"Rock Chick" By: Kristen Ashley Review

"Rock Chick"

By: Kristen Ashley

Synopsis from Goodreads

Indy Savage, cop's daughter, rock chick and used bookstore owner, has been in love with Lee Nightingale, once bad boy, now the man behind Nightingale Investigations, since she was five years old. No matter what ingenious schemes Indy used to capture his attention, Lee never showed an interest and Indy finally gave up. Now Indy's employee, Rosie, has lost a bag of diamonds and bad guys are shooting at him. When Indy gets involved, Lee is forced to help. Complicating matters, Lee has decided he's interested, Indy's decided she's not. But she can't seem to keep Lee out of her life when she's repeatedly stun gunned, kidnapped and there are car bombs exploding (not to mention she's finding dead bodies).

Indy's best bet is to solve the mystery of the diamonds before Lee. Lee's challenge is to keep Indy alive and, at the same time, win back her heart

My Thoughts

    If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you’ll have seen that I have went on a huge Kristen Ashley kick. While all of her books have a first person view, I found that “Rock Chick” had a different feeling to it. Less of a strict romance and more of a humorous suspense, “Rock Chick” is a fun romp that reminded me of Stephanie Plum of Janet Evanovich fame.

    Indy has been in love with Lee Nightingale her entire life, but he only sees her as his little sister’s friend. Tired of rejection, Indy has went on with her life but all the while keeping Lee in the back of her mind. Keep in mind that Lee has a mysterious, cop like job that no one really knows about beyond Lee is totally bad ass.

    So when people start shooting at Indy, who does she call but mysterious Lee? There is a whole mystery involving diamonds, crazy friends, drag queens, and stun guns. There is even a car blowing up, which is pretty much a hallmark event in any Evanovich book as far as I’m concerned. Funny and fast paced, but the part I enjoyed the most was definitely the character interactions.

    Lee is attracted to Indy, but has been biding his time until he has a stable home life...which is pretty much never going to happen, so when he finds the chance to get close and protect Indy, he takes it. Love me some Lee! He knows Indy is borderline crazy but totally accepts it and never tries to change her.

     While this Ashley book had a different feel than the other titles I’ve read by her, I absolutely loved the Stephanie Plum feel. I’m excited to read the rest of the series and am crossing my fingers that a lot of the characters cross over and appear again. At times a bit over the top, but the situations work perfectly in conjunction with the rest of the story. Haven’t found a Kristen Ashley book I don’t like yet, and for less than $3 a book they are a perfect price for a poor soul like me.

Book Details

Publisher: Kristen Ashley

# of pages: 412

Date of Publication: December 8, 2012

ISBN: 978-184923184

"The Sweetest Tattoo" By: Cameron Dane Review

"The Sweetest Tattoo"

By: Cameron Dane

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Tattoo artist Kelsie Cole cannot believe her brother would give his best friend use of his cabin the same week he promised it to her. She had been butting heads with straight-laced John McBride since they were kids. John McBride only takes one week of vacation a year, and there isn’t any way he’s driving down a mountain back to Raleigh just because Kelsie Cole is already standing on the porch staking her claim when he arrives. The cabin has two rooms, and they are adults. They can share a space for seven days. It’s not like they’re attracted to each other or anything, right?

My Thoughts  

   Are you tired of hearing about “Fifty Shades of Grey?” Well me too, we’ve all read it and know what its about, lets move on. Yet I find myself drawn to those wild lists on Goodreads or Amazon that promise, If You Liked Fifty Shades, You’ll Like This. Most of those lists are books that don’t appeal to me in the least, but I decided to try “The Sweetest Tattoo.”
    Kelsie Cole is a tattoo artist, a little on the chubby side, with pink hair and a pretty outrageous personality. Taking a vacation from her tatooing business, she heads up to her family’s cabin in the woods. Who does she find there but her brother’s best friend, John. John is about as straight-laced as you can be while also being a CEO of a business. Calm, collected and poise seems to be John’s way of life.
    “The Sweetest Tattoo” was an interesting take on two completely different people. Pink haired chunky tattooed girl vs. buttoned up CEO is about as opposite as it gets.  I’m going to be totally honest, I’m a chunky girl without the pink hair and it took some pretty big suspension of fact for me to see these two together. Besides the differences in their professions and mannerisms, their financial and just personalities seemed to really clash. It was fairly hard to suspend belief to see this romance with nothing in common except for a childhood crush. Hard to do, but no impossible.
      Dane writes a pretty basic romance with a twist. I enjoyed the heroine but John just drove me up the wall. He supposedly had has this crush on Kelsie for years and has never acted on it, but suddenly being near her for one day brings it to the forefront? Meh.  When I finished, I had a hard time imagining these two staying together in life.
     Kelsie and John have a sweet little romance within “The Sweetest Tattoo” but I found it pretty unbelievable. Short and cute, don’t get me wrong, I just don’t see these two characters loving one another in the long term. An ok book but probably won’t pick this author up again, I would suggest this romance for people who enjoy short romances with a little fluff.  

Book Details

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Date of Publication: 2008

# of Pages: 76

ISBN: 978-1595784773

"Body Heat" By: Susan Fox Review

"Body Heat"

By: Susan Fox

Synopsis from Goodreads

It’s Getting Hot In Here…

Maura Mahoney expects to spend her thirtieth birthday the way she’s spent so many others. She’ll work at the Cherry Lane retirement community, have a quiet dinner with her parents, and end the evening with a solo hot chocolate before turning in early. Sedate, but safe. Then Jesse Blue turns up at Cherry Lane, ready to do community service to avoid jail time. And suddenly, prim, by-the-books Maura can’t stop thinking about a sexy, motorcycle-riding bad boy who seems wrong for her in almost every way.

But beneath his gruff exterior, Jesse is a man of surprises. He’s filling the once drab community center with color and life. He’s bonding with the residents. And he’s prompting scorching, wild dreams Maura would never be bold enough to act on. Or would she? Because the way Jesse looks at her, Maura could swear that this heated, smoldering attraction runs both ways…

My Thoughts
    Prepare to be entertained because Body Heat is a whole lot funnier than the hot cover would lead us to suspect! Hilarious characters, a motorcycle riding hottie doing community service, a reserved yet longing to be a little wild administrative assistant, leaky pipes and so much round out this very naughty, very fun book by Susan Fox.
    Maura works in a nursing home, has for quite some time really. She’s content with her life, she’s used to it and really doesn't want anything to change. One day Jesse Blue walks in to do community service and her life is never the same. While she worries about liabilities, he’s driving around senior citizens on the back of his motorcycle. She’s working on the Nursing Home board and Jesse is helping the seniors find girlfriends.
     The differences between the two are very apparent but they have this unmistakable chemistry. Jesse helps Maura become a little less rigid and Maura grounds Jesse. Susan does a wonderful job writing both characters, but I found myself identifying with Maura. I am a fairly outgoing girl but working in a library, you find yourself surrounded by older people. Not a great place to find a boyfriend but give us quiet girls a hottie on a motorcycle? Hello!
    Body Heat is a supremely cute, hot romance dealing with two very different people finding one another. Jesse finds Maura at a tough time in his life and Maura encounters Jesse at the perfect moment. The waters are rough but they definitely find their perfect other half. This was the first book by Susan I have read but will not be the last. Here’s hoping from a librarian in Missouri that there is a sequel!

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Book Details

Publisher: Brava

# of Pages: 320

Date of Publication: November 27, 2012

ISBN: 978-80758274809

Where can you find Susan Fox?

Facebook

Goodreads

Susan Fox’s Official Website

Brava Authors

"Double Time: Sinners on Tour" By: Olivia Cunning Review

"Double Time"

By: Olivia Cunning

Synopsis from Goodreads

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.

My Thoughts
   I read my first Olivia Cunning book this past May around my birthday. I remember it pretty vividly because after I read “Backstage Pass” I immediately ran to my computer and purchased the second title, “Rock Hard” for my nook. I have read her other series and enjoyed them. Olivia Cunning has an amazing way of writing characters that you know inside and out and you love them for it. Sadly though, “Double Time” is completely missing the magic her other books have.
    First off lets talk about the sequencing of these books. Other reviewers have mentioned it too, but its a supremely bad play on both the publisher and Olivia’s part to release the last book in the series third. I have NEVER seen this done before and have to wonder at the motivation for it. Two other band members who are going to be getting books are actively talked about and the women they decide to marry. Why would they release the last book third? It ruins the others happily ever after and honestly dampens my enthusiasm for their books.
    I’ve loved Trey since the first book when it became clear he was wildly in love with Brian. He was heartfelt, earnest, and just so gosh dang sweet. He deserved his happily ever and he deserved a good one.
    When Trey encounters Reagan there is a guitar contest and she wins. Shortly after she joins him in the hot tub and then later that evening they get frisky with one another. Same day, same night, just within a few hours they are “in love” with one another and Trey is thinking about how good of a woman Reagan is. It seemed rushed, unrealistic to the extreme, and not in character with Trey whatsoever.
      Beyond this quick meet and greet so to speak, Trey is automatically attracted to Reagan’s male roommate. Reagan ok’s this relationship because Trey wants it but that too seemed rushed and just forced. As I read the story I kept shaking my head and thinking there was no way she’d do that. The m/m storyline didn’t bother me, but the just general lack of concern on Reagan’s part bothered me. My boyfriend wants to invite another person into our bed, ok, that’s cool. That’s pretty much all of the thought process that goes through her mind but in my mind I’d at least be asking some questions.
      There were some enjoyable parts. I think Olivia does a wonderful job of writing guys just hanging out and I really liked seeing the bandmates interact. They are funny and serious but also with that quality of realness that is enjoyable to read.
      So what should you do if you are a fan of this series? To be honest, I skimmed a lot of it because it seemed like one sexual encounter after another, with very little story. That bit of story was split into unrealistic actions on the behalf of Trey and Reagan and then interactions with the bandmates. I am glad I read the other parts, they were funny and enjoyable. However, on the whole I was unimpressed and frankly disappointed. Here’s hoping that the next installment, “Hot Ticket” featuring Jace and Aggie is much better!

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Book Details

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Date of Publication: November 6, 2012

# of Pages: 416

ISBN: 978-1402271519

Olivia Cunnings’ Sinners on Tour Series

“Backstage Pass”

“Rock Hard”

“Double Time”

“Hot Ticket” (Feb 2013)

“Snared” (2013)

"Tall, Dark & Heartless" By: R.L. Mathewson Review

"Tall, Dark & Heartless"

By: R.L. Mathewson

Synopsis from Goodreads:

     He should have left her and never looked back.......
     But, that's not how things played out for Caine, a nearly one thousand year old Pyte, who should have known better. Instead of walking away years ago, he stuck around and watched over the only woman he'd ever cared about. When trouble finds her, he knows that he should just cut his losses and walk away, but there was no fighting the hold that woman had on him and now they were both paying the price.
     Danni didn't care that she wasn't technically a Sentinel and was putting her life in danger every time she went out on patrol, because she had a job to do. It was the only thing that mattered to her anymore and she wasn't going to let it go without a fight. Unfortunately for her, she didn't foresee her ex-boyfriend selling her out to a Master, being captured, locked up and stuck in a room with the cranky Pyte that broke her heart years ago and wouldn't stop glaring at her as if their little predicament was all her fault.

My Thoughts:
    So first off, a confession. This is the third book in the “Pyte” series but its the first book I read. Its about a given when you start in the middle of the series, you will be a little lost, but luckily I was able to find my way around pretty good. I even thought about stopping and starting with the first book, but ultimately was enjoying it so much I forged ahead!
     Caine is a Pyte, pretty much an equivalent of a vampire. He drinks blood, super strength, stays in during the day...the whole deal. Danni is the daughter of a Sentinel, a group of people whose job it is to keep Pytes in control and ensure they don’t kill humans. Can you see where this is going? Of course, Caine and Danni fall for one another!
     Caine is the ultimate stand-offish/loner. He was close to Danni when she was younger but as soon as she became an adult, he knew he couldn’t be around her. He didn’t want to go all toothy on her if you know what I mean. Yet when Danni is abducted by another vampire, who is there to save her? Caine.
      I loooved Caine, I don’t know any other way to put it. He was so solitary but craved attention and just human contact in general. He wanted what was best for everyone, but didn’t know how to go about doing it. To be honest, I don’t know if Danni was a very good match for him. She was oh so whiny at times and seemed to like making him suffer, which quickly began to irritate me.
     All in all, this book is a great addition to the Pyte series. I’m happy to say since I read this, I have went back and read the other two in the series. They are both pretty great too. Quirky and at times a little cheesy, they never are dull and introduce you to an entirely different and new paranormal world. Huzzah R.L. Mathewson! So glad to have found this new author!

Book Details

Publisher: Self Publication

Date of Publication: April 2012

# of Pages: 957

ISBN: 978-0983212584

Be sure to check out the rest of the series!

1. “Tall, Dark, and Lonely”

2. “Without Regret”

3. “Tall, Dark, and Heartless”

"Loving David" By: Gina Hummer Review

"Loving David"

By: Gina Hummer

Synopsis from Goodreads:

What would you do if someone like Ryan Reynolds or Robert Pattinson jumped into your car?

That’s what happens to Charlotte when out of nowhere, gorgeous movie star David King becomes her surprise passenger. Not recognizing him at first, the startled Charlotte’s initial impulse is to mace him. But once she realizes who he is and that he’s making an escape from a crowd of zealous fans, she puts away her pepper spray and thinks what a great story she’ll have to tell her girlfriends! 
From there, the impossible happens: the two take tentative steps toward romance, and a relationship blooms. But Charlotte is a behind-the-scenes romance writer, and David is an in-the-spotlight and in-the-tabloids celebrity. Could it ever work?

Charlotte’s defenses drop one by one. Their age difference doesn’t really matter, and though their realities are worlds apart, they begin to become one. Just when everything seems to be leading to a storybook ending, David’s past intrudes, and Charlotte has to wonder if his romance with fellow star Olivia Hudson really is over.

My Thoughts
     “Loving David” was another title recommended if you like “Fifty Shades,” and I was intrigued. Just by looking at the cover, you wouldn’t even think this had anything close to Fifty and in my opinion it wasn’t, but I can see the comparisons. The intense emotional journey you go on through this tale is similar but very different, but in a good way, I promise!
     Charlotte and David meet one afternoon as David is running from fans and the rabid paparazzi in a small town. Charlotte is a forty something romance writer  (Yay!) and David is a 30-something up and coming actor known throughout the world. In an effort to hide David from crazy fans, Charlotte allows him to stay with her and her friends at a writer’s retreat.
   Over the course of a couple of weeks, David insinuates himself into Charlotte’s quiet life. She is interested in David, but finds their age difference a bit daunting to get around. It doesn’t bother David in the least, but he worries Charlotte’s insecurities won’t ever let them be together.
    Other reviewers have said it and I’m going to repeat it, “Loving David” is an emotional rollercoaster. I loved it, I wanted to shake Charlotte and say, what are you thinking; and at other times I just sighed myself lovin’ David a little bit. And the ending! Oh my gosh! The ending...I don’t want to spoil it but I will admit, I didn’t see it coming and it left me with a tear and a smile.
     The secondary characters in this novel help create an environment for both romance a bit of hilarity. Emma was by far my favorite friend of Charlotte's! She was a 70+ widowed writer who doesn’t care what anyone thinks, so she speaks her mind. Here’s a conversation between David and Charlotte that made me giggle...and its about my favorite character, Emma!

“I have to say; I can’t imagine being bored around such an outspoken group.” David snuggled down into the chair a bit and looked at Charlotte. “Plus it’s nice to be around women who don’t want to pull my hair or rip my clothes off.”

Charlotte let out a huge laugh. “I think Emma may have wanted to rip your clothes off!”

David chuckled. “God bless, Emma.”

    “Loving David” is an excellent romance for folks dying for an emotional connection. Funny, loving, at times frustrating, but above all else enjoyable, I found Charlotte and David’s journey to be heartbreaking and sweet. It sounds like a mess of contradictions I know, but when you read the book, you’ll know exactly what I mean. It may leave you with a tear but underneath it all there will be a smile.

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Book Details 

Publisher: CreateSpace

# of Pages: 302

Date of Publication: December 3, 2011

ISBN: 978-1466343303

Gina has offered to give away TWO copies of 

"Loving David" to a commenter. 

Leave me a comment with your e-mail and 

"Loving David" could be yours!!

"One Night Rodeo" By: Lorelei James Review

"One Night Rodeo"

By: Lorelei James

Synopsis from Goodreads:

All it takes is one night to change a cowboy’s life… Barrel racer Celia Lawson knows better than to tangle with bull rider Kyle Gilchrist. The sexy cowboy’s love ‘em and leave ‘em ways have earned him a reputation on the rodeo circuit, and he’s always seen her as his best friend’s kid sister. But after one wild, tequila-fueled night, Celia wakes up to find out she’s gotten herself hitched—to a man she never should have married! When Celia insists on an annulment, Kyle has no good reason to say no—except he isn’t ready to let go of his new bride. But then Kyle inherits a sprawling Wyoming ranch, and seizes the opportunity to enlist Celia’s help. She agrees to lend a hand—with two conditions: He has to get up to speed as a rancher within six months; then they’ll get a divorce. And their marriage will be in name only. Kyle gives in to Celia’s demand, yet he's ready to prove to her he has what it takes to turn their one night rodeo into a lifetime of love….

My Thoughts:
     Since the beginning of the Black Top Cowboys series, I have had a soft spot for Celia. Kyle not so much, but Celia I’ve really felt for. Her parents died when she was young and being raised by two bone headed brothers isn’t the easiest life. The past three books we’ve watched Celia come into her own and I was so glad to finally see her happily ever after.
    Celia and Kyle have known one another since they were children. They had played together, rode bikes together, went to school and now both were on the rodeo circuit. While they each were semi-attracted to one another, they never once acted on it since Celia’s brothers would have had a heart attack. Yet as our book starts out, one morning both Celia and Kyle wake up, married to one another.

“You signed the papers. With little hearts by our names, if memory serves. So some part of you wanted to marry me, Celia.”

Her jaw dropped. He was wrong. Completely, totally, utterly wrong wrong wrong.

      Sure the book is a little formulaic, but I liked it. Kyle and Celia go back home and live in Kyle’s newly deceased father’s house, coincidentally fairly close to Celia’s family. The novel deals with changing perspectives of families and the changing Wyoming ranching life.
    What the story may lack in originality completely makes up for with Kyle and Celia. They are both spunky and strong willed, which leads to all sorts of delicious conflict. Whenever these two are in a room together, I almost wanted to cheer because they had the most delicious verbal sparring I've read in a long time. Love a smart dialogue and this one definitely has it.
     “One Night Rodeo” is a great romance for fans of the series or fans of western romance in general. Its a bit naughty with plenty of hilarious situations as Kyle learns to be a rancher. These two people are both thrown out a limb not knowing what will happen, so they each must make concessions and allowances in order to truly be happy with one another.

Book Details

Publisher: Penguin

Date of Publication: August 7, 2012

# of Pages: 304

ISBN: 978-0451236845

Check out the rest of the Black Top Cowboys Series

“Corralled”

“Saddled and Spurred”

“Wrangled and Tangled”

“One Night Rodeo”

"Promises Prevail" By: Sarah McCarty Review

"Promises Prevail"

By: Sarah McCarty

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Wyoming Territory 1870 

     Widowed and barren, Jenna sees the newborn left on her doorstep as a priceless gift worthy of any sacrifice. She knows she'll need a husband to keep the baby, but nothing prepares her for the man who offers.
     Big and dark, simmering with a deadly intensity, Clint McKinnely could put fear into the devil. He certainly strikes fear into her. But Jenna soon discovers that the man behind the reputation is the one man she longs to trust.
     A hard man burned out by the choices he's made, Clint is looking for a reason to go on. He finds one in Jenna Hennessy. Lushly plump, sweet and shy, she calls to him on every level. When it looks as though Jenna might lose the daughter she loves for lack of a husband, Clint steps forward. Having Jenna in his home brings Clint a peace he's never known, but even as he ferrets out the secrets that haunt Jenna's nightmares, Clint keeps his own close to his chest, knowing this marriage is temporary because there are some sins a man can't expect his wife to forgive.

My Thoughts:
    Are you in the mood for a fun, hot, historical western romance? Sarah McCarty can write a heck of a story, but what she does absolutely best is writing amazing western romances. The characters are complex and the stories are always interesting, which is already good...but oh my gosh, the romance is Ah-Mazing! “Promises Prevail” is the third book in her Promises series, but trust me, each book is so unique and fun they definitely do not need to be read in order.
     The story starts as Clint McKinley is entering a restaurant ran by Jenna Hennessey, our heroine. He has had an attraction to Jenna for quite some time, but decides to take that attraction to the next level when a young baby is left on the doorstep of Jenna’s home. Being single, alone on the wilderness is hard for any woman, but now with a brand new baby she isn’t about to give up on, Jenna needs help; which she accepts in the form of Clint.
     So within the first three or four chapters of the book, our hero and heroine are married, have kids to take care of and are living the kind of story most novels end with. What makes this romance special are the characters. Each is damaged, both having pretty horrible pasts, yet working through their problems and overcoming. You root for these people, you want them to succeed. And isn’t that the best compliment you can give an author, loving her characters as if they were part of your family?

She had sense, along with the incredible strength that allowed her to endure and rebuild when other would have given up. Problem was, she was too often done in by her big heart. (McCarty, 11)

     “Promises Prevail” is an amazing romance on all levels. Excellent characters and fast paced with just the right amount of will they, won’t they to make you continue reading. Easily one of my favorite romances of the year, I highly recommend this one if you like your romance a little hot and a lot western!

Book Details

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Date of Publication: September 1, 2005

# of Pages: 377

ISBN: 978-1419952447


Check out the rest of the "Promises" series
Promises Linger
Promises Keep
Promises Prevail
Promises Reveal

"New Species: Valiant" By: Laurann Dohner Review

"New Species: Valiant"

By: Laurann Dohner

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Tammy has always tried to be prepared for any calamity life might send her way but she never imagined a sexy, lion man-beast in her future. He's huge, got the most exotic, golden cat-eyes she's ever seen, and she's so terrified she's speechless for the first time in her life. He's stalking closer, growling at her, and she's too terrified to even flee.Valiant hates humans. But when he gets a whiff of the adorable human female who has invaded his territory, he starts rethinking. Her fear scents of pure, sweet temptation and the closer he gets, the more appealing she becomes. Once he's got his hands on her, he isn't about to let her go. One thought will change his life. MINE Before Tammy can regain her senses, she's flat on her back in Valiant's bed. Now he just has to use every inch of his big, buff body to convince her that she should stay with him forever.

My Thoughts

     Without a doubt, this is my favorite of the New Species series. Sure it follows the normal formula, but the characters really really work in this one. Valiant hates humans, seriously HATES them. He hates them for his past, the problems of his present, and threats to his future.
    Like many of the other books, Valiant scents Tammy and suddenly knows she is the “one” for him. Sure its hokey, and sure its been done, yet it works for me in this one. Tammy was pretty indepdent and unlike many of the other heroines, she doesn't just acquiese to Valiant. Sure he's scary, sure he's strong, yet Tammy isn't nervous around him.
     I know I'm not describing it the best, but the characters really make this novel. Its almost a cookie cutter of most of the other novels and has strong similarities to the Lora Leigh books, so beware. An excellent addition to the “New Species” series, I strongly recommend this one if you've read the others.

Have you read the New Species series yet? What did you think?

Book Details
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Date of Publication: September 14, 2011
# of Pages: 241
ISBN: 978-1419936005

"The Great Escape" By: Susan Elizabeth Phillips Review

"The Great Escape"

By: Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Synopsis from Goodreads:

     Lucy Jorik is a champ at never embarrassing the family she adores—not surprising since her mother is one of the most famous women in the world. But now Lucy has done just that. And on her wedding day, no less, to the most perfect man she's ever known.
     Instead of saying "I do" to Mr. Irresistible, Lucy flees the church in an ill-fitting blue choir robe and hitches a ride on the back of a beat-up motorcycle plastered with offensive bumper stickers. She's flying into the unknown with a rough-looking, bad-tempered stranger who couldn't be more foreign to her privileged existence.
     While the world searches for her, Lucy must search for herself, and she quickly realizes that her customary good manners are no defense against a man who's raised rudeness to an art form. Lucy needs to toughen up—and fast.
     Her great escape takes her to his rambling beach house on a Great Lakes island. Here, she hopes to find a new direction . . . and unlock the secrets of this man who knows so much about her but reveals nothing about himself. As the hot summer days unfold amid scented breezes and sudden storms, she'll also encounter a beautiful, troubled beekeeper; a frightened young boy; a modern-day evil queen; and a passion that could change her life forever.

My Thoughts:
      I am a librarian and read over hundreds of books a year that cover a wide array of topics, genres, and authors. It’s a wonderful job, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t have too many favorites in the long run. There are very few authors and books that I write on my calendar the day they come out; Kresley Cole, Rachel Gibson, Sarah MacLean, and Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Seppies are a wild bunch but we are many and we are proud!
     “The Great Escape” is the 7th book in the Wynette, Texas series and does not disappoint in the least. The tale of Lucy Jorick (the daughter from “First Lady” and runaway bride from “Call Me Irresistible”) and Panda, her security escort and wild man on a motorcycle. Just a small warning, this book can be read by itself but I highly recommend you reading the previous book where Lucy runs away just to understand a bit of the back story.
    Lucy was to marry Ted Beaudine but ran away at the last minute. Standing in the alley behind the church, and not knowing where to go or what to do, Lucy hops on the back of a motorcycle of a complete stranger named Panda.
    Ms. Phillips is an absolute Queen of romance, the absolute ruler! She can write a road trip romance like nobody’s business and this one is simply fantastic. Panda has been secretly hired by Lucy’s parents to be her bodyguard. He’s ornery, funny, definitely hunky, and a perfect counterpart to Lucy’s crazy life.
    The duo finally ends up at Panda’s house in Minnesota. A wild array of supporting characters and funny situations finishes out this amazing romance of two wildly different people. Lucy is impulsive, yet smart and caring for those around her. Panda is tough to understand or truly know, but once you get to know him, he’ll love you for life.
    In this whole blog post, I have missed out on mentioning one of my favorite things about the book, the hilarity of it. Ms. Phillips can write funny like nobody’s business. Check out this funny scene that actually made me laugh out loud!

“Those awful bumper stickers are bad enough,” she said, “but at least a person has to be close to your bike to see them.”

He watched an alligator lolling in a patch of sunlight on the far bank. “I told you about the bumper stickers. 

She turned around in her seat, resting the paddle on her knees and letting him steer. “You said the bike’s previous owner put them on. So Why didn’t you let me peel them off?" 

He shifted his paddle to the other side. “Because I like them." 

She frowned at the message on his T-shirt: IT ONLY SEEMS KINKY THE FIRST TIME. 

“It was a gift,” he said. 

“From Satan?” (Phillips, 43)

     In case you haven’t realized it, I loooooved this book! The plot, the characters, the emotions, the romance of it all were perfect. I do realize reading the previous books was probably pretty necessary for the enjoyment of this one, but I think it would also be a fine read alone, you just may not love it as much as I do. Run and get this on, you won’t be sorry! Great characters, wonderful story, a steamy romance destined to leave you with a smile on your face.

Book Details 

Publisher: HarperCollins Publication 

Date of Publication: July 1, 2012 

# of Pages: 384 

ISBN: 9780062106100

"Mate Claimed" By: Jennifer Ashley Review

"Mate Claimed"

By: Jennifer Ashley

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Eric Warden knows that half-Shifter wildcat Iona is passing for human, living without a Collar in the human world. He also knows that if she does not acknowledge her Shifter nature and her mating hunger, it could kill her. Iona finds the mysterious and dangerous Eric, a wildcat and leader of his Shiftertown, haunting her dreams, but she vows never to "come out" and take the Collar, fearing backlash against her mother and sister for hiding the fact that she's Shifter. But Eric is a compelling Shifter male, and Iona's hunger calls to him.

My Thoughts:

     So I’ve been a fan of the Shifter’s series since the very first full length book, "Pride Mates." Something about a half human, half wildcat barely tamed kind of makes me happy. Weird but its such a neat take on a tired theme (Lora Leigh anyone?) that I jumped at the chance to read this one when it appeared on Edelweiss.
     Eric is the head of a shifter town we haven’t been explored very much. “Wild Cat” deals with Eric’s sister, if you were wondering how the books were related. Back to the shifters - Eric stops in at a bar one night and notices this girl. He knows she’s part shifter, but no one else seems to. When he confronts her about it, she’s shocked because no one else had ever suspected besides her mom and her sister.
    In Ashley’s world, all of the Shifters had to take a special collar in order to be tamed. The collar keeps their adrenaline levels down and ensures they don’t hurt one another or in particular, humans. So an uncollared shifter, with no training or family to fall back on, is a pretty big deal and Eric isn’t about to let loose Iona on the world. So he takes it upon himself to help her transition into the Shiftertown culture.
     Eric and Iona are two pretty special characters. This may sound strange, but I loved Eric’s love for his family. Having had a fairly hard life and a wife to die during childbirth, Eric should be pretty hardened individual. But he isn’t. He is open to the future, wanting things to change for the better and fighting off those who would have them go back to the dark days of before. Iona is so free, it would be lovely just to be that open and free with people.
     “Mate Claimed” is a fantastic addition to Ashley’s Shifter Series. Utterly original and really fun, fans of the series will cheer when Eric and Iona finally find what they’ve been missing in one another. Can’t wait until the next title, “Tiger Magic” arrives in 2013!

I received this title from Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.

Book Details

Publisher: Penguin

Date of Publication: October 2, 2012

# of Pages: 336

ISBN: 978-1101611470

Jennifer Ashley’s Shifter’s Unbound Series

Shifter Made

Pride Mates

Primal Bonds

Bodyguard

Wild Cat

Hard Mated

Mate Claimed

Tiger Magic (Coming in 2013)

Book Blurb & Review with Giveaway -- "Laying Down the Law" By: Delilah Devlin

"Laying Down the Law"

By: Delilah Devlin

The TripleHorn Brand, Book 1 

A lifetime ago, Zuri Prescott kicked the dirt off her boots and ditched her small-time small town for the glam city life—and lived to regret it. When she’s framed for a bank job, she lights out for home, seeking refuge with her old high school sweetheart while she figures out her next steps. Only she discovers that the boy she left behind is the last man she should trust.

Sheriff Colt Triplehorn knows trouble when he sees it, especially when it comes in the form of a familiar trespasser, caught naked between an angry bull and her underwear. Sure she’s up to her usual no good, he grants her sanctuary at his ranch—the better to keep an eye on her, and purge her from his system once and for all.

Reconnection is sweet and hot, but the heat can’t hide the truth. When Colt inevitably finds out what Zuri’s running from, it’s too late to put the fire out, and he’s got a career-compromising choice on his hands. Follow the letter of the law, or follow his heart.

Product Warnings: When a sheriff captures the girl who got away, expect revenge so hot it leaves brands on two lonely hearts…

About the Author

 Delilah Devlin is an award-winning author of erotic romance with a rapidly expanding reputation for writing edgy stories with complex characters. Ms. Devlin has published over a hundred stories in multiple sub-genres and lengths with Atria/Strebor, Avon, Berkley, Black Lace, Cleis Press, Ellora’s Cave, Kensington, Kindle, Running Press, and Samhain Publishing. In January 2013, she’ll add Montlake Romance to her list of publishers when SHATTERED SOULS releases! 

Website: http://www.delilahdevlin.com/ 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DelilahDevlinFanPage

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DelilahDevlin

My Thoughts

** I want to apologize to Ms. Devlin for not getting my review up on time. First our electricity went out and then as soon as I got to work I began to get sick, which ended up in a trip to the doctor, a shot, prescription medications and sleeping 20 hours. As soon as I woke up this morning, I jumped up and realized that I hadn't updated the blog post and for that, I deeply apologize!**

    Devlin has done it again! I pretty much gobble up anything she writes and “Laying Down the Law” is another hit. Zuri is caught up in a bank robbery and ultimately is framed for something she didn’t do. What else can she do really but go back to her small hometown and to the only person she has truly loved?
    Colt Triplehorn is surprised to find Zuri back and can’t help himself when he decides to be her protector. His family is against the idea and feels he should leave well enough alone, but he goes against their advice and brings Zuri back to his home and his life.
    I think the magic in Delilah’s character’s are in their simplicity. You feel like you know Zuri, know her motivations and understand why she does the things she does. it creates a likeability factor and you root for the couple throughout the whole story. Plus, Delilah writes in such a hot way the pages almost burn your fingers. Fun and fast, “Laying down the Law” is great for fans of western romances or someone looking for that great next “hot” read! Desperately waiting for the next in this series, I can't wait to know what happens to Colt's hot brothers!

Excerpt

She’d landed on her knees, her pantyhose shredding on impact—the long, fat ladder that rippled up her thigh as strangely upsetting as the masked man behind her who grabbed her by the hair and pulled her up to face the security alarm.

She’d pressed the buttons on the key pad, disarming the premises alarm and dropped her hands. But another nudge of hard steel against her back, and his hushed, “The vault alarm too, sweetheart,” had her punching a second set of numbers before he hustled her around the corner toward the vault, out of sight of her manager who waited in the parking lot for the all-clear signal.

The vault operated on a timer. At any other time of day, she wouldn’t have been able to open it—a fact that didn’t register until later. She’d spun the two combination locks, heard the inner mechanisms clang as they released, and he’d reached around her to grab the lever and push it down. The large steel door swung open.

The thief had shoved her through the anteroom with security deposit boxes lining both walls, heading straight for the locked door at the rear. Again, he’d waited while she found the key and opened the door, then shoved the mesh interior gate inward.

Forcing her to her knees, he’d wrapped her wrists and ankles in duct tape, and pulled a hood over her head.

Then she’d been left to shiver on the floor, listening to the sounds he made as she followed him in her mind through the gate while he scooped stacks of cash into a bag. One side only. Later, the assistant manager pointed out that the thief must have been timing himself, a real pro, because he’d skipped the temptation of pausing to finish the sweep.

Less than five minutes had passed since they’d entered. Another two and the manager would call the police.

Giveaway Details

Delilah will be awarding a $20 Amazon Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. 

Leave a comment with your e-mail to be entered!

Check out the other stops on the tour! 

September 24:  My Odd Little World
September 25:  The Brunette Librarian
September 25:  Delighted Reader Book Reviews
September 26:  SnifferWalk
September 27:  Where Love and Destiny Collide
September 27:  Reviews by Molly