John Crusher is hauled into his hotel room only to come fact-to-face with a stunning redhead who orders him to strip. But when the room service is this superb, what’s a guy to do but show his appreciation.
Every MaryJanice Davidson story I’ve read is completely off-kilter different from what I’d expected and just downright funny. This novella was no different. My Thief had me out and out laughing, smiling and just grinning as the heroine, who is so different to what you’d expect, hooked up with a hunky accountant. Talk about turning stereotypes on their head.
I’ve been very much into romances lately. They involve a little less concentration than many of the fantasies that I love, and I’ve kind of needed that break in the pattern. As a general, they’re a little bit lighter than many of the other genres which fill my shelves. Yet, there is something even more light-hearted about this novella. Something that made me feel like I was on a happy universe where everything actually does work out in the end… especially when you consider the competition between Robin and her Uncle Rich.
I love imagining the happily ever after, sunset moment that both of these characters are going to have. Particularly the idea of Robin meeting John’s Hallmark family. It’s a future filled with humour and entertainment. One that would never have a dull moment. And, honestly, who wouldn’t want that?
Featuring four all-new novellas of sensual surprises and seasonal spirits, this collection includes a new tale of the Breeds from Lora Leigh and a return to the world of the Mageverse from Angela Knight.
Vampire’s Ball by Angela Knight Kat Danilo’s childhood turned tragic when her sister become the victim of a serial killer. Years later, she gets a chance at justice when she discovers she’d the daughter of Lancelot, vampire knight of the Round Table. But first, she’s got to convince a handsome vampire warrior that she’s worthy to gain the magical powers that are her birthright—powers that might help her find her sister’s killer.
If the murderer doesn’t find her first….
Sweet Enchantment by Anya Bast This novella provides a first taste of the world in which Anya’s new Dark Magick series is set.
A Little Night Magic by Allyson James The town of Magellan is famous for its woo-woo activity. Naomi is known as an Unbeliever (one who doesn’t believe in Magellan’s mystical energy). But Naomi must put disbelief aside when her Navajo lover reveals that he is a Changer, a shapeshifter, and has returned to Magellan to protect her from grave anger on Christmas Eve.
A Christmas Kiss by Lora Leigh Jess has been in isolation for the past year… ever since she betrayed the people she loves the most. Yet, it’s Hawke’s unwillingness to visit her that really hurts her the most. As secrets are revealed and truths discovered, will Jess and Hawke finally find a way to be together?
This is a fantastic novella collection. Especially since it’s got a Christmas theme, but really wasn’t Christmassy at all. Actually, other than the fact that each of these novellas was set around the festive season, there was nothing truly Christmassy about any of these. Which made me much, much happier. I’m just not that into the festive season this year…
I bought this collection because I had one of the series in it (Stormwalker). And then, not long after, started the second one (Breeds). In reading this, I also got to discover two new, great series that are most definitely going on my wish list. It made a great, fun collection. One that took me to new worlds and made me want to just sink my teeth into each and every one of these four series…
Although this is in the paranormal romance section of my bookshelves, it’s really not all the romancey. There are a few stories in this that are intensely lustful, and in every single one there is a couple and sex. But, ultimately it was more about finding a way to be happy with one another, not about the actual overboard romance.
Title: Seven Drops of Blood Author: Robert Weinberg In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley) Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Cops, Crime Dates read: 12th January 2020 Pace: Slow Format: Short story Publisher: Robinson Year: 1992 5th sentence, 74th page: According to ancient Hebrew tradition, Ashmedai reigned as king of demons.
He’s the resident psychic detective. His latest job? To track down the Holy Grail. What he discovers is nothing like what was expected.
This short story had a very noir detective feel to it. And, since it’s in a collection of Dark Magic short stories, I spent a very high proportion of it wondering where the dark magic actually was. That was kind of frustrating. Even once I found the “magical” aspect, it wasn’t anywhere near as intense as I was expecting and I kind of felt a little perplexed at its place in this anthology. But, it was still a thoroughly enjoyable story.
What I did love about this short story was that it featured the Holy Grail. It’s such an interesting topic, and one that I want more of in my reading. Actually, I think that I just want more of this noir detective feel in my reading in general.
This was a light, easy read. Not as dark and twisted as most of the other stories in this collection, and one that I seriously enjoyed reading. I was actually really disappointed when it was all over…
Dr Sara Davis loses her bikini top to a powerful wave and finds herself in the arms of gorgeous lifeguard Kyle Vanderhoff…where a little mouth-to-mouth just might resuscitate her love life.
One of the hardest things about being a driven, independent and intelligent woman is that it’s something which doesn’t always go over too well with the people you’re surrounded with. The fact that this novella features a woman whose main hang-up is exactly that was seriously enjoyable. And way, way, way too relatable.
I’ve been with my other half for almost nine years, and, like the couple in this story… it started out as somewhat of a fling. That feeling of instant attraction is palpable on these pages. That desire to somehow find more when it starts out as something just physical. I love the discussion about that human need to connect throughout this story. That idea that one afternoon of insane sex can actually lead to something more… I know that it did for me.
To further make this story fun and engaging, the setting was absolutely gorgeous. Set on a beach amongst the joys of the surf and sand. With a monsoon heading in… there is just something kind of glorious about the entire storyline.
Two enemy Were-Panthers discover that fate has destined they become lovers. Pandora must learn to trust Dante’s foreign nature. But as she slowly succumbs to the truest passion she has ever known, dark forces have already set out to reclaim her…
I still haven’t cracked the spine of a full-length Sherrilyn Kenyon novel. But, every time that I read one of her novellas, I am absolutely swept away by the world building. This novella did that even more so for my happy little brain. There is something amazing about the amount of information that can be crammed into a novella. The ways in which this story filled an entirely new world (one I’m hoping is part of a series) in just a few short pages. It was intense, engaging and impossible to put down or forget.
I’m obsessing over shapeshifter romances, particularly those which feature feline shapeshifters. The fact that the panther shifters in this novella were also time travelling panthers. And there were two different tribes which had different aspects of their nature asunder… it’s absolutely brilliant.
Most of the shapeshifter stories I read seem to feature a moment of heat in which the characters are sexually, irresistibly bought together. This still followed that same trend. However, the aspect that I loved the most is that after the heat is over. After the couple have found out that they’re destined for each other… they still both take a step back and evaluate whether they really want to be together as a serious couple or not. Whether their human nature wanted to follow their animalistic desires. I loved that extra layer of respect and honesty in their relationship.
Jess has been in isolation for the past year… ever since she betrayed the people she loves the most. Yet, it’s Hawke’s unwillingness to visit her that really hurts her the most. As secrets are revealed and truths discovered, will Jess and Hawke finally find a way to be together?
Every time I feel like I might have kind of kicked the whole Breeds infatuation… I find myself a novella or short story that I can obsess over yet again. Now I need to pick up the next novel and get a full fix of this series. There are enough hints of the overarching series storyline in each tale. But it’s the romance and the way that people are willing to give up their crap to find a happily-ever-after.
This novella is lustful, intense and possessively sweet. I’m not necessarily a huge fan of stories of total possession, but somehow that male possessiveness is perfectly balanced out by the presence of the women in their lives. They might be domineering in the bedroom (something that I am a fan of), but they’re so freaking vulnerable in so many ways in the everyday world. It’s what makes something that normally would piss me off so freaking desirable.
I love that the mating between these two is seriously delayed by the fact that Hawke wants to respect Jess. That even though they know they’ll eventually succumb (as do you, the reader), there is a delay in which they wait for each other to become truly enamoured with each other.
Title: The Man Within Author: Lora Leigh Series: Breeds #2 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Erotica, Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense Dates read: 15th – 16th January 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Lora Leigh Year: 2004 5th sentence, 74th page: I wonder how much better the rest of you tastes.
He had protected Roni when she was a child, filled all her teenage fantasies, and when she became a woman, he stole her heart. Only to break it. Now, fifteen months later, the news is out. Taber, the man she loves, is one of the genetically altered Feline Breeds, who have shocked the world with their presence. He’s also her mate. The mark on her neck attests to that. But he didn’t want her then; does he really want her now?
Deceit and treachery, born in the past, now haunt the present as Taber and Roni fight to make sense of their sudden bonding. The mating of heart, body, and soul as the man and the beast within him merge; both battling the forces raging against the union and dominance over the woman he claimed.
I most definitely love the Breeds series, but it is quite a bit more graphic about sex and sexuality than most of the romances that I read. Which is why I tend to read this series just a little bit slower… it can get pretty intense. Which is probably why I shouldn’t have actually read this at the pub when waiting for people… it was a little awkward reading about the many joys of sex when there was a really, really old guy staring at me…
Dayan completely freaked me out in Tempting the Beast. He was so insidious, and that was a feeling you got before all of his betrayals came to light. So to find a book which features some more of the horrible things he did before he was killed… it gave me some incredibly uncomfortable goose bumps. Although it was quite nice when Taber and Roni were able to finally find their way past the horrors of the past and a way towards a new future together. Not just from Dayan’s meddling, but also Roni’s horrifying father…
Even though this story is very, very much about sex and passion, I love that it is also about creating a relationship beyond that instant attraction. Too many media relationships seem to rely on sexual attraction and heat to drive a relationship. Taber and Roni’s relationship was really only something that both considered “real” when they moved beyond that sexual aspect and truly communicated. Taber was much too possessive for my tastes, but when he FINALLY started communicating… I could actually find the attraction.
This is only the second novel in this series, and already the greater storyline is getting seriously intense. There is just something about it that is impossible to put down and makes me want to pick up the next story. After all, there are conspiracies afoot, an evil power hunting the Breeds… and the part that makes me want to get further through the series? Sherra and Kane’s relationship is about to finally, finally, finally explode onto the pages.
Title: Blue Moon Author: Lori Handeland Series: Nightcreature #1 Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy, Werewolves Dates read: 5th – 11th January 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks Year: 2004 5th sentence, 74th page: I could have savored another cola in the Sportsman, which was what I usually did when I ate there.
By the light of a blue moon, danger prowls – Miniwa, Wisconsin, is under siege, but not by the usual summer tourists. The area’s normally shy wolf population has begun stalking human prey, and their victims have been disappearing…or worse. Something is happening in the woods. Something no one can explain…
and desire is unleashed… Officer Jessie McQuade has seen plenty in her years on the force – but nothing as intriguing as the gorgeous, naked man she encounters while tracking a rogue wolf. Professor Will Cadotte is a Native American activist. He’s also the only man capable of distracting Jessie from her work. And for a cop, distraction – no matter how pleasurable – can be deadly. It’s against Jessie’s better judgement to accept Will’s help in her investigation, yet she soon finds herself doing exactly that – and more. Will’s dark, penetrating eyes see into a part of Jessie’s soul she never knew existed. It’s exhilarating…and terrifying. Now, as a town’s deepest secrets come to light, no one is safe: not friends, lover, or strangers. And as Jessie follows a trail to the shocking truth, she’ll have to decide who she can trust when the moon is full…
Yeah. This book was brilliant. And fun. I could put it down though, which made me happy, because I have a number of other things that I needed to do. Unlike other books which seem to absorb my whole consciousness (they’re sometimes good), this one was always in my mind. But never all consuming. It let me take my time over the book which I normally wouldn’t be able to do. And, taking that extra time made me feel somehow more connected to Jess and Will.
I read a lot of fantasy books, and especially love stories which feature werewolves. This is the first book in a really, really long time that actually featured werewolves as an evil entity. I loved the change. Especially since there is now going to be an entire, evil werewolf army that is now on the loose. Alright, one evil culprit was killed off. But there are going to be so many more… I also didn’t actually guess who the culprit was going to be… which was a whole other level of surprising.
Most stories that you read which feature a romance has a gorgeous woman, and she’s most likely a virgin or just inexperienced. Thank god, Handeland didn’t go down this route. Actually, she kind of went with the flipside. Instead, they’re both experienced (but not in any insane way in either direction). Yet, the woman is the one who is considered plain and way too normal to attract a gorgeous man, which is what Will is. I love that Will’s looks are also his point of insecurity. One of the things that I often see today is the fact that men won’t “settle” for the plainer women in their lives, thinking that they can “get” a supermodel… it was nice that this expectation was completely flipped.
I don’t have much to do with Native American culture. I don’t have many books which feature it, and it’s something that I want to expand on in my shelves. I do have at least one more book that features such a topic (Stormwalker), but it isn’t something that I often come across. I love that alongside the Native American character and rituals, there was also an incredibly intense history of Nazi experimentation and hunting the evils of the world. I seriously can’t wait to see what the future of this series holds!
This novella provides a first taste of the world in which Anya’s new Dark Magick series is set.
I kind of found Ronan annoying at the beginning of this story. There was just something about him that was a bit too pushy and immature. He refuses the woman he loves, so he can escape and win back the woman he loves. Rather than just marrying her and working on their relationship in a way that would have been much simpler for both. Don’t get me wrong, it made an incredibly fun and impossible to put down novella. But he’s kind of stupid. He did grow on me though, so that was alright.
I loved the comparisons between the Seelie and Unseelie Court. There is still a hint of mystery about the Unseelie Court, but I assume that when I get around to buying the actual novels in this series, I will find out so much more. But I did love that this was the wonderfully traditional outlook on the fae courts. And that those who are normally considered powerful in the mythos (the Courts), were not so powerful. It’s a great start at world building and, since this is the prequel novella, a fantastic introduction to a brand new world.
This is a really cute love story. And I really enjoyed how Bella wanted nothing more than to find her way back to the man she loves, even if that means giving up everything else. But, what made me really hooked to this story was the fact that an amazing fae world was being created. And I want to explore every single aspect of it!
Alex Wilde is crazy about Dana Reed. Career-driven Dana wants him as a lover, not a husband…until Alex whisks her away for a weekend that will fulfil every forbidden desire.
A secret weekend away with the boyfriend… who has a hidden agenda. It kind of sounds perfect, except for the fact that the woman in this story doesn’t really want to be tied down and has major issues. It made me think of a few people that I know. This idea that love makes you weak. Alright, it kind of does, because you’re putting your trust in another person and that shit is scary. But, honestly, it makes a great tale – learning to trust and what it actually takes to put that much trust in one person.
I love that although this is a love story, it is all about letting go. Letting go of the past and your hang ups and looking forward to a great future. Everyone has hang ups. And, I for one found nothing scarier than letting go of those things that held me back and actually putting my trust in another human being. Trusting someone to love you for everything that you are. It’s something I work on everyday (and I’ve been with my S.O. for almost 9 years). I love that each romance I read is sweet and doesn’t have these hang ups. But it was really nice to read a story that does focus on the multitude of ways in which you can struggle to find that one person and truly trust them.
Trust issues (as you can probably tell) are a major issue for me. I love that this was a cute and easy little novella which was ultimately about a proposal. But it focuses on the whole idea that trust is the most important thing. Trusting someone to actually love you for all your bumps, bruises and scars. It’s something I’m still working on…
