Into the Unknown: Love Never Hurt So Much

This is a novella of six stories by the following authors: J.A. Belfield, Aimee Laine, and Jocelyn Adams. These are to support the debut novel for each of the authors. These novellas definitely peaked my interest. I have questions that I need answered. As I finished each story I kept saying "oh come on, I want to know what happens next". If you are looking for some new authors to read, I would add this book and these authors to your TBR list. Then you will need to add their debuts as well so that the questions we have can be answered. This is what makes a good book, we want more. I give "Into the Unknown..." 4 1/2 stars.

"Marked" by J.A. Belfield

This is written in the first person.
The story starts out with a man/werewolf keeping secrets from his mate. Sean wants to do right by his mate. Jem takes it personal and his explanations don't seem to help. Just like all couples, you keep a secret and it puts a strain on the relationship. Sean's trying to find something special for Jem but Ethan's not helping. He wants something unique for a pledge of commitment. I'm left wanting to know what the future has in store for Sean and Jem.

"Misguided" by Aimee Laine

Wyatt Moreland walks into his office and sees Stuart Vance sitting at his desk. Stuart is bored and tells Wyatt that he envies him for his office. Wyatt's significant other is named Charley. They've been together for sixteen years. They have a person of interest that keeps crossing their paths. He's a shifter (mimic). Charley used to be part of Wyatt's group and wants back in. Aimee adds a twist to the connection between Wyatt and Charley. Does Charley go back to work for Wyatt? Do they make it as a couple?

"Tempted" by Jocelyn Adams

This story is written in the first person.
This is a story of the seelie and unseelie. Lila is having a tryst with Liam. You will see that Liam's feelings are very strong where Lila is concerned. We find out that Lila is the queen of the seelie and Liam is the king of the unseelie. When Lila and Liam connect the heat is almost instantaneous. Around the story of Lila and Liam there is also a mystery going on. The mystery involves the selkie and the unseelie. Our couple is very upset with what is happening to the selkie. We're left wondering if Liam is successful in solving the mystery. Do Lila and Liam find a way to be together?

"Darkness & Light" by J.A. Belfield

This story written in the first person.
Jem hits the snooze button on her alarm and goes back to her dream. She gets up the second time so that she can enjoy breakfast in bed with her husband, Peter. She keeps hearing the name Sean in her head - what a puzzle. She goes to see her BFF, Poppy. They're off to do one of their favorite pastimes - shopping. Peter is always telling Jem how to dress. If you have likes and dislikes in husband material, you'll definitely hate Peter. We're left asking: Who's Sean? What happens to Peter? Does Jem finally get all that she deserves? What happens next in the story?

"Little White Lies" by Aimee Laine

Charley Randall's seen speeding around the mountain terrain because she's trying to meted a deadline. We see that she gets into a situation and wants to shift. She then meets two guys during her speeding trip - Wyatt and Stuart. Charley wants to show Wyatt how much she likes him but James tries to stop her. If you had a chance to morph yourself, what would be your ideal? We are left asking: Where do they go from here? What does Aimee have in store for them next?

"The Glass Man" by Jocelyn Adams

This story is written in the first person.
We see Laura is trying to help a boy names Garret. While helping him she meets Liam Conner. We also see that she needs to stay one step ahead of someone that is following her. Liam, offhandedly, invites her for a meal. We can see that Laura feels responsible for the boy. Jocelyn leaves us wanting to know what happens with Garret. What happens with Laura and Liam?

Romance Book Craze: Children's Book Charity Event and Giveaway

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Hidden Intent by Anne M. Carpenter

Check out my review of this great short story at GoodReads:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12689143-hidden-intent

Black Friday Book Bonanza Giveaway Hop

Black Friday Book Bonanza Giveaway Hop

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Chatting with Anna Kathryn: Christmas Romance - THE PRICELESS GIFT

Chatting with Anna Kathryn: Christmas Romance - THE PRICELESS GIFT: By Anna Kathryn Lanier Blurb : The last thing Christina Scott expects Santa to bring her is a sexy—and very familiar—cowboy. Gavin Holl...

A Kiss for Luck by Kele Moon

Dr. Clara Evans is trying to get through a divorce and her best friend, Jackson Philips, is allowing her to stay with him for a while.  Clara is an emergency room doctor and Jackson is a paramedic.  They have known each other since high school.  Her soon to be ex, Frank, is a real jerk and Clara deserves better.
 Clara is trying to survive New Year’s Eve quietly when Jackson walks through the door.  She takes matters into her own hands and gives him a midnight kiss.  He reciprocates by giving pleasure she has never felt before – she’s never felt better.

 Even as Jackson and Clara make love, he pays her compliments.  How many of you would appreciate that?  Jackson also takes care of her.  He is definitely a “friend with benefits”.  I wouldn’t mind him as my friend!  They’re very comfortable about their sexuality and themselves.  They know what they want and are willing to give what the other needs.

 If this story was a paper edition, the pages would be scorched.  If you’re looking for a quick read, this is definitely one I would recommend reading.  Kele grabs the reading right from the beginning.  This is one of those short stories that you don’t mind reading over and over again.  I would also check out any other books that Kele has written.  This story would definitely make a great Lifetime movie – although the censors would have to get involved and that wouldn’t be a good thing.  One can always hope though.

 I give “A Kiss of Luck” 4 ½ stars (or flames).

Pulled Long by Christine d-Abo

Ian Long owns a coffee shop with his two sisters.  Jeff Carson is a straight guy that’s getting a divorce and has a crush on Ian.  Christine has given her reader’s another interesting read.

Right in the first chapter, Ian goes for it.  You have to cheer Ian on – he really deserves some happiness.  Jeff is very blunt about what he’s looking for from Ian.  Ian got burned once so now he has self-esteem issues.  On their first date, they go to Maverick’s (a sex club for adults).

Christine has them doing “truth or dare” on their first date in one of the rooms at Maverick’s.  It was a very interesting scene.  What a way to get to know each other.  Her sex scenes never disappoint her readers – can we say hot! 

I love how Christine doesn’t make relationships easy for her characters – just like in real life.  Nothing is straightforward between Jeff and Ian.  And of course one of them has an ex.  Jeff has the type of personality where he expects answers – he’s exactly what Ian needs.  Christine shows the reader that everyone can feel vulnerable but that most families are there no matter what.  At the very end, she gives the reader a chuckle.

You will be glad that you have read this series.  You don’t have to read any of the books, in this series, in order but at some point you have to read each one.  You won’t regret reading the works of Christine d’Abo. You’re also one step closer to reading Josh’s story.

I give “Pulled Long” 4 1/2 stars.

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Seductive Rendezvous by Victoria Blisse

This is the second book in the "Rubenesque Rendezvous" series.  It continues the story of Joe, Leanna, and Lucy that was started in "Naughty Rendezvous".  If you love holiday romances, you will love this one.
In this story, the reader gets to see how much Leanna loves her daughter Lucy.  We also get to see that the heat between Joe and Leanna continues.  They know what they want from each other and aren't shy about getting it.  Our couple's feelings are so real and believable you stop thinking of them as characters in a story.
Leanna has issues that any single mom would have and Joe has the same types of feelings that any man, confronted by a baby, would have.  He's just a man who wants to make sure that Leanna is happy.  And when they are by themselves, that all she feels is pleasure.
As you read this story, it may give you some interesting ideas of how you can celebrate with your own significant other.  That's why the title is so apropos - the story is very seductive.  It's also a story that will seduce you and leave you wanting more.
It can be read separately from the first book but I suggest reading the whole series.  This is a series you will want to read again - it's a must have for your collection.  The sex is not forced on any scene and shouldn't make you feel uncomfortable (spanking).  The scenes are beautifully written and the heat level goes up - you just can't put it down.  You will definitely want to read the third book when it comes out.
I give "Seductive Rendezvous" 4 1/2 stars.

Don't pet me, I'm writing: Make time for a paw in your butt crack

Don't pet me, I'm writing: Make time for a paw in your butt crack

The Legend of Michael by Lisa Renee Jones

This is the first book of the "Zodius" series.
Cassandra Powell comes to work for her father and to evaluate some of the soldiers at the military facility.  Not two minutes after literally bumping into one of the soldiers he's hitting on her.  His name is Michael Taylor.  She then goes to meet her assistant Kelly who tells her something interesting about the GTEC soldiers that she will be working with.  I love how Kelly tells Cassandra how to have protected sex - ok Mom!
Cassandra's father seems to be one of the evil forces in this story.  He's done some experiments on the soldiers that Cassandra must now see what the effects are.  He seems to think that he can play God and not be held accountable.  But there is someone who is much more evil than he is.
Michael goes on a mission with two brothers, Adam and Caleb.  Adam shows us how the experiment can take a turn for the worse.  What's even worse is that there is a woman, his wife, who's as evil as he is.  Lisa paints Adam as a very dark sadistic man.  He gets pleasure from other people's pain.  Lisa doesn't make it too graphic but just enough so the reader will understand the type of evil man he is.
Lisa takes the reader on a very suspenseful ride.  From one chapter to the next we don't know what's going to happen to Cassandra and Michael.  But we have to keep reading so that we can find out.  You have to love a hero that in the midst of a war going on, he has time to make love to his lifebond.
Cassandra's father isn't happy on how his soldiers have turned out, now he wants to create a super soldier.  This is one more reason to keep reading.  Was this latest experiment a success?   And how does Michael's mother fit into all this?  Lisa gives us a glimpse into a world where if you fool with Mother Nature, you will suffer the consequences.
I love how Lisa has given Cassandra a strong personality.  She either fights by Michael's side or she'll just go out on her own.  They also love each other - no matter what.  This is the type of love we all long for.
The story ends with us wondering whether good was able to defeat evil.  Who will prevail?  You will have to keep reading the series to find out the answer to this question.  I definitely recommend reading this series.
I give this book 4 stars.

A Shot in the Dark by Christine d'Abo

This is the second book in the "Long Shots" series.
Main Characters:  Paige Long is part owner of a coffee shop along with two of her siblings.  Carter is a firefighter who frequents her shop.  Right away he likes what he sees and invites her to Mavericks, a local sex club.
Paige walks into the coffee shop's kitchen to find two of her employees having sex.  Now what would you do in her shoes?  She ends up working the rest of the night shift and this guy starts to hit on her - his name is Carter.  In talking with Carter, it finally dawns on her that he is a Dom.
Her brother Ian comes to see her the next day after hearing what happened the night before.  She's concerned about him.  Is this what leads to Christine's third book?  Can't wait for number 3 to come out so that I can find out the answer.
On her way back to the coffee shop, guess who she meets again.  This time in a uniform.  Don't you just love men in uniform?  He's also back to hitting on Paige.
One thing I love about Christine's writing is that she sticks to her scenes.  There is no going off on tangents that don't have anything to do with the interaction of our main characters.  Or that don't add anything to a scene.
Things start to happen quickly for Carter and Paige - another good thing about short stories.  They both know that they can give each other what they want.  This is what makes Carter a good Dom.  You will find that the BDSM is very subtle in this story.
If you are more of a sensualist, this story will be good for you.  None of the sex scenes are over the top and unbelievable.  If you have an adventurous sex partner this story may give you some ideas.  And isn't that what some of our romance/erotic novels do?  Give us ideas that spice up our lives a little.
The story ends with us wanting more.  I can't wait to see how Christine is going to end this trilogy.  Will Ian finally be happy and find love?  This is definitely a series that you will want to read again.
I do have questions for Christine though, is Josh going to have his own story?  He seems to be a link between our main characters.  I would love to see him connect with someone.  Is Maverick's going to show up in other books?
I give book 2 of the "Long Shots" series 4 1/2 stars

Downtime Giveaway - Book of Your Choice!

Downtime Giveaway - Book of Your Choice!

October 2011 storm in Westfield MA.