him away. Including Mattie.

Though teetering on the edge of burnout, Dom goes undercover as a bailiff in Mattie's courtroom. While he pretends not to remember her, thoughts of her touch, her smell and the smile that had been his alone keep resurfacing. Then he uncovers the secret she's protecting. To save the daughter he's never known and the woman he's never forgotten, Dom's ready to sacrifice not just his job, but his life…

Virna DePaul writes romantic suspense with heat and that’s just the way I like it. Most romance suspense writers gets so tied up into the mystery suspense they forget about the romance but Virna keeps up with it all and writes one hot book that will have you holding on to your seat, all the long trying to figure out who’s doing it.

I enjoyed Alpha Dom, he is one tuff cop that will stop at nothing to get back what he lost years ago. Mattie while tuff she is skeptical about Dom and it takes her awhile to let him in. I did enjoy Mattie but I wish she would have let Dom in a bit sooner, then again I guess we cant have it all LOL. Tony is Mattie’s brother, he has some issues and I hope Virna will write a story about him. I would love to see what she could do with putting him and Linda together.

This is quick read with all the elements that makes a good suspense. I recommend this book to anyone who likes some heat with their suspense. 

Rosalie Lario promo giveaway of Blood of the Demon

Blurb: Keegan lives to exact revenge on the evil demon who sired and abused him. When his father devises a plan to bring on the apocalypse, he and his three half-brothers, interdimensional bounty hunters for the Elden Council, are charged with capturing and delivering their father for punishment.

Art gallery owner Brynn Meyers has no idea that her ability to read memories embedded in objects and drain people of their life force means she has demon ancestry. Unfortunately for Brynn, she’s also the key to raising an ancient zombie army, which puts her on every demon’s Most Wanted List.

And no one wants her more than Keegan’s father.

Keegan must protect Brynn from his father by any means necessary, but he’ll have to learn to harness the other half of his genetics—the far deadlier, uncontrollable half—when he starts to fall for the one woman standing between him and the vengeance he so desperately seeks. The one woman he’ll never be able to resist.

Excerpt: Keegan dropped his gaze and swallowed hard.

When he looked at her again, his eyes blazed with emotion. “My whole life I’ve resolved

that no matter what, I wouldn’t be anything like him.”

“You’re not. You could never be,” Brynn whispered fiercely. She might not have known

him long, but after sharing some of his memories, she might understand him better than almost

anyone else. Despite his upbringing, or maybe because of it, he was inherently good.

Keegan shook his head. “You don’t know that. You don’t know what I am capable of, or

the things I’ve seen and done, and the things I’ve sworn to do.”

The bleak look in his eyes broke her heart. What would it be like to grow up in such a

dark, hellish dimension, with no mother and an evil, abusive bastard for a father?

Another tide of emotions swept over her, but this time they were sharper, sweeter. They

were her feelings for Keegan, and sympathy comprised just one part of them.

“Keegan,” she whispered.

He opened his eyes. Whatever he saw there must have surprised him, because he sucked

in a breath. His gaze grew hot and hungry, the pupils of his eyes darkening as they lost their

focus.

Brynn touched his lips. They were firm, yet soft, his breath making fiery little puffs

against her flesh. “You really do run hot, don’t you?”

He let out a husky laugh. “Demon heat. We clock in at over one hundred degrees.”

More evidence that, while he might look human, he wasn’t. But her body didn’t care what

he was. It wanted him anyway, so badly she feared she might melt into a puddle of desire. She

needed to feel him. To touch him. To taste his lips on hers.

She leaned toward him. “Keegan—”

With half-lidded eyes, Keegan slowly closed the space between them.

Buy Links At http://www.entangledpublishing.com/blood-of-the-demon/

Website: http://www.rosalielario.com

Giveaway time

Rosalie Is offering a Kindle copy of BLOOD OF THE DEMON, Book 1 in the Demons of Infernum series to one lucky commentor.

Please check out the giveaway rules and policy before entering. I have changes things a bit.

Review Princess Mine by Brindle Chase

Title: Princess Mine
Author: Brindle Chase
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: eNovella, 76 pgs
Release Date: July 20, 2011
Princess Briareth’lianna traverses Drearwood forest every full moon for the chase. Her heart pounds rapid and furious in her Elvin chest as Daeven, the sexy human werewolf tracks her with bestial hunger. A hundred times she has escaped the dark and incredibly hot wereling, but the adrenaline-laden lust that scorches her veins each time leaves her yearning to know what would be if caught. His ravenous need and powerful body could destroy her or engulf them both in the fire that fuels her erotic dreams.

Visions of the beautiful and exotic Briareth’lianna torment Daeven with sexual promise every night that passes between each lunar cycle. Their game of cat and mouse had long become more for him. To pin her in his arms and taste her, just once, he would risk a forbidden love between Elf and Human. This night, he vows she will be his.

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My Review:

Werewolves, eleven royalty, a forbidden mating and even a goblin make for a sexy paranormal romance sprinkled with some fantasy.

What could be better than a story about a male and female who frequently watch each other and once a month play a game of chase where the stakes are high but the rewards are even better. Then to find out each has loved the other from afar for more than three and half years even though their love and mating is forbidden by both their peoples. Such a sweet and poignant story.

Brindle Chase writes very hot sensual scenes which take place in some fun places.

This is a very quick read, readable in one sitting.

I adored this story and think paranormal romance, fantasy and werewolf genre fans will enjoy it as well.

Review The Taker by Alma Katsu

Title: The Taker
Author: Alma Katsu
Source: From publisher
Genre: Paranormal
Format Hardcover 352 pgs

True love can last an eternity . . . but immortality comes at a price. . . .

On the midnight shift at a hospital in rural Maine, Dr. Luke Findley is expecting another quiet evening of frostbite and the occasional domestic dispute. But the minute Lanore McIlvrae—Lanny—walks into his ER, she changes his life forever. A mysterious woman with a past and plenty of dark secrets, Lanny is unlike anyone Luke has ever met. He is inexplicably drawn to her . . . despite the fact that she is a murder suspect with a police escort. And as she begins to tell her story, a story of enduring love and consummate betrayal that transcends time and mortality, Luke finds himself utterly captivated.

Her impassioned account begins at the turn of the nineteenth century in the same small town of St. Andrew, Maine, back when it was a Puritan settlement. Consumed as a child by her love for the son of the town’s founder, Lanny will do anything to be with him forever. But the price she pays is steep—an immortal bond that chains her to a terrible fate for all eternity. And now, two centuries later, the key to her healing and her salvation lies with Dr. Luke Findley.

Part historical novel, part supernatural page-turner, The Taker is an unforgettable tale about the power of unrequited love not only to elevate and sustain, but also to blind and ultimately destroy, and how each of us is responsible for finding our own path to redemption.

I have never reviewed a book that I did not finish reading until this one. I feel the need to let everyone know why I couldn’t finish it. I did read a little over 300 pages but I just found I couldn’t take the abuse and the way Lanore was so naive any longer. I have read quite a few books where I’ve stated that they weren’t for the faint of heart but this book was the worse yet. Lanore’s choices in life brings her down a long painful and very sad path in life, one  I just couldn't stomach. 

I do feel that the book is very well written. I did have a hard time getting into the first few chapters but once Lanore got into her story the author keeps you interested. I know a lot of people will like this tale just make sure you read quite few good and not so good review before jumping into this trilogy to make sure it would be for you.


I have seen people compare this to Anne Rice vampires. I myself say there's no way, both are totally different. 

Review Cutie Pies: 40 Sweet, Savory, and Adorable Recipes by Dani Cone

Title: Cutie Pies: 40 Sweet, Savory, and Adorable Recipes
Dani Cone
Source netgalley
Genre: Cookbook

Praised by Bon Appetit, DailyCandy, and Sunset magazine, the secrets behind Dani Cone's signature handmade, all-natural miniature pies are revealed for the first time inside Cutie Pies: 40 Sweet, Savory, and Adorable Recipes. Whether you're grabbing the perfectly portable Flipside on the way to work, enjoying a Piejar as a tasty afternoon treat, or looking for a fun and impressive dinner party dessert, Cutie Piesprovides the perfect morsels to satisfy sweet and savory cravings alike.

Inside Cutie Pies, Cone presents 40 exclusive recipes inspired by the unique line of compact pastries she serves at her Seattle-based Fuel Coffee and High 5 Pie locations, which have received a Best of Seattle Weekly award. Sweet, one-of-a-kind treats like a Mango-Raspberry-Lemon Piepop mingle with savory recipes like Cone's Curry Veggie Piejar, all in a distinct and delightful design.

Cutie Pies is illustrated throughout with more than 20 mouthwatering, full-color photographs, and its contemporary fashion and straightforward recipes enable bakers everywhere to create these tiny treats with big flavor.

Rating-

Cutie Pies is not just a dessert cookbook. Oh no, you’ll find all kind of pies here. I for one will be buying this one as soon as it’s available. Directions are very easy to follow and there are plenty of tips for assembling the pies. This cookbook is not only for the small cutie pies you get Petiti-5, pie jars (really neat) flipsides, pie pops and full sized pies. So, there is a size and recipe for every occasion. Everything I have tired has been easy, fun and tasty. If you like pies don’t miss this cookbook. 


Jars is the next big thing with cakes so why not Pies. 

Review Night Falls on the Wicked by Sharie Kohler

Title: Night Falls on the Wicked (Moon Chasers #5)
Author: Sharie Kohler
Source: Publisher Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 384 pgs
Release Date: August 30, 2011

Sharie Kohler returns to the shadowy world of the Moon Chasers, where a seductive witch stalked by demons finds protection in the arms of a lycan on a mission of blood vengeance. . .

Darby lives her life below the radar, moving from town to town in the coldest climates, eluding the demons that hunt her—and never allowing herself to get close to anyone. Now, in frigid isolation, Darby waits tables in a small town and tries to forget who she is—what she is—and the danger forever nipping at her heels. Until a new danger finds her—a lycan pack whose distant howls have the locals on edge. But the call of the lycans has also drawn a handsome, menacing stranger. . . .

For years, Niklas has searched for the bloodthirsty pack that murdered his mother and infected him. Darby is overwhelmed by his raw appeal and dangerous strength. Niklas senses her need and vulnerability . . . and together they give in to the hungry attraction blazing between them—but desire this fierce brings dangers of its own. When Darby is targeted by the lycans, the stakes are higher than ever—and Niklas is not about to lose another woman he loves to their evil bloodlust.

Rating -
Sexual -
My Review:

This fifth book in Kohler's Moon Chasers series is filled with lycans (aka werewolves), white witches, demon witches and demons along with a very reluctant romance.

Much like in Lori Handeland's NightCreatures series, these werewolves aren't hot and sexy alpha males who just happen to turn furry a couple nights each month. They are nasty killing machines who can't help changing during the nights around and including the full moon and eating people ... and {grin} not in a good way.

Darby and Niklas both have secrets and personal demons they hide from the world. They end up in the same little town in a very cold Canada for very different reasons. Darby is there to hide from demons and Niklas is there hunting the murdering pack he's been after for ten years.

They are so very alike even though it takes some time for them to realize it. They team up to try to save a little girl from a fate worse than death while trying to keep their hands off each other.

The chemistry between Darby and Niklas sizzles and the sex is hot when they finally give into each other.

Haven't read the rest of the series yet? No problem, Kohler has done a great job in making this a stand alone book.This was a very quick read, I read it in a few hours in the middle of the night since I couldn't put it down.

Paranormal romance and werewolf genre fans should enjoy this story.

Review SURRENDER by Jean Brashear

Title: Surrender
Author: Jean Brashear
Source: Requested review
Genre: Paranormal romance

T

Newly-minted Santa Fe police detective Justine “Jace” Carroll finds herself enmeshed in what began as a simple death of a drifter that takes labyrinthine twists, drawing her deeper into a world of shifting realities. At the center of the tangled knot is the mesmerizing and mysterious Dante Sabanne, a sexy, powerful, wealthy recluse whose involvement with ancient poisons, mystical lore, exotic sexual practices and unusual weaponry makes him by turns a crucial expert witness, a devastating lover…and possibly the man behind a cult whose profane rituals have turned from depraved to deadly. 

The Jace who thought she knew exactly who she was and what she wanted becomes both pawn and queen in a battle between the dark and the light. As she seeks to fulfill her duty to protect the innocent, an ancient amulet with healing powers is the battleground on which she and others may die if she makes the wrong choice between the evidence before her eyes and the yearnings of a heart she is no longer sure she can trust. 

A scorching tale of suspense, passion and magic—never before published—from USAToday bestselling author Jean Brashear 

“Jean Brashear has that ‘it’ factor. She is an incredibly talented writer who can hit every note with enough clarity to bring the reader tears, laughter or just, ‘Oh, my, this is an amazing story.’” ~New York Times Bestselling author Stella Cameron 

“Sizzles with sensuality and suspense from beginning to end!” ~New York Times Bestselling author Sharon Sala 

“Jean Brashear writes with warmth and emotional truth. The depth of her understanding of human nature marks her as a writer to watch.” ~New York Times Bestselling author Debbie Macomber

This is a great romantic suspense with emphasis on the romance. Dante Sabanne is a complicated mystery that is tied a little to closely to Justine "Jace" Carroll's first big case for her liking. When Jace is given the run of her first case involving a homeless man it seems simple enough that this death is non-suspicious; to everyone except for Jace that is. To her something doesn't feel right about that. When a second victim shows up dead under similar circumstances she knows she is on to something. After a little digging and some odd blood work results, it looks like Dante Sabanne, the well known expert on poisons and toxins, is her next stop to solving the case. But Jace isn't prepared for how deep she will have to go into Dante's dark world to find her answers. 
From the first time they meet they are drawn to each other, but Jace is overwhelmed by Dante and his seductiveness. She doesn't understand why she feels pulled toward him by such an unimaginable force and when they touch she is shaken up beyond words. For someone like Jace, that learned not to trust or rely on anyone from a young age, this a big problem. It is nearly impossible for her to grasp onto or accept why it feels so natural and compelling to surrender herself completely to Dante without knowing him. Dante, on the other hand, completely understands and embraces it. The problem for Dante is whether he can get Jace to accept her part in his world in time to save it and those relying on him. If not she could become a bigger problem. 
This story has so many twist and turns that I found myself wanting to read ahead just to know who I could trust. The sexy mysterious Dante is by far the story stealer, but will he be the man to break down Jace's walls? To show her it's okay to trust? Or is he using their sexual attraction for his own personal motives, against Jace? As soon as I felt I knew which way the story was going everything suddenly changed and once again I had more question that I couldn't read fast enough to find out the answers to. 
Wow! Jean Brashear knows how to write suspense and my, my, does she know how to create sexual tension that is off the charts! The scene in the nightclub? Well let's just say you'll have to read it to enjoy it!! I'll say no more about that! 
I definitely recommend Surrender for anyone that likes a suspenseful romance with a suspenseful story-line intertwined. I can't wait to read what's next from this author.

Review My Fierce Highlander by Vonda Sinclair

Title: My Fierce Highlander
Author: Vonda Sinclair
Source: Author request
Genre: Historical romance
Length: Novel

Gwyneth Carswell, an English lady banished by her father to the harsh Scottish Highlands, wants nothing more than to take her young son away from the violence of two fighting clans--her own distant kin, the MacIrwins, and their enemies, the MacGraths. She risks everything to rescue the fierce MacGrath warrior from the battlefield where he’s left for dead by her clan. She only knows she is inexplicably drawn to him and he wants peace as she does. When her clan learns of her betrayal, they seek vengeance. Dare she trust the enemy more than her own family?

Laird Alasdair MacGrath is driven to end two-hundred years of feuding with the MacIrwins. But by taking in and protecting Lady Gwyneth and her son, he provokes more attacks from his mortal enemy. As the danger and conflict surrounding them escalate, Alasdair and Gwyneth discover an explosive passion neither of them expected. With the arrival of a powerful man from her past, a horrible decision confronts her--give up her son or the man she loves.

Vonda writes with so much passion, you can feel like you are right there in the mist of what’s happening and that’s what drew me to love this book even though I wanted to slap the heroine silly before it was over, but I’ll get back to that in a bit. As most of you know paranormal romance is my forte in reading, I do like historical but they have to hit me right in some areas that I am picky in, this one hits me right in all the right  ways , I was very impressed and screaming for more.

I really don’t think I have the words that express this story. It was fun, exciting and dangerous with the added right spice between the hero and heroine, it was fantastic. The only downside I found was I wanted to slap Gwyneth silly before it was all over. She was very hard headed and didn’t want to take Alasdair’s advice. He done everything for her and she seemed to want to throw it all aside. So you get some tension between them before its all over. I do feel I need to stress Gwyneth does have her reasons for being like she is with everything she has went through in her life.  I loved the fact the heroine is not a virgin and the hero loved his first wife so much so he keeps his pants up unlike his  brother in every ladies petticoat LOL. Oh yeah, he is going to be interesting to read.

Alasdair and Gwyneth are a great couple they have a lot of passion for each other. The sexual tension is there but it takes a bit for these two to get it going. I want to add the author didn’t go over board on the sex, I felt there was just the right amount without filling the pages up with it.

This is one book that when you read it you might find yourself asking, “why isn’t this in mass paper back?” Well, I have no real clue why this author chose to go this route but I will say I am proud that she did. This way she can control her destiny. I know a lot of authors are going to start choosing this option as the publishers get pickier. So don’t let this stop you from trying this book because I couldn’t put it down and  I read it in one day. I highly recommend this one to any romance reader.

Review Cat O' Nine Tails by Patricia Leever

Title: Cat O' Nine Tails
Author: Patricia Leever 
Genre: Historical romance
Source: Publisher request 
Format: eBook 221 pgs. Also in paperback

When Orrin and his brother Kale are hired by Queen Winifred to hunt down Aeron and her band of miscreants, Orrin never dreamed he’d fall in love with the beautiful she pirate, or the kind, accepting people of her island hideaway. As they grow closer, Aeron reveals her jaded past with Queen Winifred to Orrin; he doesn’t hesitate to offer his help to bring Winifred’s evil reign to an end. Aeron and Orrin soon discover that the strongest weapon in their combined arsenal is the love they have for each other.

I have no clue what I was thinking when I started this book but it was nothing like I thought. It surprised me all the way around. I love the way the author didn’t tell all in the blurb like most do now days, so you get some great surprises in the story. Not only do you get one love story between the hero and heroine but you get an extra surprise with the hero’s brothers love affair.

Let me first state this story will not be for the faint of heart. Yes, it has its cruel moments and the author tells pretty much all of it. But you have to look at the title and wonder where it fits in and when you find out you might not like it one bit. I know I didn’t but I still found it brilliant and unexpected, even though I was cringing at the times.

The heroine Aeron is great. I love that she is a strong willed pirate that will slit anyone through that does wrong to people. Yep, she’s more of a robin hood to some ladies but with all that she has went thought I sure don’t blame her. Plus I loved that she get the right hero for her, Orrin. He’s one that will not break her spirit, he loves her just like she is, sword, scars and all.

One problem some will have is the characters all fall for each other very, very quickly without fuss. I didn’t mind it so much with everything else going on in the story. I will say this could have been easily made into two books and a lot of detail brought out that would have knocked some socks off. But since this is the first book by this author I am not going to harp on things because I am very much impressed and know she will expand more as she grows in writing.

I highly recommend this new author and book to anyone who likes historical romance and pirates.