Enemy Within by Marcella Burnard Paperback: 352 pages Publisher: Berkley Trade Available: November 2, 2010 Genre: Futuristic Romance Source: Publisher Reviewed by: Tracy 

After a stint in an alien prison, Captain Ari Rose wonders why she even bothered to survive. Stripped of her command and banished to her father’s scientific expedition to finish a Ph.D. she doesn’t want, Ari never planned to languish quietly behind a desk. She wasn’t built for it, either. But when pirates commandeer her father’s ship, Ari once again becomes a prisoner.

As far as pirate leader Cullin is concerned, Ari’s past imprisonment puts her dead center in Cullin’s sights. If she hasn’t been brainwashed and returned as a spy, then he’s convinced she must be part of a traitorous alliance endangering billions of lives. Cullin can’t afford the desire she fires within him and he’ll stop at nothing, including destroying her, to uncover the truth.

For Alexandria Rose Idylle (“Ari”) being a leader and a well-trained soldier was her calling.  Her role as Captain of an elite spaceship gave her purpose and praise, which she lacked growing up.  While on a mission, Ari is kidnapped and detained by the evil and heartless Chekydran aliens.  She is subjected to three months of torture, starvation and degradation which, by all accounts, she should not have survived – that is unless she is now a Chekyrdan spy. Upon Ari’s return, she is placed on her father’s exploration ship while her commanding officers assess whether she is a friend or foe.

A mere three months after her return, Ari is still physically weakened and trying to manage vivid flashbacks of her captivity which prompt her to go into lethal rages.  A standard planetary exploration goes awry when Cullin Seaghdh and his pirate crew hijack Ari and her team.  However, all is not as it seems.  Seaghdh has ulterior motives – Ari may be the key to saving his empire as well as unlocking his heart.  The Chekydran will not make his mission easy as they ruthlessly pursue the pair with deadly consequences.

Enemy Within is an interesting sci-fi/futuristic romance filled with action, intrigue and deception.  Ari was a refreshing heroine who impressed me with her strength and intelligence.  The emotional journey to cope with imprisonment and control her flashbacks was both credible and heart-breaking (yes, I shed a few tears).  Her strategic mindset and logical approach to danger balanced well with her emotional turmoil, creating great dynamics with Cullin who was equally sharp-witted.  And while I liked Cullin, his character was less memorable only because his evolution was less transformational than Ari’s.  As a couple, the pairing worked well, but the romance side of the story took a bit of backseat to discovering who Ari is and the play between rival governments.  The futuristic setting provided interesting and enjoyable elements, but I think this might be better appreciated by more dedicated sci-fi romance readers than a newbie or casual reader.  As the reader, be prepared for 7-feet tall octopus-like aliens, light scientific talk and made up words and devices.  For example, expressions like “by the twelve gods” and “baxt’k” are used in lieu of “by god” and…well…the good old fashioned f-bomb.

First-time author Marcella Burnard provides an intriguing, well-written release.  I am fascinated by the world she created and interested to read her next book Enemy Games which releases in spring 2011 and features two characters introduced in this book.

 

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Our Wicked Mistake   by Emma Wildes  Paperback: 336 pages Publisher: Signet Available: October 5, 2010 Genre: Historical Romance

When blackmail turns to murder, Madeline May turns to the notorious Viscount Altea, a man used to dealing with men of ill repute, and a man she despises with every fiber of her being.From the very moment of their first meeting-and one unforgettable night of passion-Luke Daudet knew she was different. And when he received her fateful entreaty, he knew he would not be able to stay away…

Reviewed by: Amy You know you have stumbled upon a good story when an author creates such vivid physical and emotional images with her words that you can almost see the picture unfold in your mind.  Emma Wildes created just that in Our Wicked Mistake, the second book in the Notorious Bachelors trilogy.  And while this story was not as lighthearted as My Lord Scandal, its intensity and strength of characters had me enjoying it just the same.

Madeline “Madge” May has herself in quite the predicament.  She’s being blackmailed, has taken matters into her own hands in dealing with the blackmailer and has now created a mess she does not know how to get out of.  Despite their differences and the one night stand of heated passion they shared a year ago, Madge calls upon Luke Daudet (Viscount Altea) for help, knowing she can trust him above all others.  After receiving her summons, Luke realizes the “knight in shining armor” role is not one he tends to play, but nevertheless he arrives and feels compelled to help.  Once Luke fixes Madge’s mess, he still can’t shake the attraction toward her.  Mindful of the potential risk to her reputation and opposed to a committed relationship, he decides to not act on his desires.

However, Madge, a widow who is not looking to marry again, still has other ideas in mind and propositions Luke to become her secret lover.  Having loved and lost so much in the past, Luke cannot resist this easy, no strings attached affair.  During their liaisons, Luke and Madge try to maintain personal walls, but they slowly crumble as both begin to work through tragic past losses and consider loving again.

Ms. Wildes skillfully developed the primary and secondary characters, which helped offset the noticeably weak blackmail plot.  I am always a sucker for the strong, yet vulnerable tortured hero and Luke fit the mold like a glove.  However, his kindness, thoughtfulness and considerate nature was unmistakably evident which made you love him all the more.  The fun and flirty banter that Luke and Madge exchanged was as sultry as their seductive words and actions shared between the sheets.  As the reader, I could visualize Luke’s clever grin and captivating eyes whether going head to head with Madge in conversation or whispering to her in bed that he was at her mercy and she should “do as you like.” The secondary characters, Luke’s sister Elizabeth and her childhood friend Miles were a refreshing addition to the story as they awkwardly danced around their true feelings and transformed their lifelong friendship into a deep, sensual love. Our Wicked Mistake delivered passionate characters, heartwarming moments, and steamy love scenes.  All in all, it was a satisfying historical read that left me dreamy for my own Viscount and anticipating His Sinful Secret, the final book in the trilogy.

Favorite Quotes:  ” That one night was imprinted so clearly on her mind that Madeline could almost taste his kiss, feel the hardness of muscle and sinew under her questing fingertips, not to mention the delicious erotic friction as he moved with seductive expertise between her legs….”“There were times when he wished he didn’t feel so deeply. The brittle facade did not match the inner man. However we appear, we all have our demons.”

Books in this series:

• My Lord Scandal (Notorious Bachelors)
• Our Wicked Mistake (Notorious Bachelors, #2)
• His Sinful Secret (Notorious Bachelors, #3)

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Indulgence In Death by J.D. Robb Hardcover: 368 pages Publisher: Putnam Adult Available: November 2nd 2010 Genre: Romantic Suspense Source: Publisher

First it was a limo driver shot through the neck with a crossbow. Then it was a high-priced escort stabbed through the heart with a bayonet.

Random hits, thrill kills, murderers with a taste for the finer things in life – and death – are making NYPSD Lieutenant Eve Dallas angry. And an angry Eve can be just as an efficient and dangerous predator as the killer.

As time runs out on another innocent victim’s life, Eve’s investigation will take her into the rarified circle that her husband, Roarke, travels in – and into the perverted heart of madness….

Reviewed by:  Jackie AKA Insane Hussein

Thanks to the awesome Fiction Vixen for having me here to guest review Indulgence In Death by J.D. Robb!!

I’d heard, and was jealous, of other reviewers getting to read this book for review before its publication date, so you can imagine my incredible happiness when I was told I could get this book for review!! I may have have shouted. Out loud. Very loudly. *angel face* I’ve been a fan of this series since I first discovered it, a few years ago, then promptly devoured all the books currently published in the series, in little less than a month (and my monthly budget was blown all to hell LOL).

However, After I began to read Indulgence, I became disappointed and slightly bored. I love Roarke and Eve and their world, don’t get me wrong, but I felt that this was a lackluster mystery romance. The plot outline is the same as in the last 10 or so books, following the same outline and so wasn’t very different for me from the other In Death books. We knew who the killer(s) are/were by the middle of the story, even though the situation and murder victims were different (as they ought). I felt like I was having a continuous deja vu throughout most of the book, starting with chapter 4.

I loved the beginning of the book. Eve and Roarke spending quality time together, and Eve giving Roarke two sweet and thoughtful surprises, from the heart. I also liked Eve’s handling of a situation in the first 4 chapters, which brought her world, of crime and punishment, back to her, through the eyes of a small boy.

However, that’s where most of the liking stopped. Sure, I liked the fact that the story is very well written, but I miss the flavor. I miss the panache that I found in the first half of this series–that oomph that that says, "hey, I’m an interesting and unique murder mystery!"

Eve and Roarke have a great relationship. They’ve settled in to a routine, as do most married couples, especially those who dominate and are the feature of such a long-lasting series. They have their ups and downs, and are still surprised by each other, which is sweet and beautiful. In addition, Roarke is still hot and Eve is still kick-ass "Lieutenant Bitch" (from an early book). Both still have their vulnerabilities yet they are complemented and balanced by their strengths, both individually and as a couple.

I appreciate the cameos by key characters, friends of Eve’s and Roarke’s, who have helped them and each other become better, closer friends and a better couple and individuals (wow, that was way deep).

I think this series has such great potential to be more. To have some really amazing plot developments that will this loyal reader go "wow, that was awesome!" and "I did not expect that!" Also, bringing in Eve’s mom, since she just left, instead of dying. Maybe the woman Eve remembers as her mother really isn’t her mother. Wouldn’t THAT be a kicker?

I recommend this book to those who want an easy read and for hot, sexy Roarke time. Especially for hot, sexy Roarke time. Did I mention Roarke? Yeah, Roarke, mmmmmmmmmm! *swoon* ROARKE ROARKE ROARKE ROARKE ROARKE!!!!!!!

I will, yes, continue to read this series, because I’m a die-hard In Death fan. And I love Roarke. Did I mention Roarke? Yeaaaahhhhhhhh ROARKE ROARKE ROARKE ROARKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-Insane Hussein

Click HERE to see other books in this series.

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Thank you for the great review Jackie! 

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Montana Glory by R.C. Ryan Paperback: 384 pages Publisher: Forever Available: October 26, 2010 Genre: Contemporary Western Romance Source: Publisher

The last thing in the world Zane McCord wants is a wife. But after returning home to the family ranch in Montana to help his cousins search for the lost treasure that is their legacy, Zane can’t help notice that love and marriage seem to be contagious. Both his cousins have succumbed, but he refuses. Determined to stay a bachelor till he dies, Zane wants to devote his time to filming documentaries and taking care of the ranch…and then Riley Mason walks into his life.

The last thing on Riley Mason’s mind is romance. Sent to the McCord ranch to save the family’s accounting problems, she only wants to impress her firm in Helena and be on her way. Life as a single mother isn’t easy and she needs to impress her bosses for a raise. But when Zane McCord opens the door, her breath catches in her throat and a desire she’s never experienced before takes over her. When the McCords insist that she and her daughter, Summer stay at the ranch, she’s forced to give in and before long, she’s pulled into their search for the long lost treasure. But she absolutely draws the line at getting involved with Zane McCord, playboy and heartbreaker extraordinaire.

But as they all get closer to finding Coot’s lost treasure, a dangerous series of accidents target Riley and her daughter Summer. Can Zane keep her safe while trying to win her heart?

Reviewed by: Sophia (FV) 

Montana Glory is the third and final book in the Montana trilogy by R.C. Ryan.  I have read both of previous books and followed the McCord cousins through their search for the lost family fortune throughout the series.  With this being the last book in the series I looked forward to not only a nice conclusion to the hunt but also Zane’s story since he’s been my favorite of the McCord cousins since the beginning. 

City girl Riley Mason has come to the ranch to sort out the accounting for the ranch.  She has arrived from Philadelphia with her young daughter in tow looking to make a fresh start as far away from the city as possible.   She is a single mother and has a few dangerous secrets in her past so the last thing she’s looking for is a romantic relationship.  But when she meets Zane McCord, she finds herself very attracted to him.

Zane McCord is that last hold out.  His two cousins have both found love and are enjoying married life with their brides.  Zane is a ladies man but has no interest in settling down though.  His parents had an unhappy marriage and he has no interest in going down that road.  When the new accountant arrives on the ranch he likes what sees but the ranch foreman warns Zane to leave her alone.  She is on the ranch to do a job, not be romanced by the McCord family playboy.  But Zane can’t seem to stay away, finding himself more and more attracted as he gets to know Riley better.  Even more her daughter Summer has captured his heart as well.

As Zane and Riley’s relationship begins to become more than friendship, Riley confides in Zane about her past and reveals a dangerous secret.  Zane is determined to protect Riley and Summer from the danger that surrounds them. 

Montana Glory is a nice conclusion to this trilogy.  No loose ends were left and for the most part I was happy with how it all played out.  Zane is my favorite McCord cousin but I was disappointed that we did not learn more about him in his own book.  I felt like everything I knew about Zane I learned in previous books and I had really hoped to get to know him a little better in this book.  He’s the sexiest of the three cousins and I just wanted more Zane time.

I really felt that this was more Riley’s story than it was Zane’s since her character seemed more developed.  She’s a likable heroine and a fantastic match for Zane and I enjoyed watching as the mystery of her past played out.  I don’t always care for the way single mothers are portrayed in romance novels but I think it was handled well and I enjoyed Riley’s daughter Summer.  She was cute and fit into the McCord family nicely.

As with the previous books, the bulk of the story was a build up to an action scene near the end.  As the story comes to head, and the action is upon us and suddenly, it’s over.  I was surprised at how quickly all was resolved and our characters were moving on after such a big explosive scene. 

I love a good cowboy romance and I enjoyed the final book in this series. I was happy to see Zane and Riley and the rest of the McCords find happiness and I was satisfied with how all the mysteries finally came to a conclusion.   

 

Books in this series include:

• Montana Legacy
• Montana Destiny
• Montana Glory

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***Giveaway***

Thanks to Hachette Book Group I have 5 copies of Montana Glory to giveaway!  Because the prizes are mailed directly from the publisher, only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win, no P.O. Boxes, please.  Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title in the mail.

To enter, leave a comment on this review telling me what your favorite western romance series or novel is, or if you don’t have one, tell me why you’re interested in reading Montana Glory.   

Giveaway is open until November 15, winners announced soon after. 

Second Chances by Lauren Dane  eBook Publisher: Carina Press Available: October 25th 2010 Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance Source: NetGalley

Ten years ago, Rori Simon left town shy, unattractive and with zero self-esteem. Now she’s back, older, stronger and finally loving herself—and it shows. Hot men are soon knocking at her door, including Jude Callahan, the bad boy who starred in her teenage daydreams…and her adult fantasies.

Jude can’t believe the sexy, confident woman before him is actually Rori! She’s gotten under his skin like no other woman has…and brings out secret desires he can’t resist. He wants to dominate Rori with every fiber of his being. Wants to own her and pleasure her. To cherish her as he makes her his.

Rori discovers she likes being controlled. She also knows Jude is not a one-woman man. Everything changes when she meets Zach Helm. Edgy, sensual Zach knows just what she needs, and before long, she’s in love. Jude watches them together and wonders if he’s lost his chance forever…

Reviewed by: Sophia (FV)

Rori was awkward and overweight as a teen and suffered with self-esteem issues.  But she went off to college, saw the world and went through some emotional and physical changes over the years.  After a messy break up with her boyfriend, she has returned to her hometown and with a whole new outlook. Since the moment she’s arrived it seems she’s caught the eye of every available bachelor in town but there is one in particular she’s got her eye on.  Rori wants the town bad boy, Jude Callahan.  They were friends as kids but Rori had a crush on him back then and wouldn’t mind taking their friendship to a new level now that they’re adults.  Jude is not a one woman man though, and Rori is not interested in being one of many.

Jude finds just about everything about Rori attractive.  She’s all he can think about and there’s something about her that is different from his many other conquests.  He can see himself settling down with Rori, he wants her bad. But his old habits die hard and he has a hard time reconciling the idea of what it means to be in a committed relationship.  His bad behavior opens Rori’s eyes to the fact that she can’t change him—doesn’t want to change him. She then finds love in the arms of another man. 

I’ll start off saying right here, right now, Lauren Dane knows how to write a steamy story, no doubt about that.  For an erotic romance to work for me, there has to be good strong emotional connections between those engaging in the red hot steamy sex and Ms. Dane certainly knows how to deliver on that level as well.

Although Jude came off like a jerk at times I liked him. The emotional and sexual chemistry between him and Rori also worked for me. Jude is conflicted in his need for Rori and his inability to grow out of his bad boy tendencies and Rori, a former ugly duckling is realizing a life long fantasy in her new relationship with Jude.  Both seem a little overwhelmed by this new relationship and where it’s headed.  I really wanted them to communicate and work things out, but such as life, it was not meant to be and Rori moves on to find happiness with another.  However Jude knows he screwed up and he let the only woman he ever loved walk away. Now he must watch from afar as Rori finds happiness with another.

Rori moves on and falls head over heals in love with Zach who seems to be absolutely perfect for her.  Here is where I began to struggle with the story a bit.  Although we know Jude loves Rori and is struggling to accept that she has moved on, he becomes absent from the story for a long period of time, and I’ll be honest I missed him.  Zach and Rori have a budding relationship with no place in it for Jude, but I felt his absence unsettling since the relationship between Rori and Jude was left open on Jude’s part. Although I liked Rori and wanted her to find happiness, I just never bought into her relationship with Zach.  His character seemed flat not as developed as I hoped for. I never picked up on the emotional connection between them at all. 

Although I felt the eventual outcome of this book was obvious because of the title, Lauren Dane managed to take the expected and create a very emotional story that takes her characters on a journey of personal growth, tragedy and redemption.  I felt there were some flat spots along the way, however I loved how the friendship and romance played out between Jude and Rori.  Second Chances was an enjoyable read.

Favorite Quote:

“I want her. I don’t want her to love anyone else. I want her to love me.”

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Purchase link: Carina Press