A Vacation Affair by Nicole Flockton

Reviewed by Desere 


Being betrayed is one of the worse experiences anyone will have to face in life. You feel like you somehow failed yourself, you ask why you never saw the signs and you pretty much feel as low as scum even though it's not your fault. So naturally you will need to find something that lifts you up again.

In this read from talented Nicole Flockton, we meet Brandt Whitaker, once betrayed by a former lover, he has set his sights on concentrating on his Caribbean resort and spa. And he's worked really hard to make it the most sought after place to stay, but he's still restless and looking for something new to focus on. He never expects for his new found focus standing in the lobby of his hotel.

For Erika Roberts, this little trip to paradise, was meant to be the trip of a lifetime, a chance to reconnect with her long term boyfriend. But instead it turns into a getaway for one. She's determined to make the most of her time and not mope around wallowing in disappointment and sadness. So when she spots hunky Brandt , she recons a vacation affair is exactly what she needs.

As their time in paradise gets tested by the waters of passion, the storm in their battered hearts pound out the question they both have to deal with, will this simply be a vacation affair or will they beat the odds and forever live in paradise?

This was a nice short read, literally took me under an hour. It had a great even flow and the characters and plot was really well developed for such a short read. Some short reads have a tendency to go from meet, to hot in bed, to dark moment to end. And that's all there is, no development of the characters, their hurt, their anger, resentment and of course the actual plot that seems to go from point a to b and then suddenly d , and leaves me as reader asking " What happened to c?" So very nicely done Nicole, you crammed everything I wanted into a very short, nice package!

Now onto the juicy stuff without totally ruining this read for you, because as with all reads from this author, this is another very sexy read that is not to be missed.  The heat and attraction level in this read was off the charts, pages seemed to light up even before the characters even actually met, the setting of a paradise island was perfect for the plot. I think if the author chose a different location such as say Paris, then this simply could not have been so hot to read. It was the combination of sun, surf , and long hot nights that really sent up the sexiness of this read.

Both characters were ones I wanted to hold to let them know it will be okay at some point, but of course that is something I could not do, and thus it is as always up to the author , and a lot of times I find that the author simply does not do it properly, they take it to the level where the reader can walk away with an ending but not really a satisfying ending, definitely not the case in this read, I was grinning like a loon when the ending rolled around.

So if you need a little afternoon romance fix, that's fast, fun, filled with sexiness and a stunning message of being able to take on a challenge for a change in life , this is the perfect book!

5/5 star review
" From affair to forever . Or is it from affair to not ever ? " 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reviewed by  Helen
This is an exciting sensual and emotional story that you will read in one sitting the setting is just beautiful a resort and spa on an island in the Caribbean to die for the perfect place for Erika Roberts to get away to after being cheated badly by her ex and yes she is more than happy to have a vacation affair.

Brandt Whittaker has worked hard to be where he is today and even being cheated badly by his ex couldn't stop him from finally opening up his dream holiday resort even if he did have to change a few things but here he was and although a bit emotionally battered he is smiling.

When Brandt first sees Erika he decides that he wants her but it has been a while since he has felt this way and with Erika looking for a fun holiday the pull has them eventually meeting up but things don't run smoothly Erika is a strong up front beautiful woman and Brandt is still getting over his past, but when they end up at the secluded beach house things really heat up and not only do they have a very sensual time they also open up to each other and this is just what is needed for both of them a sexy emotional HEA that will keep you smiling.

I loved this one and highly recommend it.

5/5 stars for a great story

Dance of Love by Inge Saunders

Reviewed by Desere


Auditioning for anything in life is the stuff nightmares are made of! If it's dancing you could fall and literally break a leg! If it's a movie audition heck you could end up saying the lines for the wrong movie, anything is possible when a person is nervous.

In this read, which comes in at twenty chapters, which I will add were nice and short and not dragged out to the point where I wanted to pull my hair out and end up looking like some bad version of Miley Cyrus, the world of dance is brought to life.

The read tells of Ashley and the journey she embarks on fulfilling her dream of becoming a world - class dancer. But as all dreamers know there is always something or someone that stands in the way, for Ashley it's Antonio Machiavelli, and his resounding " It's a no from me" is enough to send any wannabe straight into a fit of nightmares.

But Ashley is not your everyday " Okay maybe next time" kind of wannabe, she fights back by challenging Antonio and takes her anger and rage and channels it into a a on the edge of your seat performance.  Antonio is more than just a little intrigued and very soon it becomes clear that keeping his distance from Ashley will not be as easy and step, step and turn ! And as for Ashley she knows her sole focus needs to be on fulfilling her dream of becoming a lead principal but love makes everything so much harder.

I very much enjoyed this little read, I am not a major fan of books that involves dancing but occasionally I do come across one that has all the right moves.  This read is a wonderful journey of two souls meant to be together, and a lovely message of dreams not always being what we think they should be.

People change and as they do their dreams have to adjust, of course everyone knows that when our dreams try to tell us it's time for a new kind of dream or for a little different version of our dream, it's not always easy for us to listen. We might have had our dream for so long that it seems impossible to alter it in anyway.

The author very nicely showed how dreams can change and that our dreams can still come true but with a little more of a kick along the way than what we expected it to be.

A very lovely and heartfelt read that's perfect for a little romantic escape.

4.5 star review
" She dances her way into his heart, but will he want her there?" 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Reviewed by Nas

DANCE OF LOVE by author Inge Saunders is a June release by Decadent Publishing.

Ashley wouldn't let anything or anyone stand in her way. Antonio can try all he wants but she wouldn't let him win.

Antonio can't keep away from Ashley, would love win in the end?

DANCE OF LOVE is a well-written romance. I liked how the author did the emotions in this story. The dance challenges full of sparkling chemistry is amazing to read.

Recommended for all readers. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reviewed by Helen
This is a great story with a great setting Rome and with such beautiful dancing involved it is sure to keep you turning the pages, when beautiful South African dancer Ashley tries out for the lead in a top dancing studio in Rome it scares her so much although the daughter of a famous dancer whom she misses very much Ashley has always gotten stage fright feeling like she has to live up to her father but it is time to keep that promise she made to her father. Antonio is one of the best classical dancers around is searching around the world for a new lead dancer after his ex has walked out on him and he is not happy but when Ashley dances and actually stands up to him the sparks fly in more ways than one.

This is a story with ups and downs as Ashley and Antonio journey to a beautiful HEA one that will have you smiling I highly recommend this one.

4/5 Stars for a great story.
_________________________________________________

Review by TashNz
4 stars

Dance of Love by Inge Saunders is a wonderful read which took me inside the dance world, a world I know little of or have read little about and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Ashley decides it's time to pursue her life long dream of being a world class famous dancer and Dance of Love covers her journey of living her dream and the battles against the company principal she auditions for, Antonio.  Antonio treats Ashley a bit like mud.  Thinking at first he's against her because of who her father was Ashley is confused and then when they kiss the whirlwind of emotions is at an all time high, along with confusion.  Battling everything the world of dance throws at Ashley is intense but it makes her stand up and fight right back.

I loved the environment of the book - the dance world. The characters were bright and capturing and the story was very sweet and capturing. the story itself was like a dance, the pushing and pulling of emotions, the passion of the movements and the steady beat of the rhythm that built until the conclusion.

Read on a lazy Sunday morning, very much enjoyed and recommended for anyone who loves a sweet story which is full of character and passion for wanting to achieve ones dream.


*ARC provided for honest opinion.

The Billionaire's Bodyguard Bride by Lisa Weaver

Reviewed by Desere


Lauren Reynolds grew up lying to protect herself and now as bodyguard it's pretty much was helps her to do her job with perfection. But when her new target of security Rafe Dimitriou makes his appearance it's a bit like mixing oil and water, because Rafe was raised to uphold a strict code of honor. The sexy billionaire 's most formidable competitor, Milton Payne isn't as scrupulous.

Both Rafe and Milton are vying to gain control of Gracious Living, and in order to make an offer the company requires the buyer to be married. Rafe needs a bride and he has the perfect solution Lauren! But to what to do to get her to play along, blackmail her of course it's what any billionaire would do. The blackmail scam works perfectly in Rafe's favor when Lauren agrees to marry him, but is she really doing it to get away from his blackmailing scam or does she know more than she is willing to tell her new husband?

I really enjoyed this read, it had a nice fast pace and excellent drama. An awesome dark and dangerous hero that I will add , get's more and more dangerous as the read gets deeper and deeper, and it was all kinds of super sexy!The character of Lauren was the perfect combination of kick-ass heroine meets knows how to survive meets her match , and reading about her was truly exhilarating.

Now creating a kick ass heroine and a super sexy dangerous ass all hell hero is easy , I find them in plenty of reads, but combining them with a truly great suspense filled plot, is something not all authors I've read , have been able to do. But this author totally nailed it!

Lots of action packed scenes filled with a large dose of awesomeness. Steamy and I do mean really steamy sex scenes and best of all drama, drama and more drama ! And the emotion being depicted, all I can say is " Oh my gosh" really had be grabbing for the tissues and there were countless moments of " No that did not just happen!" " Oh man too funny!"

It's a action packed, romantic, knock your socks off read that is not to be missed. Best of all it has a lovely message of trust and second chances always being able to happen when we find hope.

Highly recommended romance, and perfect for a lazy escape into romance, afternoon.

5/5 star review
" Guarding her husband is easy, it's guarding her heart that has her running as fast as her feet can carry her!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reviewed by Nas 

THE BILLIONAIRE’S BODYGUARD BRIDE by Lisa Weaver is an Amazon Kindle Press release for May 2015.

Lauren Reynolds had misconceptions when she faces Rafe Dimitriou again. She didn’t want to see him ever again. He was the man who had unceremoniously broken her heart yet here he was. Standing in front of her, asking her to see him.

Could she survive this encounter with him with her heart intact?

Read THE BILLIONAIRE’S BODYGUARD BRIDE and find out why Rafe was back in Lauren’s life. Author Lisa Weaver brought this mesmerizing romance with a gorgeous hero and a strong heroine, the ensuing result sparkles on the pages. 

Highly recommended for all readers of romance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reviewed by Helen

Who doesn't love a Greek hero and Mr tall dark and dangerous Rafe Dimitriou fills hero shoes very well he is running the family company with his father but Rafe is a very honest and trustworthy hero as well as all of his other assets and when he saves Lauren Reynolds from the sea in Greece he falls for her as does Lauren for Rafe the spark between them is instant but Lauren has secrets that she must keep to herself she is a bodyguard that works for Sentinels Agency providing covert protection services and when the assignment that Lauren is on cause problems for Rafe's family they go their separate ways with Rafe being stuborn and not listening and both carry on with their lives never forgetting the other.

But a few years later Rafe turns up in New York with a question for Lauren he needs her help and she is not willing to help but when Sentinels takes on a new assignment and that is to protect Rafe Lauren agrees but this is going to be a tough assignment being Rafe's wife for a year for two reasons one so as Rafe can obtain a new magazine for his company and two Lauren needs to protect Rafe and keep all of this to herself knowing how much Rafe does not like dishonesty.

This is a sizzling adventure as Lauren and Rafe rekindle the spark that never left but with so many secrets and threats on Rafe's life and with both of them not being able to keep their hands off each other you will be turning the pages to get to the end. Lauren is such a strong heroine one who can stand on her own and Rafe so honest and drop dead gorgeous you will be smiling.

This is a debut for Lisa Weaver and I am looking forward to many more as there are a lot of bodyguards at Sentinels that really need their own story.

I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good romance with sizzle and adventure 

5/5 Stars for a great story        

 

 

Snowbound Summer by Sally Clements

Reviewed by Desere

I am sure everyone will agree with me when I say , when Christmas day has come and gone you still wish you could somehow get that warm, christmassy feeling back and keep it alive somehow.

I for one wish all year around that I could somehow capture that magic feeling, keep it in a bottle and open it when ever the year starts to feel a little too much.  I am ecstatic to report I have found something even better!

Snowbound Summer was Christmas magic wrapped up with a big old red bow ready to be unwrapped again and again , no matter the time of year.

The read tells of Summer, reeling with regret over her failed business and the end of what seemed like the perfect relationship, she's back home and hiding out in her parents house. She wants nothing more than to consume as much chocolate and wine as possible and have some peace and quite.

But fate intervenes in the form of the most adorable dog ever written. Cold, trapped in the shed and clearly injured, is where Summer finds the dog that will ultimately become the best thing that has ever happened to her. She calls in the help of the local vet, only when she discovers he's none other than he brother's best friend, Nick, and that he has to stay the night due to one heck of a snowstorm, does she start to see him a whole new, sexier light, only she's not ready to tell him the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

As I said earlier this book was Christmas magic, from the miracle of saving furry friends lives to holiday romance blossoming and even Christmas day lunch giving way to a whole new meaning to
" We really should be discussing this in private and not at the dinner table", it all came together beautifully.

I could not put the read down, from the opening scene right through till the end the author delivered romance entertainment ! Through the character of Nick she showed that we all have hopes and dreams and sometimes the only way to find out if we can make them happen is to take action and hope for the best outcome.

Through the character of Summer the author showed that we are all definitely human, we all make mistakes and we all get up and move on, yes it takes others longer to get over a mistake but eventually we get there. But more importantly there is no shame in failing, everyone does at some point and it's okay.

I am taking away a message of everything in life happens for a reason , and at the right time. Of course we none of it makes sense whilst it is happening, I mean would you think rescuing a dog would bring you the love of your life? I for darn sure would not even begin to think it, I love animals but adding that to romance , not the first thing that comes to mind at all.

But as with all life lessons it's afterwards the light always shines through and the meaning becomes clear, the trick is not to want to run and hide. It might be a natural instinct but it's the wrong approach try to see it for what it could be and not for the " This is so not what I need right now!".

I recommend this read for all fans of romance reads, it's the perfect pick me up read for anytime of year and definitely perfect for the holidays . The read will be keeping my christmassy feeling alive and well for the year that lies ahead.

A story about hope, love, understanding and acceptance.

4.5 star review
"A lonely dog, a sexy vet and a Michelin star chef find happiness under the Christmas tree" 

Tempted By The Billionaire Tycoon by Jennifer St George

Reviewed by Nas

TEMPTED BY THE BILLIONAIRE TYCOON by author Jennifer St George is a October 2014 release by e-Penguin.

Poppy Bradford just wanted to unearth the person responsible for the sabotage of the resort where she worked as general manager. She was devastated that all these seemingly random accidents happened under her watch.

Billionaire tycoon and resort owner,  Nic Capitini wants a scapegoat and wants it now. So he wanted Poppy out! But he can’t really do that, can he? Its three strikes against an employee before they can be fired. So he came to the resort under cover to uncover the truth about Poppy.

Despite being biased, Nic found that Poppy was an amazing manager and person. And the scorching attraction between them was undeniable. Would they give in to their chemistry?

TEMPTED BY THE BILLIONAIRE TYCOON is a fast-paced and intriguing story. I loved the mystery and the thrills in this story. Author Jennifer St George brought a strong heroine in Poppy and a gorgeous hero in Nic. Both had emotional baggage they were keeping hidden. This romantic tale takes a reader deep into both the characters’ psyche to discover why they are against love and commitment.

Highly recommended to all readers.

Whiskey Sour Noir by Mickey J Corrigan

Reviewed by Shirley Buchanan

What a different kind of tale presented in just a few pages. Not a love story with sweet, tender dates accompanied by flowers and chocolates, while living in fancy houses, driving nice cars and planning romantic outings, but a glimpse as two people try to navigate their daily lives through a harsh existence to find love.

Focusing on the seedier side of Dusty Beach, this story follow a young woman, Tami Lee Conkers, as she wanders through her life working at the DIC, frequenting the local bars, and taking a tumble in anybody's bed. Such as it was, she was satisfied with her life, never wanting anything different, until she meets Cat Avery, the hunky new bartender at her favorite haunt. When one quick roll in the hay turns into a live in situation, she convinces herself that maybe this could be a lot more. Former unfamiliar feelings of affection, the fantastic sex and a satisfying contentment make unusual questions begin to pour into her mind. Has she shortchanged herself? Could they have a future together? Why couldn't she reach for the stars and fly?

Stripped of everything and labeled a criminal, Cat Avery got a job at a questionable bar named the Kettle Fish, seeing only a bleak future in front of him. Convinced he had been framed, but seeing no way to prove it, he worked, slept and pondered his situation until the gorgeous woman drifted into the bar. Instant attraction proceeded a somewhat satisfactory live-in arrangement. Although temporarily satisfied with his life, he couldn't let the idea go that he had been framed. Feelings for her might be trying to form, but could he contemplate their future together, if he didn't correct his past? Was it even possible to have his successful life back? Could he have it all?

This quick and easy read weaves a story around two people desperately trying to find their place in life. Packed in just a few short pages were a wide range of emotions. Very interesting, thought provoking and entertaining. I would recommend this story to any other readers who want a different kind of love story.

I was given a copy by the author for an honest review.

4/5 stars                                 Could they have a happily ever after?

********************************************************************

Reviewed by Desere

Very realistic true life read! A sexy short read about Tami and Cat. Cat has been framed for a crime he did not commit and as we all know most of these "I did not do it" crimes the "offender" goes to jail and when they come out they have lost everything from house to car to reputation.

This is exactly what Cat has to face, but he believes he can prove who framed him, all he needs is Tami's help. Understandably she does not really want to trust him, I mean most offenders say " I didn't do it" so why would you want to trust them?

A really sexy and fun read about two people both finding something they did not know they were looking for.

5/5 star review 

" Everyone deserves a chance in this messed up world we live in"


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reviewed by Maria

Mickey J. Corrigan writes romance fiction which is really hard to categorize at times.  She writes romance, but it’s not your champagne and flowers type of romance complete with a playboy prince to romance you with a background score of lush violins.  Your hero could be an ex-con who is out on parole. Instead of champagne, it’s a small whiskey with a beer chaser and hey, where are my roses?  And the sex?  It’s strictly down market.  Cheap hotels which rent rooms by the hour.  If you’re lucky.  Otherwise, you may find yourself making out by the dustbins down a back alley somewhere, shoulder to shoulder with a couple of alley cats howling instead of the violins.  Gross?  Your words, should you choose tho think that way, not mine, baby.  But do you know what?  I freaking love her stories.  They’re real, that’s why.  Real and human and yeah, unputdownable.  Mickey J. Tells it like it is, no frills, no flounces, just in your face.  And that writing voice?  Unbe-freaking-lievable.  The woman is a born storyteller.  That’s an Irish trait, mind.  And I knew she had Irish blood in her the minute I started reading her.  I just knew it.  Tami Lee lives a quiet life in Dusky Beach, a rough end of her Florida town where a lot of people who could be classed as low life hang out.  She works hard and she gets by and she enjoys a drink.  Like all of us, she’s looking for love, for someone special to share her life with. When she meets Cat who is, yes, out on parole and I’m not even going to tell you what for, she thinks that maybe there’s something here.  Well, is there?  You gotta get your hands on this book to find out.  So if you enjoy reading about life in the raw, read some of this author’s work, beginning with this story.  The one thing which strikes me about this author is that she has a woman’s voice – but she writes like a man.

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it, as we say in Ireland.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reviewed by Nas

WHISKEY SOUR NOIR by Mickey J. Corrigan is a March 2014 release by The Wild Rose Press.

Tami Lee meets the new bartender and falls in lust with him. But he is a sex offender with a rap over his head and life. And he is obsessed because as he says, he was framed. Would he take their relationship beyond the hot fling?

Cat Avery is bent on taking revenge on who framed him. Could he move forward in his life without first finding out about it?

WHISKEY SOUR NOIR is a hilarious story but with an underlining controversial issue. It has message that not everyone is innocent or vice versa. Author Mickey J. Corrigan writes with humor. Her stories are always humorous and a pleasure to read.

Recommended to all readers.
_________________________________________________________________________

Reviewed by TashNz

Whiskey Sour Noir by Mickey J Corrigan is another smart, sassy, funny and to the point, quick read that packs a punch.  As are all of Mickey's stories.

We all know a Whiskey Sour is an alcoholic drink and that's your first clue this story is set in the bars.  The bar's called Kettle of Fish to be exact.  "Tami Lee Conkers, meet Mr Cat Avery"  Cat introduces Tami to the Whiskey Sour... and that's not all if you know what I mean ;)    The problem is Cat is on Parole for an offence he swears he's innocent of.  Tami wants to believe him...

A quick read, as is usual with Mickey's stories.  I was left wanting more and hope there will be more to this story!  And I must mention, I LOVE the cover!

The Gift by Sandra Marton

A romance novella by Sandra Marton, set in the Wilde world – that world inhabited by the Wilde’s, the formidable ranch family of Texas, scion of a general of the US Army.  This is a bit of alright – you get the jet set background, the alpha male and the stars, the violins, the works.  Like all Sandra Marton’s work, it goes a little deeper than the fantasy romance type read.  It touches on the world of high-powered, arranged marriages, where emotions take a back seat and hard bargaining takes precedent.  The plot is classic Lancelot and Guinevere – Kazimir, a security professional, has, because of his connections with Sardovia, a Baltic kingdom, been given a special assignment to deliver – yes, deliver – the future wife of the head of the Sardovian throne safely to her waiting bridegroom.  At first the young lady gives Kaz heartburn and he’s not at all impressed – until he comes to realize that the young lady is a mere pawn in a political game with no say in the (entirely unsuitable) choice of her husband.  Kaz’s exasperation gives way to compassion and then to love.  But while he realizes he can never complete his assignment, to deliver this woman to a life of hell, he also realizes that as a man of his word, his reputation and professional credibility will be forever compromised.  So what is it going to be?  Will he choose to follow his heart?  Or can he dare to risk losing his professional credibility?

For admirers of Sandra Marton’s work, for lovers of romance fiction and for all those who love fairy tales in a modern setting.  An impressive read.

A Lot Like Love by Helen Lacey

 

Reviewed by Desere

A really fantastic little read about secrets being exposed and new relationships being formed in the mist of tragedy. I really liked the emotion, it was in depth and raw at times but also sweet and slow building.

The relationship between father and daughter is what made this read for me, it was so touching and really spoke to my heart.

I recommend this read for anyone that loves a romance read with real in depth emotion, budding romance and a great message of nothing is ever as it seems !

5/5 star review

" This feel a lot like love, or is it?"

**********************************************

Reviewed by Shirley Buchanan
 

With Jessica Dennison's death, an entire family was affected in different ways. Sophie, her two year old daughter was now motherless. Mark, her husband, was now a widower with a secret and the sole parent of his child. Catherine, her twin, was tormented by a secret and banished forever from the family by her brother-in-law because of the accident. Now ten years later, circumstances have changed. Sophie needs the help of her aunt to live. Mark must swallow his anger and resentment to request it. He would do anything for his child, even this. But would a possible cure for Sophie's illness be all they would find together? Could a long ago attraction lead to something Mark and Catherine could call forever?

Would he act on his attraction or would his secret be in the way?

Would she act on her attraction or would her torment and secret be too much to overcome?

Would this treatment be the cure they have been praying for or was it another dead end?

When I start to read a Helen Lacey book, I know I will find a sweet, sensual romance with an intricate plot and well developed characters. This story did not disappoint. Building gradually throughout the book toward a climatic end, I rode a roller coaster of emotions as this family tried to meld together. Excellent story. Well written.

I would recommend this book to all romance readers.

4/5 stars Could love overcome all their problems?

***************************************************************************

Reviewed by Maria

Helen Lacey is a talented author who excels in writing deeply emotional and compelling love stories with a love of family values at the very core.  Catherine hasn’t seen her brother-in-law Mark since the death of his wife, her sister, ten years before.  But now, Mark needs her help.  A donor is needed to give his young daughter a life saving transplant.  As the girl’s mother’s sister, Catherine is the closest female relative and the likeliest match.  Can this pair overcome the shadows of their past – the hurt and the pain – not to mention the misunderstandings – and give Mark’s daughter what she so desperately needs?  What the child actually needs will have readers sitting up in amazement.  This gripping story held my attention until the very end.  Highly recommended for readers of emotional love stories and mature romance.   Catherine is a delightful character with whom readers will identify – she gives the hero, Mark, a run for his money.  That was one of the things I loved about the story.  I always enjoy an interesting heroine who gives the hero what he truly needs – which is usually a few life lessons.

Readers who have read Helen Lacey’s Harlequin Special Editions stories will enjoy this.

Caution : Filling is hot by Tara Mills

Reviewed by Desere

This was one of the most fun reads ever! A set of twins dead set on bringing two people together, add in their grandmother to help.

And the very unsuspecting couple each trying to do their own mix of flirting with pleasure and avoiding contact.

The book had all kinds of super hot romance, fun and totally off the hook craziness that had me laughing out loud, which was no surprise as this author is one that knows how to not only tickle your funny bone but, send it into a full blown can't stop laughing, tears streaming down your face, my insides hurt mode.

I adored the super hot attraction between Chad and Piper. The author created spectacular, realistic characters and blended in loads of totally awesome extra's.

I am not going to reveal much more than that, all I will add is go and get this book as in NOW! You will not be sorry. The book has everything a romance reader can ask for and a bonus of just how hot, dangerous and mixed up the filling of life can get, when we slap together our very own recipe for love.

Fun, flirtatious, hot, passionate and simply delicious!

5/5 star review
"Caution: Love has it's very own recipe for disaster, unless you have the right ingredients" 

Lissa: Sugar and Spice ~The Wilde Sisters Series Book 3 by Sandra Marton

Reviewed by Desere

Blame! It's done everyday. Whether you are the one being blamed or whether you are the one blaming yourself, either way it is something that eats away at your soul. You cannot simply get rid of it by placing it in the back of your mind till such time you feel like dealing with it, because it never goes to the back, it always stays the number one thing on your mind, constantly whispering for you to do something about it.

In the new Sandra Marton this is the focus in life for the main characters Lissa and Nick. Once they both had promising careers, Lissa as a promising chef making the most mouth watering dishes and Nick as a kick-ass actor making all the girls knees go weak. But fate steps in and instead of living the dream, they are thrown together in the most unexpected of places.

Whilst each one tries to deal with their new circumstances they find that getting back to their careers is the furthest thing from their minds, because their passion for each other overshadows any other thoughts, that is until reality shows up at the front gate.

The character of Nick was a real ass, the man is as horrible as he his gorgeous. I found myself wanting to hit him on more than one occasion and at other times I felt so sorry for the lost man he has become that I wanted to hold him tight and just say anything I could to make him feel better, there was also of course the times that the man was so extremely sexy and I wanted to smother him in kisses. Him blaming himself for the an incident that led to the end of his career was a very touching tale. I have heard it many times before in the of work I do, but it never stops to amaze me just how much of an impact one incident can have on a person, so badly that it turns them from sunshine to a walking rain cloud that can erupt in seconds. Through this character the author showed, that anything can change our lives in a number of seconds, but it takes an entire lifetime to come back from the brink of insanity.

The character of Lissa, also blamed herself for the loss of her career however, her reason was less emotional, but this did not make her any less interesting. I found myself wanting to congratulate the woman for standing up for herself but I also wanted to scald her for not doing it properly. Through this character the author showed that when we stand up for ourselves we are not meant to do it only halfway, think of it as baking only half of an apple pie, no one will want to eat it and it's the same when we only stand up for ourselves halfway. We will be known as a person of reckoning but never a person of stature. When you fight for your right, do it all the way or don't do it at all.

The backdrop settings were very stunning, the author described the land with such exquisite detail I could honestly feel the cold seeping into my skin and feel the wind blowing away my hair. I loved the book from start to finish, I was swept away by the intense attraction between Lissa and Nick and simply could not get enough of them, I wanted the story to go on and on and never end, and afterwards I sat for almost a full three minutes to try and pull myself from their world and back to my own.

I am taking away a message of blaming yourself for mistakes is never the answer. Yes if you are guilty then that's it, try to make it right instead of just trying to push it away. And yes there will be times when we will be blaming ourselves when in fact it was never our fault to begin with, this is just human nature and can be overcome, but if you refuse to listen to the voice of reasoning when it comes walking through the door, then there truly will never be an end to your suffering. Be courageous enough to listen instead of just following your own set of voices.

I highly recommend this read for any of Sandra Marton's fans. The read was an emotional roller-coaster ride filled with blazing passion, heartache and self-discovery and and an ending you will never see coming!

5/5 star review
"Sugar and spice come together to create the most memorable dish of love"  
******************************************************************************


Reviewed by Shirley Buchanan

The age old adage was right. “If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is”. That's what Lissa found out with this latest “executive chef position”. With a deadbeat job, no better prospects in the future and her professional reputation in shreds, the position quoted from her agent sounded perfect. Only the hype and the reality were not the same. Hype: live at a fancy dude ranch or fancy resort where the rich went to have fun with hot tubs, fire pits and luxury accommodations, be able to do American cooking with locally grown ingredients, and make contacts with potential restaurant owners. Reality: live at a broken-down ranch, feed six starving cowboys, tolerate one grouchy, arrogant, sexy, reclusive owner and accommodate a big, beautiful Newfoundland. Reality was a whole lot different from the hype, but was that all she found there? She didn't think so. Had she finally found the “ONE” or would he turn out to be just like all the others, selfish and self serving?

Disillusioned and injured, Nick had returned to the family ranch. With the shattering of all his dreams, he had become rude, insolent, despicable, and elusive from all who knew him. Oblivion was what he was chasing: from the memories of the accident, the sudden ending of his career, fear of an interfering, pitying public, and the bombardment of too many regrets for what he had lost, but a blonde, green eyed, feisty, and determined dynamo changed all his perceptions. From the first sassy, indignant greeting, she had begun to change all his perceptions. Was the bubble they existed in destined to be a step to forever or would reality pop the thin membrane and come flooding in? Could there be a “happily ever after” for them or would unforeseen circumstances force them apart?

From the first pages of Lissa's “pity party” to the last climatic firework ending, this exciting story was written in the famous Sandra Marton style. A well written plot was inter-weaved with very well developed characters. This story was a constant page turner. Secondary characters, including the famous “Wilde Clan” provided a perfect background to the story of searching for that elusive eternal love. I laughed, cried, and sympathized with both Lissa and Nick on their incredible journey to this love.

And the ending...what a fabulous surprise!!!! Can't wait to read future novels by this amazing author. Well done, Sandra Marton,well done!!!

I would recommend this to all romance readers.

5/5 stars Just what had she gotten herself into...???

***************************************************************************

Reviewed by Maria

The story of Wilde Child no. 6, Melissa, or Lissa, rather, is as absorbing as the previous episodes in Sandra Marton’s family saga of the Wildes of El Sueno.

Lissa is the Wilde child who has broken out on her own and walks a lone path.   Independent, outspoken and proud, one thing that Lissa will never do is admit to having failed while out there in the big, bad world.  Win or lose, she’s a Wilde and that means that failure is not an option in that family of achievers.

A string of failed romances and a career which has hit a downer fails to dampen her spirit.  Men?  Who needs them?   Her loss of romance can be compensated for with chocolates, ice cream, a slew of romantic movies and if it comes to that, mechanical help!  Well, it may not come to that, but if it does, she’s ready.  The loss of a five star job and having her name blackened in her industry doesn’t faze her either.  She shovels chicken in a takeaway, keeps smiling and never calls her family for help.  Not even once.  But all that’s about to change.  A job offer in cowboy ranch land comes her way.  She thinks she’s going to be a chef in a resort which offers ranch-style holidays to discerning (meaning: rich) holidaymakers.  What she does not bargain for is the fact that the job is on a real ranch and instead of serving up haute cuisine to high class ranch tourists, she’s called to serve up pork and beans to real, honest-to-God cowboys and ranch hands.  And the boss? Don’t even mention that laconic, bad-tempered SOB.

But that SOB is familiar looking. He bears a strong resemblance to a certain celebrity who went missing over a year ago and Lissa starts to notice this.  Soon, the whole game changes and it looks as if Lissa’s life is about to change too, for the better.

And if that isn’t quite enough, there’s a twist at the end of the story to make fans of the Wilde series sit up and take notice. 

A very hot and romantic read, told with wit, style and humor.  Sandra Marton fans, readers of romance and fans of this series will be well pleased.

5*

House of Love by Aditi Chopra

She’s done it again. 

Aditi Chopra has her finger firmly on the pulse of the condition of what is sometimes called the ABCD (American Born, Confused Desi).  A person of Indian origin, born in the western world to Indian parents.  The world calls you Indian, but your inner feelings are not so sure.  How do you reconcile your Indian heritage with the way of life you know now?  Will you wear Indian or western dress?  To date or not to date?  You find the person you want to marry.  Do you submit your choice for parental approval?  If they withhold their approval, what will you do?  Follow your heart?  Or follow your culture?

A deceptively simple novella which makes some excellent points.  The characters of Nikki Desai and her boyfriend Karan and the dilemmas they face make for interesting reading.  For anyone interested in modern Indian culture and the changes faced by young Indian in today’s fast changing world.  Or for anyone who just enjoys a good story.

Deceive Me In Ireland by Whitney K-E

Whitney K-E is back again, doing what she does very well – the Irish/Aussie romance.  From Co. Kerry in Ireland to Melbourne, Australia and back, this tale of love and romance set in the equestrian world had me smiling.  I enjoyed Cara and Will’s story.  But frankly, I don’t know how Cara didn’t murder William stone dead at times.  He was one of the worst ‘slaggers’ I’ve ever come across. 

You don’t know what a ‘slagger’ is?  Let me enlighten you.  In Ireland, we have a special custom known as ‘slagging’.  Well, we did when I lived there.  It involves finding the vulnerable spots in a person.  Then teasing them mercilessly about it.  And William was practically slagging Cara from page one.  When they first met, he told her his name was Patrick.  Then she later found out his name was something else.  I mean, how do you trust a man like that?  If he could deceive you when he didn’t know you were his future sister-in-law’s cousin, what does that say about his integrity?

Personally speaking, I think young Cara was way too forgiving.  And there’s something else as well.  She leapt into the leaba (that means ‘bed’ in Irish) with the fellow far too soon if you ask me.  Not that anyone’s asking.   I wouldn’t let a joker like that lay a finger on me until he’d put a ring on one of mine first. I was dying for Cara to give him a kick in his arse. These  hot-blooded Irish men have to be handled correctly, you know?  Otherwise, they’d blight your life with all their smart alec answers and their ready wit. 

It’s a good  question all right.  Can a holiday romance really work out?  I mean, you meet on vacation and there’s all this rapt emotion.  But you have a life back home, right?  Gone are the days when you just dropped everything and followed your man halfway around the world.  Well, I wish I’d known that before I followed my true love wherever.

Take two likeable, totally realistic characters, a few kilos of attraction, a few litres of emotion and a few grains of anger and annoyance and what have you got?  Will and Cara’s story, actually.  All too real.  All too human.  All too believable.  And all too annoying.  Will, I mean, not Cara.

I’m one of those people who finds love scenes a bit TMI.  It’s quite enough for me to know the main characters are getting it together. It’s not that I have anything against sex.  Far from it. I’m one of those (probably weird) individuals who would rather do it than read about it.  Whitney K-E might be a young one, but she writes with a skill beyond her years.  The writing was so realistic that at one stage, when Will and Cara were having a particularly lengthy ‘session’, I thought I should let them get on with it and go read a book until they were finished.  Then I realized I was reading a book.

So kudos to Whitney K-E for this romantic Irish tale.  It brought a smile to my face, a tear to my eye and occasionally, a frown to my forehead (that was William’s fault!).  So go ahead, buy it, read and enjoy.  And yes, it was authentic.

Any complaints?  Well, I did find it slightly overdone when the writing veered into an Irish accent, when William or any of the Irish characters were speaking.  Then it occurred to me that as an Irish person myself, I could already hear their accents.  An Australian or  US reader wouldn’t necessarily.  So it’s okay.

Good one, Whitney K-E.

I received an advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Kholodev's Last Mistress by Kate Hewitt

Kate Hewitt has the knack of creating memorable heroines which stay with the reader long after they close the book.  And heroes who are vulnerable and yet alpha.  What a skill!  It's enviable.

A former street kid and a self-made millionaire, Sergei Kholodov is intrigued by Hannah Pearl, a sunny side up American girl from a Podunk town. Her optimistic outlook attracts him.  Their chance meeting on the streets of Moscow changes the morose man forever and leads him to believe that things could, in fact, be different.

Hannah herself is endearingly vulnerable.  She’s so sweet, though.  Exactly the kind of woman you’d love to have as a friend.  If you’re a woman yourself, of course.  And the hero?  Well in spite of having gone through some horrendous, abusive experiences, you don’t so much find yourself pitying Sergei as admiring him.  Will Hannah be Kholodov’s mistress?  Or something much, much more?

I read this on the run and made time for it.  Because the story literally demanded it.  As Kate Hewitt romances go, this is my all-time favourite.

As this review appears, the book is probably out of print.  But the ebook will, of course, be available.  

I received a print copy of this book in return for an honest review.

5/5

Done With Men by Shuchi Singh Kalra

Reviewed by Maria

A light read, a bright and breezy romantic comedy by an Indian author who could well be in the running to be the next Marian Keyes (you know who Marian Keyes is, surely?  The queen of rom com fiction and chick lit?  Who’s Irish just like me?).  

The plot is simple enough.  Writer Kairavi (Kay to her friends)  has foresworn men after a string of failed relationships.  An ill-fated night on the town leaves her hospitalized, however, with a tattoo declaring ‘Done With Men’ and considerable injury to her ego. A handsome Goan doctor with a poetical name enters her life and intrigues her, leading her a merry dance indeed.  Suddenly, the hardened journo is wondering whether or not being ‘Done With Men’ forever is a little premature.

I loved the humour and the romance, the ‘will she or won’t she’ intrigue and the Goan sunshine.  The writer has thoughtfully provided a list of Hindi terms at the back for those unfamiliar with the language, so this is a book which can be enjoyed by anyone who reads in English, even if they’re not Indian.

Shuchi Kalra is a witty and observant author who is already a well established blogger and editor.  She has a perfect voice for women’s fiction with her dry humour and chatty writing style.  Full marks to this one!

I received a review copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Dangerous Desire by Annie Seaton (Entangled Ignite)

Reviewed by Maria

Annie Seaton's latest release is a real treat.  Romantic suspense at its most suspenseful...you just cannot put the bloody book down and get your washing done.  It's that compulsive.  You don't even want to go into the kitchen and get a cup of coffee for yourself.

Gracie, the kindergarten teacher who is looking for her missing sister reminds me of myself when I was a bit younger.  She is so innocent, she'd go anywhere looking for her missing loved one and find herself in a nest of sharks within minutes.  I loved her willingness to put herself on the line for those she loved.  Jake, the medically retired cop, who accidentally falls for Gracie then spends the rest of the story trying to get her out of trouble.

The world of the ocean with it's sense of danger around the corner and the difficulty of finding a missing person - someone could be lost forever within seconds - gave this story a delicious edge and sense of danger.  Jake and Gracie's love story was enjoyable too.  How this not-too-experienced young woman captures the heart  of this world weary cop makes for an enjoyable read.

The story was pretty hot in comparison to the Annie Seaton's usual work, as this is for a hotter line than those for which this author writes.  The scenes were certainly up to the mark.  But I have to declare here and now that I love this author's work and I read the book because of the author, not because of the fact that the line is smoking hot.

I loved the story and I loved the vividly descriptive language which brought the coast of Australia brilliantly, vividly alive for me.

Giving this one the full five stars.

5/5

An Enticing Debt to Pay by Annie West

Reviewed by Desere 


I am sure that none of us ever stops to think what the life of the hired help is like, nor their children.

They work hard to provide for their families but they also face being treated badly by their employers, and having to face their children being bullied and ridiculed for being the hired help's child.

It is a tough life but they do realise that without a job they will not be able to provide for their children so they do their job and take whatever comes their way, all the while trying everything within their power to protect their children.

But when life throws them a opportunity of a lifetime could anyone blame them for grabbing the chance to put their feet up and for once allow themselves to wallow away in luxury. Silvia Ruggiero does just this, when Pier's takes her as his mistress and the housekeeper becomes the number one woman in his life, only Piers does not stop to think what this indiscretion will do to his wife and son and nor does Silvia think what the outcome will be one day when Piers's son wants revenge and she will not be there when judgement day comes around to offer her daughter protection.

Here is where the focus comes in on Ravenna and Jonas. Jonas leans of a theft in his finances and goes after the culprit only the culprit is not who he thought it would be and instead he faces the housekeeper's daughter Ravenna, or rather daughter the to gold-digging no good woman who lured his father to her bed and away from his mother. He will extract revenge by making her pay and pay dearly, punishment will be the highlight of his plan, but once he has her at his command for-filling his every whim he falls for the temptation that is Ravenna, but he vows that having her in his bed will not make him a fool as his father had been.

The character of Ravenna was well written and I liked that the author dug a little into what life is like when you are the child of the hired help. It showed clearly that people never stop to take the time and see the person behind the title how ever low the title may be, they instead carry on with their lives never stopping to think that the person behind the title is also human and has feelings, hopes and dreams. I liked that the author gave Ravenna a backbone to stand up and fight for what needs to be done, never breaking down and allowing people to see their hurtful words and actions getting to her. A strong capable heroine.

The character of Jonas was less likeable as he pretty much treats Ravenna as scum making her work so hard her fingers are raw , but the author did also show that it all comes down to the hurt he needed to face when his mother's world crumbled and there was nothing he could do except stand by and watch as she lost the will to live. It also reminded me that once we are set on revenge their is very little that will open our eyes to the truth and we tend to push through and most of the time it is too late and the realisation of wrong hits after the damage is already too severe.

The backdrop was mostly set in a huge, expensive old and very run down mansion , for me as reader this mirrored the lives of both Ravenna and Jonas, for Jonas it represented how empty his life is even though he has it all and for Ravenna the state that her life has always been, alone in the big world trying to always face her way out of some or another situation.

The dialogue was very emotional with a touch of sensual and sexy. I am taking away a message of regret comes to late and when faced with revenge or stopping to grab hold of the life you realise you need, the best is to follow your heart instead of your actions, for when looking into your heart you will find the space for hatred is so small and overshadowed by love that nothing not even pity and guilt can kill that love once found.

I highly recommend this read for all fans of romance reads with a deep emotional and heart-warming look at the lives of the rich vs the poor and the masks kept in place for the sake of hiding pain, all blended together with a touch of sensuality.

4 star review
" He needs revenge but the revenge turns into a temptation he cannot resist" 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reviewed by Nas

AN ENTICING DEBT TO PAY by USA Today Bestselling Author Annie West is a Harlequin Presents release for October 2013.

Jonas Deveson doesn’t forget or forgive. So when he found out that he had been ripped off and by none other than his father’s mistress, he is thirsty for revenge.

Ravenna Ruggiero hated her life as the daughter of a working class mother and later as of the other woman. She had been bullied and scorned at. Only at one time Jonas had shown kindness to her.

Now Jonas was after revenge and there was no kindness in him. Where was the man Ravenna remembered? It was an intriguing concept for Ravenna and she had to find out even while Jonas blackmailed her into working for him. Yet all sort of sparks fly being alone with him. Would they give in to their passion and forget who they were?

AN ENTICING DEBT TO PAY is a sizzling romance packed with emotional and sensual tension. There is mystery as well. Why has Ravenna agreed when she didn’t steal? Who was she trying to cover for? And why?

Read this astounding romance to find out all answers. Annie West once again mesmerizes her readers with her characters emotions. You will be hooked in from the very first page to find answers to your questions.

Highly recommended for all lovers of romance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reviewed by Maria 

Things are not only quite the way they seem.

Jonas thinks he has the measure of Ravenna.  She is, he believes, a predatory gold digger like her husband-stealing mother.  Now that he's discovered that her mother, Silvia, has stolen money from his family, he's determined to make her pay - preferably behind prison bars.  When Ravenna owns up to the theft and offers to work to repay the money, he thinks it's a case of 'like mother, like daughter'.

Ravenna alone knows how her mother has suffered down through the years.  Thrown out of her family home as an unmarried, pregnant teen, she has also suffered while working as a servant, having been wrongly accused of theft in the past, without receiving an apology when her innocence was discovered and continually being treated as a social inferior.  She's just lost the man she loved and Ravenna won't see her thrown into jail.

As Ravenna works on refurbishing Jonas' childhood home, a bond develops.  Suddenly, Jonas realizes that maybe he's misjudged Ravenna after all.

An engaging and beautifully written romance story about how there are in fact, two sides to every story and learning the other side of the story can be surprising.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reviewed by Nancy Crocker

Jonas Deveson is set on revenge. He is looking for Silvia Ruggiero. Jonas is convinced she forged the checks against his late father’s account. Silvia was his father’s mistress, and what better way to make her pay not only for the missing money but for the destruction he believes Silvia caused his family. What Jonas finds is Ravenna Ruggiero, Silvia’s daughter. Ravenna tells Jonas she took the money and will work to pay off the debt. But sometimes things are not always as they appear.

The character of Ravenna Ruggiero was the best part of this novel. She has gone through so much in her life. She was a fierce warrior when faced with a life threatening illness. She defended the one that helped her the most, in her time of need. She was passionate and so very strong for one that has suffered so much.

I have mixed emotions about Jonas’s character. While I understand his wanting the money back, he was brutal at times with the way he talked to Ravenna. His tongue cut quicker than a knife ever could. I think the thing that saved this character somewhat was his change of attitude after learning the truth. Of course he did redeem himself in the end. But I would have preferred a bit more groveling.

I thought the author did a really good job showing the differences that others perceive between the upper class and working class society. I loved how Jonas’s whole attitude changed when he learned the truth behind everything. I really enjoyed the Epilogue in this book. I loved how it showed the changes in the couple and what had transpired. I recommend this book to readers who love contemporary romances.

Favorite lines:

“If that was you being unaffected,’ he drawled, ‘I look forward to seeing what you’re like when you put a little effort into sex.’ He drew a slow breath, watching her stumble to a halt. ‘I was willing to test the waters to see how far you’d go. And I wasn’t disappointed.’

4/5 stars

I received an Autographed Copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.