No Proper Lady by Isabel Cooper

Story: 9

Presentation: 9

Total: 18

Publisher: SourceBooks
Historical
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Blurb: England, 1888. The trees are green, the birds are singing, and no one has any idea that in a few hundred years, demons will destroy it all. Joan plans to keep it that way. All she has to do is take out the dark magician responsible—before he summons the demons in the first place. But as a rough-around-the-edges assassin from that bleak future, she’ll have to learn how to fit into polite Victorian society to get close to her target.


Simon Grenville has his own reasons for wanting to destroy Alex Reynell. The man used to be his best friend—until his practice of the dark arts almost killed Simon’s sister. The beautiful half-naked stranger Simon meets in the woods may be the perfect instrument for his revenge. It will just take a little time to teach her the necessary etiquette and assemble a proper wardrobe. But as each day passes, Simon is less sure he wants Joan anywhere near Reynell. Because no spell in the world will save his future if she isn’t in it.

Review: Sooo not your mothers Victorian Historical :) And all in a good way;)

I will admit that I took a chance with this one. And let me tell you that I am beyond glad that I did. mysterious, interesting, romantic. Everything a great book should be and so much more that I just I am having a hard time keeping my review from spilling the beans about some of the things that happen :) Just trust me when I say that if you like a story that is different, one that doesn't sound like something you have read before then you might want to test these waters.

A Dash of Scandal by Amelia Grey

Story: 9.5

Presentation: 9.5

Total: 19
Publisher: SourceBooks
Regency Historical
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Blurb: When Millicent comes to the aid of her injured aunt, she never imagined her "help" would require her to do all of the legwork her aunt can't do– attend society's most fashionable events in order to help write her aunt's gossip column!


But the devastatingly handsome Chandler Preswick, Earl of Dunraven, is on to her when he sees Millicent writing notes on her dance card. Outraged, he believes she's connected to the mysterious "Mad Ton Thief " and vows to expose her. Millicent must stop him before they are both plunged into scandal. If only he weren't so irresistibly attractive...

Review: OMG! THIS is why Ms Grey has made it to my MUST READ list :)  She has a wonderful gift and can create characters, scenes and situations that are not only easy to relate to, easy to fall in love with but also at times so freaking funny a chalk full of scandal that you fear you will never get rid of the laugh cramp in your side :)

Yet again, this was another shining example of what readers expect from this talanted author. SNAPS for penning another ringer :)

Disengaged by Lauren Gallagher

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Champagne
Contemporary
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Blurb: The last thing Amber wants to think about is engagement rings or anything related to engagement rings, but they’re kind of hard to avoid when she makes her living in a jewelry store. Between her job and her last relationship, she’s getting more than a little bit jaded about love and commitment. In fact, she’s ready to change everything in her life, and right now, a man is the last thing she wants.

When gorgeous bartender Jeremy wanders into her store, she’s willing to reconsider what she wants right now, but he’s off the menu: he’s here for an engagement ring.

But as Jeremy comes back again and again to look at the ring, Amber suspects it’s not just the price that keeps him from taking it home. She’d never dream of sabotaging someone’s relationship, but is Jeremy about to make a huge mistake?

Review: This was one of those stories that peaked my interest when I read the blurb and then totally blew me out of the water when I read the book. The emotional pull was unbelievable. Characters that were just amazing and a plot that was so hot and nifty that I can't stop thinking about it :)

Come on......you know you want to read it :) I can tell you that I will be reading it again. This is one that has just stayed with me for too long for me NOT to want to read it again!!!

Wanted:Gentleman Bank Robber by Dane Batty

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher: Nish
Non-Fiction
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Burb: What do you think of when you hear about someone on the FBI’s Most Wanted List? Hardened criminals, without morals or any sense of right and wrong, ready to solve a dispute with a gun, right? But what if things weren’t that cut and dried? What if the nice guy you hired to hook up your cable was Number Seven on the FBI’s list? Les Rogge looks and acts just like your next–door neighbor. Yet in twenty years he robbed more than 30 banks without firing a shot. Caught and put in jail twice, he escaped—and went sailing around the Caribbean with his wife and dog! In Wanted: Gentleman Bank Robber: The True Story of Leslie Ibsen Rogge, One of the FBI’s Most Elusive Criminals, Les details his adventures from Alaska to Antigua, the Chesapeake to Cancun. But it all came to a halt when a fourteen-year-old in Guatemala forced him to turn himself in. Few felons have been as forthcoming about their successes, failures, robbery techniques, passion for sailing vessels… and love for his wife.

Review: This is not normally the type of book that I pick up to read for pleasure but I have to say that I was surprised :)

Very interesting andengaging. This is one of those books that you just can't seem to put down. Like watching a true crime reality show on TV, it just kept me pulled in and reading until I was finished.

This was one that was just so over the top interesting that I had to take a chance on it and I am super glad I did. I think I have some friends who will be getting copies for Christmas :)

She Likes Him Bad by Scarlett Scott

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 8
Total: 16.5
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Contemporary Erotic
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Blurb: Emma Lee Bridges is back in her tiny hometown for the first time in years. Not even twenty-four hours after hitting the landing strip, she’s already forced to face the boy she loved and left behind.

But Jackson isn’t exactly the boy she remembers. Now the sexy owner of a successful mechanic shop, he takes one look at Emma and wants her back—permanently.

The sex between them is downright flammable, the chemistry they share as wild as ever. And this time around, Emma has to decide if she wants to run or stay for good.

Review: I enjoyed this one. Hot and sexy with the past love throw back that I tend to enjoy upon occasions. It wasn't over the top but gave me enough emotion that I felt it and wanted to hang with the characters long enough to see what happened :) Nice job.

There was enough depth to the story that I didn't feel like I was just reading sex....and the sex was good :) A nice balance between the two.

Eight Seconds by Barrie Abalard

Story: 7.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 16.5
Publisher: eXcessica
Contemporary Erotica, Gay, Romantic Suspense, Cowboy
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Blurb: Ex-bareback rider and part-time songwriter Cam “The Professor” Chester rides pick-up for Philadelphia area rodeos—and rides the men he picks up in Philly’s gay bars. Hated by other rodeo folks, he’s alone in the showers one night when someone knocks him out.

Barebacker, bisexual Wyatt Knott has never met anyone like Cam and is instantly drawn to him. After Wyatt finds Cam unconscious on the shower floor, he goes home with the man to tend to his wound. Before you can say, “Ride ‘em, cowboy,” the two have sweaty, grasping sex in Cam’s recliner.

When Cam reports his attack in the showers to the rodeo’s owner, Shep Walton, Walton tells him nothing can be done because Cam doesn’t have any idea who hit him, and there were no witnesses. But by reporting the assault to Walton, Cam sets in motion a chain of events that will leave him drugged and bound in a chair, Wyatt standing next to him, with someone holding a revolver on them both.

EIGHT SECONDS, the length of time a barebacker must stay on his bronco, weaves the story of two men who’ve never been in love, yet find themselves unable to dismiss their passionate sex as a casual thing.

Review: Many aspects of this story were the perfect elements for a hot, m/m cowboy ride. I totally get into romances where one of the characters falls hard and is finally willing to take major risks for love. The sex was hot, the characters developed, and the story unfolded at a pretty good clip. The romantic suspense aspects of the story were a bit predictable, but that didn’t detract from the relationship building and for me a romance, (even a raunchy highly sexed tumble into love) is why I read. Was the drama a bit over the top, yeah, for me it was. Sometimes less is more (not with sex, so no worries there. The story has plenty of heat) but the angst and hate pushed a little too far for me. (Not that I don’t believe hatred exists in the world.) When all the elements are measured against each other, this is definitely a book worth picking up. An entertained story with plenty of toe curling heat.  Good, worth reading. A book you don’t want to put down.

A Librarian's Desire by Ava Delany

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher: Breathless Press
Contemporary
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Blurb: Erica loves her studies. Library Science, the smell of history…it intoxicates her. But when she gets drunk at a frat party and reveals a bit more than she intends to in a game of Never Have I Ever, she finds her life of books and card catalogs not quite as satisfying as the handsome man whose attention she attracts.

The mousy librarian doing drunken keg stands grabs Daniel’s attention from across the room. What a fascinating study in contrasts—one he can’t wait to discover what mysteries her drab blouse and glasses may hide. And after hearing her sexy answers during Never Have I Ever, he’s more determined than ever to know her secrets before the game is done.

Review: Sexy, smokin and so good. While it was a little different than I thought it was going to be it ended up being well worth it. Definitly kept me on my toes and pulled into the story.

Nice read from Ms Delany. You can bet that I will be readign more from her soon :)

The Wedding Affair by Leigh Michaels

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: SourceBooks
Historical
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Blurb: The Duke of Somervale's sister's wedding brings together three couples who must sort themselves out to avoid scandal. The handsome Duke persuades Lady Reyne to pretend to be his fiancée so he can avoid the matchmakers but falls in love with her anyway. Lady Reyne's friend Kate discovers how much she has in common with adventurer Andrew Carlisle, and Lady Penelope Townsend discovers new love with her estranged husband.

Review: As always, Ms Michaels has delivered a tale that tickles the senses. filled with wonderful imagery, characters that just leave you breathless and a love that will make you sigh.

It is almost impossible to tell you how much I enjoyed this one....almost ;) I devoured it! While I was thrilled with the story I was sad that it had to end. I felt such a connection.  Perfection, all wrapped up in a super sexy binding. I'm such a sucker :)

SNAPS on another job well done. It's no wonder Ms Michaels is one of my MUST READ authors :)

What the Lady Wants by DC Juris

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Breathless Press
GLBT Erotica
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Blurb: When Keenan's lover, Naro, reveals the deep, dark secret of his past, Keenan must decide how strong their love really is. But Keenan has a secret of his own -- one that's right up Naro's alley.

Review: DC Juris plops the reader right into a steamy sex scene. Things are getting hot and heavy when Naro stops Keenan to reveal a secret--he was born a she. Thanks to magic, his father had him re-sexed. Needless to say, Naro is confused by his own desires and sexuality, but Keenan is an open-minded and understanding lover, who accepts and encourages Naro to explore needs long suppressed.

This story is not for the close minded. It is for those who like a good love story in a sci-fi/fantasy setting with solid world building. I, personally, can’t wait to explore more of this author’s offerings.

My One And Only by Kristan Higgins

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary Romance
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Blurb: Divorce attorney Harper James can't catch a break. Bad enough that she runs into her ex-hubby, Nick, at her sister's destination wedding, but now, by a cruel twist of fate, she's being forced to make a cross-country road trip with him. And her almost-fiancé back at home is not likely to be sympathetic.

Harper can't help that Nick has come blazing back into her life in all of his frustratingly appealing, gorgeous architect glory. But in Nick's eyes, Harper's always been the one. If they can only get it right this time, forever might be waiting—just around the bend.

Review: This down to earth romance really rang my bell. I am a sucker for the stories where love has a second chance and Ms Higgins blew me away with this touching tale.

Wonderful charaters coupled with a story and plot that sparkled, it's no wonder Kristan Higgins is a best selling author. She has a true gift and you can be tthat THIS reviewer will be looking for more from her in the future.

Hunting Henry by Amber Kell

Story: 5
Presentation: 9
Total: 14
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Gay Paranormal
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Blurb: Henry works as the pack cook, happily hiding from a painful past and suppressing his wolf side. Dakota is a wolf given a formula to become a human. What happens when a man who doesn't want to be a wolf bonds with a wolf who doesn't want to be a man.

Review: I was confused at the beginning of this story and I’m afraid the confusion continued. Perhaps the series should come with a warning to read in sequential order and that the stories are not stand alone romance. As a reader, I don’t believe the story was set up well enough to ground a reader who hasn’t read the previous works.

There were too many characters and plot lines interweaved in a way that didn’t build the story, but rather made a story difficult to follow and nearly impossible—for me at least—to get into. The high point was that I liked both Henry and Dakota. Their relationship was sweet and sexy and the burgeoning love was emotion and satisfying. There was fear and trepidation. Not to mention there is that endearing quality of weres--they know their mate. Watching them fight against their needs was rewarding to this reader. It’s what makes the romance in this story. However, the numerous characters, (many with no bearing on the story at all) and plot points that seem to come out of nowhere and conclude with no resolution spoiled the rest of the story for me. Although I have to give praise to Ms. Kell, this is only one mediocre story in a string of brilliant work. My recommendation would be to try another of her stories and perhaps skip this one unless you’ve read everything in the series that has come before it.

His Leading Lady by Paula Martin

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 17.5
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Contemporary
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Blurb: Jess Harper’s predictable life is turned upside down when she discovers that Lora, her twin sister, has disappeared. It’s just a week before rehearsals are due to start for a new West End musical in which Lora has the lead role. Jess decides to pose as her sister in order to save Lora's career. This brings her into close contact with arrogant theatre director Kyle Drummond. Attraction sparks between them but there’s also evidence that he had been dating Lora. So is Jess simply a substitute – in real life as well as in the show? And what will happen when Lora eventually returns?

Review: Reading the blurb for the first time I had no doubt that I would like this one. It just "fits" with the kind of romance that I love to read....and fit it did. While at first I was a bit thrown because I didn't realize where the story was taking place, once it clicked for me my mind was able to make the adjustments and I flew right along :)

Ms Martin did a really good job in crafting this tale and weaving a story that not only showed me interesting characters...but kept me interested. Wonderful job  :)

Sex-O-Matic by Vee Michaels

Story: 7.5

Presentation: 8

Total: 15.5

Publisher: Breathless Press

Contemporary Erotic
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Blurb: Holly is a struggling writer who does random product testing and reviews to make ends meet. When she faints in front of her sexy UPS guy, Marv, he comes to her rescue. He’s curious about her product testing, and together they open the nondescript brown box containing her latest assignment: the Sex-O-Matic, a machine that guarantees its user multiple orgasms. Being the gentleman he is, Marv naturally offers to help Holly test it. How can she resist?

Review: I have read stories similar to this one but still wanted to see what Ms Michaels could give. :) This one was a cute, erotica that is designed to crank up the heat and get you ready :) While at times it might have seemed a little stagnant it quickly picked up and did the job it was designed to do.

As a reader of erotica I have to say that I did enjoy Ms Michaels tale. Erotica is designed for a specific purpose....and Vee accomplished it with her naughty sex-o-matic.