Romance Books

First of all Marvin isn't the one reading the Black Rose it is me Jackie and I am loving it. But you see I had already read the first and last in the Trilogy, so I am finding out things I didn't know about when I read the 3rd book. I had gotten the firs two in a used book shop and had to order this one. I love Nora Roberts books. I am also reading some of her books under the name J.D.Robb. This is probably more info than you wanted. Jackie in Cushing, OK.

THE BLACK ROSE is the second in the garden series. It mixes botanicals with southern culture and the paranormal.

The setting is a centuries-old mansion just outside of Memphis and comes with its very own ghost. And now love will blossom between Rosalind Harper and Dr. Mitchell Carnegie. I liked the twist and turns of this book.

Still...

Preference wise, I liked BLUE DAHLIA better. Both are great reads. It just Stella and her hunky babe are who I really fell in love with.

I love N.R's Trilogies. This is one of my favorite. I OVER LOVE the Three Sister's Island trilogy, my most favorite of all.

In this one, we continue with a ghost haunting... it takes the lives/loves of three fabulous couples to find the answers to Who? What? Where? When? and How? Kinda like a mystery within a romance.

I am not big into mysteries, cuz I am a romantic at heart, so the mystery does not overshadow the romanace and gives a little intrigue.... I DID enjoy this haunting.

You started with Stella in Book 1 "Blue Dahlia", widow and mother of two boys, who finds Logan; Now we continue on with Roz and Mitch, 40's, three grown boys and the 'matriarch' in this storyline. No, not the mother but the one who brings the 3 women together in her fabulous home and creates a sisterhood/family throughout this trilogy.
Roz is the woman we all wish we could be. Strong, brave, smart, and respected in all manner of speaking. She now must work with Mitch to further the search in the mysterious ghost "Amelia" as she falls in love with Mitch in the subtle gentleness of middle-age, HA! 40's.. and I'm almost 50, what am I talking about.

The intensity of the storyline continues and the lives blend further. It's a "can't put this down" book.

The storyline will end with Hayley, young pregnant and brave, who struggles with herself before she falls for Harper.

Be sure you have "Red Lily" ready to go after this book, b/c you'll read right thru the end of the trilogy.

I absolutely LOVED David in here as well, and wish there had been a storyline for him that ended in a romance as well.

This is not the first time I have read this trilogy. I keep and reread these stories every few years. I never want to put the books down.

Great read, but plan for a full week of reading if you have all 3 books in this trilogy.

This book was a little slower to take off then "Blue Dahlia" but I liked this story better. It kept me entertained most of the time and I enjoyed learning more about who the ghost used to be.

This story is about Roz who is once widowed and once divorced. After seeing what happened with Stella and the ghost a little less then a year ago decides to hire someone to help research her family history. Dr. Mitchell Carnagie is the one hired for this task, and as they spend more time together the feelings begin to develop. As their feelings grow stronger, the ghost (a.k.a. the Harper Bride) makes her feelings known too.

I liked the interaction between Roz and her ex-husband, it certainly had some good moments as well as bad. With Harper and Hayley you read about more of the bond that they share and I look forward to reading "Red Lily". I enjoyed this book.

Roz Harper is a loving and kind, but fiercely protective of those she loves. When the Harper House resident ghost known as the Harper Bride starts terrorizing those she loves, Roz decides it is time for some answers. The Harper Bride who has never brought harm to anyone in the house before is now pulling all the stops out.

Dr Mitchell Carnagie is hired to delve into history to discover what happened in the past. When he sees first hand the terror at the house, he decides immediately to learn more. As he spends more time at Harper House, Mitchell finds himself drawn to Roz. He finds her strength, beauty, and vulnerability to be a potent combination he can't resist. When Mitch and Roz decide to explore their special connection, again the ghost vehemently protests.

As more is revealed about the Harper Bride, it is disclosed her name is Amelia. Mitch learns more about Amelia through old books and photographs. The more they all learn, the more disturbing the story becomes.

Great second book of the series. I didn't think it was possible, but this book surpassed the first.

CARESSED BY ICE. BOOK 3 CHANGELING-PSY SERIES

As a lethal and trained Arrow, a member of an elite force of soldiers trained to uphold the Law of Silence, Judd Lauren is a lethal weapon. He can kill with a single thought and has had much blood on his hands. When the Council selects to wipe his entire bloodline, he decides to defect taking his family into SnowDancer territory. The Wolf Pack is known for their affinity with children - so he hopes that even though they might kill him, at least they will save his sisters children. It is a sacrifice he is prepared to take.

Brenna Kinkaid has survived the horrors that a psychopath Psy serial killer put her through when she was tortured and abducted. Physically recovered from her wounds, she has been mentally "damaged" by some of the mind-conditioning the killer left behind. She seems to have acquired Psy abilities and the only one that she can turn to is Judd, who was also there when she was rescued. Her worst nightmare is that she has lost the ability to change into her wolf form. She doesn't quite know what it is about Judd that draws her to him - yes, he is unmistakably beautiful in his icy and expressionless demeanor - yet she believes that someone that took such a risk to ensure safety and freedom for his family - has to have feelings buried deep inside.

Judd's telekinetic powers are very powerful. In his training, blocking programs were implanted inside his brain to prevent him from accidentally killing through his Tk powers. Unfortunately, these implanted brain functions are meant to cause trauma, agonizing pain and hemorrhaging to prevent any kind of emotional feeling or physical contact with other people.

Changelings thrive in the sense of touch. Brenna has survived the horrors of her capture - but someone has targeted her and wants her dead. Judd realizes that above all he wants to keep Brenna safe - as he is not that impervious to her as he would like, as he realizes that he wants Brenna to be his - but his brain functions are slowly deteriorating because of it.

As he is allowed to remain with the Wolf Pack, he sees how fiercely loyal the Wolves are and how being Pack provides a much-needed sense of belonging and loyalty - something that he's never experienced. He also realizes how strong his Psy Tk powers.

This is a complex and beautifully written love story with highly emotionally charged moments. Nalini Singh has brilliantly and skillfully crafted a very real world of Changelings-Psy. Judd and Brenna's story is interlaced superbly well with the other characters - each of which have such an integral and powerful role in the series. CARESSED BY ICE is a marvelous novel - tender, poignant, intense and sexy as hell - this is one book that is going to remain in your keeper shelf. Thank you Nalini!

Of the four books so far, this one is my favorite, and the reason for that lies in the distinctive character of this book's hero: given Judd's Bourne-like back story as an ice-cold, highly trained assassin with a inviolable code of ethics, watching passion incrementally thaw him out made for an especially satisfying story line. And, of course, he is scorching HOT -- I fervently hope to see more male Psy heroes in later installments!

The development of the background story arc has been another interesting component of this series, with vivid hints of future plot developments and potential further romances embedded in the consecutive stories. The next book (#5) covers Dorian and the Psy scientist responsible for the next level of the Silence program -- fine. But the one I'm really looking forward to is the book that will finally cover Hawke (the charismatic alpha of the wolf pack), since there have been tantalizing indications of where that particular story's going...

Of the 3 books in the series I liked the story line of this one best; however, about half way through the book the author (or assistant to the author) makes some mistakes that create inconsistencies in the story. Unfortunately stuff like that REALLY bothers me. For example Judd, who the author tells us has been well trained in all manner of undercover work including a wide variety of sexual skills in the event they were necessary in his "James Bond" sort of duties, finally ends up making love to Breanna (his mate). As we are reading this very hot, well written love scene, we are suddenly told Judd is a virgin. This is totally inconsistent with his character. As a psy, yes this may be the first time he has been EMOTIONALLY involved, but we were told early on the training he received. This is an error that made it look as though either the author wrote the chapters out of order and the editor didn't catch the mistake, or she had help writing the second part of the book.

I really like this series a great deal and hated to give this book only a 3 since the story line was wonderful, but there were also a number of research errors in the book. This author has wonderful potential, but needs help with her research and needs a better editor/proof reader.

Caressed by Ice is my favorite Psy/Changeling book. Which is saying something because I didn't want to read it at first. I didn't think I would be interested in an 'emotionless psy' not when there were hot blooded changelings running around.

I was wrong.

I think Judd Laurens is one of the most fleshed out characters Nalini Singh has created to date. I loved him. I felt for him. I tingled for him. It's true what they say, 'still waters run deep'

Judd and Brenna's story was the best in my opinion. The storyline was riveting and believable. I think that's one of the best things about Nalini Singh is that she can make you believe in this world. In the first two books she made it seem like the Changelings were far better people then the Psy but in Caressed By Ice she showed you that even the Changelings can be evil and that not all Psy are cold and distant but that some are quietly trying to break the chains of Silence as best they are able.

I think I even like the SnowDancer clan better than DarkRiver. Hawke, the alpha wolf of SnowDancer is really compelling and you read a little bit about his history. Plus his interactions with Judd's niece Sienna is a hoot.

If you haven't started this series, then start it. NOW. It is one of my favorites. Don't start with this one though because Judd and Brenna's story actually begins in the first book, Slave To Sensation and it's best to read a series in order (unlike me who read SK's Book 10 Dark Side Of The Moon first and am still bitter about it *grumble*)

This series just gets better and better. Judd and Brenna's story was a very intense one that had me on the edge of my seat. I wondered how the story was going to unfold with a psy assassin and an emotionally damaged girl who couldn't shift. I don't want to give too much away, just know that the story was fraught with tension, battles and a good healthy dose of justice. Not to mention an ending that wasn't too shabby.

One of the things I like the most about this series is that we never lose sight of the characters from books 1 and 2, Lucas and Sascha, Vaughn and Faith are still present and accounted for in book 3. The struggle that we've seen the psy characters go through to break through their conditioning and push silence aside is still present in book 3, even more so because of Judd's special designation.

Also the story is loaded with sexual tension without being over run with page after page of sex. The anticipation along with the logic and Singh's writing style make this a winner for me. Five stars!!!!

I have read this book twice and purchased book 2 of the series. I agree with the reviews that say there is too much sex in this book. However, I think that is the case with all these supernatural books. I just skip those scenes and enjoy the plot. I think this plot is original and the book is an easy and enjoyable read.

Follows a woman who spends her time, exorcising demons from people...ends up with a demon herself...and has to ask for help (without letting everyone know she needs it) from a co-worker of sorts, Adam, who has very dark tastes..
Interesting idea, unlike other reviewers I thought the sex/erotic scenes were the best part of the book. The book didn't get interesting till she meets up with Adam..and felt it would have been more interesting if the story had started there, and did more to expand that relationship.. The whole demon possession thing was a little too weak for me..
Had a lot of potential, just fell short of reaching it..
Kim Harrison, Laura K. Hamilton is more interesting..

I had a lot of problems with this book, including the amount of sex, and some of the torture/S&M scenes. There was just too much of it for it to really be a mainstream novel, as S&M lifestyles aren't really mainstream... I don't have a problem with sex most of the time, but I didn't like being less than 20 pages into the book or 40 pages or whatever and hitting a sex scene... I didn't know the character well enough to enjoy reading about her having phone or in-the-car-while-driving sexual encounters. I also didn't like that the main character was attracted to everyone *rolls eyes*. I'm tired of paranormal/dark fantasy books turning into hisem or harem type stories where everyone wants to be with the main character or the main character wants to be with everyone. Way too many are following that trend and too much sex actually gets boring.

SPOILERS

Ok, not counting the sex there was also a huge loop hole in the book's entire plot premise. The main character is posessed by the king of the demon world, right? And he's not powerful enough to posess her.... and yet he's supposed to be too powerful for her or anyone else to exorcise. (I apologise if I spell things incorrectly, I'm not really in the mood to check to make sure I get them right.) Ok, so it seems the main character is stuck with this demon inside her and yet he's supposed to be more powerful than her exorcist powers, which would also imply he could take her over right? Nope. He can't for whatever reason. My OTHER big problem with this is part of the rules for this world: demons are supposed to be able to transfer to another human host after they've already been called onto the Mortal Plain and inhabited someone else. So, why didn't this king of the demons do that... because if he did, the entire story would fall apart? Or does he have to be in control of the host before he can do that? That's another thing the author doesn't explicitly state. Near the end of the book he does transfer to someone else temporarily but moves back in... but at the time he was in control of Morgan because she let him. SO maybe that IS it. I just wish it had been said for sure, because I don't even remember the question being addressed. If he transfers to someone else and takes over, would the other demons even be able to find him? I would think that would make him safe until he could return to the Demon Realm or whatever if that's what he wanted.

Also, if the demons were really wanting to kill him, why did they let Morgan go at all? Why didn't they just burn her to death as soon as they had her as a container for Lugh? I don't understand how someone wanting to kill Lugh would allow any chance for him to live.

Another problem is the main character... I have problems with her because she does some pretty stupid things, doesn't really think things through, and she says a lot of mean things during the course of the novel to people who are trying to help her. Part of this just grates on me as a reader, but I understand that it's part of her blunt truthfulness I guess. I just found most of the characters unlikable.

I don't know exactly what parts I liked, but I liked it enough to not give it a 2... and I did finish the book. I think I liked Lugh. I liked the idea of the demons not being too different from humans, except in psychology.

I thought that this was a great book ~ interesting plot, concept, etc. I was hooked after the first page and flew through it in one day. However, the amount of sex was distracting (I never knew that would be possible). Towards the end, I started skimming over the sex scenes to get back to the story; I felt as if I needed to take a shower after reading this. The jury is still out on whether or not I am going to read the second book or not...

I picked this book up, thinking that I might be lucky to grab a book about the paranormal world and hopefully latch onto a new series. The first 20 pages basically cemented the realization that the author is trying way to hard. Within the first 10-20 pages You are introduced to the main character whos name i have forgotten already, but I do know that she has a tattoo, a celtic tattoo on her back, and its really important because she mentions it alot, The character also likes to dress minimally (read trashy) in low rise sweaters and leather pants, did i mention leather pants? because the author is obsessed with telling the reader about them, I counted the words "leather pants" 8 times in 5 paragraphs. I cannot read a book that is introduced soley on what the character is wearing, and it doesnt get any better than that, you really want to yell at the book and say "I GET IT, YOUR SO SEXY AND DIFFERENT AND ALTERNATIVE LETS MOVE ON SHALL WE?" i moved on allright, put it down and never picked it back up.

Demons and Angels have never mixed well. They're not supposed to, of course. Though that doesn't stop either forces from interacting with one another, and getting involved, even if it seems odd. Even unorthodox...

Welcome to Georgina Kincaid's life. A mix of real and surreal, mystical and something else. As the reigning succubus in the Seattle area, and manager at Emerald City Bookstore, Gerogie hasn't been holding up her end of the bargain as a succubus whose goal is to corrupt male souls and fight for the side of Evil. The problem? She's depressed, unsatisfied and realizing eternal beauty, the ability to shape-shift into any form she chooses, immortality and the kind of knowledge that would make most humans salivate at knowing, can't find her happiness or love in her life. Forget the sex...that's unavoidable (pleasurable sure, as long as she doesn't like the guy) but what's a succubus to do when even sex is no longer a good enough reason to live at all?

Georgie realizes that it isn't. And as she meets two men, Seth, an awkward but sensitive writer who's moving to Seattle, and who happens to be Georgie's favorite author, and Roman, a confident, smooth talking tempter, she is forced to acknowledge the reality and truth of her existence, and painfully remembering the reason she signed a contract to sell her soul in the first place, so long ago. Both men tempt her to break her rule of only having sex with low-moral-unethical and already damned males, but that could be the least of her problems. A mysterious force is rocking the Heaven-Hell scales of her world, bringing both forces on one side against this other danger that also seems to be targeting Georgie herself...

Solid, solid all around. Don't let the cheesy cover fool you. Under the bad art lies a tale that will make your toes curl by the surprisingly well crafted and smartly developed mystery, with characters that you like and remember, the grin-worthy romance, and the well-placed wit (that's actually witty and funny)that is laced throughout. It's modern, chic, with enough emotional pull (that doesn't make you cringe or roll your eyes at) to draw you in, suck you in, as well as constant movement/action that is nearly all emotional, rather than physical action, though that's well done to.

I couldn't find a flaw (I looked and thought about it too), other than this book flitters between serious and subdued serious. This could easily have been Ann Rice-ish if Mead had pushed the envelope, instead, it's a lighter take on the whole Good vs. Evil and the bonds of mankind itself. This world is artfully crafted and easy to identify with, but not to worry, there are no ambiguous elements left hanging, and therefore, little for the reader to discover for him/herself. Not that that's at all bad, and it just works incredibly well here. It's balanced perfectly, neither offensive nor deeply in-depth, just a dash. I think for people who aren't heavy into the Biblical element, but find it interesting, will love this book. But as you start reading, don't think Mead is going to get all specific and dramatic. The religious element is more of a comment on Georgie's character development as well as for the plot itself.

I'm almost dreading to read the second one because I read the first one so quickly. I want Mead to write more and get crackin' on more Georgina Kincaid tales so I don't have to wait on tenterhooks for the next one. For a series, this is one that I can sink my teeth into, and I want more. Finally, something to rave about!

I honestly don't know why I picked up this book. The blurb on Amazon made it sound like Laurell Hamilton's Princess Meredith if she had taken a left and gone down cutesy chick-lit lane.

I had resigned myself to a too, too precious wanna be witty read complete with me rolling my eyes and wondering "was I really that bored?"

But imagine my surprise when the book turned out to be pretty good and not quite the archly-witty piece of fluff the blurb makes it out to be. Georgina is a succubus with a heart of gold. She doesn't have sex with good guys, only losers whose souls deserve to be chipped off in bits and pieces and consigned to hell.

She works in a bookstore, loves strong coffee, hangs out with her other demon, vampire and imp friends and makes herself put up with her Demon boss.

Things are going along fairly well until one of her arch-nemeses is found murdered and she's the main suspect. Things start to get hairier as other immortals turn up dead and Georgina starts receiving taunting notes.

In the meantime, she's crushing on a very cute author (who writes his books at the store she works in) and staving off the advances of a handsome patron who helped her out of a bind.

The book has a lot more heft to it that one would think from the cover, the title and the blurb.

Maybe it was just a matter of timing...

I had recently finished the latest installment of the Anita Blake series, and due to some circumstances beyond my control, needed something else to read. Granted, there are a lot of really great books out there, but I didn't want fine fiction, I needed an escape, and was in the mood for something trashy. So, while looking for a book on Amazon, this book pops up on my recommendations.

Now, lots of folks on their reviews have noted the cover. I was always taught not to judge a book by its cover, and I try to do exactly that for books as well as all the other aspects of life like the saying really means. Still, I'd be lying if I didn't admit the cover was ... persuasive. It's painful to have to admit you're shallow, but there you go. I'm a guy, and some guy in marketing did a good job in figuring out what it would take to get at least this guy to buy the book. Go blame him. Or her. Whatever.

Anyway, I was quite pleased in reading this book. The characters were well written, even believable in their own fantastic-but-flawed way. The plot had multiple threads, most related, and most resolved (tho' a few left for the obvious sequel). The setting was realistic and blended well with the characters.

Be warned--as with any book about a succubus, there are sex scenes. However, most people will be disappointed by them. On the one hand, they are present in the book to begin with, offending some people's sensibilities. On the other, they're really quite tame, offending those that, well, saw the picture on the cover and expected lots of graphic descriptions. The first such scene doesn't even really give any details other than what Georgina was wearing (and didn't discuss her taking anything off), and how long it lasted. Personally, I was ok with that--it gave a bit of spice to the storyline (and, incidentally, was always appropriate to the storyline), but didn't slow down or distract from the story.

Bottom line: Next time I'm looking for a book to read for just the enjoyment of a bit of escape...well, I'll be reaching for the next book in the series. I'm hooked on this series, and hope it lasts!

Confession time: I'm a little leery of urban fantasy featuring sympathetic demons, thanks in no small part to my Catholic upbringing, but unlike all too many Catholics, I'm able to draw the line between theology and fiction and overcome these inhibitions... And I'm delighted that I did when I found this delightful book.

Everything about this book is a facet in a rare gem: snappy dialogue, great world-building (it's cool to see a succubus, a couple of kooky vampires, an imp, and an angel hanging out together like any other laid-back thirty-somethings), characters who are down-to-earth (even when they're preternatural beings). Georgina, the succubus of the title, is a subtly seductive being, the sort you'd love to have as a galpal, even if she *is* a sexy demon who feeds off the life-force of the men she seduces. But she's very real character and her problems -- her search to find the mysterious being that's killing and injuring other preternatural beings in her circle of friends, her budding relationship with a lovably geeky bestselling author whose books she adores -- are just as real. You'll catch yourself cheering and crying and laughing out loud at her successes and tragedies and her smart-mouthed wit. The sexual content is fairly PG-13, which is a welcome relief in a genre that can easily become bogged-down with over-sexed stuff (granted, the opening scene has our gal seducing a lonely nerd, but hey, it gives hope to all nerds out there, non?), and the romantic angle helps move the story along, never once getting in the way of the plot. All in all, a *GREAT* read, whether it's a beach read (Hey, you can't go wrong with a gal who always looks hot in a swimsuit) or if you're curled up at home on a rainy night.

Georgina Kincaid has been a Succubus for centuries, luring men into sexual escapades and then using their life force to sustain her own energy. But lately she has lost interest in her seducing ways, she's not a ruthless succubus and she only seduces when she absolutely has to. She secretly covets the things normal women have, actual loving relationships and children.

When her circle of immortal friends, vampires, imps and angels, start getting attacked by some unseen force, Georgina begins to investigate, seeking the source of the new chaos. Along the way she is fighting her attraction to two men, unwilling to let them touch or be touched by her as she truly cares about them both. Georgina has all the qualities of a great succubus with the addition of a heart and conscience.

Many of my Amazon pals have raved about this book. Even with all their glowing reviews, I was still surprised at the depth of this story and the talent of this writer. This book was hilarious at times and saddening, too. The mystery was compelling and the characters enchanting. I love books that blend fantasy and reality so well that you believe in the fantasy just as easily as you accept the reality; this book achieved that. This is a cast of characters and a series I will follow, for sure.

Succubus on Top (Georgina Kincaid, Book 2)
Succubus Dreams (Georgina Kincaid, Book 3)

Cherise Everhard, July 2008

Enjoyable short stories that heat the blood. I liked every one, and will re-read them.

I thought this book was awesome! Not for the faint of heart, these stories are HOT HOT HOT!

NAUGHTY GIRL by Carrie Alexander

For Estrella Ianesque, the daily bus ride to work has been improved ever since road construction began along the route. There's one working, covered daily in dust, sweat, and pure male that's driving Estrella's hormones through the roof. When her boss, Eve, has to go out of town for a week, she leaves her spiffy little red Miata convertible in Estrella's care-and not a moment too soon. She plans on using that car to get some up close and personal views of her jack-hammer using construction man, and showing off her assets in the process.

When Jesse "Drum" Drummond offers to help out the damsel in distress with the stalled Miata, it doesn't take long to realize a few loosened wires caused Estrella's car to stall. Calling her on her ruse, he's surprised that she admits it-then boldly waits for him to make a move. But Jesse doesn't take her up on her offer, not there at the construction site, but later in the evening he finds that he can't stay away from the sexy and seductive Estrella.

Soon passions are soaring and inhibitions are lowered for this straight-laced woman who just once wants to do something naughty, and the man who had been determined to stay on the straight and narrow.



WANTED: ONE HOT-BLOODED MAN by Pamela Britton

A little over a year ago, Breanna Miller was raped by her fiance. All ready betrayed by the man who supposedly loved her, Bree suffered further indignities by the police, who believed the rapists claim that the sex was consensual. Now afraid of sexual intimacy, Bree does the only thing she can think of-she'll travel back to her hometown and the one man she ever totally trusted, former high-school flame Trent Walker. She'd broken his heart when she'd left for college and never returned, but Bree is sure that he's the one man who can fix her sexual problems.

For Trent , seeing Bree again is a slap. At once excited by the possibility that her blatant proposition holds and still hurt over the way she left him all those years ago, Trent isn't sure what to do. The thought of sleeping with Bree still excites him-until he finds out why she's come home, and how he fits into her picture. Trent 's willing to help her overcome her sexual problems, but he's not at all sure that a few nights in Bree's bed is ever going to be enough.

As sparks fly, trust is renewed, and healing begins, this is a short story you're not soon to forget.



HAVE MERCY by Susan Donovan

Winifred Mackland is sure she's on her way to her own personal doom. A screenwriter who is half-way done with her latest masterpiece, which just so happens to be a piece of crap, Win has no idea how to get the juices flowing on this last installment of her trilogy. Her agent, Artie Jacobs, has promised the producers that Win will have the screenplay finished in four short weeks, and to insure that she does, he sends her off to his cabin in the Berkshires to reacquaint herself with the things that seem to be missing in her work-heat, passion, and sex. Unbeknownst to Win, there's another person up in the Berkshires that Artie is hoping will be the inspiration she needs.

Vincent "Mac" MacBeth has come to the Berkshires to clear out his father's cabin and get it ready to put on the market now that the older Mac is living in an assisted living home. With his overseas adventures and risk of being shot yet again in the course of his work, the younger Mac has no need for a permanent residence. But when Win Mackland comes moseying by looking for inspiration for her character's latest storyline-sex, sex, sex, and violence-Mac finds himself undeniably attracted to the passionate screenwriter.

This is a funny story that had me laughing out loud at how Win used Mac as her personal muse, and the steamy sex scenes didn't bother me either!


RENO 'S CHANCE by Lora Leigh

Raven McIntire has spent years fantasizing over Reno Chavez, her brother's best friend. She's wanted him for what seems like forever, but even though she's sure she could have him, she hasn't allowed herself to take the chance on loving him. Reno is a Navy SEAL, and his dangerous job prohibits Raven from acting on her desire. Unable to risk her heart on a man who could die in the line of duty, she comforts herself with her daydreams and thoughts of what-if.

Reno has always considered Raven to be his woman. At first, she was too young for him, being only seventeen when he first met her. But Raven is a grown woman now, and he knows that she desires him. He's determined to prove to her that the passion they could create together is worth anything, and that risk of losing someone you love isn't enough of a reason to deny yourself love.

A short, sassy, and extremely sexy story, this is a trip into learning to love despite the risks involved.

The first Tempting SEALs is the novella "Reno's Chance", and is really quite a wonderful story of a beautifully drawn alpha-alpha U.S. Navy SEAL, Reno, who is attempting to claim his woman, Raven, a woman he's known all her life, but a wary woman who observed her parents' unhappy marriage. Dad was a SEAL (like Reno) and Mom hated it, leading to destructive arguments each time he went out on a mission, missions that grew longer and more frequent as time went by. One day he didn't return -- alive, anyway, and her Mom spiralled into a deep depression. Raven was terrified of losing Reno to death, and her reaction to that terror was to push Reno away; she needed to protect herself. However, Reno had never lost a campaign yet...

Note to those who have read "Dangerous Games" but not yet read "Reno's Chance": Like all Lora Leigh stories, this one is very sexy, and Reno is most definitely an alpha male and is quite dominating in the bedroom. However, Reno, unlike Clint in "Dangerous Games", is not a Dominant, so if BSDM is not your cup of tea, you can safely read this story.

The second Tempting SEALs is Dangerous Games (Tempting SEALs, Book 2); the third is a novella in Real Men Do It Better (Tempting SEALs, Book 3); and the fourth is Hidden Agendas (Tempting SEALs, Book 4).

Roxanne Pierce

I bought this book for Lora Leigh (a fave erotic romance author) and Susan Donovan (a fave contemporary romance author) and neither of then let me down. I enjoyed both of their stories. I had never read anything from Carrie Alexander but I enjoyed her story as well. I must say that I was a bit surprised at Ms Britton's story and found myself not enjoying it at all.

First up is Ms Alexander's story of Estrella and Jesse. Estrella has been lusting after a guy working on a road crew in the neighborhood where she works. She's a maid for a wealthy female executive and when her boss goes out of town on business, she borrows her car, her clothes and her apartment in order to lure the hot road crew guy into her bed. Jesse sees through her "car trouble" ploy immediately but decides to see where this whole farce will go. If she's a rich lady looking to play, why not play along? Well, what he finds is a woman full of contradictions and obviously, as he discovers, not what she seemed. I liked this story. Sure, the plot is contrived but what I really liked were Estrella and Jesse. It's rare to find blue collar leads in romances and here we have a Latina and an ex-con who are both trying hard to build better lives for themselves after past mistakes. I found it refreshing, enjoyable and, of course, steamy!

To be honest, I more skimmed than read Ms Britton's story of a woman who had been raped by her fiance who is looking to get her sexual footing back. She returns to her home town and to the guy whose heart she broke in high school. He's the only guy she trusts to help her recover her sexual self. Of course he is all too willing to comply. Yuck. I thought she was incredibly selfish and he put up with way too much. And I feel I must warn readers of her other books who may not expect it, she does push the envelope with a rather torrid girl-on-girl scene. Not for me.

Susan Donovan is one of my fave authors of contemporary romance and this is another of her fun, amusing and sexy stories. Win is a screenwriter who has hit a slump but still has a deadline to meet. Her agent sends her off to his cabin in the woods to get her inspiration back. Fully knowing that some of the appliances may not be in working order and that her neighbor Mac, a capable and hunky Navy SEAL on leave, is nearby to fix anything that goes wrong. Anything. Will he agree to be her muse? Sexy fun!

In Lora Leigh's story Raven has had it bad for Reno for years. They both know it just as she knows he's been crazy about her as well. He never acted on his feelings because she was too young at the time. He joined the Navy, traveled the world, waiting for her to mature. Now he's back, home on leave, and the waiting is over. He and Raven will finally act on the mutual attraction that sizzles between them. But when feelings intensify can Raven get over her fears about his being a SEAL? She saw what it did to her parent's marriage, can she deal any better than her mother? Intense, hot and emotional. Classic Lora Leigh.

I am not going to do a rendition, I see this has already been done.
Kudos again to Sarah. One of the very few writers that has received multiple 5 star ratings from me on her books.
This story line was great with a hot alpha male cowboy, a spunky female lead, full of passion, love, and HOT HOT HOT sex. This book is a keeper and I recommend everyone get this book. Once you read this you will want to read some more of her books.

Keep them coming Sarah

This was my first book by Sarah McCarty and it was very enjoyable and sweet. My only problem with it was that everthing is so drawn out. The conversations are inane and go on forever and the plot is slow and tedious. The upside for most of you buying this type of book is that the love scenes are similarly drawn out and go on forever. All in all, I like the characters and thought their interactions were very sweet, which was a refreshing change.

:0)_ DROOWLING good read i liked it first time reading this author wont be the last .

Don't need me to give an description other reviews did that already

Decent plot and story for Erotica. Interesting characters makes for a nice, sexy twist on the Western and historical fiction genre!

I picked up this book based on rave reviews and countless recommendations. I can't say I was disappointed, but I will say Promises Linger isn't "the best book out there", as I was told so many times. Asa and Elizabeth are great, complex characters, but they might have been a little too complex for my taste. I was a little upset that we didn't have more background on either character, especially Asa. He is supposedly a feared gunslinger, but we don't learn about any of his gun-for-hire work. He is so peaceful and in charge, and he falls so easily into the ranching role that the gunslinger background feels very unsupported.

Also, I felt that the crude sex scenes and foul language really took away from the sweet love story. Granted, it is "erotic romance", but the erotica conflicted with the romance so badly that it felt like I was reading bits and pieces of two different novels--a sweet old-fashioned love story and a cheap porno. Even now as I type my review, I can't shake the feeling that I really did read two separate books. It was just too choppy and artificial for me to feel that the two aspects merged together effectively. I can't really explain exactly how this book differs from other (better) erotica, but in Promises Linger the rough language and crude sexual terms cheapen the story and detract from the tenderness between Asa and Elizabeth. It just doesn't feel natural. I understand the crudeness from Asa's point of view, but it's very odd coming from Elizabeth, who's supposedly such an innocent and gentle lady.

All in all--despite my pickiness--it is a great story. Just read it for entertainment and I'm sure you'll love it.

Well, this will be the first and last time I ever read anything with the label 'Oprah's Book Club' on it. To think I actually thought this would be a depressingly romantic novel. Well, it only took me about half a year to realise that this was one of the most painful reads I've ever experienced. I don't understand the appeal, now that I have finally completed it. I wanted heartbreaking anguish, torturous characters. But what I got was a mopey stalker type novel, who's main character reaches pedophile levels. And we were supposed to feel sorry for him?

The writing is stuffy and laborous and would not have been so utterly boring if the actual story was a bit more interesting. I connected with none of the characters and I barely felt the passing of 50 years in the novel. It seemed rushed, but at the same time, I felt as if the book would never end.

It all seemed completely unrealistic to me and while I can understand how someone would find this book appealing and romantic, It had the opposite effect for me.

This is one book i can't get past the first chapter... it's just not interesting to me. I'll pass on it. I wasted good money and no more Oprah bookclub for me!

If you are a deep thinker, you might want to try Rumi & Self Psychology (Psychology of Tranquility.

In addition, you might want to try Sara's Therapy: The Way to Purity. A session by session dialogue of a client who went through the self actualization and self growth processes.

I bought Love in the Time of Cholera not only because it was on Oprah's list but also because it won a Nobel prize. I figured it must be super good to have won both the Nobel prize and widespread acclaim by Oprah. Plus, I had heard it was "one of the greatest love stories of all time." Not so. At least not for this reader.

First and foremost, if you are used to reading popular literature, beware! This is a TOUGH read. It was not what I expected at all and I found it difficult to get through. For me, this was like trying to read John Updike--long sentence structures and difficult language...and I consider myself to be an above-average reader (but then, who doesn't!). It was not a page turner by any means, and, as the story progressed I found it more and more difficult to get through, mainly because I didn't like either main character. I really ended up pushing myself through it just to complete the story and see if offered any sense of satisfaction (which it didn't).

The story about 2 love-struck teenagers seems a bit silly in our times, but considering the time it was set, it was entirely believable. What became unbelievable was the way Florentino continues to pine away for Fermina for 50 years after their love affair ended. I found nothing endearing about his devotion. I actually found it weak and disgusting...wondering why any woman would want a man like this and why any man would allow himself to behave in such a way. I mean, "get over it dude!" Granted, Fermina never knows the true level of Florentino's pining and also never knows of the solace he tried to find in 100's of affairs, but as a reader, I was rooting for her to turn him away, not give in to his continued advances. As I was reading I was trying to figure out if the author wanted this reaction from the reader. I'm still not sure. But what I do know is that there are a LOT of people out there who are happy that Fermina and Florentino were reunited. As for me, the thought of being with such a wimpy man makes me sick! :) There just is not a lot to like about Florentino so be prepared to force yourself to follow his story.

I'm sure there is plenty of book club fodder in this story...exploring different themes on love, the reader's reactions to the characters, etc. If you're into identifying and exploring themes and looking for wisdom in modern literature, then this may be the book for you. If you're like me who's just looking for a good book to read to entertain me for a few days, then skip this one.

'Love in the Time of Cholera' is one of the most unique books I've ever read. It's not quite what I expected. When I first started reading, I was expecting a love story and the start was a bit 'off' for me. But then I kept on reading. After about 50 pages, the love story began.

I'm kind of torn in my review here, the love story is good, but the oddities were a bit much. I found I kept on reading just to see how the story ended more out of curiosity than anything else.

One thing I really liked what that Gabriel García Márquez writes the story like poetry at some parts. It was beautiful to read some passages.

I love the whole series that Lindsay Sands has created with this funny and quirky family. The books make me laugh and hold my attention and care for the characters. I hope the series continues for a long time!

The whole series is great, if you haven't read one of her books, now is the time to start. They are very funny and you will quickly fall in love with the characters, the women are cool and the men are hot.

Leigh Gerard has created a nice life for herself after escaping her abusive husband, but she swears she'll never fall into the power of a man again. Just because she's attacked by a vampire and transformed doesn't mean she's ready to let some male, even a vampire male, take control of her life. But until she learns about the limitations of her new life, she's stuck with Lucian Argeneau, the vampire who saved her from the master vampire who turned her.

Lucian Argeneau became a vampire, immortal as he prefers it, back in Atlantis when he was infected with the nanobes that keep him healthy, attack anything that harms him, but that also create a need for blood to feed them. As one of the oldest surviving immortals, Lucian is responsible for enforcing the rules that keep immortals from exploiting the rest of humanity. And rogues, like the ones who turned Leigh, must be destroyed. What he isn't interested in is babysitting a new immortal. But when he's stuck with Leigh, and when he realizes she just might be his lifemate, all the rules change.

Author Lynsay Sands creates an interesting approach to the origins of vampires, explaining vampire capabilities and limitations by her nanobe theory. Her smooth writing and sense of humor make BITE ME IF YOU CAN a page-turning pleasure. The relationship between Leigh and Lucian is sexy and fun--especially the mental sex in the shower. Watching Lucian develop into a human person from a cold jerk is satisfying as well.

BITE ME IF YOU CAN does have some editing issues. Leigh comes from Kansas City, Kansas, but the city Sands describes sounds a lot more like Kansas city, Missouri (Sands is a Canadian so perhaps this mistake can be blamed on American editors who should have known better). Some word misuse also pulls the reader out of the story. Likewise, I think we need more explanation of why Leigh is special not just to Lucian (although the coincidence of running into his lifemate by chance could also be explained) but why she has the powers she has against other vampires. Morgan's almost suicidal fascination with Leigh could also be explained more fully. BITE ME's flaws didn't keep me from enjoying this intriguing re-telling of the vampire romance.

The 6th book on the Argeneau family saga is about the most cantankerous, grumpy and oldest members of the family - Julian Argeneau. He has lived centuries, well 3500 years to be precise - and is one of the original survivors of Atlantis before it fell. He lost his wife then and children and has lived alone - his only purpose in existence is protecting the Argeneau clan and ensuring their safety.

His latest mission revolves around eradicating "rogue" immortals (vampires) that have turned against the human race. That leaves Lucian with a rep of an unfeeling and rude SOB. After being having lived so long - he has seen everything, been though everything and experienced everything. He hasn't gotten lucky in almost 1800 years! And he is not about to - that would only distract him from his goal - terminate rogue vamps and being vigilante for his family!

Leigh Gerard is walking home from her restaurant late in the evening, when she is approached by a fellow co-worker Donald (Donny). He lures her into the clutches of a vicious rogue vampire - Morgan, who has been turning mortals to start his own sect of followers. Morgan bites Leigh, gives her his blood and takes her to his lair until she has turned.

Lucian and two of his men have scoped and staked out Morgan's nest. As they rush in to "clean out the nest", they kill most of the vampires in residence and burn the house, rescuing Leigh in the process. Unfortunately, Morgan and Donny have managed to slip away.

When Leigh is literally "dumped" on Lucien's lap - he has no choice but to take her his sister-in-laws house to Toronto and in turn dump her with Marguerite. Only one problem, Marguerite is on her way to Europe and can't stay to care for a "baby-vamp" while she is turning. Lucian has guarded his rep throughout the centuries. He is known as the most ancient, ruthless and kick butt immortal in the Argeneau clan and he is not going to let his rep slip by caring for a baby vamp!!!

Stuck with Leigh through her turning - he remains in Marguerite's house. After a few hilarious incidents where he is forced to do "menial" labor, he realizes that he can't read Leigh's thoughts and it is an indication that she is his life mate. After being alone for so many centuries - it is at first hard to believe that she has come along.

After Leigh realizes "she's not in Kansas anymore", she finally accepts that she has been turned into an immortal. She is constantly badgering Lucian with questions about their race - which of coursed annoys him to no end.

Leigh is delightful - with a great heart and wonderful sense of humor, she slowly begins to thaw and chip away at Lucian's frozen and insensitive heart and breaks through his defenses - in the most endearing way! Oh, did I mention that she can kick butt just like Lucian - after an abusive husband there's no way in hell she is going to be dominated and mistreated by anyone - EVER!

In the style of Sands previous novels - the content is beautifully developed and you'll find yourself swallowing this book at an expediential rate!! Complete with witty humor, sexy scenes, fantastic plot, great characters and sub-characters and a great family besides - this one is not to be missed! Julian - you can bite my neck any time!!!

I have to agree with a previous reviewer - the reason I had not picked up this series was due to the corny book titles with the silly cartoon-ish images on the covers. I sheepishly agree that I have "done missed out" on a great series which now I have to feverishly catch up on and am now reading out of sequence! HEY - don't judge a book by its cover - for sure!

Since I made the mistake of not reading these in order here is the way you might want to engage them:

1. A Quick Bite- Lissianna & Greg
2. Love Bites - Eteinne & Rachel
3. Single White Vampire - Lucerne & Kate
4. Tall, Dark & Hungry- Bastien & Terri
5. A Bite to Remember- Vincent & Jackie
6. Bite me if you Can - Lucien & Leigh
7. The Accidental Vampire - Victor & Elvi
8. Vampires are Forever - Thomas & Inez
9. Vampire Interrupted - Marguerite & Julius

I couldn't get myself to read this book. I couldn't read more of twenty pages before I got bored and put the book down with no intention whatsoever of ever picking it up again. In fct, I'm hopping I can return it to the library I bought it from.

Sorry to offend fans or the writter herself, but this book wasn't for me, definitely.

This is a great asset to people that want an in depth look at their relationship.

As always, Dr. Phil has insight that makes perfect sense but the rest of us just don't get quite so easily! He tells you like it is and expects you to do nothing more than be honest with yourself. He has excellent exercises to do that require some soul searching at times, and his advice is thought provoking and effective! I highly recommend this book if you are having relationship issues, and neither of you wants to end it, but neither of you knows how to fix it either. It really helps if you both do it together but one person could get a lot of advice and direction to go too. Also recommend you get the workbook that goes with this book...makes it much easier than a bunch of notebooks everywhere with the exercises he has you do throughout.
I don't think you will regret this purchase. Dr. Phil ROCKS!

Did not work for a relationship of marriage with a 1 time affair involved. Book was good to start a fire with though. + Make Dr. Phil rich. I recomend "David DeAngelo" instead. Hes much better program.

As long as you have the Relationship Rescue book. He guides you through exercises in the book which makes this a redundant purchase. The book is superlative, and I am sure the workbook will be helpful for some, but don't feel it mandatory. It's more an accessory.

Its unfortunate that people buy a book to expect IT to fix the problems they have allowed to get out of hand or self create out of ignoring their spouse/partner. If you want a book to give you ideas, plans and a way to help YOU succeed in taking the positive steps to fixing or creating a better relationship then this IS the book to do it, but again- people tend to have problems with honesty even in a private questionaire and unless you can be honest with youself it wont work, not to mention your just prolonging and continuing the sugar coating, problems dont go away and it isnt fair to your spouse either, you need to give them 100%.

A book isnt going to magically fix anything unless your willing to apply and make changes..

But here is some advise that is free- if you dont want a divorce keep your pants zipped and or your skirt down. Dont lie, be faithful and respectful-COMMUNICATE- we are not mind readers-yet. Do not make excuses for those "late work all nighters" and certainly let your partner know you appreciate them. SEX is like Air--- your not gonna miss until your not getting it, so if you/your partner isnt getting it at home--- they/you are getting it somewhere else. DO NOT confide intimate information or whine to the opposite sex about your partner, its precurser to an affair.

BUY the book and read it, listen to the words-- but lets face it-- once the trust is gone its gone.. You need to earn it back, or they need to be willing to trust you. If you are not happy then make changes dont compund it by being selfish.

Of the 3 Darling books I think I liked Killer Charms the best. But maybe it is because I had altered my expectations of a Stillings book. It would be very hard for her to top Damsel in This Dress or Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evie. (I do miss those catchy and original titles) Logan and Andie took awhile for me to warm up to. But once the story took off, they were great. The paranormal sub-story seemed a bit out of place at times, and near the end I wondered how it would actually tie in with the main story. The suspense was great and the villain was a baddie. I was caught off guard by the surprise twist, which I liked. I really like that she brought the characters from the other 2 Darling books back and made them a real part of this book.

My main disappointment: Stillings' humor has gotten less with each successive book. Killer Charms had very little to speak of. Considering her 1st several books were filled with laugh out loud moments and scenes, I really miss that in her later books. Her 1st several books were original and had her unique talented voice. Killer Charms was more of a traditional, if you will, romantic suspense.

I'm still a fan.

SFPD vice inspector Andie Darling is very ambitious and her goal is to leave Vice for Homicide as soon as possible. She sees a great opportunity to prove her worthiness to brass when she is assigned to go undercover to catch psychic con artist Logan Sinclair cheat someone.

Logan finds Andie unique as she acts immune to his magnetism. However his failure does not alarm Logan who has not lost sight of his goal; starting with obtaining the Star of Avril necklace. Andie suffers from vivid nightmares starring a woman she has never met. Logan informs his skeptical client that the woman Emma Harte exists. However, a killer has plans that could include murdering Andie; Logan will risk his life to keep her safe.

The third delightful Darling thriller will give readers plenty of SATISFACTION starting with Logan AROUSING SUSPICIONS in the mind and heart of the only female Darling sibling. The fast-paced romantic suspense uses humor especially between the lead couple to somewhat lighten the growing tension. Filled with twists, some involving a bit of the paranormal, fans will relish this "Darling" drama as the heroine wonders if her self- proclaimed protector is her beloved enemy.

Harriet Klausner

Logan Sinclair is a world renowned medium. Having written several books on the subject as well as performed numerous séances, he is in high demand. The demand for family members to talk to loved ones beyond the grave has made Logan a very rich man, not withstanding the fact that underneath his rugged Scottish exterior beats the heart of one of the most successful con men ever born. Or is he?

Andrea "Andie" Darling has been given the case of a lifetime. Wanting to transfer from Vice to Homicide is Andie's idea of a dream come true and all she has to do is deliver on her investigation of Logan Sinclair. Andie baits the hook and lies in wait for him to take the bait. She does not count on becoming attracted to him. Nor does she count on wanting his gifts to be real.

Andie and Logan warily sum each other up. Logan knows there is more to Andie "Devon" than she is letting on. Andie knows there is more to Logan than what he is letting on. Add in a vindictive and blackmailing boss with Logan's true clairvoyance and you have a match made in paranormal heaven.

I first discovered Marianne Stillings' talent as a writer when reading her release, SIGHS MATTERS. Her ability to weave a realistic tale with suspense and humor and sensuality just soothes my romance loving soul. KILLER CHARMS is no different. Readers are treated to the story of Logan Sinclair, a Scottish con man, and Andie Darling, the police officer trying to pin something on him in which to bring him to justice. Neither wants a relationship nor do they want to be attracted to each other. But the attraction is there and with it comes all the feelings and emotions of two people in love. Then to add suspense, Andie encounters a vile blackmailer who threatens the very people she loves. What will it take to bring an end to all this? Loyalty darling.

KILLER CHARMS is about finding out the true nature of the one you love. With a flair for suspense and humor, Marianne Stillings has combined both for a truly remarkable read. KILLER CHARMS won't kill you but it will definitely charm your socks off! ***Natalie S. for Wild on Books***