REVIEW - MERCENARY ABDUCTION

"Fooled into thinking her a priceless virgin and captivated by her pale skinned, two-breasted frame, he abducts her, or at least means to. His plan goes somewhat awry. The not-so-innocent human becomes his partner in crime instead of his prisoner, and together they form an unstoppable duo."

Author: Eve Langlais
Pages: 240 pages
Publisher: Self Published on Feb. 2013
Form: E-book (from the author/publisher for an honest review)
Genre: Sci-fi Erotic Romance (+18 Only)
Series: Alien Abduction #4
Amazon: Buy / $3.99 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $3.99 (Nook)
All Romance E-books: Buy / $4.99 (E-book)
Excerpt: First Meeting

"Makl is looking to become the greatest mercenary the universe has known. In true family tradition, he leaves a trail of mayhem and bodies wherever he goes. steals the most priceless of items, ravishes females left and right. But that all ends the day he comes across the biggest prize of all – a human barbarian.

Fooled into thinking her a priceless virgin and captivated by her pale skinned, two-breasted frame, he abducts her, or at least means to. His plan goes somewhat awry. The not-so-innocent human becomes his partner in crime instead of his prisoner, and together they form an unstoppable duo. Tales of their misdeeds and budding passion become a universal sensation, but there’s no room in a mercenary’s life for a mate. Or is there?

For the first time in his life, the Mercenary’s Guide to Prosperity doesn't have an answer to Makl’s questions, and there’s no visible threat for him to kill. What’s a poor, purple mercenary to do? Admit he’s in love – or ditch the delectable human?

Warning: This story contains a hot purple alien. Probing is to be expected."  ~ From Goodreads

Prepare to be amused, giggle, snort and laugh out loud with Langlais's newest Alien Abduction series addition, these ladies aren't demure damsels in distress, they give it back as bad as they get it and soon have these arrogant bloodthirsty purple hunks wrapped around their little fingers. The magic of Eve Langlais's writing lies in the outrageously funny banter between hot arrogant men with no filter they are just as comfortable saying they're going to kill you, as saying their going to enjoy having their dick between your lips - and the ladies reactions? Priceless! ;D

Malk didn't seem to have that something that the previous men in the series had, he was still hilarious as hell, sexy arrogant and jaw-droppingly chauvinistic to a point, but I think his story was too easy, there really was no abduction as Olivia already knew all about space and it's inhabitants so he didn't have such hard nut to crack as the men of his family before him. Now Olivia was fun, had interesting back story and everything but I missed the actual abduction of her, she took things in stride.

The romance between Makl and Olivia was a more contemporary, Bonnie and Clyde story. It was very enjoyable and I devoured this book in two days, every chance I had free time I spent it with Malk and Olivia. Such a great story, so much fun, sassy dialogue, burning hot desire and man tired of waiting for his woman to beg him to take her to bed. I love this series and hope there is more to come!

Rating :

REVIEW - BARE IT ALL

"A cops craving to know more about the woman next door could prove fatal..."

Author: Lori Foster
Pages: 480 pages
Publisher: Harlequin HQN on April 30th 2013
Form: E-book ( from NetGalley for an honest review)
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Love Undercover #2
Amazon: Buy /$6.51 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $7.19 (Nook)
Excerpt: Chapter 1

"As the person responsible for taking down a brutal human trafficker, Alice Appleton fears retaliation at every turn. No one knows about her past, which is exactly how she prefers it...until the sexy cop next door comes knocking.

Detective Reese Bareden thinks he knows what makes women tick, but his ever-elusive neighbor keeps him guessing like no other. Is his goal to unmask Alice's secrets? Or protect her from a dangerous new threat? One thing is certain: their chemistry is a time bomb waiting to explode. And with no one to trust but each other, Reese and Alice are soon drawn into a deadly maze of corruption, intrigue and desire-and into the line of fire..."  ~ From Goodreads

Bare It All is another testament to the writing powers of Lori Foster, she's always had a knack for writing sexy, interesting and believable characters that drive her books. Foster's a wonderful writer with talent for edgy and hot romantic suspense!

That said, we get to critism: As much as I've loved her other series 'Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor' I'm not as comfortable with 'Love Undercover' novels, they are still filled with Foster's trademark amazing characters but missing in action. I found that the same happened with Run the Risk where first 40% is intriguing  sexy and revealing, then things stall for a while and at 80% things kick back up again. There is a middle in all the novels so far that need an action sequence  I've read other reviews as well where people have stopped reading about half-way through.

Now I found Alice and Reese to be one quirky but cute couple, opposites but made work in such a delicious way I was hooked on knowing how they were going to make it to their Happily Ever After. Plus all the hot kisses and heavy petting were as steamy and as creative as ever!

Reese's tough cop persona and his caring for puppy-Cash and showing affection to Alice was a potent mix of big, hot, jealous and sexy! And I loved it! Alice's troubled soul manifested in a unique form of quirkiness that was adorable, bold and shy which made her so endearing and lovable that you wanted to hug her.

I'm invested in getting to know how things will work out for Rowdy and Avery after all homeboy's bit of a man slut. ;) So definitely reading the next one when it comes out!

Rating :

REVIEW - MAKEOVER MIRACLE

"This is Abbey’s worst nightmare, bringing back painful memories of being teased, bullied and the brunt of cruel jokes. The last thing Abbey wants is her soul to be laid bare for all Australians to see..."

Author: Charmaine Ross
Pages: 125 pages
Publisher: Harlequin AU on March 2013
Form: E-book (from NetGalley for an honest review)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Amazon: Buy / $4.39 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $4.74 (Nook)
Excerpt: Chapter 1

"Abbey Miller and her friend Jennifer have been picked from a live audience to take part in reality television show Makeover Miracle. This is Abbey’s worst nightmare, bringing back painful memories of being teased, bullied and the brunt of cruel jokes. The last thing Abbey wants is her soul to be laid bare for all Australians to see, but being the true friend she is,she agrees to help Jennifer, who desperately wants to change her life.

Quinn Campbell, the producer of Makeover Miracle can see Abbey crumbling live on stage,and after she vomits into a waste paper basket, goes to her aid, not expecting to see such a sad, haunted look in her eyes. There’s something about Abbey that reaches out to him. The look in her eyes brings back long‐buried memories of his sister and his failure to help her.

This is a story about one woman’s journey through emotional turmoil and the man who is able to make her believe in herself. Set against the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, Makeover Miracle is a story about forgiveness, understanding, personal growth and, of course, falling in love with that one special person."  ~ From Goodreads

I do love a plus size heroine discover herself and fall in love in the process. Makeover Miracle was short little contemporary romance with an interesting premise, that had lot of potential. I felt it focused too much on Quinn's eyes though, ;) the writing was very emotional and highly unusual in describing passionate moments and often had me snorting a little at the over-expressed emotions. Despite that is was fun to read, I love shows like The Biggest Loser and other weight loss success shows so I was enjoying myself most of the time.

I often wanted to shake Abbey as she wallowed in self pity, but loved Quinn's comebacks to her depressive self views. I absolutely hated Caroline and her holier-than-tho attitude and her blatant lies that Abbey took as truth without much consideration, but that was realistic because when your self-esteem has been shattered it's easier to believe the lies than accept that someone truly loves you.

The romance was quick, but the page count was low, it was somewhat unrealistic at points but then the golden moment shone bright. I probably won't be dashing to read more Ross's books  - but the plot and premise was great and I'd love to read more weight-loss romances!

Rating :

REVIEW - A SEAL IN WOLF'S CLOTHING

"Finn believes Hunter will be targeted next, only to discover Hunter is off with his mate on a honeymoon, and he fears Hunter’s sister is in grave danger. But the SEAL soon learns protecting the unpredictable sexy she-wolf is a mission and a half and protecting her isn’t all he wants to do."

Author: Terry Spear
Pages: 326 pages
Publisher: Sourcebook Casablanca on March 2012
Form: Paperback (from my personal library)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Heart of the Wolf  #9
Amazon: Buy /$6.59 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $7.19 (Nook)
All Romance E-books: Buy / $7.99 (E-book)
Excerpt: Chapter 1

"Meara Greymere is in charge of the cabin rentals on the rugged Oregon coastline, so her brother and his mate could take a delayed honeymoon. But while Hunter is away, the she-wolf intends to play—she just has to convince the right alpha male to rent one of the cabins, and she’ll take it from there. But when Finn Emerson arrives with every intention of pretending to be her lover, she's not going to take this lying down. She knows he'll tell her brother what she's up to and put an end to her game.

Finn Emerson is a Navy SEAL, formerly one of Hunter Greymere’s team members, and now he's trying to track down a gray wolf, who's already made an attempt on one of their team member's lives. Finn believes Hunter will be targeted next, only to discover Hunter is off with his mate on a honeymoon, and he fears Hunter’s sister is in grave danger. But the SEAL soon learns protecting the unpredictable sexy she-wolf is a mission and a half and protecting her isn’t all he wants to do."  ~ From Goodreads

This story has both adventure and suspense, and romance to boot! I loved the story of Meara being on a hunt for a mate and Finn's escalating jealous streak about it while the poor alpha tries his best to protect her. If you haven't read the series before ( like I hadn't ) here are some unique things you need to know about Spear's werewolves: First they are either man or wolf, no middle stage. Two, if sex gets to actual penetration you're mated, no buts about it. Which caused so much delicious teasing and heavy petting that you almost got sexually frustrated for the couple!

I hadn't read any Terry Spear books previously, but I will from now on, she's got excellent writing skills for paranormal romance, the characters are believable but animalistic at times, dialogue flows nicely and plot doesn't halt but keep moving and is exciting to read. Plus all the passion and desire make for scrumptious reading!

Loved Finn being a big bad Navy SEAL wolf, it was a compo of power, cunning and raw sexuality in an alpha package. Of course good part of the book he wants to slake his lust for Meara believing he's the last possible option for a mate, but all that jealousy and possessiveness sure seems to point otherwise. I do love SEALs but I also love hot werewolf alphas so I was so very satisfied with Finn, and his contradicting desires.

Meara was an alpha female, outspoken, caring, strong and all those in great ways. She wasn't ultra bossy, daring or stupid enough to get into trouble - and boy do I love a smart heroine! Not so much a damsel in distress, so it's safe to say I loved Meara and her alpha tendencies, which also meant she and Finn got Chemistry! Oh boy! It was urgent and blazing wicked hot, with that little bit of tease as they couldn't go all the way.

The romance between Meara and Finn started out tempting, then scorched with a kiss, and burned as lust between them, and the danger helped feed the flame. I loved the we know we wouldn't be good together, we are worlds apart but still not being able to keep paws off - it was sweet, passionate and everything one wants in a shifter romance!

Rating :

REVIEW - WOLF WITH BENEFITS

"Toni doesn't know how she keeps getting herself into these situations. But even she has to admit there’s something about Ricky Lee Reed that she finds kind of interesting…and downright sexy. Now they just have to survive long enough to figure out if what they have is worth fighting for."

Author: Shelly Laurenston
Pages: 433 pages
Publisher: Kensington Books on March 2013
Form: E-book (from NetGalley for an honest review)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Pride #8
Amazon: Buy / $9.39 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $9.39 (Nook)
Excerpt: Part of Chapter 1

"Ricky Lee has no plans of getting serious about anyone, but he will protect Toni Jean-Louis Parker. Not just because he’s been hired to do so, but because it’s the right thing to do. And if that means traveling around the country with one complicated She-jackal, dealing with chocolate-eating wild dogs, instigating trouble between his brothers, and having the most amazing sex he’s ever had…well, who said his job didn't have perks?

Toni doesn't know how she keeps getting herself into these situations. But even she has to admit there’s something about Ricky Lee Reed that she finds kind of interesting…and downright sexy. Now they just have to survive long enough to figure out if what they have is worth fighting for."  ~ From Goodreads

The blurb is misleading, I was expecting yet another great Paranormal Romance by Ms. Laurenston and most of the time it's not even about the romance between Ricky and Toni. This was both sad and upsetting. If they would have sold this one as just Urban Fantasy then I would have known what to expect, it's never fun to expect one thing and get the other. Now, let's forget what I said for just a second shall we?

Wolf With Benefits was great UF story with a steady plot and intrigue, tons of laughs and unique characters! Most of this book was positive and witty, even though almost every female in the book seemed to be a dangerous bitch or atleast over the top, and I admit it got old pretty fast. I hate saying all the things I didn't like about this book because I'm a big fan of Ms. Laurenston writing - but one more, way too many point-of-views, I think  four is pushing it, but over ten is too much ( let's see if I recall them all; Toni, Ricky Lee, Reese, Brendon, Kyle, Delilah, Oriana, Freddy, Jackie, Paul, Vic, the Russian bear, Dez, Dee-Ann, Ric, sociopath killer, Raina, the lion-bpolarbear shifter and his fiancee... I just can't recall all of them! ), it breaks concentration and when reading romance it's just no good.

Now to all the things I loved about this book! I loved Ricky lee and his redneck hillbilly personality and his ability to be both funny and lethal when needed and he was just hanging out taking it easy which was humorous to read. Toni really was a peacemaker keeping the brood of ten siblings in line with them making Toni and the readers mad. I loved the snarky, witty language and the kick-ass characters.

I have always enjoyed Shelly Laurenston's writing, she's got talent in creating a world that's fun to read, that keeps you on your toes and ( usually ) is hot as hell! So if you are a fan of the series you'll love meeting all the old cast members and some new ones! Just make sure to read it as more UF than PR and you'll be good!

Rating :

REVIEW - SEDUCTION UNDER FIRE

"Seduction Under Fire was sort of a #0.5 in the ICE: Black Ops Defenders series and a great romantic suspense story, it kicks off right away with the kidnapping of two people who hate each other to the core, and continues with their blossoming respect of each others special skill sets and big case of attraction under extreme circumstances."

Author: Melissa Cutler
Pages: 224 pages
Publisher: Harlequin on October 2012
Form: Paperback (from my personal library)
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: ICE: Black Ops Defenders #0.5
Amazon: Buy / $4.39 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $4.34 (Nook)
Excerpt: Chapter 1

"Sworn enemies, too close for comfort

What's worse? Being held hostage by a Mexican drug cartel or being held hostage by that cartel with the one man you passionately hate? Camille Fisher, a brainy, tough-as-they-come cop, can't believe she's daring to escape with her too-hot nemesis, Aaron Montgomery. But once she outsmarts their brutal captors, the danger's just beginning.

Racing across the Mexican desert, Camille begins to glimpse the surprisingly decent man behind the boorish cad. With cartel hit men closing in, she tries hard to ignore her needful heart-and harder to resist the temptation threatening to do them both in...."  ~ From Goodreads

Seduction Under Fire is another Melissa Cutler success! She's as great a romance novelist as I've experienced before! Now Seduction Under Fire was sort of a #0.5 in the ICE: Black Ops Defenders series ( of which #1 Tempted by Danger is coming out in June, which is awesome if I may add ) and a great romantic suspense story, it kicks off right away with the kidnapping of two people who hate each other to the core, and continues with their blossoming respect of each others special skill sets and big case of attraction under extreme circumstances. Which was so entertaining and so fun to read!

Aaron was your typical playboy, good looks, tons of charm and attitude a mile wide - and when those didn't impress Camille they immediately didn't hit it off, in fact the hate is pretty much the third main character in this book. I did like Aaron in action, as did Camille, the rake was gone and you had an iron skilled operative, sexy as hell. But what I loved especially was Aaron falling head over heels with Camille and discovering his inner possessive caveman. ;)

Camille really couldn't catch a break, job wise, relationship wise just all around unlucky, which kinda had her turned into a martyr. She was happy to die to save a kidnapped child, take down the drug cartel or die trying. Camille definitely was a strong woman, skilled San Diego Special Forces operative before she got shot in the job and was but behind desk and got a good case of PTSD shakes. When Aaron starts showing attraction to her she's confused and when he begins to seduce her she about bolts, because how could anything go good in her life? We'll you'll just see.

I'm impressed by Melissa Cutler's writing ability, she knows how to write a tight package of suspense, lust and love, you'll never bore or wanna skip pages because you just have to see what happens next - be it action or seduction!

Rating :

REVIEW - ONCE TEMPTED

"Love and trust don’t come easily for Ward, a ruggedly sexy ladies’ man and committed bachelor, since he lost his heart to a gold digger—until he meets a shy, unpretentious beauty whose sweet grace is about to turn his jaded heart into a hungry one."

Author: Laura Moore
Pages: 400 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books on March 26th 2013
Form: E-book (from NetGalley for an honest review)
Genre: Contemporary Cowboy Romance
Series: A Silver Creek Novel  #1
Amazon: Buy / $7.99 (Paperback) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $7.99 (Paperback)
Ballantine Books: Buy / $7.99 (Paperback)
Excerpt: Chapter 1

"Sweeping passions, family drama, and searing scandal play out at the magnificent Silver Creek Ranch as the heirs to a powerful dynasty seize their legacy of love.

Oldest son Ward Knowles feels the sprawling California ranch in his blood. And now that the family business has expanded to include a popular resort, he’s working harder than ever. Silver Creek is his legacy and his life, which is fine for the ruggedly sexy ladies’ man and committed bachelor. Love and trust don’t come easily for Ward since he lost his heart to a gold digger—until he meets a shy, unpretentious beauty whose sweet grace is about to turn his jaded heart into a hungry one.

Tess Casari has found sanctuary at Silver Creek, working as an assistant to Ward’s mother, Adele. Grateful for her busy new life running the ranch’s spa and resort, Tess can escape the heartbreak, humiliation, and secret shame of her failed marriage. The last thing she needs is temptation—especially from a man who reminds her so much of the husband who shattered her faith in love. But passion and destiny are about to change the rules for two people who have stopped believing in the healing power of love."  ~ From Goodreads

Once Tempted is thoroughly enjoyable, beautifully crafted novel with gorgeous scene setting, landscape... and a beautiful love story. This book was slightly bloated at 400 pages, snipping away few scenes would have made the story more compact - but really that is the only critique I can give for this book, and it's only 1/2 star reduction. ;) And that was more than made up with all the detail and love that poured out of this book.

Both main characters were carefully crafted, Tess was a pleasure to read, she was vulnerable with the passing of her less than kind husband, her heart left wounded. But then she had that New York grit, a tough wall of I-don't-give-a-damn and guts - a very well built lovable character in awesome heels! ;) And the whole business with the money added a great angle to her character.

And Ward wasn't bad either... let me eloporate: I have always had the hots for gorgeous as god, dark cowboys with arrogant attitudes and quiet pride, that turn out to be kind, caring, loving, honorable and complitely loyal to the heroine - as well as awesome in the sack. ;) And there you have Ward, ten out of ten! *swoon* And as an added bonus you get his ex-fiancee ( what a bitch! ) stirring trouble and his pride and suspicion almost getting the best of him.

Lucky for us all Silver Creek is a series because I'm dying to know what's going to happen to the other siblings - who is going to tame the playboy Reid and give him a dose of domestic bliss - and just who is going to wean Quinn off her animal rescue duties enough to catch her attention and heart?

I fell in love with Laura Moore's beautifully written Silver Creek Ranch and it's owners, and can't wait to get back there.

Rating :