Review: Wages of Sin by Jenna Maclaine

It always gives me a thrill to discover a book by a new author…especially if after I finish their book I want to read MORE. Happily, this was the case with “Wages of Sin” by Jenna Maclaine. The author managed to strike just the right chord to create a fascinating historical tale of magic, vampires, and demons (oh my!) without leaving me feeling like I’d read it all before! I can hardly wait to see where she goes from here and I certainly plan to be taking that journey with her new characters.

Review: Faceless by Debra Webb

I should confess from the start that I am not a big fan of conspiracy theories. So I was probably the wrong person to read and review “Faceless” by Debra Webb. Once I figured out how just how many ‘dirty’ police, politicians, doctors, lawyers, etc were involved, the story was far outside the bounds of believability for me and that pretty much put paid to my enjoyment of the rest of the novel.

Review: Everlasting Bad Boys by Shelly Laurenston, Cynthia Eden, and Noelle Mack

Romance readers fall into two camps: those who like anthologies and those who hate ‘em.  I’m in the like ‘em camp for a few good reasons.  First, the stories are shorter so I don’t end up staying awake all night to finish; I can just read one or two of the stories and still ‘be done’, at least for a while.  Second, I enjoy the opportunity to read different voices on (usually) the same general subject matter.  Seeing how different authors interpret the same concept interests me.  Finally, most anthologies include at least one author I am unfamiliar with, thus I always feel a frisson of excitement that I might find a new author to add to my very long, very detailed list.  So when I had the opportunity to read and review “Everlasting Bad Boys” by Shelly Laurenston, Cynthia Eden, and Noelle Mack, I jumped at it and found I enjoyed myself.

Review: Blood Sport by Judith E. French

Three words sum up Judith E. French’s new book, Blood Sport:  Suspense, intrigue, and action!  Reed Donovan is a hotshot FBI agent assigned to Jillian Maxwell’s case.  She is tracking a serial killer and thinks that a recent murder in Maryland is part of her case.  Reed thinks that Jillian’s theory is farfetched, but he has no choice but to assist with her investigation.  They sort through the clues and search for the killer against the backdrop of appealing East Coast beach towns.

Review: Taking the Heat by Kathryn Shay

This is a very difficult review to write. “Taking the Heat” by Kathryn Shay was a heart-wrenching read. Shay has written a very gritty and powerful book about the difficulties people face every day when they are involved in relationships with our heroes: public officials, law enforcement, military, and firefighters. I almost hesitate to call it a romance, though it certainly does tell the story of two people coming together. But this is a view of the harsher side of the story, more realistic if you like. If you’re looking for hearts and flowers and a light read, this is definitely not the book for you.

Review: Sweet Trouble by Susan Mallery

It’s official. Susan Mallery hit a triple for me with “Sweet Trouble,” the final book in her sweet sisters trilogy, coming out in September 2008. I was lucky enough to read and review “Sweet Talk” and “Sweet Spot,” the first two books of the trilogy which I loved. This author has the ability to play my emotions like a master. I laughed. I cried. I was mad, angry, hopeful, frustrated, excited, pleased… I think the only emotion missing was true fear for my life! This book is about life and emotion and love. There is so much packed into only 374 pages that read smoothly with Mallery’s characteristic deft pacing.

Review: Tribute by Nora Roberts

WOW! Just…WOW! I just finished Nora Roberts‘ new book “Tribute” and my heart is still racing. I don’t know how La Nora does it, but she has written yet another sure-to-be-bestseller that is truly a romantic suspense novel. The story softly, quietly pulls you in as the hero and heroine become real to you and you begin to feel their excitement, uncertainty, happiness, anxiety, joy, fear, and finally their triumph. It’s a stunning emotional roller coaster of a ride that you won’t want to miss.

Review: Dark Desires After Dusk by Kresley Cole

The wonderful Immortals After Dark series continues with Kresley Cole’s newest novel, Dark Desires After Dusk, which stars a demon and the halfling that has captured his heart.

Review: Show and Tell by Jasmine Haynes

When I read a novel written by Jasmine Haynes, I have learned to expect three things. First, her novels are very well written and fast paced. I literally devour every word and come up for more! Second, I know that the main characters will experience multiple emotions. They will cry, be happy, fall in love and grow comfortable with themselves. Third, there is always scorching chemistry between the hero and heroine that just intensifies as their relationship develops and they eventually fall in love. In her latest novel Show and Tell, she delivers all of those things and more!

Review: Hot Nights, Dark Desires by Eden Bradley, Sydney Croft, and Stephanie Tyler

In the Art of Desire by Eden Bradley

When Sophie’s friend asks her to accompany her to the local tattoo parlor to have some ink done, Sophie is very reluctant to do so. Being tattooed is Sophie’s secret fantasy . To Sophie, there is something very sensual about getting a tattoo but guilt from her parents and her religious beliefs have kept her from fulfilling one of her deepest desires. Reluctantly, Sophie accompanies her friend to get her tattoo, only to be blind-sided by the most desirable man she has ever encountered.

Review: Seducing Mr. Darcy by Gwyn Cready

From the moment I saw the title Seducing Mr. Darcy by Gwyn Cready, I knew I had to read this book! Most of us have read Jane Austen’s classic novel “Pride and Prejudice” more than once. Admittedly, I became a Mr. Darcy fan after watching BBC’s version of Pride and Prejudice starring Colin Firth. He played Mr. Darcy as if the famous character was written specifically for him. Whew! So as you may have guessed, I jumped at the chance to read this book.

Review: Superb and Sexy by Jill Shalvis

When I started reading Superb and Sexy by Jill Shalvis, I knew I was in for a very sexy, fun and fast-paced reading adventure. There is nothing I love better than snappy dialog and steamy chemistry between the main characters that heat up the pages throughout the story. This book easily delivered everything I love about reading romance and more!

Review: Night Keepers by Jessica Andersen

Most of us spend our time trying to figure out what to do with our lives.  Strike knows it’s his destiny to save the world when the Mayan clock ends in 2012.  How’s that for an expectation to live up to?  Jessica Andersen’s new book, Night Keepers, begins with this intriguing premise, and keeps on going from there.

Review: Dark Warrior Unleashed by Alexis Morgan

I started reading “Dark Warrior Unleashed” by Alexis Morgan before bed one night.  I thought I’d maybe read a few chapters to relax before hitting the hay.  Boy was I wrong!  This book sucked me in, and I didn’t want to stop reading.  I found myself realizing I was halfway through the book, glancing at the clock, and then started pondering if I really had to get up so early in the morning.  When I find myself shuffling my “to-do” list in order to finish a book, then I know it’s definitely made an impression on me.

Review: Baddest Bad Boys by Shannon McKenna, E.C. Sheedy, and Cate Noble

I’ve been reading a lot of action-oriented romance novels lately, and the idea of a short-story anthology sounded like a perfect change.  Sometimes short stories just fit your life better:  silly fun with a quick “Happily Ever After” that you can get to in one sitting.  The trio of stories in “Baddest Bad Boys” by Shannon McKenna, E.C. Sheedy, and Cate Noble fit that bill perfectly.