Primal Pleasure
by Sydney Somers
e-Book
Publisher: Samhain
Available: August 24, 2010
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Emma is used to getting dragged into her twin sister’s magical messes, but this time her predicament is more than a minor annoyance. She’s chained to a cat shifter that her sister encased in a curse of stone. Worse, the unfortunate gargoyle’s waking up. And her sister’s not there to take the heat.

After a century suspended in stone, Cian would do anything to get his hands on the sorceress who put him there. Strangely, his dreams of revenge turn into an animal hunger to put his hands all over her—in every delightfully wicked way imaginable.
Never as talented as her sister, Emma doesn’t trust her own magic. But for now she must let Cian believe she’s the culprit in order to strike a bargain: to permanently lift the curse in exchange for his tracking skills to find her missing sister. The longer she is near him, though, the closer she comes to surrendering much more than her body to the brutal warrior.

As their attraction catches fire, Emma dreads what could happen when he learns the truth. If he will sacrifice her to break the spell…or fight for a love that goes beyond animal instinct.

Reviewed by: Sophia (FV) 

Emma is a sorceress and the “good twin” who is always suffering the fallout of her twin’s escapades.  This time she finds herself chained to a gargoyle that her sister cursed to remain in stone a century ago.  But now, something magical is happening and the curse seems to be broken…for now.  The gargoyle is sure to want revenge on Emma, whom he believes cursed him, but he finds himself inexplicably attracted to her. 

Cian, the gargoyle that has been in stone form for the past century believes that his attraction to Emma is a result of an enchantment spell that she has cast on him in order to save her own skin.  But his cat believes she is actually his mate.  When Emma escapes from Cian before he can figure out how to deal with her, he vows to track her down one way or another.  But once he catches up with her he finds her on the hunt for her sister and in a whole heap of trouble herself.  Emma strikes up a bargain with Cian to find her sister, one that could potentially break her heart since she is falling for the sexy shifter. 

Primal Pleasure starts out strong and as always with a Somers book, very, very sexy.  Cian has been in stone form for a hundred years but now that the curse is lifted his lust for Emma overrides his desire for revenge.  He is instantly protective over the sexy sorceress even though he assumes his attraction is the result of an enchantment spell.  But his attraction to her rides him so hard, he doesn’t fight it much.  He wants Emma and even though she knows she’s flirting with some serious danger, Emma is extremely attracted to Cian as well. 

Somewhere in the middle of the book the story begins to sag a little.  Not to the point where I was bored, not at all, but I felt that the hunt for the sister was drawn out a little and the lack of the presence of the villain until very late in the book caused the pace to slow a little too much.  All of the main action and big revelations happen fairly late in the story so the only real danger for the protagonists seemed to come from each other. 

Cian and Emma make a great couple and their chemistry is so very sexy.  I liked that even though both had reason to avoid falling for the other they didn’t waste a huge amount of time resisting each other.  The loving relationship does not come easy for them since they have some things to overcome but I liked that they both found each other so appealing even when they shouldn’t. 

I’ve read all three books in Sydney Somers’ Pendragon Gargoyle series and while I enjoyed Primal Pleasure very much, it was not my favorite in the series. However, I can certainly say it is still a recommended read.  Sydney Somers writes love stories with a sexy edge that keeps me coming back for more.  Certain revelations near the end of Primal Pleasure leave me eagerly anticipating a second chances romance. 

Favorite Quote:

Growling low and sexy, he dropped his head until his lips skimmed her cheek. “If you get any more aroused, I will take you right here without a second thought. I need to be inside you that much.”

 

Other books in the series:

• Primal Hunger
• Primal Attraction

Other reviews on GoodReads

Author's Website

Read and excerpt

Purchase Links: Amazon || MBaM

Sydney Somers would like to giveaway an ebook copy of Primal Pleasure to one lucky commenter.  To enter just leave a comment here on this review.  Giveaway is open until October 9, winner announced soon after.  Open to all.  I must be able to contact the winner via email. 

Play Dirty
by Lorie O'Clare
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Available: September 28, 2010
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heartthrob bounty hunter Greg King knows how to work it—and he knows that he can have any woman he wants. But there’s more to Greg than meets the eye…and he’s still haunted by the memory of his beautiful, estranged wife. Much as he’s tried to move on, he’s never been able to stop wondering why Haley left him. Or what he could have done to make their marriage better—and make her stay…

After putting a vicious criminal behind bars, Haley King had no choice but to leave her loved ones behind and enter the witness protection program. Turns out that, in her new life, Haley has once again found herself in serious trouble—and needs help from the only person she can trust: her husband. Now, as old secrets threaten to tear them apart and danger closes in from all sides, it’s up to Greg to keep Haley safe…and convince her that this time, he’s playing for keeps.

Reviewed by: Amy 

Move over "The Dog" there's a new bounty hunter in town. And while he's big, broad and all alpha male, his overall impression left little to be desired for this reader.  Play Dirty is the first installment of the bounty hunter series by Lorie O'Clare and unfortunately one that left me flat and frustrated.

Greg King, former police officer, now bounty hunter, thrives on the adventures his profession brings.  Catching a criminal runs through his blood like being high on a drug and now both his sons Marc and Jake crave the same action the job brings.  All three work together for King Fugitive Apprehension, a private investigative service founded by Greg.  While on a routine stakeout for the latest criminal, Greg sees a woman down the street in the shadows who looks like his wife.  He immediately knows it’s her, but does not know why she is there at the scene.  Haley King (a.k.a. Hannah McDowell) left her husband Greg and their two boys after testifying as the key witness against a major drug lord (Perry Pierre).  Without telling her family about her departure, she entered the Witness Protection Program, left Los Angeles and took on her new persona in Nebraska as a private investigator for Payton Investigative Services.  Her boss and mentor John Payton has suspiciously gone missing at the same time Perry Pierre dies in prison. Now that Pierre is dead, Haley is back in LA after not having any contact with her family for six years.

This was my first read of Ms. O'Clares and while I had high expectations going in (particularly with such a hot cover), I was frustrated throughout the book.  While I like the concept of a fiction based life of a bounty hunter, Play Dirty had a very unbelievable storyline.  Ms. O'Clare tries to create a story of a loving husband and wife (former high school sweethearts) who are dedicated to each other and their two teenage sons.  However, I found this entire plot hard to believe for several reasons.  First, Greg and the boys (now men) were quick to accept Haley back into their lives.  They almost treated her six-YEAR absence as if she'd only been gone for six-HOURS.   As the reader, I struggled with the mentality that this was just a regular part of the job to leave your family for six years and them be okay with it.  Second, it was unrealistic to me that both Greg and Haley knew exactly where the other one was during her absence, but did not contact the other or work out some way to be together.  I was not convinced that Greg could keep tabs on Haley and her new life and not be endangering himself and the boys.  Otherwise, why not join her in the Witness Protection Program to keep the family unity they both claimed to want. Third, Haley's actions and words seemed to directly contradict any semblance of dedication she had to her family.

"Why didn't you tell Dad?" Jake asked.
"Because he would have stopped me, or intervened, or forbidden me to keep working.  I knew what I was doing was dangerous and I was hooked.  There was no way he was going to take me away from my first bust."

To me, it was obvious in the above quote that the thrill of the hunt was the most important thing to Haley. She chose the love of her job over her husband, her children and her life as she knew it.  She made it clear that while she hated giving up her family and identity for six years, she would do it again in a heart beat to take down a major criminal.  I simply cannot relate to this thought process and never would give up a life I made with a husband and children that I claimed to deeply love for a profession or "rush".

Also, though Haley and Greg were high school sweethearts and married almost two decades, I never felt a true emotional connection between them.  Their sexual moments seemed quick and detached - more of a "friends with benefits" feel and not really connecting in the intimacy of the moment or with each other which left me asking why was this couple even married when their deepest connection was to their profession.  This leads me to the continued fight for control between Haley and Greg that grew very tiresome as well.  Haley was constantly trying to prove to Greg that she was his professional equal.  She wanted him to trust her at the helm in giving the orders when she had all the information. Greg was constantly trying to take the lead in the decision making and also assert the "alpha role" of dominance and protection of his woman.

While Play Dirty provided some suspense, it was a flat attempt and didn't have me on the edge of my seat like I expected. The informant and the villain were predictable as well as the ending.  Also the easy acceptance of Haley's choice in leaving her family and the reasons behind it left a bitter taste in my mouth throughout the story. The overall family dynamics and lack of emotional depth definitely hindered my overall enjoyment of the story and left me questioning whether I will continue in the series.

 

 

 

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Author's Website

Purchase Links: Amazon || Book Depository

Double Cross
by Carolyn Crane 
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Spectra
Available: September 28, 2010
Genre: Urban Fantasy

SOME SECRETS COME BACK TO HAUNT. OTHERS COME TO KILL...

Justine Jones has lived her life as a fearful hypochondriac until she's lured into the web of a mysterious mastermind named Packard. He gifts her with extraordinary mental powers-dooming her to fight Midcity's shadowy war on paranormal crime in order to find the peace she so desperately craves.

But now, serial killers with unheard-of skills are terrorizing the most powerful beings in Midcity, including mastermind Packard - and his oldest friend and worst enemy, Midcity's new mayor, who has the ability to bend matter itself to his will.

As the body count grows, Justine faces a crisis of conscience as she tests the limits of her new powers and faces an impossible choice between two flawed but brilliant men . . . one on a journey of redemption, and the other descending into a pit of moral depravity.

Reviewed by: Sophia (FV) 

**Possible mild spoilers if you have not read the first book in the series**

After reading Carolyn Crane’s impressive debut Mind Games, the first book in Disillusionists Trilogy, I was eager to read Double Cross.  With all the amazing titles that the urban fantasy genre has to offer these days Ms. Crane had her work cut out for her if I was to be impressed yet again.  The bar has certainly been raised for what I expect in urban fantasy and Double Cross is up against some serious heavy hitters in the genre.  Carolyn Crane hits it out of the park with this second installment in her Disillusionists Trilogy.

Justine Jones is doing her part to rid Midcity of dangerous ‘gifted’ criminals by disillusioning them.  She continues to work with Packard and his group of disillusionists in a effort to rehabilitate and release these criminals that the Mayor of Midcity, Otto Sanchez, has incarcerated using his Highcap abilities.  Although Justine has never been a hundred percent comfortable with what she is doing, it seems like she has found a way, with the help of Packard, to manage her hypochondriac episodes and channel them into doing something positive.  However with her latest case she is not so certain it’s all black and white and she suspects there is a chance her target may actually be innocent.  To further complicate things, a small group of serial killers, called the Dorks are picking off Highcaps one by one.  Otto, Packard, Justine and the disillusionists must work together to end their reign of terror. 

Justine’s personal relationships are as confused as ever.  Justine and Otto are both hypochondriacs who fear vein star syndrome.  They are working on a relationship, but as the new Mayor of Midcity Otto has a lot on his plate and they are not yet on solid ground due to Justine’s previous betrayal.  Justine is also conflicted in her relationship with Packard.  She feels betrayed by Packard yet fights her romantic attraction to him.  Packard makes no secret about his feelings for Justine and feels it’s only a matter of time until she comes around making for an interesting triangle. 

As I read Double Cross I realized that I never felt as though I was a spectator, but instead felt as though I was in the middle of the action at all times.  Carolyn Crane’s writing style brings you in and makes you a part of her story before you even realize you are fully engaged with her characters, and wrapped up in an urban fantasy world that feels real and believable. 

One of my favorite things about this book, as well as it’s predecessor is the clever and subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) humor.  As I said, Ms. Crane has a way of drawing the reader into the story and I found myself laughing for thinking it’s perfectly natural to refer to heinous serial killers as the Dorks. I’m almost ashamed to admit that I found the the combined hypochondria of Justine and Otto ridiculously funny.  One irrational hypochondriac is funny, but double the dose and you’ve got a scene full of win. 

Double Cross certainly lives up to it’s title. Although I’m fairly certain where my loyalties lie, there is still a tiny flicker of doubt as all parties involved are appealing in their own way, yet they are flawed and have given plenty of reason why they should not be fully trusted.  The ending absolutely blew me away and yes, I’ve picked a team…but maybe not. :)

I loved Mind Games but Double Crossed gave me a good hard shove into crazy, maniacal fan girl territory.  (Don’t be scared CC, I’m harmless).   Double Cross is a must read.

P.S.
I’m totally pissed that I read through this book and completely forgot to mark my favorite quotes.  I wonder if forgetfulness is symptom of vein star syndrome?  I’m pretty sure it is, but I forgot. o_O  I’ll have to look that up.  My head feels tingly.  

 

Other books in the series:

• Mind Games

Other reviews on GoodReads

Author's Website

Purchase Links: Amazon || Book Depository

I’m pleased to have author Cari Quinn on the blog today.  Take it away Cari.

 

Big thanks to Sophia for allowing me to guest blog here today. I love her reviews and her blog! 

When I tried to come up with a topic for my guest blog, I wasn't sure what to talk about. The first thing that popped into my mind was the heat level in books. Not too surprising, since I write erotic romance, right? But I did an interesting, unintentional comparison recently about what works for me as a reader, one that will inform my choices going forward as a writer.

Some authors jump right into the hot stuff as soon as possible. Makes sense, since when a reader opens a thriller, they expect heart-pounding suspense right off. I've done that before too though I usually try to give a bit of a set-up first. I know my preference is to get to know the characters a little bit first before watching them drop their drawers. In the two stories I read back-to-back, the first gave us a bit of that setup. This is an author I've read before and her style of telling a story really resonates with me. I had an idea who we were dealing with, then learned a lot more about them as they explored themselves and their growing relationship through sex. In the second story, we were thrust, quite literally, into discussions of a threesome right off the bat. The writing was crisp, pulled you right in, and I...didn't care. This book's gotten great reviews so I kept going. I read through the first chapter, which was hot, and yep, still didn't care. I have a long ways to go in the story yet and I'm going to keep reading, because ultimately the author did everything they were supposed to do. Great opening hook, sharp writing...and it just didn't work for me. And that's because I didn't know who these people were before they decided to do the nakey tango.

I've fallen into the trap too. If I'm being honest, it took my awesome CP Taryn Elliott (who's going to have books filling the shelves soon) to remind me that hot sex does not a good erotic romance make. I've written several books and several novellas and I sorta thought I had a handle on what ingredients were necessary. But I forgot. It's not just enough to have perky breasts and quivering ripped abs. It's not enough to have your characters performing tantric sex acts explicit enough to make someone's eyes cross. It's also not enough to TELL us these people are close, are in love, are - fill in your adjective here. The reader needs to see it, be part of the journey. Not just a witness to an inventive show that would earn a spot on middle of the night cable.

So what about you? Do you like your erotic romance to be full of emotion or do you like it heavier on the action, less on the feelings? I'm curious about others' opinions.

 

I'm giving away an e-book copy of my first erotic romance with Ellora's Cave, Personal Research, to a random commenter.  To enter simply answer the question from above: Do you like your erotic romance to be full of emotion or do you like it heavier on the action, less on the feelings?

Briefs are Elena Thomas’s life, whether they’re legal at her day job or on the men in the erotic novels she writes. She’s just fine with saving her imagination for her books until temptation appears in the form of Nunzio, the smokin’-hot office IT guy. When he discovers one of her scorching books shooting out of the printer, Elena’s not sure if he wants her because she’s inventive or because he thinks she’s desperate. That doesn’t stop her from taking advantage of his “services”.

On her desk. On the copier. And, oh yeah—in her boss’s chair.

Nunzio’s shocked to learn Elena’s wall-hugging persona hides a wildcat of a woman with delicious fantasies and an enticing wit. She’s exactly what he’s been looking for in an adventurous lover—and girlfriend. He knows she enjoys their sexual research. Now he just has to convince her that sizzling sex is only the first chapter of their blazing-hot romance.

Read an excerpt of Personal Research

Purchase link: Ellora’s Cave

Visit Cari Quinn: Website | Blog

Welcome to Random Friday on Saturday!  Yay!!!  Yesterday was Jennifer Estep day on the blog so we’re doing Random Friday today. 

In case you missed it, I posted my review of VENOM and Jennifer stopped by to talk about cooking since Gin is pretty handy in the kitchen.  She’s giving away a copy of VENOM so check out her post HERE.  VENOM will be released on September 28th, and let me tell you, you want to read it!  If you haven’t read the Elemental Assassin series, get on it. 

 

It’s been an amazing year for urban fantasy.  I was blown away by Mind Games by Carolyn Crane and even more so by the second book in her Dillusionists Trilogy, Double Cross.  I’ll have a review on the blog on Tuesday.  So good!

 

 

   

Lucky me, I won an ARC of Inside Out by Lauren Dane the other day.  I am really excited and can’t wait to read it.  I have a few books I need to read first though.  You think I’ll make it without cheating?  Too late, I already read the first chapter.  I couldn’t help it, I’m weak.  I also have an ARC of Second Chances by Lauren Dane that I’m itching to get to. 

 

Short and Sweet Reviews: I’ve gotten some really positive feedback on my new Short and Sweet format for reviews.  I’m glad you’re all liking the format, I’m finding it easier to review novellas and I’m able to get a few more reviews on the blog.  I just want to make clear though that the short and sweet format is usually just for novellas and books I’ve purchased myself that I want to give a little blog time to.  If I’ve accepted a book for review I, and the FVBR reviewers will still be doing traditional full length reviews. 

 

Hunger Games:  I’m currently listening to Hunger Games on audio book and really liking it!  I really wasn’t sure what to expect going in but I have to admit, it’s pretty good.  It’s pretty violent and dark, not what I’d normally expect from  the young adult genre. 

 

For those of you following my ant invasion drama, you can exhale now.  The ants have left the building.  I’m still sleeping with one eye open but we’ve been ant free for a couple of days now so I’m hopeful.  I mentioned my plight on Twitter and @SamanthaHunter suggested a product called Terro.  It’s Borax based and apparently very effective.  I put the bait down and within minutes ants were flocking to it in hordes.  It was pretty disturbing actually.  They swarmed the bait for several days and then eventually dwindled to nothing.  Hopefully they took enough of the bait back to the nest to kill it.  I sound so heartless I know.  :(  

 

I recently conducted an e-reader poll in my blog sidebar asking people what kind of e-reader they owned.  I know not everyone owns one but I was curious about those that do.  Here are the results:

Kindle
  46 (47%)
Sony
  24 (25%)
Nook
  17 (17%)
iPad
  10 (10%)
BeBook
  2 (2%)
Other
  9 (9%)

Votes : 96

The reason I wanted to know what e-readers people are using is I recently created an e-reader resource page (check the link bar on top of the blog).  It’s still pretty sparse but I’m adding to it often and I hope to be able to post helpful links for several different kinds of e-readers.  I’m a Kindle fan so most of the links are for Kindle but I’m working on it. :)

 

I also created a 'current giveaway’ page (link bar on the top of the blog) where I will list all of the open giveaways at FVBR.  It will be updated often and it will make it easier to see what’s up for offer.  And speaking of giveaways, I’ll have a big CSN Stores giveaway coming up soon.  You don’t want to miss it, they have a huge online store and I’ll be giving away a nice big gift card. 

 

That’s all I’ve got for this edition of Random Friday, enjoy your weekend and we’ll see you here again next week. 

Love—FV

I am very excited to have Jennifer Estep visiting FVBR today.  I recently read her Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series and loved it.  I’m not shy about admitting I am a fan!  Please welcome Jennifer Estep.

 

 

Greetings and salutations! First of all, I want to say thanks to Sophia and the other folks here at Fiction Vixen for having me on the blog today. Thanks, everyone!

Some of you might know me as the author of the Ele­men­tal Assas­sin urban fan­tasy series. The books focus on Gin Blanco, an assas­sin code­named the Spi­der who can con­trol the ele­ments of Ice and Stone. When she’s not busy killing peo­ple and right­ing wrongs, Gin runs a bar­be­cue restau­rant called the Pork Pit in the fic­tional south­ern metrop­o­lis of Ash­land. The city is also home to giants, dwarves, vam­pires, and ele­men­tals – Air, Fire, Ice, and Stone.

The first two books in the series are Spider’s Bite and Web of Lies. Venom, the third book, is coming out on Sept. 28. Tan­gled Threads, the fourth book, will be pub­lished in May 2011, while the fifth book (unti­tled) will be released in Octo­ber 2011.

    

I’ve also sold a young adult urban fantasy series called Mythos Academy. The first book is called Touch of Frost and will be out in August 2011. The books focus on Gwen Frost, a Gypsy girl who has the gift of psychometry, or the ability to know an object’s history just by touching it. After a serious freak-out with her magic, Gwen finds herself shipped off to Mythos Academy, a school for the descendents of ancient warriors like Spartans, Valkyries, and more.

So Sophia asked me to talk about cooking today since that’s such a big part of my Elemental Assassin series. My heroine, Gin, may be an assassin, but cooking is one of her passions in life. In each book, I describe various dishes that Gin cooks at her barbecue restaurant or for her friends and family. Some of the recipes are real ones that I’ve gotten from friends, family, cookbooks, magazines, and other places over the years. However, some of the recipes are purely fiction and exist only in my imagination, like the barbecue sauce that Gin makes at the Pork Pit.

And before you ask, no, the books are not like the movie Fried Green Tomatoes. Gin does not barbecue the people that she kills and serve them at the restaurant. That would be gross. But you’d be surprised how many people have asked me that.

So why write about an assassin who likes to cook? Well, I wanted Gin to have a hobby that readers could relate to. Plus, I just like writing about food, and I enjoy cooking myself. I’m totally addicted to the Food Network. Sometimes, I watch just to see how much butter Paula Deen will put in a dish. LOL.

And frankly, I got tired of reading books about heroines who couldn’t even boil water and had nothing in their refrigerators but mustard and baking soda. It’s one thing if you don’t like to or don’t have time to cook. But seriously, who can’t make a sandwich or a salad? It just doesn’t seem realistic to me. Anyway, here’s a recipe that Gin makes in Spider’s Bite and a sandwich that I make for myself quite often. If you don’t like sandwiches, the peanut butter and pumpkin mixed together makes a great dip for fruit or graham crackers.

Peanut But­ter and Banana Sandwich

1/2 cup peanut but­ter
1/2 cup pump­kin
1 banana, sliced
Honey
Cin­na­mon
2 slices of your favorite bread

Mix the peanut but­ter and pump­kin together to form a creamy spread (there will be enough spread for more than one sand­wich). Put the spread on one slice of your favorite bread. Top with the banana slices. Driz­zle the banana slices with honey and sprin­kle with cin­na­mon, if you wish. Top with the remain­ing piece of bread and enjoy your sand­wich with a glass of cold milk.

If you want to know more about Gin’s cooking, visit my website here and scroll down to Gin’s Recipe Box where you’ll find some more recipes. Most of them are really easy to make.

What about you guys? Do you like to cook or read about someone who does? Why or why not?

 

Thank you for stopping by today Jennifer and thank you for the recipe!  I love that Gin is a badass in the kitchen as well.  And I’m super glad she’s not serving up body parts at the Pork Pit.  :) – FV

---

Jennifer would like to giveaway a copy of VENOM to one lucky commenter.  To enter leave a comment here answering Jennifer’s question from her post above:

“What about you guys? Do you like to cook or read about someone who does? Why or why not?”

Giveaway is open to US and Canada only.  Open until October 2, winner announced soon after.  Good luck!

 

Books in the series:

• Spider’s Bite
• Web Of Lies
• Venom (September 28, 2010)
• Tangled (May 2011)
• Untitled (October 2011)

Venom
by Jennifer Estep
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Pocket
Available: September 28, 2010
Genre: Urban Fantasy

What kind of assassin works pro bono?

It’s hard to be a badass assassin when a giant is beating the crap out of you. Luckily, I never let pride get in the way of my work. My current mission is personal: annihilate Mab Monroe, the Fire elemental who murdered my family. Which means protecting my identity, even if I have to conceal my powerful Stone and Ice magic when I need it most. To the public, I’m Gin Blanco, owner of Ashland’s best barbecue joint. To my friends, I’m the Spider, retired assassin. I still do favors on the side. Like ridding a vampire friend of her oversized stalker—Mab’s right-hand goon who almost got me dead with his massive fists. At least irresistible Owen Grayson is on my side. The man knows too much about me, but I’ll take my chances. Then there’s Detective Bria Coolidge, one of Ashland’s finest. Until recently, I thought my baby sister was dead. She probably thinks the same about me. Little does she know, I’m a cold-blooded killer . . . who is about to save her life.

Reviewed by: Sophia (FV) 

Gin is still officially retired from her trade however she hasn’t stopped flexing her assassin skills.  She’s on a mission to end Mab Monroe, the woman who killed her mother and sister years ago.  But Gin is ever loyal to her friends and family and when she finds out that Mab’s right hand man, giant Elliot Slater is stalking her vampire friend Roslyn, she sets out to put an end to his reign of terror.  She’s also got Jonah McAllister, Mab Monroe’s personal attorney breathing down her neck and maybe even trying to break it.  He suspects Gin had some kind of involvement in his son’s murder, which she did. 

Gin kicks ass, and takes names like no other urban fantasy heroine earning her a spot on my all time favorite heroines list. In Venom, we learn even more about her past through flash backs and thus begin to discover who the real Gin Blanco of today really is.  Although Gin thinks of herself as a cold blooded killer, she is so much more.  She is an intriguing character that can be counted on to do right by those she loves no matter what it takes.

Speaking of love, Gin’s love life has taken an interesting turn.  Owen Grayson is a much bigger part of Gin’s life now and he is determined to win her over.  Gin has to decide if she should continue pining over the upstanding Detective Caine that is everything she thinks she is not, or should she take a chance on Owen who not only wants her, but seems to get her as well.  That fact that Owen is charming and super sexy doesn’t hurt his case at all.  

All of the secondary characters we’ve come to know from the previous books are present within this story but it seems that as time goes on Gin’s friends are becoming more like extended family to her.  Now a new upstanding Detective has hit town and it’s Bria, the baby sister who Gin once thought perished along with her mother and older sister.  Gin will have to keep Bria safe and in the dark about her true identity until she comes to terms with this new turn of events and decides just how to handle this new discovery.  There relationship will be interesting since they are on opposite sides of the law. 

While I enjoy the colorful cast of characters in this series, one secondary stands out above the rest and I just can’t get enough of him.  Finnegan Lane is a womanizing, sort of sleazy but not really, kind of guy that adds a special flavor to this series.  Jennifer Estep really has a knack for creating characters that by all intents and purposes should be despicable but I just can’t help but love. 

Venom, like the previous books in the series is action packed, violent, and is a genuinely kick ass read.  But Jennifer Estep really kicks it up a notch and out does herself with this installment in her Elemental Assassin series.  This is definitely a page turner and the ending will leave you itching for more.  

Favorite Quote:

Finn did what he always did when confronted by an angry woman—he checked out her boobs.

 

Books in the series:

• Spider’s Bite
• Web Of Lies
• Venom (September 28, 2010)
• Tangled Threads (May 2011)
• Untitled (October 2011)

Other reviews on GoodReads

Author's Website

Purchase Links: Amazon || Book Depository

Check back later today for a guest post from Jennifer Estep.  She’ll be giving away a copy of VENOM to one lucky reader.

Web Of Lies
by Jennifer Estep
Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Pocket
Available: May 25, 2010
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Curiosity is definitely going to get me dead one of these days. Probably real soon.

I'm Gin Blanco.

You might know me as the Spider, the most feared assassin in the South. I’m retired now, but trouble still has a way of finding me. Like the other day when two punks tried to rob my popular barbecue joint, the Pork Pit. Then there was the barrage of gunfire on the restaurant. Only, for once, those kill shots weren’t aimed at me. They were meant for Violet Fox. Ever since I agreed to help Violet and her grandfather protect their property from an evil coalmining tycoon, I’m beginning to wonder if I’m really retired. So is Detective Donovan Caine. The only honest cop in Ashland is having a real hard time reconciling his attraction to me with his Boy Scout mentality. And I can barely keep my hands off his sexy body. What can I say? I’m a Stone elemental with a little Ice magic thrown in, but my heart isn’t made of solid rock. Luckily, Gin Blanco always gets her man . . . dead or alive.

Reviewed by: Sophia (FV)

Since this is the second book in an ongoing series it is possible there will be mild spoilers if you have not read the first book in the series. 

Quick Rundown:  Gin has now retired as an assassin and owns the Pork Pit, the restaurant she inherited from her mentor, Fletcher Lane.  Life has settled down until the Pork Pit is robbed by a couple of young, dangerous punks.  Gin foils the robbery but it turns out one of the punks has a powerful father with connections that could cause Gin all kinds of trouble.  Also, a mysterious customer has come in search of The Tin Man, AKA Fletcher Lane.  She’s seeking his help but doesn’t realize Fletcher is dead.  When a sniper takes a shot at this mysterious girl in the restaurant, Gin decides to help her and her grandfather who was an old friend of Fletcher’s. 

Impressions after the first chapter: We start of right in the middle of a robbery and Gin is as badass as ever. Don’t mess.

The Heroes: Detective Donovan Caine is still wrestling with his feelings for Gin and his conscience.  He’s in a constant state of emotional conflict when it comes to Gin.  I’m still not on team Donovan Caine, and wish he would either come to terms with his feelings or move on.  But there’s a new stud on the scene and he’s got eyes for Gin.  Owen Grayson is the brother of one of the girls that was in Pork Pit when it was robbed and he is grateful to Gin for protecting his sister.  He’d like to show his gratitude in more ways than one and he’s not wrestling with those pesky moral issues. 

The Heroine: Gin, although she is technically retired, is still the assassin with a heart.  She learns more about her mentor and the kind of man he was and has an opportunity to carry on his legacy by helping out an old friend.  She still finds herself  attracted to Detective Caine seems to be holding on to a shred of hope they can be together.  However, there might be a spark where Owen Grayson is concerned. 

What worked: As with the first book in the series, I loved that Gin is badass to the core.  She’ll slit a giant’s throat in a heartbeat but she doesn’t kill unjustly. 

[…] opened his mouth to scream. I left the knife where it was in his heart, clamped my hand over his fat lips, and yanked him forward so the blood gushing out of his chest would fall into the bathtub and not spatter onto the tile floor. And so we stood there, seesawing back and forth over the tub, […] trying to jerk away, and me pulling him closer, my hands digging into his face.

She is also fiercely loyal to those she considers family and would do anything to protect them.  In this book we get to look a little deeper into Gin’s past and where she comes from making her an even more appealing character.  I’m looking forward to learning more about the long lost sister Bria.

What didn’t work: Again, I never got on board with the romance between Gin and Donovan Caine.  I’m intrigued to see how things will play out now that Owen Grayson has his sights set on Gin.

Final conclusion: I adore this series for it’s unique setting, action, suspense and mystery but most of all for it’s amazing heroine Gin.  This series is well on it’s way to becoming a favorite of mine.

 

Favorite Quote:

I didn’t know what bothered me more. The fact Mab Monroe had considered taking me up on my fake offer to fuck her or the fact I’d left the Fire elemental in her own bathroom with a dead body in the tub. Either way, things were starting to get out of hand.

 

Books in the series:

• Spider’s Bite
• Web Of Lies
• Venom (September 28, 2010)
• Tangled Threads (May 2011)
• Untitled (October 2011)

Other reviews on GoodReads

Author's Website

Purchase Links: Amazon || Book Depository

Check back tomorrow morning for my review of Venom and then later in the afternoon for a guest post and a giveaway from Jennifer Estep.

Spider’s Bite
by Jennifer Estep
Paperback: 395 pages
Publisher: Pocket Books
Available: January 26th 2010
Genre: Urban Fantasy

"My name is Gin, and I kill people."

My name is Gin Blanco. They call me the Spider — the most feared assassin in the South (and a part-time cook at the Pork Pit BBQ joint.) As a Stone elemental, I can hear the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet and feel the vibrations of the soaring mountains above me, though I don't use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.

After a ruthless Air elemental double-crossed me and killed my handler, I'm out for revenge. And I'll exterminate anyone who gets in my way. I may look hot in a miniskirt, but I'm still one of the bad guys. Which is why I'm in trouble when irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine agrees to help. The last thing a coldhearted killer needs when she's battling a magic more powerful than her own is a sexy distraction ... especially when he wants her dead just as much as the enemy.

Reviewed by: Sophia (FV)

Quick Rundown:  Spider’s Bite is the first book in the Elemental Assassin series.  Gin Blanco is an assassin.  She’s been contracted for a hit and finds that she’s been double crossed and her beloved handler has been brutally murdered.  She is determined to avenge the death of her handler and will stop at nothing to do it.  Not long ago Gin assassinated Detective Donovan Caine’s partner and he now wants her dead.  But the double cross on Gin goes deeper than meets the eye and Donovan Caine team up with Gin to find the culprits.

Impressions after the first chapter:  Gin is posing as a patient in an insane asylum ready to make a hit.  Love that heroine is a ‘bad guy’ and the opening chapter takes place in an insane asylum.  Off to a really good start.

The Heroine:  Gin is an elemental which means she can control and manipulate the four elements—Water, Air, Stone, and Fire. In Gin’s case stone with a minor in ice magic.  She was orphaned as a child and witnessed the death of her mother and sister.  She lived on the streets until a kindly BBQ pit owner took her in.  Now, she is an assassin with ethics somewhere under her hard surface.  I love that she’s badass, refreshingly unapologetic and solid.  Although she has some inner conflict, she remains strong and focused making for a very likeable heroine.

The Hero: Detective Donvan Caine is one of the few upstanding members of the police department and he wants Gin dead.  He’s also very attracted to her.  Caine comes off very arrogant and is dealing with his own set of ethics, and his attraction to Gin. 

What worked: I love it when a author can make a character that should be despised the one you pull for.  Gin is a pure badass, unapologetic paid assassin.  She’s professional, good at what she does and isn’t willing to change herself because of what others think.  She is loyal to a fault and although her profession isn’t one I’m likely to get behind, she has become one of my favorite urban fantasy heroines.  I also loved the urban fantasy world this series in based in.  Jennifer Estep did a fantastic job building her world up around this story without overwhelming and distracting with excessive details. 

What didn’t work:  I’m not completely on board with the romantic relationship between Caine and Gin.  Caine comes off very arrogant and I never really warmed up to him. I understand his hatred for Gin since she murdered his partner but his whole ‘I hate you but I’m going get dirty with you and then hate you again’ deal doesn’t do it for me.  I don’t really understand what Gin sees in Caine but this is the first book in the series so I’m eager to see where this relationship goes.

Final conclusion:  Fabulous start to the series, I can’t wait to get Web Of Lies.  The world building, action, and characters all drew me in and kept me riveted from beginning to end.  

 

Favorite Quotes:

The two men stared at each other. Caine looked at Finn’s supple leather jacket, designer khakis, and custom made polo shirt. Finn eyed the detective’s ratty duffel bag, the threadbare patches on his jeans, and the stains on his faded boots. Assumptions were made, judgments rendered, dicks measured.

“I do want you.” His voice was low, tight, strained. The confession cost him. It was all he could do to keep from reaching for me. Good thing I had no qualms about making the first move.

 

  

Books in the series:

• Spider’s Bite
• Web Of Lies
• Venom (September 28, 2010)
• Tangled Threads (May 2011)
• Untitled (October 2011)

Other reviews on GoodReads

Author's Website

Purchase Links: Amazon || Book Depository

Check back later today for my review of Web Of Lies.

Simply Irresistible
by Jill Shalvis
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Forever
Available: September 28, 2010
Genre: Contemporary Romance

In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (so not her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington.

Reviewed by: Pearl 

Maddie Moore lost her job, dumped her abusive and jerk of an ex and is ready for a new beginning and some luck. What better place for that than Lucky Harbor, where she's inherited a third of a property called Lucky Harbor Resort. Her two half-sisters, Tara and Chloe, inherited the other two thirds. Their inheritance turns out to be a run-down inn in dire need of renovation.

Maddie wants to stay in Lucky Harbor and build a life for herself while her sisters want to renovate, sell and get the hell out of Dodge. When looking for a contractor to renovate the resort Maddie crosses paths with the hot biker she almost ran off the road when she was driving into town and it turns out that the biker, Jax Cullen, is the perfect man for the job. Maddie has sworn off men but she didn’t count on Jax to throw a wrench in that resolve with his sexy self and his hot kisses.

Maddie is a clumsy city girl and a typical middle sister, always the mediator and approval seeker. She’s sweet, smart, resilient and a compulsive organizer and list maker. Of the three sisters she’s dubbed “the mouse” but she’s determined to shed that moniker by sticking up for what she wants and sticking to her plan to revive the resort. She’s also yearning to belong, for somewhere to plant her roots and for a family who wants her as much as she wants them.

Jax Cullen, defense attorney-turned-contractor, is always trying to take care of people in trouble. He’s gentle, easy-going and caring and he’s hot! Especially when he dons his tool belt. But Jax is a lot more than meets the eye. What Maddie gets is definitely more than what she sees. Jax is very yummy and fits right in with all the other Jill Shalvis heroes I’ve read. He’s sweet yet commanding with bad boy looks and a heart of gold.

There were plenty intriguing secondary characters and some are worth more than a brief mention: Maddie’s sisters. Tara is the eldest sister, dubbed “the steel magnolia” and she lives up to that nickname. She’s a bitchy know-it-all with interesting secrets. Chloe is the youngest sister, appropriately dubbed “the wild child, she a free spirit and an adventure seeker who just blabs out just about anything that comes to her mind, appropriate or not. She’s sarcastic and a daredevil and she and Tara are like oil and water.

I suspected the other books in this trilogy will be about the respective sisters and the excerpt in the back of SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE at least confirmed that the next book is about Tara and a certain secondary character I won’t mention for fear of spoiling something that is important in Maddie and Jax’ relationship. I do have to say this next book is very cleverly set up in the first book. Without giving away too much yet still giving you enough, Jill Shalvis entices you to want to know more about the next couple and I’m also already speculating about who she’ll pair Chloe with.

I loved the sisterly banter and dynamic between the women. It was a welcome change to the male banter I’ve read recently, although Jax and his buddies Ford and Sawyer had some nice banter going on that I enjoyed as well. I also loved the humor in this book. I’m a sucker for humor in romance novels and Jill Shalvis delivers on it every time. Not only did she do it this time with the funny quotes at the start of every chapter but also Maddie’s clumsy way and the sisterly antics definitely contributed to the fun vibe this book had, next to the emotional impact. It took me a few chapters to get into the story but once I did it was smooth-sailing all the way to the last page. Maddie was awesome and Jax was to die for. They carried this character-driven story wonderfully together with the secondary characters, both the walk-ons and the important ones.

This is the third series by Jill Shalvis I’ve embarked upon and it’s another hit for me. Though the set-up is different from her Wilder Adventures series or her Pacific Heat series, the writing is just as excellent. It’s filled with humor, sensual chemistry and wonderful characters. I didn't think she could top the Wilder Adventure trilogy or the 2 current books in the Pacific Heat series but she has definitely proved me wrong with this first book in the Lucky Harbor Trilogy. I laughed, I sniffed, I got tingly and I thoroughly enjoyed this feel good book that seeps into your pores slow and easy but with the aim of a heat-seeking missile. Jill Shalvis keeps you engaged and entertained from chapter to chapter and before you know it you’re at the end of another great contemporary romance, craving the next in the series!

Favorite Quote:

Unlike last night’s tender kisses, this was a little demanding, and a whole lot wild, and when he slid a thigh between hers, she lost the ability to think.

Last night, he’d been seeking permission. Not this time. This time he buried his fingers into her hair and claimed her mouth, pulling her even closer, a hand caressing down her back as if to soothe as well as incite, claiming another little piece of her heart in the process.

Sneaky bastard.

She’d tell him so, but her tongue was a little busy.

 

Other reviews on GoodReads

Author's Website

Purchase Links: Amazon || Book Depository

Atlantis Betrayed
by Alyssa Day
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Available: September 7, 2010
Genre: Paranormal Romance

What could Christophe, powerful Warrior of Poseidon, have in common with Fiona Campbell, the notorious jewel thief known as the Scarlet Ninja? Answer: The Siren, a legendary Crown Jewel that Fiona has targeted for her next heist. It's said to be worth millions, but to Christophe it's invaluable. For the Siren also happens to be one of the missing jewels from Poseidon's trident. But breaking into the Tower of London is a two-person job, and Christophe and Fiona must team up to commit the crime of the century.

Reviewed by: Pearl 

For Atlantis to rise again a variety of gems with special powers are needed and while a few have been collected and are safe in Atlantis, there are still a few in danger of falling into the wrong hands. Christophe is sent to London to retrieve the Siren, which happens to be an invaluable English crown jewel as well. While trying to steal the Siren Christophe runs into the Scarlet Ninja, aka Lady Fiona Campbell, a modern day Robin Hood who is a children’s book author by day and a highly skilled thief by night. When the Siren does fall into the wrong hands, they are forced to work together in order to keep humanity safe from evil forces and bring Atlantis a step closer to rising to the surface.

Christophe is an Atlantean warrior and it’s safe to say he could be considered the rebel, problem child of the group of Warriors we’ve gotten to know in the course of this series. He’s unstable due to the huge amount of powerful magic he has and though he fulfills his duty as protector of humanity he feels resentment towards them because of the torment inflicted upon him in his childhood. Christophe is blunt and direct and uses that as a defense mechanism and to hide his vulnerability. He is wicked, unruly and cocky. He’s a bad boy with a sense of honor and duty and very explosive in his emotions.

Small and intriguing tidbits about Christophe are revealed gradually. He is a fascinating and complicated character and I loved reading his story and seeing him fall hard for a woman, knowing he didn’t stand a chance of resisting. It’s fascinating to see how easily Christophe gives in to the lust he feels for Fiona and acts upon it and how reluctant he is in giving in to the falling in love with her and admitting to those feelings, while it’s clear as day to everyone.

Fiona is a lot more than meets the eye. Like Christophe her youth was far from peaceful and the double life she leads isn’t easy either. She is generous, empathetic and defiant, but she’s also courageous and not afraid to take charge when she needs to. Fiona reminded me a little of Lara Croft or Batgirl or any other female superhero with a double identity. I liked her character a lot but did feel like she fell a little bit short next to Christophe who was a commanding character that automatically drew the attention to him.

The banter between the characters (the warriors, the women, Fiona and her household) is right on the mark, as usual. I just love Alyssa Day’s sense of humor and her witty characters. Declan, Fiona’s baby brother, absolutely caught my attention in this one and I hope he’ll at least get a novella in this series someday. Another secondary character worth mentioning is Hopkins, Fiona’s butler, his protective streak and humor definitely brought something extra to this book and contributed to my enjoyment of it.

It took me a while (about 40-60 pages) to get into the story of ATLANTIS BETRAYED but once it got hold of me it just wouldn’t let go. First let me get one thing that bothered me a bit out of the way and then I’ll start my praise of this wonderful 5th book in the Warriors of Poseidon series.

I’m going to chuck it to the sexual pleasure-induced haze but I thought it was a bit weird that Fiona didn’t question or even pick up on Christophe’s references to Atlantis and Poseidon during their first time of lovemaking. A first time which also came way too soon in their story in my opinion. This particular part of the story felt rushed and a little out of place. I missed a the tension of a little build up towards the first sexual encounter in a book and it was as if I was missing some scenes between their very first encounter in the Tower and the moment they get hot and heavy and go at it. This being said, it was the only thing that really bothered me and I thoroughly enjoyed everything that happened after this small awkward part of ATLANTIS BETRAYED

When FV had ATLANTIS BETRAYED by Alyssa Day up for grabs for review I didn’t hesitate and signed up for it because I’ve been a fan of this series from the very first book and though I have my favorites and less favorites the overall story arc is one that is brilliantly executed by Alyssa Day and I really enjoy reading this series. I especially like the feel of this series, which is a combination of modern habits and language with the feel of old times. ATLANTIS BETRAYED absolutely fits in that feel.

All the installments of the Warrior of Poseidon series have been pretty hot but ATLANTIS BETRAYED brings it up another notch with some very explicit love scenes. I’ll be the last to object to that because it suited Christophe’s character, personality and the way she set him up in the previous books perfectly: wild and kinky. The love scenes were one of the things that set this installment apart from the others, next to the different setting, which was in Europe (London) this time.

ATLANTIS BETRAYED is a novel filled with betrayal, power plays, hidden agendas, awesome fight sequences, steamy passion and some surprising turn of events. I loved it and can’t wait for the next book in the series and the next twists and turns in this world Alyssa Day has created and is expanding with every installment, working towards an ending that’s setting my speculative skills in gear.

So if you love your paranormal romances to steam it up a little and you have a penchant for wicked bad boy heroes and paranormal characters other than just vampires and werewolves, definitely check this series and ATLANTIS BETRAYED out, you won’t regret it.

Favorite Quotes:

Oh, yes. He was trouble.

Trouble blinked; long, dark lashes closing over emerald-green eyes so gorgeous they had to be illegal in most of Europe. Then he threw back his head and laughed, and shivers traced a delicate pattern down her spine. His deep, rich laugh was dark chocolate and champagne and silk sheets all presented in a wickedly mouthwatering package.

Wicked little wench. She was going to be very, very sorry she’d ever shot an Atlantean warrior. He might have to tie her up and take a considerable amount of time teaching her a lesson.

With his lips.

With his cock.

Other books in the series:

• Atlantis Rising
• Atlantis Awakening
• Atlantis Unleashed
• Atlantis Unmasked
• Atlantis Redeemed

Other reviews on GoodReads

Author's Website

Purchase Links: Amazon || Book Depository

Coming Clean
by Inez Kelley 
e-Book - Novella 
Publisher: Carina Press
Available: July 21st 2010
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Coming clean never felt so good...Grant and Vivi Michaelson share everything in their marriage: love, commitment—and their wildest sexual desires. But their relationship is tested when Vivi admits she wants a threesome with Grant's old friend Cade, proposing their annual trip to the lake as the perfect opportunity to fulfill her fantasy. 

All three of them are aroused by the idea. Vivi and Cade have long felt a smoldering attraction to each other...and Grant and Cade have hidden an illicit desire for decades. Going through with the ménage will test their boundaries, reveal old secrets...and maybe tear them apart. After all, there might be room for Cade in bed, but is there room for a third in their marriage?

Reviewed by: Sophia (FV)

Quick Rundown: During the after-glow of lovemaking, married couple Grant and Vivi begin to discuss their personal fantasies.  When Vivi reveals that she has fantasized about having a full threesome with Grant and his best friend Cade, she’s surprised and aroused when Grant admits he’s up for it and they decided to approach Cade to make it happen.

 

Impressions after the first chapter: Holy smokin’ hotness!!  During the first chapter Grant has a flashback to the night he and Vivi hatched their plan to seduce Cade into a threesome.  Stepping back and witnessing Grant and Vivi discuss their yet unfulfilled fantasy was almost as hot as when they actually fulfilled it. 

 

The Heroes: Grant is deeply in love with his wife and will do anything for her including doing whatever it takes to fulfill her fantasies.  He is also very close to his best friend Cade and may have some deeper feelings for him beyond friendship.  Cade is bisexual and has been attracted to Grant since he can remember.  But he respects their friendship and Grant’s marriage.  He’s also been a longtime friend and dance partner to Vivi.  They’ve shared some flirtatious moments but they have never taken it any further than that.

 

The Heroine: Vivi is dedicated to her marriage and has a healthy sexual appetite.  She is more than willing to experiment in the bedroom.  She’d like to bring Cade into mix for a little fun and is totally fine with her husband and Cade being together sexually.  She may have a few moments of doubt when it all goes down, but she manages to keep up with the boys.

 

What worked: I loved that this was a good, straightforward erotic romance.  There may have been a few moments of doubt for all parties involved but no over the top drama.  The sexual chemistry was smoking hot and I loved the first solo moments between Cade and Grant.  Both of them were a little nervous, and also a little excited at this new turn in their relationship. Very hot! 

 

What didn’t work:  My usual complaint with novella’s I really enjoy…too short.  Wish there was more.

 

Final conclusion: Coming Clean is my first read by Inez Kelley and I will be seeking out more from this author.  She writes a wonderfully erotic story with characters to care about. This is a super hot read: m/f, m/m, m/m/f.   Definitely recommended. 

 

Favorite Quote:

[…] as Granny used to say, “getting naked” was one thing, but “gettin’ nekkid” was a whole ’nother ballgame.

 

 

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Author's Website

Purchase Link: Amazon

 Size Matters
by Stephanie Julian
e-Book: Novella
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Available: September 8th, 2010
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Carrie Benton’s got the best job in the world working as a reporter for the Weekly News Journal. Chupacabra picnicking at the Jersey Shore? Check. Aliens in the White House? Absolutely. Bigfoot stalking the forests of northern Pennsylvania? Well, okay…but Bigfoot is so Left Coast.

Tim Sattizahn can’t believe his luck. The six-foot redhead who crashed into his forest during a snowstorm is gorgeous, funny and hot for him. Everything would be perfect except for the fact that she’s looking for Bigfoot.

And, unfortunately for Tim, she found him…

Reviewed by: Sophia (FV) 

Carrie Benton works for a newspaper that reports the news that other newspapers tend not to cover.  Things like alien sightings, Lock Ness monsters, and Big Foot.  She’s a fun girl and she enjoys her job.  But when her boss sends her out in the middle of a snow storm to take photos for story on recent Big Foot sightings she ends having an accident.  As luck would have it, big guy Tim Sattizahn, who owns a camping and wildness business, happens upon her and takes her back to his cabin.  When Carrie regains consciousness she finds herself, naked and in bed with a big hunky man that is uh…in proportion all over.  She has no idea how she got there and assumes she must have tied one on the night before and scored.  She’s there in bed with Mr. Hot and Hunky so why not enjoy him again?  Although nothing happened the night before, Tim is no fool and when a naked, sexy, six foot tall red head is next to him in bed and wants him, who is he to say no?  Oh he resists a bit, but Carrie is pretty persistent.  They soon discover there is more to their attraction to each other than just a sexual one.  They begin to get to know each other and discover that Carrie is on the hunt for Big Foot and well…Tim has really big feet. 

Size Matters is a really fun, romantic paranormal love story that had me laughing out loud from the very beginning.  Big, hot sexy Tim is so gentlemanly and even though he is a good position to do so, he never takes advantage of Carrie.  Well, not really.  He’s got some secrets and a few trust issues that make him just a little vulnerable yet so loveable.  I loved his resourcefulness.  I’ve got to admire a man that lives in the middle of nowhere and still has a handy condom in the nightstand, just in case. I like a man that is always prepared.

Carrie is funny and quick witted and she doesn’t take herself too seriously.  She enjoys her job and sees herself more as a writer rather than a reporter.  She’s open and self assured and she’s just the kind of woman Tim could really fall for.  But when she discovers some of Tim’s secrets she will have to make some hard decisions. 

Size Matters is another winner for Julian combining scorching hot sexual chemistry and fantastic comic relief. If you’re looking for a quick, fun, super sexy read with a few fun paranormal twists you should check out Size Matters. 

Favorite Quote:

He’d be a liar if he said he didn’t want to screw her brains out. Hell, he’d take thank-you-for-saving-me sex over no sex at all.

 

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Author's Website

Purchase Links: Ellora’s Cave

 

The winner of the BBAW Win A Book Of Your Choice From Book Depository Giveaway is:

LSUReader (Comment # 17)

---

The winner of a copy of The Darkest Hour by Maya Banks is:

JenM (Comment # 41)

Congratulations winners, I’ll be in touch shortly.  Thanks to all who entered!! 

Happy Friday everyone!  I’m keeping this short and sweet since I’ve been a bit under the weather the last few days.  Here we go with my Friday randomness:

 

Today is the last day of BBAW and if you haven’t heard, Smexy Books won BEST ROMANCE BLOG!!  I’m very excited for her and Tori and the award is well deserved.  Stop by and congratulate them if you haven’t already.  :) 

 

Open giveaways at FVBR:

One copy of The Darkest Hour by Maya Banks
Ends TODAY!!

BBAW Givaway: Book of your choice!
Ends TODAY!!

September Classics Giveaway
Ends Sept. 30

Win one of two books by Erin McCarthy
Ends Sept 30

Since I’ve been sick the last few days and basically useless, I did something I haven’t done in years.  I watched daytime television!  I watched classics like I Dream Of Genie and Bewitched.  Those shows are made of awesome.  My all time favorite is I Love Lucy.  I really do love Lucy. :)  And I think I need some Vitameatavegamin to make me feel better.  I also watched Oprah and cried.  Now I remember why I stopped watching daytime television, it makes me cry.  Well that and lack of time during the day.  What are your favorite daytime television shows? 

On and uhh…here’s a little helpful tip:  Don’t read urban fantasy while under the influence of Nyquil.  Unless you like scary ass, freaky dreams.  Just sayin’. 

 

I’m currently reading Venom by Jennifer Estep.  I plan on finishing it today.  Wow, what a series.  If you like UF and haven’t read this series you need to get on it like yesterday!  I mean it!!

 

 

I’ll be reading Double Cross by Carolyn Crane next.  Can I just tell you how excited I am?  OMG.  I can’t wait to dig in and see what Justine is up to.  Squeeeee!! 

 

My house is being taken over by ants.  I spend my days vacuuming and wiping down surfaces but still they come.  I can’t figure out what they are looking for.  We’ve got nothing!  No food is left out, nothing!!  Short of blowing up my house I don’t know what to do to get rid of them.  Any suggestions?   I don’t want to have to blow up my house but if that’s what it’s going to take.

 

That’s all I’ve got for now.  I’m going to go suck on a Ricola and blow my nose.  Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend and live long and prosper.  Whatever.  :)

Fiction Vixen Book Reviews is pleased to welcome Erin McCarthy today. 

 

Straight Contemporary or Paranormal?

While I’ve gone back to writing straight contemporary with my Fast Track series, and readers have welcomed me back with open arms, I just can’t stay away from writing paranormal.  I don’t know what it is, but the creepy, implausible, and supernatural have always fascinated me.  I was a weird kid (okay, so maybe not much has changed) who saved my allowance so I could order the books on ghosts, witches, and vampires from the Scholastic flyer at school.  I devoured those tales and planned a cross-country trek of haunted sites when I was like ten years old.  Which I’ve yet to take, and think I need to do asap.  My friend is planning her Halloween night wedding, complete with body toe tags for place cards and a zombie cake.  I think this is brilliant.  I have a fondness for skulls and weeping cemetery statues, so writing paranormal is a natural fit for me.

And yes, I was once referred to as a death enthusiast, which made me laugh.  It’s not a desire for death, it’s completely the opposite… I am fascinated by what happens post-mortem, like I imagine most people are.  That’s why I am drawn to writing stories where death is just a transition from one state to another.  Vampires are the most obvious example of this.  Now I’ve ventured into werewolves in my new anthology, THE BEAST WITHIN.  The opening scene is one of a young bride being pursued by wolves… and what could be just senseless tragedy turns into something more when it’s revealed those are actually werewolves.   

While I absolutely love writing my Fast Track books, I see those as real people in real situations with real feelings.  Sometimes I want to explore that dynamic with some humor and maybe some tears thrown in, but there are other times when I want to delve into the darker side of the unexplained, things that don’t make sense in our ordinary day to day lives.  I can only hope you’ll enjoy both sides of my writing. :)

Do you have a preference for contemporary or paranormal romances?

Thanks for letting me drop by and chat!

Cheers
Erin

The Beast Within

 

The Howling:

When Liv Lugaru’s boyfriend Sebastian disappears, she finds comfort in his brother’s arms. But Sebastian is much closer than Liv realizes…and he’ll stop at nothing to protect her from the feral danger that comes alive only when she sleeps…

 

 

 

Hot Finish

Not all marriages last forever!

Suzanne Jefferson is broke, which is why she’s given up charity work for wedding planning. Fortunately, she has a high-profile client,and best of all, he’s paid in advance. There are just two teensy problems: The bride is a bona fide bridezilla, and Suzanne’s ex-husband is the best man. At least she thought he was her ex-husband!

But this one might…

Two years after their marriage fell apart, stock car race driver Ryder Jefferson still can’t stop thinking about Suzanne. Which is why he isn’t too upset that, due to a glitch, the two are still technically married. Now he’s imagining easing Suzanne’s woes by satisfying her needs in the bedroom. After all, that’s the one room they never argued in. Besides, with wedding bells ringing all around them, Ryder is wondering if,even though they’d quit the race a few laps too early,they can still come on strong with a big, romantic finish!

Read an excerpt HERE

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GIVEAWAY

Erin McCarthy would like to giveaway a copy of her upcoming release The Beast Within as well as a copy of her recently released Hot Finish.  To enter leave a comment here answering Erin’s question from her post: Do you have a preference for contemporary or paranormal romances?

Open to US and Canada only.  Ends Sept. 30.  Please leave your preference for which book you’d like to win in your comment.  I must be able to contact you via email if you win.

Hachette Book Group is giving away three sets of Forever classic romance titles! 

Here is what is up for offer:

THE RAVEN PRINCE
By Elizabeth Hoyt

 

HOT WHEELS AND HIGH HEELS
By Jane Graves

 

A HINT OF WICKED
By Jennifer Haymore

 

To enter, leave a comment and tell me how long you’ve been reading romance.  Are you a lifelong addict?  New to the genre?  Just testing the waters? 

Because the prizes are mailed directly from the publisher, giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. or Canada only.  No P.O. Boxes, please.  Giveaway will be open the rest of the month, winner announced soon after.

One copy per household, which means that if you win the same prize in two or more contests, you will receive only one set of books. 

My Lord Scandal
by Emma Wildes 
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Signet
Available: September 7, 2010

 

Alexander St. James may be a thief of hearts, but he is no burglar. Nevertheless, he must recover an item belonging to his family to avoid a scandal, and so he has stolen into the home of Lord Hathaway, only to come upon the beguiling and chaste Lady Amelia in her bedroom, wearing little but a look of surprise. Alexander leaves Amelia breathless-but is it from fear or excitement? Captivated by her beauty and charmed by her intellect, he ignores the scandalous whispers as he sets out to seduce the woman of his dreams...

Reviewed by: Amy 

Like curling up in a nice soft blanket on a crisp fall day, My Lord Scandal, the first installment of Emma Wilde's Notorious Bachelors series, left me warm, feeling good and ready to cozy up to the upcoming bachelors in the series.

Lady Amelia Patton has arrived in London at her father's request to be presented to society and all the eligible bachelors at "the ton."  Used to the easy, carefree country life, Amelia is far from excited about her father's insistence that she attend the seasonal balls in order to quickly find a husband.   While Amelia's father treats her social debut as a business transaction, she hopes to one day find true love as opposed to "the ideal husband" her father has in mind.  Enter suave, debonair Alexander St. James.  Youngest son of a Duke and labeled as a notorious rake, Alexander, while spirited and independent is far from the typical scandalous ladies’ man that the title entails.  Alex doesn't initially notice Amelia, but is focused on finding a family key (which Amelia's father has possession of) that holds mystery to the many secrets which has caused strife between the two families.  Amelia and Alex's first encounter takes place when she retires to her bedroom early and ends up being a surprise for both (Alex was leaving through her room after breaking in to find the key).  Amelia is shocked, but intrigued at his presence and Alex informs her that in order to be an effective burglar, he should steal a kiss, which he does.  From that moment on, neither one can rid their curiosity of the other.

Ms. Wilde's creates her own version of Romeo and Juliet in the paring of Amelia and Alex. Friends turned lovers amidst families that are at odds because of past indiscretions.  But the nice twist is that Alex and Amelia do not allow the family hatred to infiltrate their relationship.  As the reader, we get to see Amelia discover the caring, tender, insecure Alex who does not believe anyone will ever see beyond society's "rake" persona.  And through their developing friendship, Alex begins to see the inner beauty and intelligence that Amelia possesses.  Amelia and Alex had an immediate fun and flirty chemistry, which brought added enjoyment to the overall story.  Both characters were intelligent, adventurous and courageous in defying society and family in order to find love.  While Amelia was "labeled" as a virgin, she was the aggressor when it came to wanting and luring Alex to her bed.  The stolen moments together as well as the love scenes were raw with honesty and emotion, and in those moments we see the beginning of their love take form.

My Lord Scandal has great elements of mystery, intrigue, sensuality, wit and charm.  And with passionate and enduring characters, this lighthearted story sets a refreshing tone for what has the potential to be a good series.

Favorite Quote:

" I hadn't planed on....this."  He indicated their lover's position amid the tumbled bed linens. "On us."
"Is love ever planned?"
"I suppose not."
"You said it first.  I was worried I would scare you with my naive declarations."
At that moment he realized his future wife was not just alluring as a woman; she was more than a match for him.  Exactly what he wanted.  "When did you know?"
"I've thought about nothing else since that singular moment you touched me on the balcony."

 

 

Other books in the series:

• Our Wicked Mistake
• His Sinful Secret

Other reviews on GoodReads

Author's Website

Purchase Links: Amazon || Book Depository