No Place To Run by Maya Banks Paperback, 352 pages Published December 7th 2010 by Berkley Genre: Romantic Suspense Source: Publisher

“I’ll be better when you’re naked.” When I read a statement like that on the first page of a Maya Banks romantic suspense novel, I know to hold on to my panties for a smokin’ hot ride!  After delivering an emotionally gripping opener to the KGI series with The Darkest Hour, Ms. Banks continues her action-packed quest with the Kelly brothers in No Place to Run.

Sam Kelly, a former Army Ranger, is in Mexico staking out an undercover mission with his brothers and their private, special ops team, KGI.  He enters one of the local bars and is immediately attracted and distracted by a waitress named Sophie, who quickly becomes a regular visitor to Sam’s hotel room and bed.  Their chemistry sparks with intensity from the start and while they know this is a fleeting moment of time with each other, they are determined to make the most of it.  What Sam does not know is Sophie is only pretending to be waitress in order to get close to him and gain information for her father, Alex Mouton, who is  the very man Sam and his brother’s are trying to take down.  Fast forward five months. Sophie, believing her father is now dead, knows that her uncle has taken over her father’s business.  Uncle Tomas is in hot pursuit of Sophie because she has the key that unlocks her father’s vault which contains his assets and secret information regarding his extensive arms network.  Sophie is also five months pregnant…with Sam’s baby.  She knows Uncle Tomas will kill her in order to recover the key and his men are closing in on her.  Convinced she has no other option, Sophie runs to Sam, trusting that even though she has betrayed him, he will still protect his unborn child.  Sam is dumbfounded when he finds Sophie floating in the lake outside his home, shot, pregnant and barely alive.  His protective instincts kick in and he is determined to find out how and why Sophie found him along with the rest of the secrets she is hiding.  After Sophie reveals that she is Mouton’s daughter and that along with herself, the Kelly family is a target for her uncle, Sam and his brothers derive a plan to take down the organization once and for all.

Ms. Banks gives us suspenseful, OMG moments with twists and turns you would not expect, but will keep you enthralled until the end.  What really drives her stories (and are my favorite part) are the intense, compelling and endearing characters.  Sophie has been through hell growing up under strict confinement and in fear of her ruthless and evil father.  Never-the-less, she is fearless, brave and ready to endure whatever is necessary to protect her baby.  Despite his tough exterior, Sam is a very tender and compassionate man.  This is evident when he relishes Sophie’s pregnant body during sensual moments and when he rushes to his family’s side during a health crisis.  But his protective and possessive nature takes a strong hold when he fights to protect Sophie and their unborn child.  Also, I continue to be moved and impressed by the Kelly family, who once again unite to protect one another and are generous in their acceptance of outsiders like Sophie.  Brothers Garrett and Donovan are initially skeptical of Sophie given her secrets and believing she was nothing more than a casual lay.  However, they quickly learn that Sam’s feelings for and connection with Sophie is more than just a passing fling.  They immediately love and treat her like a sister, willing to put their lives on the line to save her “because that’s what family does.”

Sam, Garrett, Donovan and the other Kelly brothers have a unique, enigmatic quality that will pique your curiosity to know more.  With their robust sensuality and sex appeal, I am at an impasse as to which one I want to come after me!  No Place to Run delivers everything I love in a romantic suspense.  Anyone looking for a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat storyline with military brothers who know how to please and protect their women should definitely check out this exciting series!

Favorite quote:

“I love you, Sophie.  I can’t tell you at what moment I fell in love with you.  Maybe it was the first time I looked across the bar in Mexico and there you were.  Maybe it was the first time we made love.  Or maybe it was watching you fight for our child.  And then for my mother.  It doesn’t matter.  I love you .  That’s it.  That’s all.  I hope to hell it’s enough.”  Her heart squeezed.  She’d always tried to imagine what it would be like to here those words.  To know that she was loved.  Nothing had come close.  There was so much joy.  It hurt.  It shouldn’t hurt, but she felt too small for her skin, like she’d burst right out of it.

Series list:

• The Darkest Hour (KGI, #1)
• No Place to Run (KGI, #2)
• Hidden Away (KGI, #3) March 2011

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HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY: THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED

with Cinderella’s Slipper Ornament

5 WINNERS!

{Books courtesy of Penguin/Berkley; Ornament autographed by author, Lila DiPasqua}

Giveaway open to US and Canada *only* (No P.O Boxes)

and will end Dec. 13th, 2010 at midnight

 

*********************************************

 

THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED

{#2 in the Fiery Tales series}

A Fiery Tales Collection

By Lila DiPasqua

Historical Romance

Berkley (Sensation) Trade

ISBN: 978-0425237007

OUT NOW!

Read our review HERE

Inspired by “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” “The Ugly Duckling, and “The Princess and the Pea,” Lila DiPasqua spins three sexy tales that give new meaning to the term bedtime story…

The Marquis’ New Clothes: To save her cousin, Aimee de Miran must retrieve a jeweled ring from the most sinfully seductive man at court, the Marquis de Nattes. But to search his considerable wardrobe she’ll have to get very close to the notorious rake…and soon she finds herself very close to him indeed, with his clothes—and hers—utterly forgotten…

The Lovely Duckling: Reputed for his carnal skills, Joseph d’Alumbert prefers amorous encounters without emotional entanglement—until a quick-witted lady stirs tender feelings and hot desire. Emilie de Sarron suffered burns to her body as an infant, and keeps her scars—and her heart—well hidden. But Joseph is determined to peel away her inhibitions, one slow steamy kiss at a time, to reveal the beautiful swan inside…

The Princess and the Diamonds: Princess Gabrielle can’t sleep at night. There is something hard in her bed. No, not just the stolen diamonds tucked under her mattress, but the handsome Marquis on it….whose carnal talents she can’t resist. But he threatens her secret mission, and worse, she stands to lose far more than the diamonds—her heart is at stake….

“…Strong-minded heroines you can relate to, breathtaking carnally gifted male leads… A sexy collection that readers will love.” – Fresh Fiction.

“Ripe with steamy affairs, these lusty stories are hot enough to warm the coldest winter night.” – Publishers Weekly

 

Watch for Lila DiPasqua’s next book in the Fiery Tales series—a sexy Cinderella retelling as it’s never been done before!

A MIDNIGHT DANCE

{#3 in the Fiery Tales series}

A Fiery Tale

By Lila DiPasqua

Historical Romance

Berkley (Sensation) Trade

ISBN: 978-0425241981

Out August 2, 2011

 

Inspired by the tale of Cinderella, Lila DiPasqua weaves a steamy story that offers a glass slipper, a dangerous deception, and an impoverished beauty determined to find her handsome prince…and make him pay.

 

Visit Lila DiPasqua: Website || Twitter || Facebook

 

 

• Edge of Sight by Roxanne St. Claire
• Mass Market Paperback, 376 pages
• Published November 1st 2010 by Forever
• Genre: Romantic Suspense
• Source: Publisher

Amy and Tracy are chatting about Edge of Sight by Roxanne St. Clarie today.

Amy: So, Tracy. I read the first two chapters of Edge of Sight before knowing about the prequel (available for free at Roxanne St. Claire’s website). Then found out about it and read it. I recommend that everyone read it before starting Edge, don’t you? The prequel gave a lot of information as to the individuality of the characters and how their relationship began.

Tracy: I completely agree and appreciate you telling me about the prequel before I started. The novella gives a great introduction to Sam and Zach’s initial short, but passionate relationship. It was interesting to see how they both changed as individuals while they were separated for three years. I liked that Sam was a smart woman who didn’t play the helpless damsel in distress, but sought help and put her safety above her reluctance to be close to Zach again.

Amy: Yes, and while her feelings were still intense for Zach, she was cautious and did not immediately act on them even though she was dying to jump his bones!

Tracy: Well Zach did have that ex-military, protective alpha male thing going on, so I’d probably want to jump him too. I also liked that Sam was cautious. However, it felt like their relationship turned on a dime. One minute they were uncertain of one another and the next Zach bares his soul, all is forgiven and clothes hit the floor.

Amy: And once the clothes hit the floor, there were no inhibitions from either one. They were definitely hungry……….for each other!

Tracy: Yes, the passion was definitely there. Roxanne St. Claire also added a good dose of suspense. The journey to find who was after Sam kept me engaged throughout the book. And I don’t know about you, but I was surprised by the identity of the killer.

Amy: Totally surprised! Not knowing who she/he was kept the suspense on the front burner of the story. I also liked that Zach teamed up with his former military cousins to execute some clever strategies to identify the murderer and protect Sam.

Tracy: I always love stories that show a family banding together to support one another. This was particularly true in Edge of Sight as you saw siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles pitching in their expertise to help keep Sam safe.

Amy: Yes, and an Italian family to beat! I’m talking manicotti and ziti galore! And homemade vino made by Uncle Nino!!

This was my first read of Roxanne St. Claire, however her writing style has definitely “hooked” me and I am excited to continue this series. Ms. Claire defines a well rounded set of characters with an exceptional whodunit plot combined with steaming hot love scenes. I mean, the “self-pleasuring” scene alone had me drooling for more!

Tracy: Ditto on all counts!! I definitely fanned myself a few times reading.

I’d wanted to read some of her work, but was hesitant to start the Bullet Catcher series which already has 10 books. And while Bullet Catchers was mentioned, it didn’t play a significant role in the current series. However, after getting a taste for Ms. St. Claire’s writing, I’m sure I’ll work the Bullet Catchers into my to-read shelf along with the upcoming Guardian Angelinos books.

Favorite Quote:

Amy:

“I won’t lie and tell you I knew I loved you when I got on that plane to Kuwait.” Her eyes, even lit by the candles, showed he’d mad a direct hit. “But I think I did by the time I landed.” She lifted her fork, then set it down again. “That must have been some flight.”

Tracy:

“He tried to speak but nothing came out of his mouth, and his throat was so tight, he knew all he was good for was a sob. He pulled her up to him so they were kneeling face-to-face and this time he took her face in his hands and kissed her. He kissed her as gently as he could, trying to use his mouth against hers to say all the words she deserved to hear. Appreciation. Adoration. Affection. Love.”

Series list:

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Please welcome author Marissa Dobson to Fiction Vixen today.

Believe

Writing isn’t something for the weak at heart. You must have a strong backbone and believe in yourself. There are going to be times you are turned down and hear things that might hurt your feelings about your writing, but overall it will make you a strong person and a better writer.

Between the time that my story was accepted and the time it was published there were a number of edits and helpful advice to help get The Twelve Seductive Days of Christmas to where it ended up.

I  believe you can never know if you are any good at whatever you do, such as writing, until you put yourself out there. I took the chance with The Twelve Seductive Days of Christmas, you could say I put my heart on the line. I knew that if the publisher hated the story it was going to hurt but hopefully it would make me look into myself and improve.

I personally found the title of the Christmas anthology, Believe, to be very appropriate. I had to believe in myself, and my work or I wouldn’t have taken the change I did.

Which leads me the my question, when did you have to put something on the line and Believe in yourself? Answer this question and possibly win an e-book (PDF) copy of Believe. There will be one lucky winner chosen.

Contest open until Dec. 8, winner announced soon after.  Open to all.

 

A collection of uplifting Christmas stories from Turquoise Morning Press. Romance, inspiration, and unexpected gifts— Reminding us to simply…believe.

Second Hand Horses by Amy LeBlanc, Mall Magic by Cat Shaffer, Another Quirky Christmas by Tonya Kappes, Concourse Christmas by Margaret Ethridge, Love in an Elevator by Krista Ames, Fixing Christmas by Elizabeth Chalkley, Angel on Board by Janet Eaves, The Twelve Seductive Days of Christmas by Marissa Dobson

 

 

If can’t wait and would like to purchase a copy now:

Amazon ~ B&N ~1 Place For Romance ~ All Romance E-Books ~ Smashwords ~OmniLit ~ Digi Books ~ Turquoise Morning Press

 

Seduced By A Highlander by Paula Quinn Paperback: 352 pages Publisher: Forever Available: September 1st 2010 Genre: Historical Romance Source: Publisher Reviewed by: Catherine

SINS THAT CAN’T BE FORGIVEN

Tristan MacGregor is famed throughout the Highlands as a silver-tonged seducer and an unrepentant rogue. Bold and charming, he’s dallied with many women, yet none as mysterious as the lass he steals a kiss from at king’s court. Little does he know this beauty is one of his clan’s greatest enemies.

PASSION THAT CAN’T BE DENIED

Isobel Fergusson has despised the bloodthirsty MacGregors ever since they murdered her father. She’s horrified to learn that the handsome stranger she kissed is of this clan. But Tristan means to possess her at any cost and Isobel’s body turns traitor at his touch. Can a man she’s sworn to hate be the only one she can ever love?

What an absolute sweetie this hero was! Wow! He was just perfect. He was funny and cheerful, and he was determined to win the heroine and end a family feud. He dreamed of living his life by the honor and principles of the knights of old. He lost his way there for a while and stopped making an effort to live up to his own expectations, but after he met the heroine and they began a friendship it quickly kicked back in.

Tristan made the story for me. Everyone else contributed to my enjoyment, of course, but it wouldn’t have had quite the same charm with a different hero. He was so cheerful and determined that it was hard not to love him. He took quite a few knocks in the story, but he just kept getting back up and continuing on. It was very admirable.

At times Tristan came off as a little sexist. But it was just a stray comment here and there and the heroine was quick to call him on it. Once he saw her point of view he was quick to adapt and agree with her. Isobel was a strong character and she wasn’t willing to be treated like a delicate flower. She didn’t run around playing warrior, but she was the rock that her family depended on. She had to play mother to most of her brothers and with no one else to keep food on the table, she had to labored just as hard as her older brother Patrick to keep the family fed.

There was quite a lot of humor in this book. It wasn’t over the top humor, but there were multiple times that I giggled over scenes. Especially when Tristan comes to visit Isobel’s family! Hilarious! That visit was not easy on him. Every time he turned around some other calamity was befalling him. One of my favorite quotes comes from that part.

“Clearly, they did not want peace. He had to escape their demented clutches, but he couldn’t even think without a wave of nausea threatening to overtake him.”

The heroine was not perfect for me although she didn’t irritate me to the point that I disliked her. Quite a few times she would say or do something that came off as a bit hypocritical. I started to get exasperated because it seemed like she was behaving that way just to be contrary. Luckily the author didn’t let her characters act like this was acceptable. Tristan was quick to point out when she was throwing stones in a glass house. That definitely made it easier to take.

There wasn’t a very strong sense of period in the book. Occasionally something would be mentioned about a political event, but honestly it all felt very vague. That isn’t a deal breaker for me, but I know it is irritating for some, so be warned.

One of my pet peeves is faux Scottish brogues. I cannot stand hearing “wee lassie” and “dinna fash yerself” and the like constantly. There was some of that here, but it managed to blend into the background and not irritate me into getting an eye twitch. Maybe because it was consistent and not just thrown in haphazardly? I’m not sure, but it worked for me here.

I was all set to give this a 4 grade, but the end made me drop it down to a 3.5. I am not a fan of cutesy and the end was full of it. There had been a few moments in the story where the sweet aspect had strayed close to the too sugary line but it never actually crossed it. In the end it did. The last couple chapters seemed to be there for no reason other than to show how happy Tristan and Isobel will be and to give everyone and their brother a chance to mend fences and be BFF’s forever. Some people really dig that sort of thing, but I’m of the mind that sometimes less is more. So less sweet and cute at the end would have been a boon for me.

Overall, I thought it was a pretty good book. I think it might even end up being a great book for people who like their romances a little sweeter than I personally prefer.

Favorite Quote:

Series list:

• Ravished by a Highlander (Children Of The Mist, #1)
• Seduced by a Highlander (Children of the Mist, #2)

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Join Mandi, Tori and Me for the Fever Series Read-Along. We are rereading the Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning in preparation for the release of Shadowfever.

Bloodfever will be discussed on December 9th. at SmexyBooks. Get full details and schedule HERE. Check out the Darkfever discussion HERE.