If you really enjoy a book that’s filled with warmth, laughter, romance, and heroines that won’t quit, then Sugar Jamison is the author for you. I fell in love with her A Perfect Fit series from the moment that I began reading the first book, Dangerous Curves Ahead. So I was really happy to note that among the many authors offering special books for the holidays, she too had a new A Perfect Fit installment for her readers, Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas: A Perfect Fit Holiday Novella. I recently received a copy from her publisher and just have to say to you all right upfront, you should be downloading these books to your e-readers immediately as they are that good.
In Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas, the story picks up a year after the last chapter of Dangerous Curves Ahead. Ellis’ sister Dina (who was the one I think everyone loved to hate) is now a single mom who’s travelled cross country via bus to track down the wealthy father of her son. She’s not looking for anything beyond social security benefits, so right there we know that this gal has changed.
In addition, the former stick thin dancer now has some curves herself post pregnancy – and seems rather happy with her body. So, former detractors you need to take a real look at Dina, because she’s a rather fabulous work-in-progress.
Jamison’s novels are laugh-out-loud funny yet at the same time incredibly poignant as they do offer plus size girls realistic heroines, who not only struggle with their body self-perceptions, but also acceptance in society. I totally bonded in the first book with Ellis, but have to say that Dina struck a real chord with me as well. This former wild-child has to go against everyone’s preconceptions, including her ex’s brother Ben, whom she’s attracted to. Not for her figure, but for her ability to remain steady and be a good mother.
I won’t spoil the story, but just advise that if you want a funny, heart-warming, romantic, and yes, sexy holiday read – this is the book for you. It could be a stand-alone novella, but once you’ve read one of Jamison’s books, you’ll want to read them all. So I’d recommend buying both and having yourself A Perfect Fit all-night read party.
The next book in the series, Thrown for a Curve: A Perfect Fit Novel, is scheduled to be released in February. I’ll be marking my calendar and bet you will too. So five stars for this fabulous holiday read from Sugar Jamison.
___________________________________
From the Publisher
A Perfect Fit Book 2
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas by Sugar Jamison
A Perfect Fit Holiday Novella
St. Martin’s Press
St. Martin’s Paperbacks
ISBN 9781466847095
Price $1.99
Full of warmth, wit, and voluptuous romance, the Perfect Fit series embraces the holiday spirit with an exclusive new novella–Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas!
On the first day of Christmas, former wild child Dina Gregory returns home to New York on a mission: To find the father of her young son. Making him take responsibility for the child he helped create is the only thing on Dina’s wish list. Instead, she finds herself in an awkward run-in with his stuffy older brother, Ben.
Ben has never liked Dina. But he can’t help but admire her tenacity—and her bold beauty. Being trapped together during a holiday blizzard offers him a glimpse into what it would be like to have a family, and to fall truly in love. Could it be that Dina has reignited his Christmas spirit? The only thing Ben knows for sure is that her heart is a gift to behold…and he will never let go.
Get ready to stuff your reader some fabulous books that just happen to be bargains today in preparation for the weekend. Here are some titles that I highly recommend to you. Please remember that these special prices may only be available for a limited time, so act now! To place your order, just click on the relevant image or link and you’ll be directed to the book on Amazon.
FREE Books, that’s right, for a limited time you can download these books for $0.00.
M. Malone has a very special present for all her readers. That’s right, she’s written a holiday novella and is is giving it to all of you for FREE! Christmas with The Alexanders is a really nice read, and falls just after book three in her The Alexanders series. However it’s not a stand-alone story, so you really should read the rest of the books too (and Teasing Trent, the series prequel is offered free right now too (click on link, or download Surrender collection). So Merry Christmas a little early from bestselling author, M (Minx) Malone.
Kaylee Wilhelm knows what she wants for Christmas–for Elliott Alexander to notice her. Unfortunately, he doesn’t like her much, so she’s spending the holidays with her disapproving parents.
Elliott Alexander is finally in the position to come home for good. Home means bittersweet memories and the only woman who makes him feel things he isn’t ready for.
When Kay’s car skids out of control on Christmas Eve, she’s forced to reach out to the only man she trusts to save her. Eli’s a protector, so she knows he’ll come for her, but this Christmas Kay is hoping for a little bit more.
All I Want for Christmas is You (Fate with a Helping Hand) by Lisa Mondello is a sweet contemporary holiday romance. I read it last year and had to grab a few Kleenexes. It’s the first book in Mondello’s, Fate with a Helping Hand, eeries and is offered for FREE right now.
Sometimes fate needs a little hand…
Santa Claus is going to have a rough season… Lauren Alexander is raising her daughter alone. Abandoned by her family for her decision to keep her daughter Kristen, she has done a pretty good job for the last six years. Or she thought she had. That’s why she is crushed when little Kristen gives up her wish for a toy or goodie and instead asks Santa for a present for her mother. She wants Santa to bring a Daddy. Delivering Daddies isn’t Santa’s bag.
But this Santa has a plan…
Kyle Preston knows what it is like to be abandoned too. Luckily he found the support of loving adoptive parents and has turned himself into one of the most successful Real Estate developers in town.
Building a house is easy. Building someone’s trust is a whole other story. But with a little helping hand, a little Christmas magic can make all the difference in the world.
Surrender
This is the first book in one of my favorite series and it’s FREE! The tenth book in the series, Meant for Love will be released later on 18 November. If you haven’t read it this series yet, you should. It’s a beautiful heartwarming, sexy, and fabulous read.
Maid for Love, The McCarthys of Gansett Island, Book 1 by Marie Force
HTJB, Inc.
Price $0.00
Maddie Chester is determined to leave her hometown of Gansett Island, a place that has brought her only bad memories and ugly rumors. Then she’s knocked off her bike on the way to her housekeeping job at McCarthy’s Resort Hotel by Gansett’s “favorite son,” Mac McCarthy. He’s back in town to help his father with preparations to sell the family resort and has no intention of staying long. When Mac accidentally sends Maddie flying over the handlebars, badly injuring her, he moves in to nurse her back to health and help care for her young son. He soon realizes his plans for a hit-and-run visit to the island are in serious jeopardy, and he just may be “maid” for love.
“With the McCarthy’s of Gansett Island, Marie Force makes you believe in the power of true love and happily ever after. Over and over again.” Carly Phillips, NY Times Bestselling Author of the Serendipity series.
Enjoy some Regency romance Christmas tales in A Grosvenor Square Christmas by Anna Campbell, Shana Galen, Vanessa Kelly, and Kate Noble.
Four breathtakingly romantic tales of a Regency Christmas from four bestselling romance authors.
Down through the years, enchantment touches a tall gray house in Grosvenor Square. The legend of Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball promises true love and happiness to one lucky couple. Who will feel the magic this winter?
1803 – The Seduction of a Duchess by Shana GalenRowena Harcourt, the Duchess of Valère, never forgot the handsome footman who helped her escape the French Revolution. For fourteen years, Gabriel Lamarque has loved Rowena—now at Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball, has fate finally delivered a chance to win her hand?
1818 – One Kiss for Christmas by Vanessa KellyNigel Dash is London’s most reliable gentleman, a reputation he never minded until he fell in love with beautiful Amelia Easton. Unfortunately, Amelia sees Nigel as a dependable friend, not a dashing suitor. At Lady Winterson’s famous Christmas ball, Nigel vows to change Amelia’s mind—by sweeping her off her feet.
1825 – His Christmas Cinderella by Anna CampbellAt the season’s most glittering ball, a girl who has never dared to dream of forever after discovers a Christmas miracle.
1830 – The Last First Kiss by Kate NobleSusannah Westforth has always loved Sebastian Beckett – but he’s only ever seen her as a friend. When Sebastian takes his Grand Tour, Susannah transforms herself into a woman he’ll notice. Now Sebastian is back, just in time for Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball – but the last thing he expects to see is his little Susie, all grown up…
You’re invited to join the whirling dance at Lady Winterson’s sparkling Christmas ball, where miracles happen and true love shines forever. How can you resist?
I adore Jennifer Ashley’s Highland Pleasures historical series that features members of the MacKenzie Family. Right now, Mackenzie Family Christmas: The Perfect Gift (Highland Pleasures), book 4.5 (a novella) is available for free. If you haven’t read the series yet, you’ll be introduced to this wonderful family and their antics in the Scottish Highlands.
Revisit the Mackenzies in this heartwarming Christmas tale. Book 4.5 of the New York Times bestselling Mackenzies / Highland Pleasures Series, this short novel has fifteen chapters, 43,000 words.
The Mackenzies gather for a clan Christmas and Hogmanay in Scotland. In the chaos of preparations for the celebration–the first of Hart and Eleanor’s married life–one of Ian’s Ming bowls gets broken, and the family scrambles to save the day. Daniel busily runs a betting ring for everything from the hour Eleanor’s baby will arrive, to whether Mac’s former-pugilist valet can win a boxing match. Ian begins a new obsession, and Beth fears that the loss of one of his precious bowls has made him withdraw once more into his private world.
Events take place after the close of The Duke’s Perfect Wife (before the Epilogue).
Kathleen Brooks’ two Bluegrass series (Bluegrass and Bluegrass Brothers) are among some of my favorite romances. Her books are a delight to read and often offer a little mystery and suspense along with romance. Right now you can have three of her books for free. So act now and enjoy one of the best romance series around.
You can’t go wrong with book one, Bluegrass State of Mind, in her bestselling Bluegrass Series. I loved this introduction to her world (it was the first book of hers that I read) and I highly recommend it. And it’s FREE right now.
McKenna Mason, a New York City attorney with a love of all things Prada, is on the run from a group of powerful, dangerous men. McKenna turns to a teenage crush, Will Ashton, for help in starting a new life in beautiful horse country. She finds that Will is now a handsome, successful race horse farm owner. As the old flame is ignited, complications are aplenty in the form of a nasty ex-wife, an ex-boyfriend intent on killing her, and a feisty race horse who refuses to race without a kiss. Can Will and McKenna cross the finish line together, and more importantly, alive?
Here’s book one in her Bluegrass Brothers series, Bluegrass Undercover, a follow-up to the Bluegrass Series.
Cade Davies is an ex-Army Ranger, teacher, and the new head coach of the high school football team in Keeneston. He barely has time to adjust to all of the changes in his life before he runs into the school’s fiery new guidance counselor and a new threat to the peaceful town of Keeneston.
DEA Agent Annie Blake was undercover to bust a major drug ring preying on high school athletes across the South. After her transfer from Miami to Kentucky, Annie looks to make her career by solving the biggest case the DEA has open. What Annie didn’t count on was becoming the local gossip. Amid marriage bets placed by the entire town, a priest as a landlord, and a trio of thugs after her, Annie looks to Cade for help in bringing down the drug ring before anyone else is hurt. But can the unflappable Annie deal with the feelings that follow?
For the holidays, here’s book 2.5 in her Bluegrass Brothers series to try – Secret Santa, A Bluegrass Series Novella. Remember to get the whole series as you’ll fall in love with them too.
Secret Santa is USA Today Best-selling Author Kathleen Brooks’ novella to thank her readers for their amazing support and to update them on their favorite characters from her Bluegrass books.
If you’re new to the Bluegrass Series, please pick up Secret Santa as her gift to you this holiday season. At the end of the book there is an excerpt from Bluegrass State of Mind, the first book in the series, also currently free.
SECRET SANTA
It wouldn’t be Christmas in Keeneston without a party! Everyone’s invited, even Santa…
Kenna’s court docket is full, Dani’s hiding from her in-laws, Paige and Annie are about to burst from pregnancy, and Marshall is breaking up fights at the PTA Christmas Concert. The sweet potato casserole is made, the ham and biscuits are on the table, and men are losing their shirts – and not because of bets placed with the Rose Sisters! All the while, the entire town is wondering one thing: who is the Secret Santa that showed up with special gifts for everyone?
Lisa Renee Jones is a fabulous writer and her books are hot, sexy, suspenseful. Right now you can download book one, Hot Secrets, in her Tall, Dark, and Deadly series about the Walker brothers for free.
The Walker Brothers…
Tall, dark, and deadly, these three brothers run Walker security. Each brother is unique in his methods and skills, but all share key similarities. They are passionate about those they love, relentless when fighting for a cause they believe in, and all believe that no case is too hard, no danger too dark. Dedication is what they deliver, results are their reward.
HOT SECRETS
Royce Walker, a former FBI Agent, who’s opened a private security firm with his brothers, has always had the hots for the prim, proper Assistant District Attorney, but considered her hand’s off because of a family connection. However, when danger threatens Lauren, he isn’t willing to stand by and watch her get hurt. Now the passion for survival is only rivaled by the passion burning between them. And that passion, might just be the death of them both.
I really enjoyed Melody Anne’s Anderson family and her Billionaire series. I read it quite a while ago and am delighted to see that book one in the series, The Billionaire Wins the Game, has been reissued with additional text and the addition of some previously deleted scenes. Read it and then I think you’ll be ordering the sequels to find out what happens with the other Anderson brothers and their wonderful (but slightly conniving) father.
Joseph Anderson has decided it’s time for his three successful sons to find brides. Joseph wants grandchildren to fill his mansion, and he wants them immediately. His eldest son, Lucas, is successful in all areas of his life, except love, and Joseph begins matchmaking. He finds Amy Harper and deems her the perfect daughter-in-law. He just needs to get her and Lucas to both realize they’re made for each other.
Lucas Anderson is wealthy, sexy, and stubborn. He has no desire to have any woman enter his life, causing chaos, or using his family’s name. Many women have tried, and he’s been successful in finding out who they are beneath their false smiles.
Amy Harper was raised in tragic circumstances and doesn’t like pampered, rich men who have been handed everything with a silver spoon. She spent years finishing her education and then received a job with the Anderson Corporation. She instantly doesn’t like her incredibly sexy boss, who is arrogant and thinks every woman should fall at his feet.
When Amy becomes pregnant after one reckless night of passion, she’s scared he’ll take the baby and run. Lucas is demanding, and used to getting his way, but Amy has just the right amount of spark to ignite his fuse, and challenges him each step of the way.
Lucas’s father, Joseph, and his brothers Alex and Mark, offer laughter, love, and support. With the love of Lucas’s family, who aren’t only rich and successful, but also kind and giving, Amy starts to realize that being wealthy doesn’t make or break a man, and starts to picture the happily ever after she never believed in for herself.
I really love this paranormal series by Tina Folsom. Very, very sexy, funny, inventive, and super fast-paced action make it a tremendous read. Right now you can have book one, Samson’s Lovely Mortal (Scanguards Vampires #1), for FREE! You’ll enjoy it as much as I do and I know you’ll be collecting the rest of the series too.
Vampire bachelor Samson can’t get it up anymore. Not even his shrink can help him. That changes when the lovely mortal auditor Delilah tumbles into his arms after a seemingly random attack. Suddenly there’s nothing wrong with his hydraulics – that is, as long as Delilah is the woman in his arms.
His scruples about taking Delilah to bed vanish when his shrink suggests it’s the only way to cure his problem. Thinking all he needs is one night with her, Samson indulges in a night of pleasure and passion.
However, another attack on Delilah and a dead body later, and Samson has his hands full: not only with trying to hide the fact he’s a vampire, but also with finding out what secrets Delilah harbors for somebody to want her harm.
Surrender is collection of some sizzling stories from some very special authors. But here’s a warning, some of these titles do cross the line from romance to erotica, and may have elements of BDSM. I’ve included all the descriptions, so you’ll know what I mean. But if you’re looking for a HOT read on a cool night, here’s a collection for you that’s FREE.
SURRENDER Box Set features stories by these best-selling authors: Erika Wilde, Liliana Hart, Juliana Stone, M. Malone, Cherise Sinclair and Jasinda Wilder!
WARNING: The stories in this collection are hot and sexy, and some are even off-the-charts erotic with mature themes and elements.
THE AWAKENING (The Marriage Diaries, Vol. 1) by Erika Wilde
After nearly twenty years of marriage, Jillian Noble is ready to put some spice back into her sex life with her gorgeous husband, Dean. After seducing him at his office, Jillian reveals what she wants, and her husband is more than happy to oblige. Erotic fantasies are fulfilled, and forbidden passions surface as they open themselves up to a provocative world where boundaries are pushed to the limit and pleasure is the ultimate goal.
DANE by Liliana Hart
Bad boy, Dane MacKenzie, is coming home to Surrender, Montana. It’s been ten years since he left the woman he loved behind to make a name for himself, and now he’s bound and determined to claim her once and for all.
OFFSIDE by Juliana Stone
When hockey phenom Billie-Jo Barker returns home and decides to play in the local Friday night hockey league, all hell breaks loose. Not because Billie’s talent is in question, but because Billie is a woman. And though these are modern times, some of the local guys still have a problem letting a girl into their ‘men’s club.’ *If you like this story, the three-part Barker Triplets Boxed Set is available for 0.99. See below.
TEASING TRENT by M. Malone
The only thing Trent’s best friend has ever asked of him is to keep an eye on his twin sister while he’s deployed. Keeping her company on her birthday shouldn’t be too hard. He just has to remember the promise he made to himself in college to keep his hands off her.
CLUB SHADOWLANDS by Cherise Sinclair
Her car disabled during a tropical storm, Jessica Randall discovers the isolated house where she’s sheltering is a private bondage club. At first shocked, she soon becomes aroused watching the interactions between the Doms and their subs. But she’s a professional woman–an accountant–and surely isn’t a submissive . . . is she?
DELILAH’S DIARY (A Sexy Journey, Vol. 1) by Jasinda Wilder
I’ve always been a good girl. I grew up in a small town, dated my high school sweetheart all the way through college, and married him. I even waited until our wedding night for my first time. Finding my husband in bed with the church secretary came as quite a shock. Finding out he’d slept with just about every female in town was an even bigger shock. Discovering those dirty little secrets is what sent me on a journey that I will never forget.
Here are a few special offers for $0.99
I really love Julie Ann Walker’s Black Knights Inc. series and enjoyed her most recent book, Born Wild, that was released on Tuesday. If you haven’t already read the series, here’s your chance to catch up as book four, Thrill Ride, is now on sale for 0.99. (If you’re looking for books one to three, there is a special Julie Ann Walker Bundle: Hell on Wheels, In Rides Trouble, Rev It Up available now of all three for just $6.15. This is less than the cost of one of the three books.)
HE’S GONE ROGUE
Ex-navy SEAL Rock Babineaux is as Cajun as they come—spicy, sexy, and more than a bit wicked. But would he actually betray his country? Even his best friends on the special-ops Black Knights team aren’t sure they can trust him. Now the target of a massive manhunt, Rock knows the only way to protect the team—especially his partner, Vanessa—is to run…
SHE WON’T BACK DOWN
Rock might think he can outmaneuver them all, but he hasn’t counted on how stubborn Vanessa Cordero can be. And she refuses to cut him loose. Sure, her partner has his secrets, but there’s no one in the world she’d rather have by her side in a tight spot. Which is good because she and Rock are about to get very tight…
The Barker Triplets Boxed Set by Juliana Stone is a fun read with romance, secrets, and second chances. Plus a little hockey is thrown in too.
The complete boxed set of those crazy, lovable & infuriating Barker girls! The Barker Triplets, includes Offside, Collide & Conceal.
Offside
When hockey phenom Billie-Jo Barker returns home and decides to play in the local Friday night hockey league, all hell breaks loose. Not because Billie’s talent is in question, but because Billie is a woman. And though these are modern times, some of the local guys still have a problem letting a girl into their ‘men’s club.’
Soon, Billie is at the center of a small town battle of the sexes, with everyone choosing sides. Her sisters. The townsfolk. Her friends. And yet, the only person whose opinion she cares about doesn’t seem to care much at all. Logan Forest, the man who broke her heart when she was eighteen and the man she now shares the bench with every Friday night.
She’s got a lot to prove and though Billie Jo Barker scores on the ice, will this girl ever score with the man of her dreams?
Collide
A second chance never looked so good…
Bobbi-Jo Barker has been in love with the wrong man for years. A man who doesn’t fit into the perfect, controlled life she’s created. A man who not only broke her heart but nearly destroyed her. So the fact that he’s back in town shouldn’t matter because he’s all wrong for her, or so she thinks…
Shane Gallagher, prodigal son, ex-con, and all around hellion, has returned to the small town of New Waterford to mend fences and get his life back. What he doesn’t count on are the feelings he still has for the one woman who can break him–the one woman who is totally wrong for him.
And yet, as Bobbi and Shane are thrown together and begin to navigate a life with each other in it, neither can deny the attraction they feel, or the emotions that come with it–the good and the bad. And so the question becomes… can these two damaged souls survive a second chance at love?
Conceal
No one said going home would be easy…
Black sheep and all around trouble maker, Betty Jo Barker is back home and hoping for a do-over. Things are finally looking up until Beau Simon comes to town. The man pushes every button she owns and manages to awaken long dead emotions she’d rather leave buried. Beneath the surface she knows she’s a wreck–her scars run deep–and she can’t help but wonder, is Beau Simon the one who can fix her?
Beau Simon, the brightest star in Hollywood has come to New Waterford for one reason only. He’s determined to have Betty Jo Barker star in his next film. He knows she’s perfect for the part, but a past encounter might prove more than a little difficult to overcome. As Beau turns on the charm, hoping to win over this complicated woman, he realizes it won’t be easy.
Only time will tell if what lies beneath can ever be overcome. Or if love can heal all…
If you enjoy Lynn Raye Harris’ romance novels you’re going to love her step outside that genre into romantic suspense. I read the first book in her Hostile Operations Team series, Hot Pursuit , and loved it and now the follow-up novella, Hot Mess (A Hostile Operations Team Novella)(Book 1.5), is just $0.99. It’s a great introduction to the series and I’m sure you’ll want to order book one, Hot Pursuit , too as you’ll be hooked on this new LRH!
English professor Dr. Georgeanne Hayes has a problem. Her star pupil, an Army sergeant who works in a Top Secret government program, is missing—and someone tried to push her in front of a train last night.
Sam “Knight Rider” McKnight is used to looking out for Georgie. When they were kids, she was just his best friend’s baby sister. But Georgie’s not a baby anymore and Sam is getting some very male—and very dirty—thoughts about the girl he knows he can never have.
When someone threatens Georgie’s life again, Sam will do anything necessary to keep her safe. Even if it means spending the next few days locked up in a remote house on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with her.
Sam might be used to denying himself what he wants, but he’s about to find out that being cooped up with Georgie will push him to the limit. And maybe beyond.
Cristin Harber is a fresh new voice on the romantic suspense front and her Titan series is fabulous. Right now the two novellas in the series (that both fall after book three) are available for $0.99. If I were you, I’d buy the whole series to read in order, but these can serve as an introduction and she’s a fabulous writer. (Read the review.)
Gambled – A Novella (Titan #4)
Brock Gamble’s epic fall from the Titan Group labeled him a traitor. He betrayed his men. He failed his family. And when he thought he’d hit the lowest point, his wife walked out with their children, leaving him alone to drown himself in the bottle.
Surviving an abduction didn’t end the nightmare for Sarah Gamble. The aftershocks of post-traumatic stress disorder hit her hard. Self-doubt and confusion. Anger and hurt. Running away was an easy escape until Brock shows up on her doorstep offering a trip to paradise and a promise to fix their marriage.
Before the couple can search for answers, Brock is pulled back into the very world that Sarah is so scared of—kidnapping, cartels, and guns—and the stakes are too high for either one of them to ignore.
Jenny Chase has loved Asher McIntyre, her best friend’s older brother, since she first laid eyes on him. But their flirting over the years never progressed as well as his career. He’s the Asher McIntyre, Mr. Rising Star Politician, the congressman who is soon to be the senator to New York State. He holds a spot on every magazine’s most handsome, most powerful, and most unattainable list. All while Jenny has followed her acting dream, waiting for her big break.
Asher McIntyre has never had time for a serious relationship. Work is too demanding. But he’s also never stopped thinking about Jenny. When a stalker with a political agenda focuses on her, Asher can’t play the role of disinterested buddy any longer. The sparks are too strong, and his alpha gene is provoked. He wants her under his arm and in his bed.
But can two hearts on opposite career paths survive while Asher’s enemy seeks to take them both down?
For an introduction to Sandra Marton’s wonderful and very sexy Wilde Family, you can’t go wrong with her book, The Prince of Pleasure. I’ll be reviewing this and the Wilde Sisters, but you can get a head start and download this very sexy, suspenseful, and romantic book (yes, featuring an Arab ruler) today. (Read the review.)
THE PRINCE OF PLEASURE, by USA Bestselling author Sandra Marton, is the first book in The Wilde Family saga. His Royal Highness Sheikh Khan bin Zain al Hassad, Crown Prince of Altara, holds the power of life and death in his hands. The blood of kings and warriors runs in his veins. Laurel Cruz is a modern American woman, an attorney who fights for the rights of women. Khan and Laurel are like oil and water–but when they meet, Khan forgets his titles and becomes a man burning with passion for a woman who insists she wants nothing to do with him until he takes her in his arms and she forgets everything except how much she wants him. Against all odds, they find happiness, only to have everything they’ve fought for threatened first by a deranged stalker and then by the clever lies of one of Khan’s most devoted advisers.
Harlequin is offering a very special Intrique collection of four BJ Daniels Cardwell Ranch books for just $0.99: B.J. Daniels The Cardwell Ranch Collection: Crime Scene at Cardwell RanchJustice at Cardwell RanchCardwell Ranch Trespasser
Trouble came to Cardwell Ranch when a pile of old bones was discovered. Since then, nothing has been the same. Follow the Cardwell family as they band together to overcome murder, mayhem and a family imposter.
Another holiday collection to try is The Heart of Christmas
Start your holidays off right with three new novellas by USA Today Bestsellers Patricia McLinn, Judith Arnold and Kathryn Shay.
In Wyoming Wildflowers: The Beginning, discover how it all started in this much-anticipated prequel novella to the bestselling and award-winning Wyoming Wildflowers series by USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn. Ed’s and Donna’s worlds couldn’t have been any more different – a rancher from Wyoming and an up-and-coming Broadway musical actress on a national tour. What could have been a momentary encounter sparks desire . . . and more. But can there be anything but heartbreak ahead when they have only days before their dreams pull them apart?
In Almost An Angel, Conor Malone manages to hold things together for his daughter Amy after his wife’s death, until someone tells her Santa will bring her mother back for Christmas. How can Conor force Amy to accept reality without ruining her holiday? With help from Eliza Powell, the alluring new school psychologist—and the Daddy School.
In Flashover, Nick Evans, a captain in the Hidden Cove fire department, believes he committed the worst of crimes, even if it was to protect his little sister. He’s not ready for a relationship with Stacey Sterling, a firefighter’s widow who’s determined to help him heal. But on Christmas, Nick learns the meaning of redemption and love.
Dark and Dangerous: Six-in-One Hot Paranormal Romances is a fabulous bargain and a great way to sample six bestselling authors whose paranormal romances are hot and fun.
HARD MATED by Jennifer Ashley
A USA Today bestselling book!
Spike, a wildcat Shifter and the champion fighter of Shiftertown, is stunned when Myka, the best friend of a dying human woman, announces that Spike has fathered a cub. What’s more, the mother is giving the boy to Spike to protect and raise.
Spike is torn between the cub and his duties as tracker to the Shiftertown leader, and begs sassy and sexy horse-training Myka, the only person who understands, to help him. When Spike’s job puts his cub and Myka in danger, Spike is forced to choose between those to whom he’s pledged his loyalty and his need to protect the woman and cub he’s come to love.
THE MATING HUNT by Bonnie Vanak
After a childhood trauma left Arianna Sanders terrified of sex, the only man the pretty Lupine werewolf desires is her fiercely protective guardian. But the sexy, mysterious shifter harbors a dark secret, one he’s determined to hide from Arianna.
Kyle Morgan hungers for the voluptuous Arianna and dreams of consummating the passion smoldering between them. When he’s forced into mating with her to save her life, he must tame the savage, sexual beast inside him before taking the virgin he’s vowed to protect from those hungering to claim her, including himself…
EMBRACE THE DARK by Caris Roane
Will she fall to temptation and give herself to a vampire…
Abigail doesn’t mind doing business with the realm-world, until she discovers she’s a rare commodity called a blood rose, something designed to satisfy the deepest needs of a mastyr vampire. She wants nothing to do with that kind of power and servicing a vampire is just wrong. But Mastyr Gerrod’s resistance to her gift, as well as his hot hunkiness in his Guardsman uniform, soon turns her head and she bends her neck to receive a sharp pair of fangs. Mind-blowing sex, ecstasy, all good things follow. But how can she give up her human world to serve as a blood rose the rest of her life?
ASSASSIN’S TOUCH by Laurie London
Two worlds. Two enemies. One fated touch.
Former fashion designer Neyla Trihorn had the perfect life until a deadly accident revealed her latent para-abilities–now she’s the army’s hottest asset in their fight against invaders. Rickert D’Angelus, the dangerously sexy assassin from Cascadia, leads a group of warriors into New Seattle to stop enemy soldiers from finding the Iron Portal into his world.
When he captures the beautiful Protection-Talent, a passionate vision appears and stirs something deep inside him. Rickert must decide if it’s a Talent trick, designed to foil the enemy…or the answer to his deepest desires.
SHADOW BOUND by Erin Kellison
Dark fantasy meets modern fairy tale…
Adam Thorne founded the Segue Institute to study and destroy his monster of a brother, but the key to its success is held in the pale, slender hand of a woman on the run. There is something hauntingly different about Talia O’Brien, her unknowing sensuality, her uncanny way of slipping into Shadow. Twilight is the place between life and what comes after–a dark forest of fantasy, filled with beauty, peril, mystery. And Talia is about to open the door.
SEDUCE by Felicity Heaton
Enter the dark, sinful and seductive world of the vampire owners of London’s premier vampire theatre, Vampirerotique.
Bloodlust runs in Antoine’s veins, a dark master waiting for the day it will reign over him. Now a woman with a pure soul and wicked intentions has him in her sights and is determined to crack the ice around his heart, and she might save or damn him. But when Sera discovers the shocking truth about his past and the darkness that lurks within him, will she be strong enough to seize his heart with both hands and win him forever or will she lose him to the ghosts that still haunt him?
Select books reduced to $1.99 for just a bit!
This holiday, spend quality time with family and loved ones—living and dead . . . with stories in Holidays Are Hell by Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Marjorie M. Liu, Vicki Pettersson.
There’s no place like home for the horrordays—unless you’d prefer a romantic midnight walk through a ghost-infested graveyard . . . or a haunted house candlelight dinner with the sexy vampire of your dreams. The (black) magical season is here—and whether it’s a solstice séance gone demonically wrong with the incomparable Kim Harrison, a grossly misshapen Christmas with the remarkable Lynsay Sands, a blood-chilling-and-spilling New Year’s with the wonderful Marjorie M. Liu, or a super-powered Thanksgiving with the phenomenal Vicki Pettersson, one thing is for certain: in the able hands of these exceptional dark side explorers, the holidays are going to be deliciously hellish!
For $1.99 you can catch up with Kim Harrison and read along with her as she revisits her Hollows series about witch Rachel Morgan. This is one of my absolute favorite paranormal series and I make it a point to reread it before each new book in the series is published. This year you can do the same with Kim. These books are on sale only for a very limited time, so act now! Check out Kim’s website or join The Hollows Read-Along on Goodreads. (Read the review of Harrison’s Pale Demon.
Every Which Way But Dead (The Hollows, Book 3)
Some days, you just can’t win. Witch and former bounty hunter Rachel Morgan’s managed to escape her corrupt company, survive living with a vampire, start her own runner service, and face down a vampire master.
But her vampire roommate Ivy is off the wagon, her human boyfriend Nick is out of town indefinitely and doesn’t sound like he’s coming back while the far-too-seductive vampire Kisten is looking way too tempting, and there’s a turf war erupting in Cincinnati’s underworld.
And there’s a greater evil still. To put the vampire master behind bars and save her family, Rachel made a desperate bargain and now there’s hell to pay—literally. For if Rachel cannot stop him, the archdemon Algaliarept will pull her into the sorcerous ever-after to forfeit her soul as his slave. Forever.
(Just a warning, this was one of the most difficult books I had to read as I cried and cried…)
For a Few Demons More (The Hollows, Book 5)
Despite dating one vampire and living with another, Rachel Morgan has always managed to stay just ahead of trouble . . . until now.
A fiendish serial killer stalks the Hollows, and no one living in or around Cincinnati—human, inhuman, or undead—is safe.
An ancient artifact may be the key to stopping the murderer—a mysterious relic that is now in the hands of Rachel Morgan, fearless independent bounty hunter and reckless witch. But revealing it could ignite a battle to the death among the vast and varied local supernatural races.
Rachel’s been lucky so far. But even she can’t hide from catastrophe forever.
I have to be absolutely honest, Julie Ann Walker’s Black Knights Inc. series is one that I love. As soon as I downloaded her latest installment, Born Wild (book five in the series), to my Kindle just after midnight on 5 November, I couldn’t stop reading it. So I was up all night with my favorite set of motorcycle-riding bad boys.
In Born Wild, Walker lets us find out what really happened between heiress Eve (best friend to Becky, who owns the repair shop) and “Wild” Bill Reichert, Becky’s brother. The tension between the two of them has been apparent in the last few books and I think we have all been waiting to see what their story was.
I’ll be honest, and try to do this without spoilers, but I really wanted to crash their heads together when I heard their back story. For two seemingly intelligent and savvy people (and hot and sexy too), I couldn’t believe that they wouldn’t have been able to work something out. But I guess that was where my suspension of disbelief came in and I just let it go (though grumbled under my breath a lot).
As usual Walker delivers a first-rate read with plenty of suspense, sexual tension, a secondary story line that I’m guessing may develop into book six, and plenty of hot, romantic scenes. I love the idea of these bike shop repairmen / special ops team members and enjoy how misunderstood they are by their neighbors and friends, until those aforesaid neighbors and friends reach the second floor of the Black Knight’s bat cave.
Was this my favorite book in the series, no, that’s still a tie between book two (In Rides Trouble) and three (Rev It Up). But I did enjoy it and, as I said earlier, it kept me up all night flipping pages madly in my Kindle, even though I guessed the villain (and his motivation) in his first appearance in the story.
I definitely recommend that if you haven’t already, that you do get Walker’s Black Knights Inc. series: Hell on Wheels, In Rides Trouble, Rev It Up, Thrill Ride, and Born Wild. For lovers of romantic suspense and super alpha heroes, this series is a must-read. So, four stars for Julie Ann Walker’s Born Wild.
____________________________________________________
From the Publisher
Book Five
Born Wild by Julie Ann Walker
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca
ISBN 9781402282720
Price $7.99
Publication date: 5 November 2013
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker dives back into action with the red-hot romantic suspense Black Knights Inc. series! They claim they’re bad-boy bikers who own custom motorcycle shop, but these special-ops guys—a mix of Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, Marines, FBI and more—handle the jobs too tough for the government to tackle.
TICK…TICK…
“Wild” Bill Reichert knows a thing or two about explosives. The ex-Navy SEAL can practically rig a bomb blindfolded. But there’s no way to diffuse the inevitable fireworks the day Eve Edens walks back into his life, asking for help…
BOOM!
Eve doesn’t know what to do when the Chicago police won’t believe someone is out to hurt her. The only place to turn is Black Knights Inc-after all, no one is better at protection than the covert special-ops team. Yet there’s also no one better at getting her all turned on than Billy Reichert. She has a feeling this is one blast from the past that could backfire big time…
Pamela Clare’s I-Team is the inspiration behind a group of fans on Facebook called, appropriately, “Pamela Clare’s I-Team.” I became a member of this group a few weeks ago, and have truly enjoyed the camaraderie while counting down to the release of her sixth I-Team book Striking Distance on 5 November 2013. Luckily Clare had a remedy for everyone who was expressing withdrawal from one of their favorite series, which was the release of a prequel novella (First Strike) a few weeks ago.
Like so many others I waited till yesterday (5 November) to read Striking Distance and quickly became caught up in the story of Navy SEAL Javier “Javi” “Cobra” Corbray and Swedish-American television journalist, now I-Team reporter Laura Nilsson.
I do recommend that you read the two novellas that precede book six (Skin Deep and First Strike), as there are characters and motivations in both of these books that will help inform your read of Striking Distance.
In many ways, this was my favorite I-Team novel as I admired both protagonists and also how Clare handled the physical and emotional abuse of Laura at the hands of her captors for two years – as well as the reclamation of her life. It was inspiring on many levels and also helped shed light on abuses that we might otherwise ignore.
In addition to a tremendous amount of suspense and intrigue, a betrayal of friendship by a member of the I-Team (though I have a feeling redemption will be on its way for that character in the future), and what felt almost like a family reunion as characters from previous I-Team novels had fairly large supporting roles in this story, Clare offered a true sense of kindness and generosity of spirit between Javi and Laura as they became reacquainted with one another and learned to trust their feelings once again.
Having met a writer under a fatwa (yes, that writer), I hung out a lot with his bodyguard, who was a slightly older and smoother version of Javi (if you can picture that). It’s hard to comprehend the effect of living with a known threat constantly – and the hyper-awareness and stress that brings – but Clare captures it perfectly in this novel.
I loved the plot twists and turns, the introduction of some new characters that I hope we’ll see more of, and also the way that Clare concluded this book. I’m not going to give the plot away, but I will say that true love is represented here on many different and beautiful levels – and recommend that you have a box of Kleenex at your side as you read this edge-of-your-seat page turner.
I highly, highly recommend Striking Distance as well as Clare’s other I-Team novels and give this book five stars.
From the Publisher
I-Team Book 6
Striking Distance by Pamela Clare
Penguin Group, LLC
ISBN 9781101626344
Price $7.99
Her past is a secret—even to her. Discovering it will be the most dangerous move of her life.
TV reporter Laura Nilsson, known as the “Baghdad Babe,” spent eighteen months in an Al Qaeda compound after being kidnapped live on the air. Two years later, she’s still wondering why.
No rescue mission in Javier Corbray’s fourteen years as a Navy SEAL affected him the way Laura’s rescue did. No woman has stirred his protective instincts the way she has. And he wants her more than he’s ever wanted anyone.
As Laura and Javier’s passion ignites, so does Laura’s need to discover the mystery of her past. Especially when she learns that her abduction was not random—and that she’s still a target for a killer with an impenetrable motive. Now Javier will have to rely on his skills to keep the woman he loves from being struck down before she dares uncover the truth.
Shannon Stacey is an author I first encountered through her Kowalski Family novels, which I really enjoy reading. So, I was very pleased to see that her publisher was sharing with reviewers a copy of her holiday novella, Snowbound with the CEO.
When building mogul Adrian Blackstone is snowed with his assistant Rachel at a luxury resort he designed, neither seems to be able to deny their mutual attraction. It’s a fun introduction to two slightly complicated people and the description of the resort made me want to book in immediately over the holidays.
There are some complications with their romance though – not least that Rachel works for Adrian and he’s a stickler for not getting involved with employees. Can they work this out? Can they learn to trust their inner heart’s feelings? Or is this just a weekend romance?
I’m sure that you’ll enjoy this novella as much as I did. I’m giving it four tree-top stars for a nice entry for the holiday season read.
_______________________________________
From the Publisher
Snowbound with the CEO by Shannon Stacey
Carina Press
ISBN 9781426897344
Price $2.99
Adrian Blackstone built a million-dollar business with hard work and determination—and by remaining professional at all times. Denying his longtime attraction to his beautiful executive assistant hasn’t been easy but it’s necessary. She’s indispensable, and he can’t stand the thought of losing her if things didn’t work out.
For more than a year, Rachel Carter has been quietly dreaming of all the ways she’ll never seduce her sexy, buttoned-up boss. She’s worked too hard to get where she is to cross that line, no matter how badly she’d like to act on her fantasies. But then a wicked snowstorm leaves them stranded in a romantic winter wonderland…
What begins as a single kiss and a few bad Santa jokes turns into a weekend full of breathless passion and hopes for something more. But with Monday comes a return to their complicated reality—and Adrian must prove that promises made are promises kept, especially at Christmastime.
What do I give my friend who said if I like romance, Scotland, and paranormal “stuff” – that I’d love Donna Grant and I should get some of her books? Hmmm, well I’m not springing for a trip to Scotland for her, but perhaps a tin of Walker shortbread cookies, because Donna Grant is the mistress of Scottish paranormal romance. Her three intertwined series – Dark Sword, Dark Warriors, and Dark Kings – are just amazingly addictive.
I began my journey into Donna Grant’s Scotland by reading her Dark Warriors series. In this, her legendary Scottish alpha heroes – who carry within them a god from hell that was freed by Deidre, a dark Druid (drough) – reside in the 21st Century. May I say I fell instantly in love with each one of these very manly heroes and kick-ass heroines they pair themselves with. A majority of the heroins are are druids (druidesses), with mostly good magic (called mies), though some went to dark magic (called drough). The interplay between the men bearing gods and the magic bearing females is quite wonderful. I read through the Dark Warriors series quickly and then moved on to the other books.
However this fall it’s been like Christmas for readers like me who adore Grant, for she has released not one, but three Dark Warriors novels (well actually two, plus a holiday novella). Please be aware that if you haven’t already read these, I may in reviewing these three books (numbers seven, eight, and eight point five) reveal some series spoilers.
Midnight’s Temptation (book seven) finds warrior Phelan tracking a Druidess (Aisley) across Scotland. He sees her, kisses her, and can’t forget her, so he follows her magic while she’s on the run. When she crashes and he rescues her, he can sense that the current drouth baddie Jason, whom the warriors just did battle with, is after her. But he doesn’t know her secret – that she’s not only Jason’s cousin, but a drough herself.
I had seen Aisley in previous Dark Warriors novels and was never able to quite get a fix on her, in Midnight’s Temptation we are now able to see who she is and how she came to be involved with Jason. And the interplay between Phelan and Aisley – fabulous. Of course there is more magic, encounters with druids and some other magical beings, and a battle with Jason. The ending is a true cliffhanger till the last few pages.
I kind of had a crush on the bad boy warrior, Malcolm, Deirdre’s former warrior designate and ultimate betrayer, from the very first time he appeared in the books. What’s not to crush on? An alpha hero who is scarred and has a very sensitive interior life that he shields from view. I was so glad as he was rehabilitated over time in the books, but uneasy as to his future course at the end of book seven. So Midnight’s Promise (book eight) was a fabulous read for me. Malcolm finally has his story to tell and in doing so, has to conquer his demons, not just the god who lives inside him.
When Malcolm first glimpses mies druidess Evie as she enters a grocery store, the writing is very much on the wall. Both of them are extremely guarded individuals, but their chemistry together cannot be denied. Evie’s special magic is fascinating, but it is her relationship with her mute half-brother that really symbolizes who she is. Someone who took on care of a disabled child at age 18, with no questions, but great love. We know immediately that if he is threatened all hell will break lose.
One thing I really enjoyed about this series was that some of my favorite Dragon Kings were featured yet again. In the past few novels, Grant has been giving them more and more prominence and they are another group of super alphas that you will fall in love with too.
Perfect for the holidays, whether it’s Christmas or the Winter Solstice is the just released (5 November 2013), Midnight’s Surrender: A Dark Warriors Holiday Novella. If you were curious about Jason’s warrior, the former British military man Dale, well here is his story. We last saw him at the battlefield defending Aisley with his life, defying Jason. Now he’s in search of magic that has called to him from his almost deathbed.
He finds the source of the magic in a Druidess called Rennie on the Isle of Coll in the Inner Hebrides. Rennie is someone who thinks of her magic as minor, but if anyone touches her they may see their own future without her knowledge. To prevent this, she’s chosen to isolate herself at her aunt’s home on the island. Phelan finds her and when he touches her sees an image of himself he finds impossible to believe could ever occur, but that’s another story (or part of Midnight’s Surrender, actually).
Of course we find that there is a drough Druid on Coll who threatens Rennie, but this time it is not Jason. I really enjoyed this short novella that combined suspense, romance, magic, and some wonderful holiday cheer.
I’d advise any paranormal romance fan to make sure that Donna Grant’s books are in the library on your e-reader or on your bookshelves (though some of her books, like the novella, are only available electronically at this time). I vote five bunches of mistletoe for this series of three spellbinding tales by Grant that help to round out a fabulous series.
____________________________________________________
From the Publisher
Dark Warriors Book 7
Midnight’s Temptation by Donna Grant
St. Martin’s Press
St. Martin’s Paperbacks
ISBN 9781250017284
Price $7.99
Publication date: 1 October 2013
Ever since that fateful night, he can’t stop thinking about her. A timeless beauty in a nightclub, she moved across the dance floor like an angel, surrendering to the music–and casting a spell that could only be magic. When Phelan took her in his arms and kissed her, the Highlander knew this was no ordinary woman. This was a Druidess who could fulfill his every desire–or destroy him completely…
She is a mystery–a woman on the run, hunted by two different men. As much as she longs to be captured by the magnificent warrior Phelan, she knows she must resist the temptation. A vengeful evil is stalking her, watching her every move–a madman who will stop at nothing to possess her power. Once, she sold a piece of her soul for magic. Is she willing to risk Phelan’s life, and give up her heart…for love?
Dark Warriors Book 8
Midnight’s by Donna Grant
St. Martin’s Press
St. Martin’s Paperbacks
ISBN 9781250017291
Price $7.99
Publication date: 29 October 2013
For centuries, Malcolm has struggled against the forces of darkness–and bears the scars to prove it. Hardened by a lifetime of fighting, he is more warrior than man, incapable of feeling love or compassion. But one stormy night, he pulls a beautiful woman from a car wreck–and experiences a rush of fiery emotion that could melt even the hardest of hearts.
Since childhood, Evangeline Walker has felt the magic growing inside her. Descended from Druids, she is the perfect vessel for ancient magic–and evil. Evie knows she should trust no one, not even Malcolm, whose strong touch and tender kiss she craves. But after she makes a devil’s bargain to save her half-brother, this fearsome warrior may be the only man who can protect her–with his heart, his body, and his soul…
Dark Warrior Book 8.5
Midnight’s Surrender by Donna Grant
A Dark Warrior Holiday Novella
St. Martin’s Press
St. Martin’s Paperbacks
ISBN 9781466847118
Price $1.99
Publication date: 5 November 2013
An exclusive e-novella by New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant
A new tale of The Dark Warriors—powerful Highlanders who are bound by the gods and have taken their battle from ancient Scotland to the modern world, where a woman’s love is the most dangerous lure of all…
Dale has been on the run—from himself and from the demons who haunt him. But when he comes across a stunningly beautiful woman he cannot resist, he knows that he must do whatever it takes to possess her. She is a Druid with secrets of her own, but he is drawn to her like no other. Even when danger closes in around them, Dale knows that the true threat is to his very soul, which he will sacrifice in order to save her…
A friend introduced me to Katie Reus‘ books earlier this year and I quickly worked my way through her romantic suspense series (Red Stone Security, Deadly Ops, The Serafina: Sin City) as well as her paranormal romance one (Moon Shifter). I became hooked on her books, her writing style, and her characters – quickly reading through all the series with my only complaint being that I wanted “more.” So, I was delighted to receive a review copy of her newest book, Darkness Awakened, the first in her new Darkness series. As soon as it was sent to my Kindle, I quickly sat down, putting the quiet vibe out, and began to enter into Reus’ newest shifter community.
Once again, Reus hit all the right notes with her two main characters, the Biloxi werewolf Alpha Finn Stavros and vampire princess Lyra Marius. The tension between the two of them is immediately apparent, as is the foreshadowing of their battles with demons seeking an entry into this world.
Soon we find out that Lyra is there to seek help finding her daughter who’s been kidnapped, apparently because of an ancient prophecy that foretold her blood would help open a gate to hell. As Lyra and Finn race around to try to find her, their 17-year-old passion begins to spark up as the embers for both of them were never extinguished.
I really liked both of the lead characters in this novel. Finn is definitely a strong, take-charge alpha – with a sensitive side for Lyra. While Lyra is no one’s fool. One scene where she confronts a challenger in the pack house makes that quite clear. The secondary characters are also fascinating and I can’t wait to see more about them, including the newest shifter to join their community. (I can’t say who it is as that would be a spoiler, sorry.)
I’m looking forward to the next installment in this series and highly recommend that you add it to your e-library. Reus is an author whose books are consistently addictive page turners. The action is pretty much non-stop, so I’d suggest you carve out some time yourself to read this. Definitely five stars for Reus’ newest series entry.
_______________________________________
From the Publisher
Darkness Book One
Darkness Awakened by Katie Reus
ISBN 9780989776646
Price $2.99
Years ago he ended things between them to protect her…
As leader of one of the fiercest werewolf packs in the south, Finn Stavros is in full battle mode 24/7. He has no choice—he’s one of the few beings strong enough to fight the Akkadian demons, whose mysterious escape from hell threatens the entire world. With the battle turning bloodier by the second, Finn is ready for anything…until his vampire long lost love shows up on his doorstep in desperate need of his help, sending his heart into a tailspin. He agrees to help her, unaware that she carries a shocking secret that will turn his life upside down.
This time, he’s not letting her go…
Vampire Lyra Marius curses the day she met Finn. The ruthless werewolf promised to love her forever, but he rejected her instead—before she could share her life altering news. Pregnant, kicked out of her coven, and cast aside by the love of her life, Lyra struggled to raise their rare shifter-vampire daughter Vega alone among humans. When the 16-year-old is kidnapped and used to fulfill a frightening prophecy, Lyra swallows her pride and turns to Finn for help. But how long can she fight her feelings for him and keep him from guessing the truth about who Vega really is? As they race against the clock to save their daughter, they must defeat the lethal threat imposed by demons infiltrating the human world and a hell gate that could not only reveal their existence to mankind, but destroy the world in the process.
I love grumpy would-be Santa’s who find hope and love in Christmas, so Kate Hardy‘s holiday novella, ‘Tis the Season to Kiss Santa is a perfect holiday read for me. Plus I really enjoy Kate Hardy’s romances. She is an author that I always have looked out for in the Harlequin imprint and was happy to see she’s also publishing with Entangled Indulgence.
The hero, Mitch, an upwardly mobile PR exec, and heroine, Ellie, a pastry chef, couldn’t have more divergent views on Christmas. He’s been blackmailed by his boss to serve as Santa for at a hospice ward for children, while she’s happily filling in as Chief Elf, arranging all the goodies for kids, families, and staff – and trying to keep Mitch in line. I love the fact that Hardy keeps her British voice by making Ellie a visiting chef from London, in this story set in the City of Brotherly Love – Philadelphia. And that she helps her obtuse hero see the meaning of the holidays through the love the children express for their siblings in this cancer ward.
As this is a very short story I won’t reveal more about the plot except to say there are some very steamy moments (Santa, really?!) and also some very tender, moving ones that are filled with holiday warmth and cheer.
Do treat yourself and a friend to this wonderful story that will become a Christmas classic on your e-reader (or in my case, my trusty Kindle). And sending off five kisses to Santa for delivering such a great read!
__________________________________________________________
From the Publisher
Tis the Season to Kiss Santa by Kate Hardy
A Baby It’s Cold Outside Novella
Entangled Publishing, LLC
Indulgence
ISBN 9781622662944
Price $0.99
With the help of a sprig of mistletoe and some snow angels, a recently single pastry chef teaches a highly successful and sexy Scrooge the true meaning of the holidays on a snowy Christmas Eve that quickly heats up.
I gave myself a treat yesterday and re-read book one of Cat Devon’s Entity series (Sleeping With The Entity), then read for the first time books two (The Entity Within), and the new holiday novella, The Entity Who Came for Christmas, that I just received from the publisher for review. I had forgotten how much I really enjoyed Devon’s fun and irreverent take on vampires, who just happen to live in a section of Chicago called “Vamptown.” (It doesn’t hurt that the vampire heroes are series hunks, just ogle those book jacket covers.)
Long isolated from humans, the vamps have been falling for, you got it, humans, or part humans since book one in the series. First Daniella, a half-druid human (sister of the owners of Vamptown’s only funeral home, more about that place in the books) caused Nick, the leader of Vamptown to swoon; then Zoe a witch from Boston, caused demon hunter Damon to reconsider his priorities; and now, in this holiday novella, a witch friend of Zoe has come to Vamptown along with the Vampire sire of Damon.
Of course, from the moment Pru (the witch) almost slams the door in Simon’s face (the visiting vampire demon hunter), we know they must have a history. Soon we find out that they did hook up in London, but since then Simon’s been suffering under a curse laid by Pru, because… Well, you just need to pick up the book to find out as I won’t reveal any more plot points, except to say that Simon is a very old Vampire from the court of King Arthur, while Pru is the descendent of Morgan LeFey.
Their adventures as they search through Chicago for a very famous relic from Arthur are absolutely hilarious. This is a fun, fast-paced read and I absolutely loved it.
I highly recommend, if you haven’t already, that you have your own copy of Cat Devon’s fabulous series. Her heroines are really spunky, funny, and if someone doesn’t do something with that Tanning Salon vamp, well anyway … I guess I just have to wait till January (or December 31 according to Amazon) when the third book in the series, Love Your Entity, will be released. A bonus chapter from it is included at the end of The Entity Who Came for Christmas.
If we all believed in the wonder of Christmas, in true love, and magic, I think we would be far happier. And if that was Devon’s message, she certainly reached me! Five tree-top stars for this fabulously fun paranormal holiday read.
__________________________________________________________
From the Publisher
Entity Series Book 2.5
The Entity Who Came for Christmas by Cat Devon
St. Martin’s Press
St. Martin’s Paperbacks
ISBN 9781466846494
Price $1.99
“The perfect holiday treat—better than spiked eggnog. Tons of fun and no calories.” —New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz
In Vamptown, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…
’Tis the season for a brand-new holiday novella from award-winning author Cat Devon!
Pru Daniels should know better than to hook up with sexy Simon Howell. He’s a vampire Demon Hunter and a former knight at King Arthur’s roundtable. She’s a witch, a descendant of Morgan Le Fay. Clearly things could get complicated.
When Simon shows up in Vamptown while Pru is visiting a friend and fellow witch, he claims to have come for the holidays to visit fellow vampire Demon Hunter Damon Thornheart. But things soon turn passionate as Pru and Simon join together to battle the forces of evil. The holidays won’t be the only thing ruined if Simon and Pru can’t work things out. Can this vampire Demon Hunter find his heart in time to save his love…and his immortality?
Look for the next novel in this spectacular new series, Love Your Entity, coming in January 2014 from St. Martin’s Paperbacks.
About the Author
Cat Devon is a pseudonym for an award-winning author. A former librarian and confessed bookaholic, she has a weakness for sexy vampires, imported dark chocolate, and decadent cupcakes. She and her family live in the Chicago area.
I’m a huge fan of bargains, especially bargain e-books having racked up what seemed to be the debt of a nation the first few months I owned my Kindle, that’s why I try to find interesting and fun offerings for the Friday posts. So, when I saw that there was a box set of Shifter Romances available from the publisher for review – and that it would be offered at $0.99 for a while – I immediately wanted to add Shifter Romance Boxed Set (11 Book Bundle), an Insatiable Reads collection of bestselling paranormal romance to my review list.
I’m not sorry I did, but I am sorry that the publisher went for quantity over quality. Don’t get me wrong, I really liked several of the eleven stories included here, but I don’t feel this is the most thoughtful or interesting collection I’ve seen – even for the rock bottom price. What irritated me the most, I think, was the inclusion of multi-partner erotica stories in a book classified as paranormal romance. It definitely carries at least an NR-17 rating if not higher.
The stories that I found most interesting and well-written were: Marina Maddix’s Laid Bear, Tawny Taylor’s Beared to You (both about bear shifters); Celia Kyle’s He Ain’t Lion, Aubrey Rose’s Blind Wolf, Cynthia Brint’s Until the Flood, and Adriana Hunter’s Better Mate than Never. In addition, Elixa Everett offered a whole new view of shapeshifting in Whatever He Wants Her to Be. If the publisher had compiled a shifter paranormal romance collection with these seven stories, I’d be more than delighted with my expenditure of $0.99 or the list price of $9.99 as they were fun, hot, steamy romances with interesting plots and characters.
But the publisher didn’t and the quality of writing was all over the place from the very good as noted above – to well, some stories I really had to force myself to read. I did read them all though and it took me all day, even with skimming through some of the ones I found quite hard to manage (in particular Julianne Reyer’s Desires of the Wolfman, a multi-partner, partner swapping, erotic read that was just deadly – and not in a good way). Other stories, besides Desires of the Wolfman, that include multi partner relations are: Dawn Steele’s Wanted by the Alphas and Eliza Gayle’s Lucas.
So would I recommend that you purchase this collection? I think I would. As I mentioned, some of these stories were really interesting and I’d like to read more from these authors. I can’t rate this very highly, but do feel that if the publisher were, in the future, to compile a real shifter romance collection and a separate shifter erotica collection the reader would be much better served, even with a few less offerings.
From the Publisher
Shifter Romance Boxed Set by Marina Maddix, Tawny Taylor, Celia Kyle, Elixa Everett, Dawn Steele, Aubrey Rose, Cynthia Brint, Eliza Gayle, Julianne Reyer, & Selena Kitte
Xcessica Publishing
ISBN 9781609827700
Price $9.99
Lions and tigers and bears…oh, yeah! This collection of shifter romances is guaranteed to heat up your cool autumn evenings with eleven stories (350,000 total words!) of curve-loving werebears, sassy werecats and, of course, everyone’s favorite: alpha werewolves. Pick up this boxed set today and get in touch with your animal side tonight — just 99¢ for a limited time! (Regular Price $9.99!)
Stories from New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Aubrey Rose, Eliza Gayle, Adriana Hunter, Terry Towers (writing as Elixa Everett), Tawny Taylor , Aphrodite Hunt (writing as Dawn Steele) and Marina Maddix ,as well as #1 Paranormal author Celia Kyle, Top 20 Shifter Romance author Cynthia Brint, and Top 100 Amazon and Barnes and Noble bestselling and award winning author Selena Kitt.
LAID BEAR by Marina Maddix: Curvy Bethany can’t believe her luck when her devastatingly hot neighbor Max falls for her. But his secret threatens her future…and her life.
BEARED TO YOU by Tawny Taylor: Curvy city girl Abby is thrilled when a hot, naked man shows up on her cabin’s front doorstep and stokes a blaze or two, in the fireplace and in her body…until he turns into a bear…and the two of them are forced to run for their lives through the untamed Alaskan wilderness.
HE AIN’T LION by Celia Kyle: Life sucks… And then you get turned into a werelion… And then have lotsa awesome sex…
WHATEVER HE NEEDS HER TO BE by Elixa Everett: What would you do to win over the man of your dreams? For shapeshifter Selena, it’s simply a matter of being whatever he needs her to be.
WANTED BY THE ALPHAS by Dawn Steele: New girl in a new town, Shannon, meets two extremely gorgeous and extremely different men who are vying for her attention — but who happen to be a witch and an alpha werewolf at war with each other.
BLIND WOLF by Aubrey Rose: A blind werewolf leading a pack of stragglers finally finds his one true mate — then realizes she’s human… UNTIL THE FLOOD by Cynthia Brint: Fiona believes the love of her life died years ago, so how will she handle his return…and the fact that he’s no longer human?
DESIRES OF THE WOLFMAN by Julianne Reyer: A newlywed couple faces their deepest fantasies and fears as they’re thrust from their little rural community into a world of werewolf turmoil and mystery.
CAT LOVER (Book 1) by Selena Kitt: Sebastian and Katie are having relationship issues when her ex shows up to complicate things, but that’s the least of their worries, because Katie is finally changing–into something not quite human.
BETTER MATE THAN NEVER by Adriana Hunter: Caleb Stone has wanted Paige for as long as he can remember but there’s a reason he’s always kept his distance. Wolves, more specifically, Lycan’s, can’t mate with humans. Worse, he can sense her incredibly intense hunger for him but he knows that he can never give her what she wants, or needs.But when Paige is kidnapped by a powerful enemy Caleb has no choice but to go after her even if it means revealing his true identity…even if means risking it all.
LUCAS by Eliza Gayle: An uneasy alliance, a mating call that won’t be denied, rituals that must be honored, and unrelenting enemies who will stop at nothing to get what they want. In the end, there’s really only one choice… for Lucas.
