Forgotten Sins

Forgotten Sins by Rebecca Zanetti

Publisher: Forever

January 2014

ISBN: 978-1-455-57444-5

Pages: 400

Contemporary romance, Washington State

Josie fell in love with Shane Dean the moment she first laid eyes on him. Their desire was so passionate that within a few weeks they were married. Josie thought all of her fantasies were coming true until the day her husband disappeared without a trace. Josie is shocked when after two years and a broken heart a hospital calls her and says that they have her husband. Shane was found at a crime scene with no memory of how he got there or what happened.

Shane Dean doesn’t remember the blue-eyed woman that looks like an angel that is at his bedside but he does know that something is wrong. He has razor sharp hearing and his physical strength is unbelievable and he also has the overwhelming urge to protect Josie. There are enemies that are very powerful that are hunting him and he knows that somehow Josie is the key to figuring it all out. As Shane works to unravel his past it also brings dangerous truths to light and Shane has to figure out if he can protect Josie from what he is learning. He also needs to figure out if he can protect the only woman he has ever loved or if his past is too dangerous for her. Josie has to decide if she can trust a man that she thought she knew but is learning that she didn’t know the first thing about. A man that has a deadly secret that could get them both killed.

This is an action packed story that starts from the very beginning and doesn’t stop until the very last page.  As each secret is revealed the action gets even more intense. This is also a story that will pull the reader in and having them hating to leave it for any reason. It will also have readers looking forward to the next book in the series.  If the other books prove as engrossing as this one was it is one series that is sure to be a hit. The story line is different and yet proves to be a very believable plot that will have readers thinking about this one for a long time after finishing it.

I give this one 5 red roses.

LRH

Mark of the Gladiator

Mark of the Gladiator by Heidi Belleau & Violetta Vane

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

November 2012

ISBN: 978-1-937551-59-9

Pages: 279

Historical romance, Ancient Rome 26 BCE m/m

Anazar ends up being contracted to train female gladiators after showing mercy in the arena. Anazar has two months to take demoralized, untested and obviously abused women and get them prepared to fight in that same arena. And to make matters worse his new master, Lucius Marianus demands perfection.

Anazar never expected to be eager to train the women but he is finding himself looking forward to the challenge more than a man whose sole motivation is self-preservation.  Maybe it has something to do with his new master, Marianus, who is handsome, honorable, dignified and seems to be attracted to Anazar. Maybe as much as Anazar is attracted to Marianus.

Now there seems to be a rivalry between Marianus and his brother that seems to have caused a murder conspiracy. Anazar and his gladiatrices are caught in the middle of what is happening between the brothers. One of the brothers offers salvation but which one is the right one? The wrong one could easily cause their deaths. In a world were a slave’s life is worth less than the whims of a master or even the pleasures of the crowd it leave very little room for anything other than survival but can room be made for love? As a gladiator Anazar is near undefeatable but as a man he is in a much more precarious position. He learns that even the best armor and shield can protect against most things but cannot protect his heart.

This is a story that takes the reader back to ancient Rome and brings the period to life. It gives the reader a small window to view exactly how slaves lived and how at any time their lives could be over on just the word of their masters. With each word the world comes to vivid life and takes the reader on a fantastic trip that will have reader sad to leave at the very end. If readers enjoyed Spartacus they are sure to love this one if this is a genre they enjoy. The characters are well written and the reader is able to see why they act in certain situations. This is one story that will be sure to pull the reader in and not let them go until the very end.

I give this one 5 red roses

LRH

Taken by Two

Taken by Two: Mating Season 1 by April Andrews

Publisher: Twisted Erotica Publishing

December 2013

Pages: 69

Futuristic, m/m/m

Jaeger lives on an Earth that has been devastated and where both water and food are scarce. The only choice is to leave the safety of The Cube to scavenge through the old ruins. Leaving The Cube has risks that even with the dangers of the dead of winter they aren’t as dangerous as the risk of being taken by the mysterious visitors. Nothing is known about the strange males that come from other worlds. They also seem to take any man that they cross paths with.

Though Jaeger knows the risks of venturing outside he has no choice when it is his turn to go out. When a couple of the visitors find him he has no desire to fight even when they take him up to their space craft. Not knowing what to expect he is determined to resist the aliens but when they inform him that he now belongs to them he is thrown into confusion.

What Jaeger never expected was to start falling under their spell. They are nothing like anything Jaeger has ever known. The males tell Jaeger that he is their mate but Jaeger isn’t sure he can just accept that. If he does can he save himself and will he be able to save his people too?

This is a different story line that is very intriguing.  The characters are interesting and the world building fascinating and will have readers wishing the story was longer. It will also have readers wanting to read the next story in the series. This is short novella that proves to be a quick read but is very much worth the time taken to read it. If the rest of the series is like this one it is sure to prove to be an enjoyable series to read.

I give this one 4-1/2 red roses 

LRH

His Secrets

His Secrets by Lisa Renee Jones

Publisher: Pocket Star Books

February 2014

ISBN: 978-1-4767-7235-6

Pages: 68

Contemporary, Paris, France

Chris Merit has always found his art to be his escape until the day he met Sara McMillan. She has proven to be a light in the darkness of his life. Unfortunately that darkness bleeds from Chris’s life into Sara’s. Now Chris needs to show Sara everything about his life. He is afraid of what will happen once he does because he is sure that Sara doesn’t understand or really sees everything that he has shown her so far.

This is another great installment in the Inside Out series. This one is done from Chris’ point of view. With every novel or novella that is added to this series makes the series even better. It also gives readers more chances to visit some favorite characters and see just what else is happening.  It also gives readers more to whet their appetite and keep them coming back for more. This is one series that once a reader is pulled in they will find it very hard to leave and will have them wanting more. While this series has flavors of Fifty Shades of Grey it has proven to be its own with a story line that keeps on building with each story.

I give this one 4-1/2 red roses.

LRH

Tribute

Tribute by Lisa Henry

Publisher: Loose ID

July 2011

ISBN:  978-1-61118-449-5

Pages: 267

Historical, m/m

Kynon is chosen by the warlord Brasius as a tribute to create peace between their people. Kynon tells himself that this is the price of peace and to protect his father’s kingdom. If being a slave can save his people than it is a small price to pay no matter the indignities required by both the warlord and the Senate of Segasa that Brasius serves. Kynon is sure he can live with the shame but it is the pleasure that scares him the most.

Brasius wants more from Kynon than just someone that responds eagerly to both whips and bondage. The warlord seems to be looking for more from Kynon like maybe the man underneath the tribute, the prince and the soldier. First Kynon has to figure out just who that is.

Now Kynon is being forced on a journey of self-discovery. And as each day passes Kynon finds out that being Brasius’ tribute is more than just being able to submit and if he is to give Brasius exactly what the warlord is searching for that means going against the traditions of the Senate of Segasa and risk the wrath of a senate that is holding his reins.

This story is very different and for readers of this genre it is sure to pull them into the story. Reading about the way Kynon finds out exactly who he truly is and what he really wants in his life is fascinating and engrossing as he grows as a person. He is forced to look deep inside himself just to find the man that Brasuis sees. There are some parts that can be very difficult to read especially with the emotional turmoil the characters go through but ultimately end up with a very rewarding ending. It is also a glimpse into a very different world that is fascinating all on its own. If the reader can get past the difficult beginning they will find a satisfactory story.

I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

LRH

Happily Ever After

Happily Ever After by Lori Wilde

Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)

December 2013

ISBN: 978-1-455-54992-4

Pages: 749

Contemporary, Romance

Addicted to Love

Valentine, Texas

Rachel Henderson grew up in Valentine, Texas where everyone is brought up to believe in happily ever after. Rachel believed it wholeheartedly too until she was left at the alter by two different grooms. After that she gets in trouble with an act of rebellion that is completely out of character for her. It also get her arrested by her childhood crush and the current sheriff, Brody Carlton. Now she has sworn off love though before her bad ending her chance meeting and arrest would have had her planning a wedding. She just wishes she could stop fantasying about  Brody. Maybe this time she might be able to have her happily ever after. Is it possible that she has finally found the right man after all?

All of Me

Salvation, Colorado

Jillian Samuels is dealing with a betrayal that has left her with the wish of being able to have a fresh start. With a newly inherited home in Salvation, Colorado that just might be possible. It has a great mountain view a fireplace for those cold nights and one unexpected amenity that she never expected, a gorgeous man that is extremely infuriating and already living there.

Tucker “Tuck” Manning isn’t about to give up his home without fighting for it first. Now Jillian and Tuck have to untangle the mess of who actually owns the home and until they are able to do that they become unlikely roommates. As they go through the days and nights they find they have a lot more in common than just the house. They also find that sometimes you find what you need most in the most unlikely of places.

While this is a sizeable book it is actually two novels in one. The stories are warm hearted and are sure to please the romantics at heart. They are actually part of a four book series but can be read as stand alones.  The characters are very well written and readers will enjoy being taken on the journeys as each couple finds their way to their happily ever after. They are both sweet stories that will have readers falling in love with the towns and characters and hating to leave the areas. It will also have readers wishing to find places in real life like these small towns. These two are ones to definitely take the time to read and savor.

I give this one 5 red roses

LRH

Tor WereWolf Fight League

Tor WereWolf Fight League by Lynn Lorenz

Publisher: Loose ID

April 2012

ISBN: 978-1-61118-811-0

Pages: 297

Paranormal, Futuristic

Tor is a champion fighter in the Werewolf Fight League.  Though to his master he is just a slave. When Tor’s mate is killed in a cage fight that proves exceptionally brutal Tor loses his will to fight ever again. His master, Marrack has other ideas on the subject.

Sky is a young sex slave that has been trained to please whoever buys him. Sky is very special in that he is still a virgin and the one that ultimately owns him is going to be very lucky.

Marrack buys Sky for Tor in the first step of his plan to get Tor back into the cage. As Marrack plan is set into motion Marrack has just one month to get Tor back in shape and ready for fighting again. Can Tor resist mating with Sky? Everything is depending on Tor – his reputation, Marrack’s money and Sky’s chance at freedom.

Tor just might find love again with Sky but then he might end up with a betrayal that he won’t be able to recover from.

This story mixes the ancient concept of gladiators and throws in ultimate fighters, werewolves and puts it into a futuristic world. It is a mix that makes for an amazing plot line that is sure to please readers of this genre.  It is m/m and while that might not be for some readers those that do enjoy this genre will find themselves pulled into a story that will keep them turning the pages to find out what happens next. It will also have them wanting to read the next book in this series.

I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

LRH

The Winslow Incident

The Winslow Incident by Elizabeth Voss

Publisher: Worldwide Library Suspense

July 2013

ISBN: 978-0-373-0283-6

Pages: 492

Contemporary, Suspense, Winslow, Washington

Hazel Winslow is seventeen years old and already has more secrets to keep than she would like. Hopefully soon she will be putting the tourist trap of a town she lives in behind her along with the unhappy past. 

Though something seems to be happening in her small town. She knows if she wants to protect her loved ones she needs to keep quiet about her uncle’s sick cattle. Until everyone in town starts acting strangely.  As the town is cut off from help long festering lies and hatred end up exploding into terrifying violence. An unexplainable madness is gripping the remote mountain town. The only way Hazel is going to be able to save any lives is by confronting her own past and the dark history of her town. Whatever the cost may be.

This is a suspenseful story with some romance. The plot of this one takes some fantastic twists and turns and will have readers guessing just what is going to happen next and who will be the next to be affected. The story line builds the suspense and doesn’t stop until the end when everything is revealed. The character are fascinating and seeing how each one reacts to what is happing in the small town makes for very interesting reading. With the heroine being a teenager this is for young adults but anyone would find the plot line entertaining and will be pulled into the story and readers will keep turning the pages just to see where it will all end. This is one suspense not to miss. Readers will not be disappointed with this one at all.

I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

LRH

Somebody to Love

Somebody to Love by Lori Wilde

Publisher: Avon

December 2013

ISBN: 978-0-06-221898-8

Pages: 364

Contemporary, Cupid, Texas

Jericho Chance is a cowboy scholar that knows exactly what he wants and just how to get it.  What he didn’t expect is to come home to Cupid and find out how badly he wants Zoey McClearly. Zoey has always been his bubbly best friend. With her smarts and luscious body Jericho never expected for Zoey to be his somebody to love.  Now he is determined not to leave town again without Zoey by his side.

Zoey never expected to settle down as she always saw it as a waste of time. Managing to be a man magnet she has also managed to leave a trail of broken hearts in her wake. She never felt she was meant to marry until Jericho came back into her life. Now how is she supposed to resist sexy, persuasive Jericho? They have no chance of ignoring the explosive chemistry between them even if they must risk their friendship to explore it.

This is another story that is set in the wonderful town setting of Cupid. Each one is proving to be a stand-alone but readers get much more enjoyment out of reading each one and getting lost in the characters and town of Cupid. This one proves no different. With each word that readers read the story and setting comes alive and with a mystery thrown into this story the reader is sure to get engrossed in this one. Take one local legend thrown in a Indian Jones like character and what you end up with is this story that pulls readers in and doesn’t let go until the very end. Even then readers will mourn leaving the town and people of Cupid. This is one is worth taking the time to read and enjoy.

I give this one 5 red roses

LRH

Collared

Collared by Kari Gregg

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

November 2011

ISBN: 978-1-937551-09-4

Pages: 254

Sci-fi Romance

Connor Witt is the IT direct for Trans-Global and is proving to be an anomaly in a world that has been turned upside down. Mutated crops have stimulated the aggression center in the brain in most people except for a select few such as Conner where instead it has been suppressed. Unsure how to deal with his physical changes and terrified of a world that is changing and growing more predatory, Connor is at a disadvantage and risks harassment and worse until Trans-Global CEO David Martin steps in and takes steps to keep Connor safe by collaring Connor.  David’s plan is to keep Connor safe from men that see Connor as sexy prey. Men that see Connor’s submission and are drawn to him because of it and determined to possess him completely.  

Emmet Drake is a security consultant that is determined to have Connor as his own. It is just a question of how safe Emmet is.

David can’t be Connor’s master as David is straight but David is determined to find a man that is worthy of Connor and that is willing to court him properly. A man that can see Connor is more that a rich man’s toy. As  everyone tries to adapt to a biological disaster that slowly strips Connor’s rights away from him day by day David is finding his feelings for Connor revolving into something more. It is just a question of if his desires for Connor can out pace Emmet’s determination to have Connor as his own.

One man offers safety and the other is a safer choice but just which one is which. The only thing Connor knows for sure is that he wants both men equally.

This story takes a what if situation and turns it on its head and provides a story that readers will get drawn into until the very last page. While some readers will find the story line not to their tastes this is one book that is sure to engross readers of this genre. The plot is different and yet is believable in the setting of this story.  While the ending could have gone farther it is still a good ending that will satisfy most readers.  This is a well written story and will have readers looking to see what else the author has written.

I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

LRH

The Hidden

The Hidden by Jessica Verday

Publisher: Simon Pulse

August 2012

ISBN: 978-1-4169-7898-5

Pages: 387

Contemporary, Sleepy Hollow

Abbey knows that her destiny is with Caspian. Their bond goes beyond even death.  Abbey is finally learning the full truth of what ties them together and to the town of Sleepy Hollow. She now has some very difficult decisions to make. Caspian is the love of her life but is that love worth dying for?  Abbey is going to have to decide just what is most important to her as she learns about the dark fate that links her with Caspian.

This is a wonderful ending to this trilogy.  It ties up all the threads that tied this trilogy together with a very satisfying ending. Readers will not be disappointed with the way this series wraps up. This story is just as much a page turner as the first two book proved to be. This whole series puts a great spin on the Legend of Sleepy Hollow and brings it to life in a way that will have readers mourning the ending of this trilogy. This is a young adult series that is sure to please any reader that picks it up and is definitely worth reading especially given the popularity of the show Sleepy Hollow.

I give this one 5 red roses

LRH