Review: O Come All Ye Kinky Anthology

Title: O Come All Ye Kinky
Author: Joey W. Hill, Ava March, Alexa Snow, Elyan Smith, Jane Davitt, Katie Porter, Kim Dare, L.A. Witt
Source:NetGalley
Publisher: Riptide
Genre: Erotic Romance with Heavy BDSM
Length: Novel
Release Date: December 3, 2012
Reviewer: Kris

Christmas is a time of love and joy, and the New Year is a time of renewal. But they are also times of stress and strife, family drama, pressure and heartache—a potent mix of high expectations and conflicted emotions. Add in power exchange relationships, kinky gift swaps, and unconventional love in a sometimes unforgiving world, and you have a formula for a sizzling anthology of stories that tug at your heart.

From Ava March’s forbidden Regency love among men, to Katie Porter’s scorching hot contemporary tale of two women discovering holiday happiness, everyone will find a favorite here. Pervertible toys abound: Lambda Literary Award finalist L.A. Witt’s candy cane, Jane Davitt’s wrapping paper and tape, and Alexa Snow’s Christmas candles all please and delight. Newcomer Elyan Smith and fan favorite Kim Dare both celebrate New Year’s Eve with romantic flair and kinky fireworks, while bestselling author Joey W. Hill’s poignant story of love lost and regained will lead you home.

Whatever your desires, we invite you to explore new fantasies and old with these eight kinky tales of holiday happy endings.
20% of all proceeds from O Come All Ye Kinky will be donated to the Domestic Violence Project of the National Leather Association–International.

Review: A Wizard for Christmas (The Protectors)

Title: A Wizard for Christmas (The Protectors)
Author: Dorothy McFalls
Source: Self-Purchased
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: December 12, 2011
Reviewer: Jasmyn

In this novella, Holly desperately wants a perfect Christmas, and she's perfectly willing to make herself miserable getting one. Unfortunately, there are mystical forces at play that threaten more than her holidays...her life is in danger.  And the only one who seems to know what's going on is a darkly handsome, but mysterious, wizard who makes her want to add "romance" to this year's Christmas wish list.

Interview with romance author Deborah Court

Please welcome romance author Deborah Court! 

Laurie: Hello Deborah, I’m happy to be able to do this interview with you. Would you mind telling us a bit about yourself?

Deborah: Thank you for inviting me to your blog again, Laurie! I write Fantasy/Paranormal Romance, Erotic Romance, and YA Mystery. I've also been working as a translator, editor and published author over the last years. At some point I decided to write my own stories. It's what I've always wanted to do. Apart from that, I am a pharmacist, and a mother of two children, aged 6 and 7, whom I like to call "Lil' Devil" and "Lil Plague".  I currently live in Germany.

Laurie: I know you’re coming to the Indie Romance Convention next October 2013. Will this be your first time attending a convention?

Deborah: Heck, yes! I am so excited about this. First, it's my first convention as an attending author, and second, I feel it's a big thing to be a part of this. The Indie community has been growing rapidly over the last years, and I can't wait to meet some of my readers.

Laurie: What are you looking forward to doing at the convention?

Deborah: Most of all, talking to my readers. I'm also looking forward to meeting you, of course, and all my fellow authors and bloggers who will be attending, too. It's such a great opportunity.

Review - Moon Island by JR Rain

Title: Moon Island (A Vampire for Hire Novel #7)
Author: J.R. Rain
Source: Purchase
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy mix (Vampire/werewolf/other)
Lenght: Short Novel
Reviewed by: Douglas C. Meeks

Six years ago federal agent Samantha Moon was the perfect wife and mother, your typical soccer mom with the minivan and suburban home. Then the unthinkable happens, an attack that changes her life forever. And forever is a very long time for a vampire.

Now in MOON ISLAND (Vampire for Hire #7), Samantha Moon is hired to look into the mysterious drowning of a super-rich hotel tycoon. The death occurred exactly one year ago, at the family’s annual retreat on a private island in the Pacific Northwest. Now, as the family gathers again, Samantha Moon is asked to find a ruthless killer—all while a massive storm bears down upon the small island.

But there’s another storm brewing upon Skull Island, a storm of the supernatural kind. Sam is about to come face-to-face with evil incarnate...a monster who will stop at nothing to possess her completely—mind, body and soul—and destroy all that she loves.

Review Last Chance Christmas by Hope Ramsay

Title: Last Chance Christmas
Author: Hope Ramsay
Source: Review Request
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Lenght: Novel, 313 pages
Reviewed by: Emi



Dear Reader,
    I've been wishing for a miracle for my oldest boy, Stone, and this Christmas my prayers might just be answered! 

Her name is Lark, and she's here in Last Chance, looking into her father's past-and stirring up a whole mess of trouble without meaning to. As the chief of police, Stone sure has his hands full trying to keep up with her. Ever since his wife died, Stone's put everything into raising his daughters and dodging the Christ Church Ladies' Auxiliary matchmakers. And it's clear Lark has been through some trouble and could use a place to finally call home. I only hope Stone can let go of the past soon enough to keep her . . . 
Goodness, I need to stop talking and finish up Jane's highlights so we can make the town tree-lighting. You come back by because the Cut 'n' Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, fresh-baked Christmas cookies-and the best gossip in town.

See you real soon, Ruby Rhodes

Special guest post by Gabrielle Bisset

Please welcome Gabrielle Bisset. I asked her to write a post about series reading. 

Thanks to Laurie here at Bitten By Paranormal Romance for asking me here today to talk about series. As an author and reader, I know the idea of a series can mean different things to many people. To some, it means a group of books that can be read in any order but all have something in common. My Victorian Erotic Romance Trilogy is like that. All three novellas are set in the Victorian period, but that's the only thing that binds them together. One is paranormal, another is BDSM, and the third is a regular historical.

However, to others a series is a group of books that is meant to be read in a particular order, first to last. My Sons of Navarus series is like that. For a reader to come in on Blood Spirit, the third book in the series, means they'll be confused because the series begins with Blood Avenged and then builds on that book in Blood Betrayed. By the time the reader gets to Blood Spirit, there are references to events, characters, and details from the earlier books that are integral to understanding the story.

It's quite popular now, especially in indie published books, to have a series that can be read in any particular order because each book is essentially a stand alone. There's nothing wrong with an author making this choice, in my opinion. My guess is that it's a marketing choice rather than a writing choice, but it certainly can be because an author may not want to get tied down to a continuous storyline throughout as many as seven or eight books. I can attest to the fact that it's a lot of work to keep a series storyline going while making each book focus on a particular couple, as I have to in my erotic paranormal romance series. The author must have the entire series mapped out when he or she begins, and the non-romantic plot (in my case) must be parsed out carefully in each book so as to not give away too much before the culmination of the plot. At the same time, the author must juggle that storyline with the individual one for each book. And when I say juggle, I mean it in every sense of the word.

I like to explain the idea of the series this way: if there's a number after the title of the book, then the series is supposed to be read in a particular order. For example, my Sons series always has a number in the title, such as Blood Avenged (Sons of Navarus #1) and the Harry Potter books on my bookshelves have numbers identifying them as to be read in a particular order.

However, if an author indicates clearly that a series can be read as a group of stand alone books, then readers should feel free to jump around. What's important to remember is that as authors, we have a vision for our stories and series, and if we make sure we let readers know the order of that vision, the experience with our books will be a far more enjoyable one.

Review A Taste for Revenge by Patrice Michelle

Title: A Taste for Revenge
Author: Patrice Michelle
Source: Review Request:
Genre: Paranormal Romace
Lenght: Novel, 400 pages 
Reviewed by: Emi

Revenge is a dish best served cold. No one knows this better than Jacqueline (Jax) Markson. Ever since she can remember, her father has spoken of revenge-revenge against all vampires. When his wife died after giving birth to Jax, John Markson blamed the vampire who’d bitten his pregnant wife for his loss and he dedicated his life to ridding the world of all vampires. After Jax’s vampire-hunter father is viciously killed, she takes up the reins where he left off. Her first order of business: take out the vampire who killed her father.

Ian (The Enforcer) Mordoor has a job to do. Before he can take over the Ruean vampire clan’s leadership position, Ian vows to hunt down Drace, the rogue vampire who brutally killed a human vampire hunter named John Markson. What Ian doesn’t expect to find during his quest is his mate in a human vampire hunter named Jax–-a woman who’d rather kill him than kiss him.

Cover Reveal - Jessica's Wolves by Becca Jameson

Cover & Excerpt Reveal

Jessica's Wolves
The Wolf Masters Series - Book 3

By Becca Jameson

Jessica Murphy has been living a lie. A childhood trauma has caused her to deny her true self, and she has no intention of ever revealing who she really is. As a first-year teacher making her way in life, the last thing she expects or desires is for two hunky men to walk into her school and insist she is their mate.

Charles Masters has been sowing his wild oats in Texas with his best friend, Reese Becker. When the two return home to Oregon for the holidays, they arrive with a young woman in tow who carries her own bundle of secrets. Caught between two females, Reese and Charles must juggle the woman they are destined to claim and the promises they've made to the desperate younger female wolf.

A complex web of secrecy and denial unfolds as Jessica accepts her mates … and herself. Will the mysterious past uniting Jessica to her new extended family prove to be more than she is willing to handle?

Review: What's A Witch to Do? by Jennifer Harlow

Title: What's A Witch To Do?
Author: Jennifer Harlow
Source: NetGalley
Genre: Paranormal romance- M/F
Length: Novel
Reviewed by: Douglas C. Meeks

A suspenseful brew with a dash of passion

High Priestess might sound like a ’80s hair band, but its Mona McGregor’s life. She runs the Midnight Magic shop in Goodnight, Virginia, and leads a large coven. She’s also raising two nieces and hasn't been with a man for fifteen years…until a handsome doctor takes an interest in her. But Mona’s life really heats up when Adam Blue, a sexy werewolf, arrives at her door. Adam informs her that someone wants her dead and he is there to protect her. Hell’s bells! When a demon begins stalking her, Mona has to suspect her coven members, and even her family.

With two handsome men and a determined demon after her, Mona teams up with Adam to find out who really wants her dead . . . and who really wants her.

Review Jungle Freakn' Bride by Eve Langlais

Title: Jungle Freakn' Bride (Freakn' Shifters #3.5) 

Author: Eve Langlais 

Source: Author request

Genre: Erotic paranormal romance- M/F/M 

Length: Novel

Reviewed by: Laurie 

Warning: Hot, steamy threesomes, chauvinism and more are running wild in the jungle. Can you handle the heat?

Abducted by a pair of hunky, tribal warriors, Carlie doesn’t think things can get any stranger until the first time she purrs.

Everyone’s heard of the mysterious Moon Ghost Jaguars, supposed shapeshifting men who steal women as their brides. What they forgot to mention was that half naked, ripped and oh so delicious, they always came as a pair – and turned into really big freakn’ cats! But Carlie’s not about to let these furry Tarzan’s dictate her future, even if they seem to have conquered her body.

Acat didn’t think he wanted a mate until he came across the outspoken American with golden hair. Making her his bride is only part of the battle. With the help of his best friend, Chaob, can he find a way to convince this strong willed woman to follow the traditions of his tribe? Or will this reluctant jungle bride get her lovers to accept the fact she’ll never be a classic barefoot and pregnant mate?

Review: Hunk for the Holidays by Katie Lane

Title: Hunk for the Holidays
Author: Katie Lane
Source: Publisher request
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length : 352 pages, paperback
Published: September 25th 2012, by Forever

Always putting business before pleasure, Cassie McPherson works hard for her family's construction business. That might explain why she doesn't have a date for the company Christmas party. But it doesn't quite explain why she's crazy enough to hire an escort for the event or - crazier still - why she's dying to unwrap him like a present . . .
With whiskey-colored eyes and a killer smile, James is one gorgeous hunk who really knows how to fill out a tuxedo. He charms everyone, including Cassie. And when the night ends, the party doesn't stop. As Cassie falls, literally, into his bed, James falls head over heels in love. Now he has to figure out a way to tell her the truth: he's not an escort. He's her family's fiercest business rival. But all he wants for Christmas is her . . .

Guest Post/giveaway by paranromal romance author Sondrae Bennett

Please welcome Sondrae Bennett! 

Guest Post by Sondrae Bennett

Today, I’m interviewing Amber and Danny, stars of the recently released Covert Desires. So tell us how you two met.

(Amber and Danny exchange a long, speaking glance.)

Amber: That’s a funny story, really. Well, maybe funny is the wrong word. It all started when there were some riots in the area. They attracted some attention because no one could figure out why the riots came about, or what people were rioting against. So, I was sent here to gather information. Only, Danny and his family found out I was coming, and was tasked with distracting me in order to assure I didn’t learn too much about him and his pack of wolf shifters.

Who sent you, Amber?

Amber: The government. FBI, to be specific. I’d just gotten out of a…difficult assignment. (A low growl rumbles from Danny. Amber grabs his hand and entwines her fingers through his.) He gets a little possessive when I bring that up. (She pats their joined hands with her free one.) Anyway, the Bureau thought this would be a nice, simple assignment to ease me back into undercover work.

How’d that work out for them?

Danny: She’s never going back, so not so good.

Is that true, Amber?

Amber: Why would I go back? I have everything I could ever want right here.

Danny: And I’m going to make sure it stays that way. (Amber leans in and kisses Danny’s cheek.)

So what happened when you first met? Was it love at first site?

Amber: He brought me cookies. (Amber purses her lips as Danny groans and hides his face in his free hand.) At least, I think they were cookies. Really, they were just black circular chunks on a plate, burnt beyond recognition.

Danny: I believe you said it was the thought that counts.

Amber: It was. Is. (She turns back to us) It was sweet. Of course, I still didn’t trust him. Any criminal can bake something, or attempt to, and my trust in other people had taken a beating. But it didn’t take me long to realize Danny was a stand-up guy with a heart of gold.

So after that it was happily ever after?

(Both Danny and Amber start laughing)

New Release - Dragon Moon by Nulli Para Ora

Cover & Excerpt Reveal

Dragon Moon
By Nulli Para Ora

David Johnson and Angelique Meadows are colleagues on a business trip to China. They've worked together for years, but neither has been able to admit their true feelings for the other. This business trip represents a landmark deal in their careers and an opportunity to reveal the truth of their hearts. Just as love blooms, disaster strikes.

The man they're meeting with is Yuen Gao, CEO of a multi-million dollar company. The world sees him as a successful business man. His pack sees him as their Alpha. Rogues, secret experiments, and the undeniable pull of his mate force him to reveal his secret. Is his love strong enough to overcome the pain of loss?

Hearts unite and break as trusted friends become enemies behind the scenes. Love longed for is lost to be replaced by a bond deeper than words. Loyalties are tested as ghosts of the past step into the present.

Can true love survive when forbidden hearts are reconnected?

Release Date: 12/17/2012
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

ARC Review: The League of Ilusion: Legacy by Vivi Anna

Title: The League of Illusion: Legacy
Author : Vivi Anna
Genre: Paranormal Steam Punk Romance
Source: NetGalley
Expected Publish date:  December 31st 2012 by Carina Press
Reviewer: Cerridwen

Former thief Jovan Davenport is the black sheep in a family of powerful sorcerers. But when his dying father—head of the League of Illusion—reaches out for help, Jovan has no choice but to accept. He must find his missing brother Sebastian and stop the power-hungry Hawthorne family from taking control of the council. If only they’d appointed someone other than Skylar Vanguard to help him in his quest.

Skylar, a druid and accomplished tracker, has spent three years trying to forget her past, especially Jovan Davenport. Once in love, she left Jovan when she discovered his betrayal. She wants nothing to do with him or his family, but must obey the council’s will by accompanying Jovan and reporting back on his progress.

Forced to work alongside each other, neither of them expects their passion to return so quickly. But as the conspiracy deepens in a steam-powered world of dirigibles and mechanical golems, will their secrets stand in the way of their mission…and their love?

Review: Thrones of Desire: Erotic Tales of Swords, Mist and Fire

Title: Thrones of Desire: Erotic Tales of Swords, Mist and Fire
Author: Various authors
Editor: Mitzi Szereto
Publisher: Cleis Press
Length: 256 pages
Reviewed by: Twigs

Thrones of Desire is a place where lust and legend abound, and adventure, passion and danger entwine.
Think mystical lands and creatures, kings and queens, knights and renegades, heroes and villains, warlords, maidens and princesses.

Think battles and danger, honor and dishonor, good and evil. Most of all, think hearts filled with passion and secret desire.

This is a place where romantic chivalry is alive and well, but so too is romantic wickedness. This is a place where the good do not always win, and the bad are often more captivating and desirable than their altruistic counterparts. In these lush and timeless landscapes, the battle for flesh can be as important as the battle for power. Intrigue, sorcery, revenge, lawlessness, dark secrets and mysterious elixirs; entanglements with supernatural beings — everything is possible in these magical mythical landscapes. Inspired by Game of Thrones these imaginative steamy tales transport the reader to fantastical realms.

Review: Kiss of the Phantom by Julie Leto

Title: Kiss of the Phantom
Author: Julie Leto
Source: Self-Purchased
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: June 2, 2009
Reviewer: Jasmyn

After rogue archeologist Mariah Hunter dumps a cache of ancient Mayan coins in the Mexican jungle, she ends up with a bounty on her head and needs a quick cash infusion to cover the debt. So when she hears that a priceless stone is up for grabs in a remote region of Germany, she scrambles to reach it before her rivals.

Nearly three hundred years ago, in a futile attempt to rescue his family from a mercenary horde, Rafe Forsyth springs an evil trap that keeps him captive within a hidden stone. Alone with his grief and rage for centuries, he is unprepared for the rush of attraction he feels for the beautiful adventurer who liberates his body…but can she save his soul?

Together, Rafe and Mariah race against time to recover the stolen coins and discover the means to free Rafe from the curse’s evil magic. Because until the curse is broken, the Gypsy’s kiss is the truest danger of all…