Review: In Your Corner by Sarah Castille

Publish Date: July 1, 2014
Trade Paperback {p.295}
Genre: Erotica
Series: Redemption #2
Source: Publist
Amanda Westwood, Jake Donovan

He rules in the ring

Two years ago, Jake and Amanda were going hot and heavy. But when Jake wanted more, Amanda walked away. Jake immersed himself in mixed martial arts, living life on the edge. But that didn't dull the pain of Amanda's rejection-until a chance encounter throws them together.

A high-powered lawyer, Amanda was a no-strings-attached kind of girl. But two years after her breakup with Jake, she still hasn't found anyone who gets her heart pumping the way he did. And then he shows up in her boardroom, hot as sin and needing help...

But can he rule her heart?

Jake is darker, sexier, and impossible to resist. As their chemistry builds, Amanda's not sure if she can stay in control, or if she's finally willing to let him claim her body and soul.

Jake and Amanda didn't seem to have much chemistry going for them other than sexual. There just seemed to be a lot of back and forth between these two, to the point that I just gave up caring one way or the other. After their breakup two years prior, Jake hasn't gotten over her and she claims she hasn't gotten over him. You could never tell this by the way the act.

Jake was constantly jealous and Amanda kept doing stupid things to tick him off. I felt both characters had some growing to do. Without the help of the secondary characters, this book may have rated lower with me. Although, Amanda's parents were downright horrible.

Of course these two seemed to work out their drama just in time for their HEA.

Review: Against the Ropes by Sarah Castille

Publish Date: September 3, 2013
Trade Paperback {p. 349}
Genre: BDSM
Source: Publicist
Makayla Delaney, Max "Torment" Huntington

He scared me. He thrilled me. And after one touch, all I could think about was getting more…

Makayla never thought she’d set foot in an underground mixed-martial arts club. But if anyone needs a medic on hand, it’s these guys. Trouble is, at her first sight of the club’s owner she’s the one feeling breathless.

All sleek muscle and restrained power, the man they call Torment plays to win at any cost. Whether it’s in the ring or in the bedroom, he knows exactly when to use a soft touch and when to launch a full-on assault. He always knows just how far he can push. And he’s about to tempt Makayla in ways she never imagined…

Going into this book, I thought I would be reading a contemporary romance. Once I got into it, it read like a new adult novel, then turned into BDSM. So I'm still a bit confused as to how to classify the book, but I did enjoy it.

It was quite a funny read, which I was not expecting at all. When I wasn't laughing at Makayla and Max, I was upset with his very demanding ways. He was walking a very fine line of being too much to remain a likeable character. At times I thought Makayla should cut her losses and move on because he was so controlling. Most of the time, he came across as looking like a complete ass.

Both Makayla and Max suffered some pretty horrible things in their childhood, which left huge emotional scars on their adulthood. With that being said, I was left feeling that both characters could have used a lot more maturing. It seemed them were always fighting about something.

I truly enjoyed all the secondary/background characters. That is until one them, Makayla's BFF Amanda, went and dragged Makayla into something totally stupid. So by the end of the book, Amanda was the only secondary character I didn't care for. But even with that, I'm so looking forward to reading the next installment, which is Amanda's story with Jake. I loved Jake more than I hated Amanda; I loved Jake more than Makayala and Max.

Review: Wicked Beat by Olivia Cunning

Publish Date: August 6, 2013
Trade Paperback {p.399}
Genre: Erotica
Source: Publisher
Rebekah, Eric Sticks

From the moment he lays eyes on Sinners’ new front of house soundboard operator, drummer Eric Sticks knows he has to make Rebekah his. Unfortunately, she’s too busy trying to seduce guitarist Trey Mills to pay him much attention. Rebekah never planned to fall for the tall, goofy drummer with the weird sense of humor and a heart the size of the galaxy. But Eric makes her laugh and his constant attention makes her feel sexy and irresistible–exactly what she needs after the things her last lover said to her. A woman who gives as much as she takes, Rebekah makes Eric feel like a total stud–exactly what he needs after surviving a decade of watching the incredibly talented members of Sinners from the wings.

From the start I had a difficult time getting into this one, because once again it's set in the past and not present day. The previous book, Hot Ticket, also took place in a time before book 3, Double Time. I don't really care for books in a series to regress to a time before the last book took place. Don't make books 4 and 5 take place in a time before book 3 took place. It tends to bother me when I go into the next book thinking I'm going to revisit the couples I previously fell in love with to see them growing and evolving, only to find out they haven't even meet in this installment.

Rebekah bothered me from the start. With her only having eyes for Trey, which I struggled with because Trey is supposed to be with Ethan and Reagan, but then would get all upset when Eric didn't pay any attention to her. Eric on the other hand, was okay in this book, whereas in the previous books he was a complete ass. He did a total 180 in the book, because he didn't even seem like the same person. It was difficult to reconcile the two faces of Eric Sticks.

Rebekah came across a bit trashy upon first meeting. Sure, if you're into ménage, great, but Rebekah was just a user. She didn't care for Eric at all. Everything she did was designed to get Trey's attention. Eric was just a backup plan.

I couldn't finish the book because I had no interest whatsoever in the characters. Rebekah was sleaze, Trey was an ass, and Eric was a wimp. The only thing I enjoyed about this book was the cover.

Review: The Officer and the Secret by Jeanette Murray

Publish Date:  July 2, 2013
Mass Market Paperback {p. 345}
Series: Semper Fi #3
Genre: Contemporary
Source: Publisher
Veronica Gibson, Dwayne Robertson

After a rougher than expected deployment, Captain Dwayne Robertson craves the sense of normalcy that his friends can bring him. But when he returns home, there's an unexpected, but pleasant, twist in the mix—Veronica Gibson. As he struggles to adjust to daily life again, Dwayne craves Veronica and the peace she brings him. But Veronica isn't without faults. Dwayne hates lies, and Veronica's entire past is a well-guarded mystery. When the completely unexpected happens, they both realize it's time to lay their cards on the table and hope they're ready for love.

Dwayne returns from his latest deployment suffering from PTSD. At first it appears that no one but Veronica notices his behavior. But as the story progresses he admits he's suffering and seeks help.

The story of Veronica and Dwayne naturally picks up because the "romance" started in the previous book in the series via Skype. Veronica I liked more so in this installment than the previous ones. They had a nice, sweet romance to start, nothing fireworks hot, but nice all the same. Until Dwayne became a jerk.

Sure, he'd been duped in the past, but I thought he knew Veronica a bit better then girl who'd previously duped him. His behavior toward Veronica turned me off to him. Of course they made up in the end and was able to move on together, but I as the reader was unable to get past it and lost all interest in Dwayne.

Review: Hot Ticket by Olivia Cunning

Publish Date: February 13, 2013
Trade Paperback {p. 383}
Genre: BDSM, Erotica
Series: Sinners on Tour #3
Source: Publisher
Jace Seymour, Agatha

There are things in bassist Jace Seymour’s past that he is unwilling to share with anyone. To cover his guilt and anguish, he seeks dominatrix Mistress V (Aggie) to temporarily placate his inner turmoil. Aggie doesn’t have much use for men–besides the power rush she gets when they’re begging for mercy at her feet–but Jace isn’t like her usual clients. His cool defiance and unexpected dominance in the bedroom drives her to distraction and quickly steals her heart. When circumstances threaten Jace’s position in Sinners, Aggie must help him regain his rightful place in the band while showing him that time and love can heal all wounds.

This installment to the series takes place during the timeframe of book two in the series. That threw me a bit because I was expecting it to pick up after the last book.

I wasn't a fan of Jace needing pain to get off, and to be honest. I was a little put off by it. I didn't have a problem with Jace or dislike him, I just didn't inderstand it. And with that being said, I didn't have any desire to try to understand it or continue with their story.

Eric on the on the hand was a complete asshole. I don't see how Eric could even be considered a friend. It seems like he treated Jace as a flunky instead of a bandmate.

Not my favorite of the series, but I won't let that deter me from continuing on with the series.

Review: The Officer Breaks the Rules by Jeanette Murray

Publish Date: January 8, 2013
Mass Market Paperback {p. 336}
Genre: Contemporary
Series: Semper Fi #2
Source: Publisher
Madison O'Shay, Jeremy Phillips

Captain Jeremy Phillips believes in doing his duty...both as a son and as a friend. This means that he should obey the "friend code" and stay away from his best friend's little sister. Too bad Madison O'Shay doesn't believe in his code and is ready to break all of the rules As a Navy nurse, Madison is finally stationed next to the man she's been dreaming about for years. And she's ready to launch a full-scale attack to show this thoughtful, handsome Marine that they belong together.
 

Jeremy and Madison continued to dance around each other from the previous book in the series. Jeremy's reasons for not wanting to give into the temptation of being with Madison were a bit weak. I spent most of my time wanting him to man up and start living his life for himself.

Madison was one of those characters that was likeable but didn't stand out that much. Her BFF Matthew on the other hand stole the show. He and Skye's cousin Veronica were the two characters that left me wanting to know more about them.

Jeremy and Madison did bring a lot to the table when they did manage to get together. When Madison's brother and Jeremy's BFF, Tim learned of their relationship that's when the fun really began.

Another good addition to the series, that has me looking forward to Veronica and Dwayne's story.

Review: Double Time by Olivia Cunning

Double Time
Olivia Cunning
Series: Sinners on Tour #3
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Publish Date: October 1, 2012
Trade Paperback {p. 399}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Erotica, Menage
Reagan Elliot, Trey Mills, Ethan Conner
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

Trey Mills, the notoriously sexy Sinners rhythm guitarist, gives up his bisexual lifestyle and is swept into a hot, heady romance with Reagan Elliot, a female rock star sensation. But when Trey encounters Reagan's sexy bisexual roommate, Ethan Conner, he can no longer deny who he is or what he wants. Reagan heartily agrees to a solution that opens up a hot new world of sexual experience--and love--with the two men she wants the most.

Reagan and Trey seemed to be instantly connect it on so many levels aside from the physical. Girls usually eat up Trey’s BS like it's the gospel, but not Reagan. She goes toe to toe with him and that’s exactly what he needs.

But for Trey, Reagan is not enough for him. He loves her, but there is a whole other side to him that he has yet to reveal to her. Once he does reveal that side of himself, it only makes their relationship stronger. That's when Ethan enters the picture, and adds a whole new dimension to things.

Reagan and I had our moments. I really liked her for the most part, but that there were sometimes I didn't. Like the times when Trey was sharing some deep emotional things with her and she'd laugh thinking he was joking. I just thought that with her loving him so much, she could tell the difference between him being serious and joking. Plus I didn't care for how she wasn’t a treating Ethan as an equal among them. Ethan was a welcome addition to the relationship, but I don't feel like I really got to know him on a deeper level. What I did know of him I did like. But who I was totally enamored with was Trey's brother, Dare. I really hope he gets his own story.

I do believe this may be the hottest addition to the Sinner's series, and if you've read the previous installments that's saying a lot. The Sinners series is definitely a series you'll want to collect.

Review: Better Than Chocolate by Sheila Roberts

Better Than Chocolate
Sheila Roberts
Publisher: Harlequin
Publish Date: September 25, 2012
Mass Market Paperback {p. 372}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Contemporary
Samantha Sterling, Blake Preston
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

Sweet Dreams Chocolate Company has been in the Sterling family for generations, ever since Great-Grandma Rose literally dreamed up her first fabulous recipe. But now it looks as if they're about to lose Sweet Dreams to the bank—and that would be a disaster, not only for the family but for the town of Icicle Falls, Washington. Can Samantha, the oldest daughter and new head of the company, come up with a way to save it?After Samantha does some brainstorming with her mother and sisters, inspiration strikes. They'll have a chocolate festival! Time's running out, but the Sterling women are determined and the town's behind them, so everything's bound to go smoothly….

Or not. Events seem to be conspiring against Samantha, and her mother's attempts to help aren't helping. To make matters worse, the fate of her company is in the hands of her archenemy, Blake Preston, the bank manager with the football-hero good looks. It's enough to drive her to chocolate. But Blake's also enough to convince her that (believe it or not) there's something even better than chocolate.

This book was okay; it kept me entertained, involved, and invested in the characters. Some characters more than others. With that being said, I was more invested in Todd, Luke, and Cecily. Blake and Samantha were okay, but I didn't get a real connection between them. There only seemed to be hostility on her part toward Blake. As far of the background characters, I could take them or leave them.

One of those characters I could take or leave was Samantha's mother, Muriel and her sister Bailey. I pretty much skimmed over Mariel's scenes except the ones involving her dates with the mayor. Other than that I liked the overall story and the idea of the town. I truly did want to know what the outcome was going to be with the chocolate factory. Going in, I was sure they would save the factory, I just didn't know exactly how they were going to do it.

The Cecily, Todd, and Luke triangle was my major draw. I want to see the outcome of this situation. I was more into that than Blake and Samantha, because there wasn't much going on with those two other than her constantly being a total jerk to him. There didn't seem to be much chemistry between them. No flirting or any kind of spark.
 
The romance that did take place between them felt like a afterthought at the end. Like it was rushed. The last two chapters they may have went on a date or two and then they were getting married. Samantha found out Blake tried to help her, she all of a sudden started singing a new tune about how she felt about him. That made it seem superficial and conditional to me on the part of Samantha.
I will however return to Icle Falls if and when Cecily gets a story just to see how things turn out for her.

Review: Sultry With a Twist by Macy Beckett



Sultry With a Twist
Macy Beckett
Series: Sultry Springs #1
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Publish Date: October 1, 2012
Mass Market Paperback {p.313}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Contemporary
June Augustine, Luke Gallagher
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

When Mae-June July Augustine hightailed it out of Sultry Springs, Texas, with her heart in pieces, she swore she'd never return. But nine years later, one thing stands between June and her dream of opening an upscale martini bar: a month of community service under the supervision of the devilishly sexy Luke Gallagher, her first love and ex-best friend. As lust turns to love, June must decide where she belongs: in the glorious anonymity of Austin or back in Sultry Springs with the man who intoxicates her like no other.

June and Luke were a great match. They did however have their ups and downs. Some points throughout the story I would get aggravated with Luke and his behavior, but not so much so that I gave up on him.

Luke and June both had some childhood issues that carried over into adulthood that they had to work out. Mostly those problems were Luke’s issues with not feeling worthy and June’s issues with her parents drinking. When they weren’t dwelling on these issues, they were a really enjoyable couple.

Luke’s best friend Trey provided a great amount of entertainment. I’m really looking forward to more of him in future installments of this series.

Review: Savage Hunger by Terry Spear



Savage Hunger
Terry Spear
Series: Heart of the Jaguar #1
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Publish Date: October 1, 2012
Mass Market Paperback {p.341}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Paranormal
Kathleen McKnight, Connor Anderson
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

In the heat of the jungle, jaguars are clawed, dangerous, and hungry for love. With hopes of overcoming night terrors and thanking the man who saved her life, Kathleen McKnight returns to the Amazon. A jaguar at heart, Connor Anderson doesn’t just protect her, but wants to claim her for his own.

Savage Hunger started out a little slow for me, but it did pick up around chapter ten or so. Kathleen’s journey back to the Amazon after her attack there didn’t turn out quite like she had planned it.

The chemistry between Kathleen and Connor is apparent although he chooses to ignore it at first. Maya, Connor’s sister, was a welcome additional character to provide a distraction from Connor and Kathleen’s dance around one another. I really felt for Maya and her need to a mate and family outside of Connor. I’m hoping she finds her mate in Wade, Kathleen’s guide she was supposed to meet up with.

To me, I found more entertainment in Maya and Wade just because Connor and Kat were a little to neatly written. If Wade and Maya get their own story I’ll definitely be continuing the series.

Review: Goddess in the Middle by Stephanie Julian

Goddess in the Middle
Stephanie Julian
Series: Forgotten Goddesses #3
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publish Date: July 3, 2012
Trade Paperback {p.299}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Paranormal, Menage
Amity Monroe, Remus, Romulus
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

Amity, the Goddess of Health, works as a medical aesthetist, using her remaing goddess powers to help people heal their spirits. Her profession soon brings two masculine Etruscan werewolves, Remy and Rom, into her life. The two werewolves have been searching for a woman powerful enough to handle both of them, but they've never met a woman strong enough...until they meet Amity. Toegether they must use the power generated by their love to kill a vicious demon and keep him locked away forever, or risk losing everything.

The relationship or the dynamic between these three captured my attention from the very start. They didn't waste any time getting down to business in the bedroom.

Amity is a goddess who can heal. And guess how she recharges her powers? Sex. So if that's how she powers up, two is better than one, right?

Remy is instantly smitten with Amity. Actually they both are but Rom is willing to do the noble thing and step aside for his cousin. Of course Amity at first mistakes this as Rom not being interested in her. But when she does manage to get them in her bed at the same time it's enough to make her feel like she can heal the world.

They manage to kill a demon or two in their spare time when they weren't servicing their "lady." Sal makes some appearances to add to the overall entertainment. Definitely a read that will offer something to fulfill your every need.

Review: The Officer Says "I Do" by Jeanette Murray

The Officer Says "I Do"
Jeanette Murray
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publish Date: July 1, 2012
Mass Market Paperback {p.338}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Contemporary
Skye McDermott, Timothy O'Shay
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

Captain Timothy O'Shay is on pre-deployment leave in Las Vegas when he meets Skye McDermott. For once, Tim lets loose and the two hook up. But in the morning, Tim wakes up to discover he's married to a woman who's the polar opposite of what he always envisioned in a wife.

But Skye is sure that this is fate, and that they are destined to be together. Can she convince him to stay with her before he's deployed?

After one too many drinks on a trip to Vegas, Tim discovers he's married. Not your typical start to happily ever after, but the author makes it work.

I enjoyed the dynamic between Skye and Tim. She was truly what he needed in his vanilla life. With Skye's unconventional upbringing and Tim's by the book ways, it's bound to make for some interesting reading. I had my doubts about Skye at first because I thought she might be too far out there, but she wasn't at all.

Both characters were great with and without the other. Skye really won me over with her interaction with Tim's best friend Jeremy. All the characters in this novel are very real and believable. The struggle Skye went through to try to be the good little wife for her officer in and of itself is enough to keep you engrossed to see how it would all turn out.

The subplot with Jeremy and Tim's sister Madison was an extra bonus. Although at times I didn't really care for his behavior or attitude toward Madison. Even with that issue, I'm so looking forward to reading their story. Plus, I'm intrigued by Skye's cousin Veronica. I want to see what the deal is with her.

Review: The Danger That is Damion by Lisa Renee Jones

The Danger That is Damion
Lisa Renee Jones
Series: Zodius #3
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Publish Date: May 1, 2012
Mass Market Paperback {p.323}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Paranormal; Suspense
Lara Martin, Damion Browne
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

The diabolical General Powell created Kayla Martin, a beautiful super-soldier, to help him destroy his valiant enemies. But when Kayla is pitted against the renegade Damion Browne, she discovers that not only is her life in danger, but her heart as well. Enemies soon swarm around Kayla and she must trust the dangerous Damion to embrace her as his ally. As they struggle to defeat a madman, their trust in each other becomes the only chance they have to find peace...and love.

I was totally engrossed in this storyline from page one. Both Lara and Damion were very well-written characters with great chemistry. I loved their interplay.

Lara, who has no memory of her past, is attracted to and quickly falling for Damion, her sworn enemy. The two of them are not only trying to uncover her past but keep her alive. They tended to butt heads a lot but you could still see they really cared about one another.

The love scenes were just as hot as the action. Talk about no dull moments in this one. Even the background characters brought their own bit of something to the table. Of the background characters, I really loved Chale and Jenna. Jenna worked at Powell's lab and Chale was Damion's partner. I'm hoping that Jenna will be "redeemed" and matched with Chale.

The previous life-bonds from the past two books made appearances. I'm still a fan of Michael and Cassandra. I remain cautious of how Dorian, Adma's son is going to fit into the Renegades. I'm hoping he'll end up being a good guy.

I am so looking forward to the next installment. Hopefully it'll be Chale's.

Review: Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Catching Jordan
Miranda Kenneally
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Publish Date: December 1, 2011
Trade Paperback {p.281}
Source: Public Library
Genre: Young Adult
Jordan Woods
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starting position... suddenly she's hoping he'll see her as more than just a teammate.

I first noticed Jordan didn’t really know her teammates as well as she thought she did when she and Carter went out for pancakes. She prided herself on being such a great captain and friend with her teammates, but she was all about focus on getting into Alabama that she didn’t have any clue what was going on with them in their lives. Not that she was a bad person, cause she wasn’t, it was just that she had one track; football.

Her relationship with her boyfriend Ty wasn’t all I’d hoped it to be. It started out hot and heavy out of the gate until Jordan heard someone else was in love with her. After that it was like she was just with Ty because her other option was unavailable.

Her family relationship is a whole other story. Her relationship with her mother and brother were great, but not so much with her father. He wasn’t a big fan of his daughter playing football due to the dangers of the game. I am glad that by the end of the novel they seemed to be on the track to repairing their relationship.

She also seemed to make a few female friends outside of football. That was a great way for her to have a sounding board other than turning to her journal.

A great novel that will keep your engrossed. Even someone like me know knows absolutely nothing about football was totally engaged in the game.

Review: Stud by Cheryl Brooks

Stud
Cheryl Brooks
Series: Cat Star Chronicles #8
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publish Date: February 7, 2012
Mass Market Paperback {p.383}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Loucinda Force, Tarq Zulveidinoe
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

THEY'RE GALAXIES APART...
Even for a Zetithian, Tarq Zulveidinoe's sexual prowess is legendary. Believing it's all he's good for, Tarq sets out to perpetuate his threatened species by offering his services to women across the galaxy...
BUT ONE FORCE CAN BRING THEM TOGETHER...
Lucinda Force is the sensitive dark horse in a self-absorbed family, repeatedly told that no man will ever want such a plain woman. Lucy longs for romance, but is resigned to her loveless lot in life-until Tarq walks through the door of her father's restaurant on Talus Five...

Tarq and Lucy seemed to be the perfect match for one another. Both of them had their own self-image and self-worth issues that made them believe they wouldn’t receive love from the other. Lucy’s issues stemmed from her family, mostly her father, and Tarq’s stemmed from his believe that all he was good for was sex.

I truly felt bad for Tarq, hearing him talk down about himself. In my opinion he was a very great character. Although his job is sex, he immediately felt and wanted more with Lucy. They both brought out the best in each other. And showed each other they were more than they thought themselves to be.

Their mountain adventure helped them to realize they were meant for one another. With the introduction of Vertigan, another potential suitor for Lucy, it put the very real prospect of Lucy and Tarq not being together in the forefront of both of their minds.

I felt bad for Vertigan, because I loved him as well and wanted him to be happy. I just hope the next installment in this series is his and he finds that happiness. Stud was yet another great addition to the series.

Review: Deliver Me From Darkness by Tes Hilaire

Deliver Me From Darkness
Tes Hilaire
Series: Paladin Warriors #1
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publish Date: February 7, 2012
Mass Market Paperback {p.323}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Paranormal
Karissa, Roland
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

A STRANGER IN THE NIGHT...

He had once been a warrior of the Light, one of the revered Paladin. A protector. But now he lives in darkness, and the shadows are his sanctuary. Every day is a struggle to overcome the bloodlust. Especially the day Karissa shows up at his doorstep.

COMES KNOCKING ON THE DOOR

She is light and bright and everything beautiful—despite her scratches and torn clothes. Every creature of the night is after her. So is every male Paladin. Because Karissa is the last female of their kind. But she is his. He may not have a soul, but he can't deny his heart.

Roland has been left with the duty of watching over an uninvited house guest that he has an immediate attraction to. Roland and Karissa get off to a rocky start due to her distrust of him because he's a vampire.

This novel included a lot of interesting paranormal creatures that I hadn't encountered before in other paranormal novels before. Both Karissa and Roland were interesting enough, but I failed to connect with them. Their love connection just wasn't all that engrossing to me. I did however take a liking to one of the secondary characters, Logan. I would be intrigued to see what happens with him.

I did feel a little muddled down in the details. But since this is the first book in the series, I guess that's to be expected. Deliver Me From Darkness is favorable start this new series.

Review: Dylan by C.H. Admirand

Dylan
C.H. Admirand
Series: The Secret Life of Cowboys #2
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publish Date: January 1, 2012
Mass Market Paperpack {p.349}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Contemporary
Ronnie DelVecchio, Dylan Garahan
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

Second in a hot contemporary cowboy romance trilogy featuring three brothers desprately trying to save their ranch, and their pride.

Sexy rancher Dylan is temporarily covering his brother's shift at the Lucky Star ladies club when he meets Ronnie DelVecchio, a darkhaired beauty with snapping green eyes. Sparks and tempers fly and Dylan can't resist the urge to see what it would be like to kiss her senseless.

I didn't buy into Dylan's instant attraction that was much more the second she first walked into the club. I don't know why, but I just didn't. And once I couldn't get behind their relationship, I lost interest in the overall story.

Both Ronnie and Dylan came off one dimensional and the storyline fell flat. There didn't seem to be any real chemistry between them. It was a little forced for the sake of the story.

Review: Hot Zone by Catherine Mann

Hot Zone
Catherine Mann
Series: Elite Force #2
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Published: December 1, 2011
Mass Market Paperback {p.316}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Amelia Bailey, Hugh Franco
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

Master sergeant Hugh Franco lives only to save others, until he plucks beautiful attorney Amelia Bailey from the wreckage of an earthquake and finds himself embroiled in ways he never expected. On the run from kidnappers, Hugh must call on all his training to protect them. But Amelia's fiery touch threatens to crack his world—and his heart—wide open.

Hot Zone is book two of the Elite Force series, and I must admit I hadn’t read book one. But this one can be read as a standalone because it didn’t read like it was picking up from previous events.

Hugh rescues Amelia and her nephew from an earthquake and then again from kidnappers. Along the way Hugh and Amelia manage to fall in love. I didn’t really buy the love, lust yes, but love not so much. I did genuinely believe that they both cared strongly for Joshua, Amelia’s nephew, throughout the whole ordeal.

The side story of Amelia’s brother and sister-in-law, I became enthralled with. It was interesting to watch him open up to his wife about his fear of having biological children. He truly was a good man burden down by the sins of his father.

Overall I liked both Amelia and Hugh as individuals. It did however feel that by the end of the book I knew Hugh more than Amelia.

Review: Embrace the Highland Warrior by Anita Clenney

Embrace the Highland Warrior
Anita Clenney
Series: Conner Clan #2
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publish Date: November 1, 2011
Mass Market Paperback {p.370}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Paranormal
Shay Logan, Cody Conner
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

When the powerful demon that left Shay for dead discovers her empty grave, he comes seeking retribution, believing she possesses an ancient book he has sought for centuries. Knowing she can't fight the demon alone, Shay returns to her clan and the Scottish Warrior who betrayed her...the only man she's ever loved, where she discovers that betrayal isn't always what it seems. Sometimes it's far worse.

I must start off by saying how much I enjoyed this addition to the series. However, at times I didn't like Shay all that much. Yes they kept things from her, but they were putting their lives on the line for her and she acted so ungrateful at times.

Shay's ex, Jamie, I absolutely loved! I hope he gets his own book and finds happiness. I was constantly torn throughout this book between Cody and Jamie. I knew going in that it was going to be Shay and Cody, but that was before I met Jamie. Is it bad that I fell for Jamie more than Cody? Don't get me wrong, I liked Cody, but I loved Jamie.

I was pleasantly surprised by the addition of vampires in this installment. I don't recall there being vampires in the previous book; just demons and minions.

Each and every one of the characters are so well written and creditable that they come alive on the pages. Even down to the minions. Plus you have strong, sexy men in kilts. What's not to love! This is definitely a series worth getting hooked on.