Christmas Awards 2011

Wednesday 31 August 2011

The Lost


The Lost by Caridad Pineiro

Publisher: Grand Central

August 2011

ISBN: 978-0-446-58461-6

Pages: 352


Paranormal Contemporary, Jersey Shore, New Jersey


Roberta “Bobbie” Carrera has had enough of fighting after getting injured in Iraq. Now all she is interested in is living a life that is quiet and peaceful and healing from her injuries. When Bobbie first sets eyes on Adam Bruno she sees a man that draws her to him because of his strength. The next thing she knows is that he is being attacked and as she goes to help him she is drawn into a fight she isn’t sure she is ready to fight let alone that she wants to fight. The only thing Bobbie is sure of is that the draw she feels towards Adam is something she doesn’t seem able to fight so she will have to find out if she is up to helping Adam in his fight or if she is going to walk away from a man that has snared her attraction that doesn’t seem to want to let her go.

Adam Bruno is not the usual millionaire. Adam has powers that he works hard to find answers to but also works to hide from others. Now someone is after him and his abilities and Adam is going to have to find his answers quickly if he hopes to survive those after him. Adam doesn’t want Bobbie drawn into his fight especially since he isn’t sure what exactly is going on but he doesn’t seem able to fight the attraction between them and he is quickly finding out that he will do anything to protect Bobbie as her warrior heart is a strong a draw to her as the woman herself.

Now Adam and Bobbie are in a race to find out exactly what is happening to them and who the mysterious people are that are after them. People that seem to have the same powers as Adam. Bobbie seems to be the one person that helps Adam’s powers and the one person that seems to be completely unaffected by his abilities. Someone close to Adam is betraying him and if he doesn’t find out fast who he can trust then he just might not be able to win the fight that is headed his way.



This story is amazing and premise behind the story is one that is very different than most paranormals. The characters are well developed and will draw the reader into the story. The world building is excellent and will keep the reader turning the pages to find out what will happen next. This one will take the reader on a roller coaster ride that they will never forget and will mourn when they reach that very last page. This one is worth picking up and reading and if the reader hasn’t read this author before this will hook them on this authors books.


I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

Tuesday 23 August 2011

Hot Vampire Kiss


Hot Vampire Kiss by Lisa Renee Jones

Publisher: Lisa Renee Jones

August 2011

Pages: 100



Contemporary, Temple, Texas


Marissa’s month hasn’t been going the way she thought it would and it just got a whole lot worse. Marissa is about to find out about a world she had no idea existed and she is going to find out about it in a way that she could have done without. One night Marissa is attacked by a werewolf which infects her and she is suddenly finding out that vampires and werewolves do exist and that her life just might be over.

Evan Brooks became a vampire when he and his brothers were attacked by a vampire they went to hunting for the animal that had attacked and killed half of their town. Evan and his brothers were saved by a Warden and now they are Wardens charged with finding a werewolf that is attacking women. The werewolf is a rogue and it is the brothers’ job to track it down and take care of it before it kills anyone else. What Evan didn’t expect is to find a woman that is in the sights of the werewolf or to have feelings for her in just a short amount of time.

Now Evan will do whatever he has to do to save Marissa from the werewolf and anyone else that might be after her. He never expected to have the feelings he has for Marissa and never expected a chance at happiness that suddenly seems to be in his path. Now he is going to have to find a way to make sure the werewolf is stopped so that Marissa will be safe. He is also going to have to find a way to explain his life to Marissa so that she will understand the world she is now a part of.


This is a start of a trilogy that starts out great. This is different type of vampire story that holds it own against the many other vampire stories. The characters are engrossing and the story is fast paced that once the reader starts it they will find it hard to put down. It also will have the reader eagerly awaiting the next story in the trilogy. There is also plenty of action for those readers that enjoy action in their romances. This is worth picking up and reading as the reader won’t be disappointed in this one.


I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

Blue Lioness


Blue Lioness Chronicles of Kassouk Book Four by Vijaya Schartz

Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc.

August 2011

ISBN: 978-1-61252-066-7

Pages: 167



Futuristic


Ariela is a captain of the Black Swords. There is a rebellion brewing in the city of Kassouk. Humans against the Mutants. Ariela knows the humans are going to have to be careful if they want a chance to succeed. One of the ways to succeed is to find other governments that the humans can become allies. One of those governments just might be the little known Star Children of the Eastern Continent. As one of the leaders of the rebellion Ariela needs to find a way for the humans to end their slavery to the Mutants and with a new regime in place she needs to also find out what happened to the old King that died suddenly and in such a way that it looks suspicious. The first place she needs to look is at the new ruler.

Starro is the prince of the Star Children. Starro knows of the humans wish that they become allies and is in Kassouk to see if that is going to be in the best interest of his people. As far as Starro has been taught from birth is that the Star Children are superior to the other races. Though after meeting Ariela he is learning a lot more than he thought possible and is finding that just maybe there is more to life than he has ever known or been taught. Starro is going to have to figure out if he is going to continue to live his life with the new knowledge he has or if he is going to find a different way of living.

A battle is brewing and Ariela and Starro are going to have to figure out just whose side they are on and if they are going to be able to work together to save their people from a tyrant that if he has his way will make everyone on the planet a slave to the Mutants. What neither of them expected is to find a love that just might be the salvation for them both and for their people. A love that just might help them find a way for all of their people to survive the war that is heading their way. And a love that just might change the path they had set for themselves and a love that neither one saw coming.


This is a very good story that would be best read in order with the other books in the series as the stories lead up to each other. The world building is very good and comes to life for the reader as they read each detail that pulls them into another world and lets them live it with the characters. This one is hard to put down once the reader starts as they will want to know what happens next so they will keep turning the pages until the very end.


I give this one 4 red roses

Saturday 6 August 2011

The Champion


The Champion by Carla Capshaw

Publisher: Love Inspired Historical/Steeple Hill Books

August 2011

ISBN: 978-0-373-82879-1

Pages: 288



Rome AD 84


Tiberia the Younger “Tibi” is about to be sent to become a priestess that many would find to be an honor but Tibi isn’t ready to give up her freedom or her faith. The problem is leaving her will very little options and if she can’t find an answer quickly she is going to end up with a life she doesn’t want. Tibi turns to Alexius to see if he might be able to help though how she isn’t sure of but when one is desperate they are willing to try anything.

Alexius of Iolcos is a gladiator that has been intrigued with Tibi for as long as he has known her. Now that she is in trouble he knows that he will do anything possible to help her including offering her marriage so that she will be safe. Though this action will put him in the most danger that he has ever been in, not just from her vengeful father but also from his heart.

Tibi is going to have to decide if what she wants because with her noble family this will never be accepted since they only see Alexius and a lowly gladiator. She has always been an oddity within her family and if she does marry Alexius this is sure to make it so that she will never get acceptance from her family. Tibi is going to have to make some decision quickly or she will never have the future she has always dreamed of.



This story shows a different side to Rome that most books don’t show readers. For those that enjoyed the show Spartacus they are sure to love this story as it is reminiscent of the show. The characters and details of the places in the story are richly written and will have the reader hating to put the book down for any reason. Once the story draws the reader in it doesn’t let go until the very end. The story gives the reader a glimpse of what the times where like at that time and the turmoil that was happening behind the scenes in the political arena. This one is worth giving a chance as the reader will not be disappointed in the least.

I give this one 4 red roses

Exposed and Pleasured


Exposed and Pleasured by Lisa Renee Jones

Publisher: Harlequin Spice Brief

August 2011

ISBN: 978-1-4268-7809-9

Pages: 39



Contemporary, Texas


Katy Baker is a book store owner that has developed a serious crush on Dr. Blake Morgan, a crush that started the first time he walked through the store’s doors. The more she gets to know him the stronger her crush but when he shows her an erotic book and invites her to a special night at his private club, The Society, things take a turn she didn’t see coming.

Dr. Blake Morgan wants to show Katy just want it is like to give up control to someone that knows how to dominate and show a woman the ultimate pleasure. What he doesn’t count on is the way Katy can shred his control. For a man that prides himself on the control he has in all areas of his life this throws him for a loop that he isn’t sure how to deal with.

Blake and Kate are both about to learn more than they thought was possible and if they trust each other and what is between them they just might find the ultimate pleasure. The might find a future they never expected but that they both are finding they want more and more.


This is the final story in a trilogy that is as good as the first two stories. It is a short story that packs a lot in just a few words that will have the reader mourning the end of the story. It takes some turns that the reader won’t see coming but the reader won’t be disappointed in them at all. The whole trilogy is definitely worth reading and will be greatly enjoyed the reader.


I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

Bound and Pleasured


Bound and Pleasured by Lisa Renee Jones

Publisher: Harlequin Spice Brief

July 2011

ISBN: 978-1-4268-7887-9

Pages: 30



Contemporary, Texas


Darla Rogers was pushed erotically by her lover, Jacob Remington three years ago and ran when it became too much. With him in Special Forces at that time it made it a little easier especially when he was sent out on a mission. Since that time Darla has regretted her actions but figures it is too late now to chance what had happened.

Jacob Remington returned from his mission long ago but never tried to get back with Darla but now they are thrown together again and this time Jacob isn’t willing to let Darla run. Jacob has had time to think about what happened three years ago and he wants to see if maybe this time they can get thing right.

Darla wants to take this second chance with Jacob and see where it might lead. She isn’t going to let her fears rule her this time and she wants to prove to Jacob that she does trust him and wants what he is offering but she is going to have to prove that to him so that he knows this time around she is serious and isn’t going to let anything stand in the way of what they just might be able to have together.


This is great continuation from the first story in this trilogy. The story is fast paced and engrossing and the reader will hate to see the end. Even though this is a short story the author manages to give the back story of the characters so that reader is never lost in the story and never bored with finding out what happened between the characters in the past. This is a worth while story that will have the reader wanting the next story in the trilogy.


I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

A Taste of Pleasure


A Taste of Pleasure by Lisa Renee Jones

Publisher: Harlequin Spice Briefs

June 2011

ISBN: 978-1-4268-7884-8

Pages: 56



Contemporary, Texas


Sarah Michaels went to have some fun one night eight years ago and locked eyes with Ryan White at a sex club where he dominated. That night has lived on in her fantasies since then, though she knows nothing can come from it since their fathers have been rivals for years. Sarah has come home to take over her family’s candy business from her father. Now Sarah has her job cut out for her with turning the business around and it isn’t helping that she keeps seeing Ryan.

Ryan White knows exactly what Sarah needs and he offers her a chance to taste what she didn’t get a chance at years before. Ryan offers to take Sarah to an elite club where Sarah can give up control to him in a way that will bring them both pleasure.

Sarah has to decide if she wants to accept what Ryan is offering her and if she has the courage to go through with it. Sarah is also going to have to decide if she can trust Ryan or if she is going to continue to see him as the enemy from a rival company. If she does go ahead and gives Ryan the chance she just might find something she never knew she was looking for. Ryan and Sarah are both finding out that what they thought was a simple relationship between them is fast becoming a lot more and they will have to decide just what they want before it is too late for them both.


This is a great short story that is very hot and having a ice cold water will come in handy. The characters are well written and they pull the reader in right from the very beginning and will have the reader devouring the story until the very last page and eagerly reaching for the next story in this trilogy. This one is worth picking up and reading.


I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

Tuesday 2 August 2011

Blood of the Wicked


Blood of the Wicked: A Dark Mission Novel by Karina Cooper

Publisher: Avon

May 2011

ISBN: 978-0-062-04685-7

Pages: 384



Futuristic New Seattle

Jessica “Jessie” Leigh is a witch that has managed to stay alive by staying off the grid so that the Holy Order hasn’t found her. Now Jessie is in trouble because a soldier of the Holy Order has just found her and when they find you for a witch that is a death sentence. The soldier needs her to find the witch he is really after and now Jessie is going to have to find a way out of the mess she is now currently in because the witch he is after is none other than her brother.

Silas Smith is a member of the Holy Order and he has made it his life mission to hunt down all murderous witches and destroy them before they can destroy others. Now his latest mission is taking him down a path that is full of lies and half-truths and he is going to have to find out what is real and what isn’t if he is going to do his job and to protect Jessie with everything that is in him because suddenly this latest job is taking a turn he never saw coming and is making him question everything around him.

Jessie never figured she would fall in love with a witch hunter but that is looking like exactly what she is doing when it comes to Silas. Jessie is quickly getting in over her head and if she isn’t careful she just might pay the dearest price of all and loose all that she hold dear. Silas is going to have to find a way to protect Jessie and still get his job done because Jessie is quickly becoming his whole world and for man that doesn’t know much about the softer side of life that is a very terrifying proposition. Now they are in a race against time to find out the truth so that they might have a chance to both come out of this mission alive.



This is a story that is different than most paranormals but that will have the reader quickly drawn into the world that takes place in this story. The character are engaging and will have the reader quickly turning the pages just to find out what is going on and who are the good guys and the bad. The world in this story is done in such a way that the reader will find it completely believable. The twist that the story takes will have the reader feeling like they are on a roller coaster and will have them salivating to find out just what will happen next in this one. This is a start of a new series that will have the reader eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.


I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

What a Dragon Should Know


What a Dragon Should Know by G.A. Aiken

Publisher: Zebra

September 2009

ISBN: 978-1-4201-0375-5

Pages: 467



Gwenvael is a dragon that is on a mission to get an alliance with the one that is fearfully known as “The Beast”. He goes to the merciless Northlands in the hope of getting what his family needs. Gwenvael is also out to prove to his family that he has more worth than they give him credit for. He is willing to risk what he sees as his good looks and to show them that he is as chivalrous as he claims. When he finally meets the Beast he is in for a shock that he never expected and now he has to come up with a completely different plan on how to handle this newest situation.

Dagmar Reinholdt is known throughout the Northlands as “The Beast”. Dagmar hides behind plain robes and spectacles that makes most people disregard her and ignore her most of the time. She knows how to hide in plain sight and makes sure that most people don’t look too closely at her and completely underestimate what she is capable of. Now she has to deal with Gwenvael who seems to see a lot more than most do and she isn’t sure exactly how to deal with him but she is smart and she knows that she will figure out the best way to deal with this latest situation.

Gwenvael has another shock in store for him when Dagmar seems to be completely unaffected by his good looks and the charm that has managed to win over more women than he can remember. That just makes him more determined to find out what is under Dagmar’s robes and behind her spectacles. Gwenvael is suddenly enjoying the challenge that Dagmar is providing him with and Gwenvael is having more fun than he thought was possible. He also just might have found the one woman that has the ability to tame Gwenvael and who just might be his mate. This makes Gwenvael determined to keep Dagmar as his own.


This is another great story by this author. She is always one to read if a reader wants a book guaranteed to make them laugh. Her characters are always a lot of fun to read and get to know. The situations that they find themselves in usually by their own actions are always a blast to read and watch them try and get themselves out of each situation. Some of them can be quite ridiculous and will have the reader eagerly turning the pages just to find out what is going to happen next at any given time. While this is part of a series and the reader would get a lot more back story by reading the whole series it can be read as a stand alone. This is one that is worth picking up and reading.


I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

Burning Skies


Burning Skies by Caris Roane

Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks

May 2011

ISBN: 978-0-312-53372-4

Pages: 472



Seattle, WA – mortal earth, Phoenix, AZ – second earth


Marcus Amargi is a vampire warrior that has exiled himself to mortal earth. Unable to handle any more death at the hands of the death vamps he has made a nice life for himself in Seattle. Now he has a new battle he must fight and that is against the seductive lure of Havily Morgan. She is the one woman that has been created just for him and the one whose blood he craves. When she comes to him in his dreams he is completely unable to resist her and never does.

Havily Morgan lives on Second Earth and has had a good life but the one thing she craves is Marcus her winged lover. Havily has powers that are extraordinary and that will soon be put to the test. Marcus and Havily’s enemies are going to put them both to a test that will put the bond they share to the ultimate test. Havily is going to have to find a way to deal with her feelings for Marcus so that they can find a way to work together because only by working together are they going to be able to succeed in defeating those that would prefer them dead.

Now Marcus and Havily are going to have to find a way to defeat their bloodthirsty enemies especially when they start using a weapon that lights the night sky on fire. Marcus and Havily are going to have to use their passion as a means to fight their enemies or those they care about might be lost. The key to their triumph is going to lie in their passions and what they are able to do with them.


This is a wonderful continuation to the first book in this series. The story is well written and the words bring it to life. The world building is amazing and draws the reader in so well that they will expect to see it when they look up from the book. The characters will have the reader hoping they will be able to find their way to each other and that the characters will have their happy ever after. The story can be read as a stand alone will be greatly enriched by the reader reading the first book in this series first. This is one that is a must read.


I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

The Fifth Kingdom


The Fifth Kingdom by Caridad Pineiro

Publisher: Carina Press

July 2011

ISBN: 978-1-4268-9188-5




Contemporary, New York & Mexico


Dr. Deanna Vasquez hasn’t seen her renowned archeologist mother since she was child. Deanna’s mother was obsessed with finding Montezuma’s tomb and left the family behind in her quest to find it. Now a CIA agent comes into Deanna’s life to tell her that her mother has been kidnapped by terrorists. Now Deanna is going to have to find a way to help the mother she hasn’t seen in years and rescue her.

Guillermo “Bill” Santana is a CIA agent and he has been assigned the task of finding Deanna’s mother and saving her from the terrorists that have her before they can use what she has found to their benefit. Bill is good at his job but he is suddenly finding it difficult to do a job he has never had trouble doing before.

What Bill and Deanna never expected was their attraction to each other and how that was going to interfere with the mission they are on. As Bill poses as Deanna’s fiancĂ©e to draw out the terrorists so that they can stop them from getting what just might be deadly in the wrong hands. The item that Deanna’s mother found that caused her to be kidnapped in the first time. It will be a race against time to get to the discovery before the terrorists do and before they get rid of Deanna’s mother too.


This is a story that has an interesting premise that will draw the reader into the story without letting go. The story is fast paced and comes to life as the reader gets into the story. The story has some wonderful twists that will keep the reader turning the pages. This is one story that the reader will not be disappointed in once they start reading it.


I give this one 4 red roses