Christmas Awards 2011

Sunday 28 June 2015

Fatal Pursuit

Fatal Pursuit by Elisabeth Naughton

Publisher: Montlake Romance

July 2015

ISBN: 9781503944800

Pages: 338


Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Marley Addison is the op manager for Aegis Security and five years ago her lover died in a South American raid that went horribly wrong, at least that is what she thought. She receives a phone call telling her that he is actually alive and in danger.  Marley vows to bring him home safely even if she has been kept out of the field for the last few years by Aegis CEO and former Navy SEAL Jake Ryder. Jake then shows up in Columbia to help, leaving Marley annoyed.  It also makes her a little distracted by a boss that is alarmingly handsome.

With things between Marley and Jake heating up in the wilderness they find that their rescue mission is filled with treachery. Jake is domineering but finds himself having to rely on Marley for survival. When their mission takes a shocking and deadly turn can Marley depend on Jake?


This is part of a series that can be read as a standalone book.  When readers read this one they will want to read the first books in the series as this proves to be an intense and amazing series.  The action is almost nonstop and makes for a book that is very hard to put down as readers will want to know what is going to happen next.  The suspense keeps going until the end and will have readers trying to guess just what is going on with all the different characters. It will also have readers wanting to read more from this series. 


Received a review copy


I give this one 4-1/2 red roses



LRH

Warrior's Heart

Warrior’s Heart Book Three of the Iron Portal Series by Laurie London

Publisher: LB Books

June 2015

ISBN: 978-0-9882734-5-0

Pages: 211


Paranormal Romance

Zara Kane leads a double life. During the day she works at the library and is a respected antiquities expert. At night though she is a thief that steals the artifacts that belong to her homeland. Years ago she was abandoned by the man she once loved when she needed him the most though when she finds out he has been wrongly imprisoned, she uses her para-ability Talent to orchestrate a daring escape.

Vince Crawford has suffered years of suffering and torture and is now a damaged man. The beautiful boy with the sparking brown eyes he used to be is now gone and in his place is now a jaded ex-con that is hell-bent on revenge. He is not afraid of anything.  Though when a ruthless enemy who knows his greatest weakness threatens the woman he never stopped loving and the son he never knew he had he will stop at nothing to keep them safe.  Even if the cost is his life.


This is an amazing book that is part of a series.  It holds up very well on its own as a standalone but it will have readers eagerly looking for the other books in the series to read more about a world that proves to be engrossing and different. It has a lot of action and takes some great twists and turns and keeps the reader hanging until the very end on if everything will work out for the characters.  The story will also having readers wanting to read the next book in the series.


Received a review copy


I give this one 4 red roses



LRH

Broken

Broken by Cynthia Eden

Publisher: Avon

March 2015

ISBN: 978-0-06-234956-9

Pages: 384


Contemporary Romantic Suspense


Gabe Spencer is an ex-SEAL and the founder of LOST and he is used to the unusual in his job.  The moment when Eve Gray walks into his office though he is rattled.  The mysterious woman is a dead ringer for an heiress that is believed to be the latest prey of the Lady Killer who is a serial killer.

Eve woke up in an Atlanta hospital with her past a complete blank. When she sees her face in the newspaper she is determined to learn the truth.  She never expects a partner in Gabe when she is determined to confront the nightmares that her mind is hiding. 

Their attraction becomes explosive and irresistible as they work together.  Gabe’s desire for Eve is growing stronger and bordering on obsession and nothing pulls him away from her. Gabe is determined to protect Eve at all costs especially when another Eve lookalike disappears.  Eve may have forgotten the killer from her past but he has definitely not forgotten her.


This is a start of a new series that starts out fast and engrossing.  The plot and suspense woven into the story keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they try to figure out who is behind all that is happening. With all the great suspects it will keep readers guessing until the very end.  The story takes some fantastic twists and turns that makes this one book that is extremely hard to put down.  It will also have readers wanting to read the next book in the series.  It will also be a book that will have a lot of readers putting on their keeper shelves.


Received a review copy


I give this one 5++ red roses



LRH

Hunger

Hunger (Blood Rose Tales Book 2) by Caris Roane

Publisher: Twin Bridges Creations

March 2014

Pages: 68


Contemporary Paranormal Romance


Yolen is determined to protect Brianna and he feels the best way to do that is by keeping his love life and work life separate.  He is determined to do whatever it takes to keep her safe even if that means keeping her at a distance especially after he saw his best friend slaughtered by the enemy. Except she doesn’t seem to understand and wants more from and of him. If that isn’t bad enough his mastyr calling is surging whenever he is around her, which makes him crave her even more. He digs his heels in and sticks to their Friday nights only because he believes in what he is doing. Is he risking losing her, the woman he loves by keeping her at arm’s length?

Brianna wants a deeper connection with Yolen, who she loves. Unfortunately he has sworn to limit their relationship to one date a week. As if that isn’t enough her heart is laboring with an overproduction of what Yolen needs most but he’s not around to relieve the strain on her heart. Now with another vampire courting her and one that has embraced his mastyr calling Brianna finds herself drawn to him in a way she doesn’t understand. She agrees to go out with him as she can’t seem to help herself.  She loves Yolen body and soul so how can she turn away from him? Will this make Yolen finally relent and give her what she needs?


This is an interesting book that has a lot of action and it makes for a fast read.  It proves to be another book in a series that is proving to be very different and fun to read.  The characters are well developed and interesting and it moves the story along very well. It will also have readers hoping for more in this series.  The world building is amazing and readers can easily imagine it and get lost in it.  This is definitely one to check out.


Received a review copy


I give this one 4-1/2 red roses



LRH

Saturday 20 June 2015

Seduced

Seduced The Blood Rose Tales: 3 by Caris Roane

Publisher: Twin Bridges Creations LLC

August 2014

Pages: 91


Contemporary, Paranormal Romance



Charlotte Vail is irresistibly drawn to Grochaire Realm’s top agent for the RIU – the Realm Investigative Unit. He is a man that is known for his ability to run criminals to earth.  Mastyr Willem is facing the toughest case of his life and yet he finds himself in dogged pursuit of Charlotte.  She is a human student at the local realm university. When he recognizes that Charlotte is a phenomenon known as a Blood Rose his mating vibration suddenly comes to life after being dormant for decades. As their relationship evolves Willem soon discovers unsettling truths.  Truths about the unique power Charlotte has and the connection they both seem to have with the infamous Infinity killer.

Charlotte needs to figure out if she can accept the new role she finds she is meant to play in Willem’s realm.  Willem has to decide if he can overcome the shame of his past so he can feel worthy of her.


This is proving to be a very good series and as each story unfolds more of this world is unveiled and proves to just as interesting as the different characters in the series.  It is a fast and easy read that makes for the perfect book to read for a short break.  The mystery in this one is interesting and really moves the story along very well.  It is definitely a series worth checking out.


Received a review copy


I give this one 4-1/2 red roses




LRH

Darkness Falls

Darkness Falls: Revelers Series 1 by Erin Kellison

Publisher: Fire Flower Publishing, LLC

May 2014

Pages: 145


Contemporary, Paranormal Romance


California


Malcolm Rook is an agent that hunts people with a very rare talent. The talent to master dreams. He soon finds Jordan Lane who is undeniably gifted.  Jordan though is wary of the mysterious Rook.  She resists his pursuit as long as possible. The dreamwaters that they enter is exhilarating and hard to resist though and their attraction soon ignites their passions. But when they delve too deep they end up stirring a nightmare that if they don’t want to be lost forever to darkness they will have to defeat.



This is an interesting and very different paranormal story.  It also makes for a story that is hard to put down. As it ends in kind of cliffhanger it will also have readers wanting to read the next book to see just where this one will take them. The premise is one that makes for a story that in a class all its own.  This is definitely one worth checking out. 


Received a review copy


I give this one 4-1/2 red roses



LRH

Enticed by Blood

Enticed by Blood by Laurie London

Publisher: LB Books

March 2015

Pages: 46


Contemporary Paranormal Romance


New Orleans, Louisiana


Juliette Bishop flies to New Orleans on a business matter for her ailing father.  When she gets there she comes face to face with her former lover, Andre Lescarbeau.  That is a lot more than she bargained for even if he is as handsome as he is mysterious.


This is a very short story but is very good. The characters are interesting and keep the story moving along very well.  It will have readers wanting to read more from this world. Readers who like vampire stories should check this one out. Since it is short it is a great story to read for a nice break. 


Received a review copy


I give this one 4 red roses



LRH

Trapped

Trapped (Blood Rose Tales Book 1) by Caris Roane

Publisher: Twin Bridges Creations, LLC

January 2014

Pages: 49


Contemporary Paranormal Romance


Zephyr is a one-man fighting force and also a Mastyr Vampire.  He also struggles to save the life of a woman that despises his warrior ways. He doesn’t feel he can give up his life as a warrior just to please a woman.

Zephyr just can’t stay away from Alesia.  He feel obligated to keep her safe even if they are unable to reconcile their opposing views on what to do with the Invictus pairs that are evil and it has caused them to break up with each other. Zephyr takes Alesia home with him where they are trapped together for the day when her diner is attacked by several wraith-pairs. Soon though he finds that she is the key to taking away his chronic blood-starvation when the problem surfaces as they spend the day together. Though now he has to figure out if her disapproval will ruin the moment again if she offers to take care of his needs.

Alesia just wants Zephyr to leave her alone. She is trying to start a new life since they broke up months ago. It causes problems when he is the one man that can make her toes curl. She promised herself that she would never go home with him but that changes when she has no choice because the Invictus pairs attacked her diner. Now that she is trapped with him she is finding it very hard to resist the comfort of his arms or the sensual feel of his lips on hers. She has to figure out if she will be more vulnerable than before if she offers to meet his blood-needs just this once.


This is proving to be an interesting and unique series that takes the vampire genre and turns it on its head. The story line is different and as it is a short story a very fast and easy read. The story makes it feel that it is longer than it actually is with all the detail and action that is in it. It will also having readers wanting to read the next book in the series which luckily is already out.


Received a review copy


I give this one 4 red roses



LRH



Deal with the Devil

Deal with the Devil (Purgatory Book 4) by Cynthia Eden

Publisher: Hocus Pocus Publishing, Inc.

June 2015

Pages: 212


Contemporary, Paranormal Romance


Eric Pate is the director of the PARA Unit and as such is used to making his own rules. While everyone rushes to obey his orders and commands no one knows his secrets. He makes sure no one gets too close or at least he did until he met her.

Ella Lancaster is tired of constantly being a prisoner. She thought she escaped hell but finds she is still there.  Eric keeps her contained with his agents and doesn’t consider it punishment. He sees it as a form of protection. Unfortunately for Eric he is wrong. Ella can take care of herself and doesn’t need to be protected from anyone or anything.

Eric and Ella find themselves battling a supernatural beast that they never expected when the PARA Unit is attacked. They make a deal as they are forced to join forces. Soon they are fighting together and their attraction to each other can no longer be controlled or contained. It is hot, wild and consuming. Soon the deal Ella made with her devil takes over her life.

As Eric gets in deeper and deeper with Ella his legendary control begins to fall apart. He has kept his beast chained but now it is rising to the surface. When the devil loses control though there is real hell to pay.


This is another great book in a series that pulls readers in and keep them addicted to an amazing series.  Each book adds more to the series and builds the world even more.  While each book can be read as a stand alone there are enough threads that are tied together and weave throughout the series that it is much better to read the series in order.  As each book takes the reader deeper into this world it will have them wanting more from this world just to see where else it will take them.  It is full of action and suspense that keeps the series fresh and new with each and every book.


Received a review copy


I give this one 5 red roses



LRH

The Girl on the Train

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Publisher: Riverhead Books

January 2015

ISBN: 978-1-59463-366-9

Pages: 323


Contemporary Suspense, Romantic elements


London


Every day Rachel takes the same commuter train.  Each day she goes by a stretch of cozy suburban homes and stops at a signal that lets her watch the same couple as they have breakfast on their deck.  Every day she looks forward to it.  After so much time she feels like she knows them and she calls them Jess and Jason.  As far as she can tell their life is perfect. Like the life she recently lost.

Then one day she sees something that shocks her. It takes just a minute before the train moves on but it is long enough. Now nothing is the same. Rachel goes to the police to share what she knows. The police though feel she is unreliable but is she? All too soon she is deeply entangled in the lives of those involved. She is also deeply involved in the investigation. Now the question is has she done more harm than good.


This is a great suspense story that keeps the reader engrossed until the very end.  Just as the reader thinks they know where the story is headed it takes another twist that will have readers wondering just how this one is going to end. The characters are well written and so is the plot. While some readers might figured out how it is going to end there is still enough twists that it will keep readers turning the pages.  This is one story that readers will find very hard to put down and will stay up all night to finish.  This is one book that is a must read.



I give this one 5 red roses



LRH

Wednesday 10 June 2015

Ravaged 1001 Dark Nights

Ravaged (1001 Dark Nights novella) by Elisabeth Naughton

Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Inc.

June 2015

ISBN: 978-1-940887-58-6

Pages: 135



Contemporary, Mythological Romance


Ari was once an Eternal Guardian but now as a rogue mercenary he just focuses on one thing and that is revenge.

All of Ari’s guardian brothers believe he is dead but what they don’t know is that he is alive in the human realm. He is causing havoc against Zeus’ Sirens every chance he gets. Ari is revealing in his brutality and anonymity. At least he was until he abducted the wrong female and now his identity has been exposed. After everything Ari has done it is going to take more than the gods and the Eternal Guardians to rein him in. Though the courage of one woman that is willing to stand up to the warrior that has become a savage just might be able to do what others are unable to.



This is great fast story that is full of action and romance and makes for a book that is hard to put down.  It is another story in the Eternal Guardians series that will have readers coming back over and over. The characters are very well written. With the characters flaws and dealing with each of their different pasts it will have readers hoping they will have a very happy ever after in the end. The characters will be pulling at readers heartstrings.  The characters will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.


Received a review copy


I give this one 5 red roses


LRH


Rules of the Game

Rules of the Game by Lori Wilde

Publisher: Avon

May 2015

ISBN: 978-0-06-231128-3

Pages: 352


Contemporary Romance



Stardust, Texas

Jodi Carlyle breaks out into a cold sweat when the word “wedding” is uttered. It has been a year since she was dumped at the altar and two days after turning 30. She decides it is time for her to break some rules, which she does by dressing to the nines, hiring a limo, and crashing an upscale wedding.

While there she catches the eye of Jake Coronado who is the new star of the Dallas Gunslingers. He is sexy and hot and he also stays by her side all evening.  Jodi figures he is the perfect fling. She also thinks after a wild weekend where they do everything and then some and with him thinking her name is Gwendolyn she will never have to see him again. She thinks wrong.

Jake is the best man in Jodi’s sister’s wedding. He is also just as seductive as ever.  Jake is also determined to turn their one-night stand into happily-ever-after.



This is a story that will pull readers in and also pull on their heartstrings.  This one has some amazing characters that make for a book that is very hard to put down. Readers will both want to take their time reading it and also reading fast just to see how things turn out between Jodi and Jake. This is the second book in the series and while it can be read as a standalone readers will find it much more enriching and enjoyable if they read the first book first.  It will also have readers wanting to return to Stardust and hoping to have another book from Stardust very soon.  This is an author that never disappoints and writes some wonderful small town romances that will have readers remembering them long after they finish each book.  This is definitely a must read.


Receive a review copy


I give this one 5 red roses



LRH

Sweet Dreams

Sweet Dreams box set

Publisher: Brenda Novak’s Online Auction for Diabetes Research

May 2015

Pages: 1567


Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Suspense


Aim to Kill by Allison Brennan
Alex Morgan is a disgraced former cop that is shot when she saves the life of California’s Lieutenant Governor.  She doesn’t expect to be caught up in the middle of an FBI sting, an old rivalry or a deadly conspiracy and cold blooded murder.


Until Death by Cynthia Eden
Ivy DuLane sees more than she should during Mardi Gras. As she is trying to figure out what is going on she runs into her former lover who is the detective on the case and the man who broke her heart.  This time around Bennett Morgan is determined to never let her go.


Crossed by J.T. Ellison
Lieutenant Taylor Jackson meets FBI profiler Dr. John Baldwin when she is investigating a madman that is creating an end-of-days apocalypse of his own.


Toys in the Attic by Heather Graham
Michael Quinn and Danni Cafferty are called in to help a friend of Quinn’s when the friend’s sister is injured. As Quinn and Danni are used to dealing with matters that tend to be unusual they are the perfect team to solve what is going on with their friends.


Dirty Deeds by Liliana Hart
J.J. Graves and Jack Lawson are enjoying their honeymoon when they are called in to help investigate a ritualistic murder.


Before Evil by Alex Kava
The case that has Special Agent Maggie O’Dell destined to a career of chasing killers.


Bad Break by CJ Lyons
FBI Agent and workaholic Lucy Guardino takes her daughter on vacation. The plans were to have fun and relax not end up embroiled in a murder. Nor was Lucy’s plan to have her daughter play amateur sleuth that ends up having disastrous consequences.


Secret Hideaway by Carla Neggers
Ellen Galway enlists the help of a Texas Ranger when her twin sister disappears.





Hanover House by Brenda Novak
Evelyn Talbott is a psychiatrist that is studying serial killers at a new revolutionary medical health center in remote Hilltop, Alaska. Evelyn is determined to unlock the mysteries of the anti-social mind.  No matter what it takes even if it kills her. Being surrounded by men that feel no remorse just might mean that very thing.


Dead Man Running by Theresa Ragan
Events end up being set in motion when a man is accused of murder escapes prison in a body bag. He is determined to prove his innocence.


Random Acts by Erica Spindler
Michaela Dee Dare is a reformed southern belle that is now a kick ass cop. Micki is working to solve the link between a series of bizarre murders that seem completely random in New Orleans.


Without Malice by Jo Robertson
Santiago Cruz is a parole officer that takes it personal when his parolees seem to be the target of someone that is killing homeless people. With the help of prison doctor Frankie Jones they work to trace the brutal deaths to their tragic origin while dealing with no clear motive or murder weapon.


Turn the Tables by Tiffany Snow
Blane and Kade are on a brother bonding trip to Sin City, and Las Vegas proves to never be the same again.



This one is worth getting because not only does it support a great cause but it will give readers a chance to discover some new to them authors and to also read some authors they might already love.  The suspense in each story is great and with all the different stories readers are sure to find one that is right up their alley.  The stories keep the suspense racketed up until the very last page of each one. Some of the stories takes some twists that will keep readers guessing until the very end.  There are some novellas and some of the stories are more novel length but with so much to choose from it makes for some great reading. It can also be read a little at a time or all together.  This proves to have some great stories that reader will get lost in and keep reading until the early hours of the morning.


Received a review copy



I give this set 5 red roses



LRH