Roped and Ready

This book speaks directly to my fear of showing up somewhere that I very much do not belong. It also reminds me of that terrible dream lots of people have about showing up in front of a group of people only to look down and see you are only in your underwear. Pretty much, the heroine in this book ends up in a place unaware of its true purpose. Luckily, it all ends up happy (after all, it wouldn't be a romance without the HEA) but I was cringing during the scene she discovers the mistake. So I definitely could relate in that moment but from there on out, it was all fantasy to me because that's the end of our similarities. Oh, to be that young again...

Marie Tuhart’s Quicksilver Ranch: Roped & Ready is a deliciously erotic indulgence of one woman’s sensual discovery. With a rich back story and strong characters, the reader takes the journey with Becca Dalton as she discovers her sexual fantasies and experiences the delights of self-determination.

The book starts with Becca finding her fiancé in bed with her boss. She instantly wins over readers with her strength when she ends her engagement and quits her job, determined to interview for the job of her dreams and move on. Having been given a trip by her friend as an engagement gift, Becca decides to use it as a time to get away and focus before her interview instead.

Quick Silver Ranch is no ordinary dude ranch, if only Becca had known that before she arrived. During the first group meal, Becca's learns the exclusive ranch is only for couples wishing to explore their most wicked sexual fantasies. She’s embarrassed and ready to pack up and leave until Tyler steps in as her partner.

Tyler Carson, co-owner of the Quick Silver Ranch, was also Becca’s college lover. She’d been surprised to see him caring for the horses when she first arrives, and more surprised by her instant attraction for the man she hadn’t seen in years. When Tyler is willing to break his rule not to partner up with guests, Becca embarks on her journey to discover her sensual side. And discover she does… through seminars and experimentation, Becca finds that she enjoys sex far more than she had thought. Tuhart writes descriptive and erotic scenes that put the reader right into the page.

Even better still, the development of their love is built into the story so that it grows with each experiment and every scene. And as the week progresses, both Tyler and Becca begin thinking that one week at the ranch is not enough for them. Dreams of a future spiral inside each of them without sharing with one another their thoughts. In a true sign of love, Tyler chooses to remain silent rather than force Becca to choose between him and her dream job. Believing she is unworthy of Tyler’s love, Becca accepts she must leave him behind. Until Tyler’s business partner steps in with a solution, that is.

Lots and lots of descriptive sex scenes flow around a series of conversations that move the characters deeper into a relationship. Multi-dimensional and likable, Becca and Tyler are two people any reader may know in everyday life. Though I thought the title “Roped and Ready” misleading, the storyline itself was enjoyable and left me wondering if Tyler’s business partner will get his HEA too.

RATING: 4 chocolate-dipped strawberries

This review was originally done for The Romance Reviews: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=1546

Hump day...better late than never!

Greetings loved ones! (Thanks Snoop Dogg!) You know how every once in a while one of "those" weeks seems to sneak up on you and whack you between the eyes? Well, I think I found myself in one....post birthday weekend blues I guess. Many thanks and mucho smoochies to my lovely circle of friends for making another year passing less painful. (Although apparently I am one of those girls who inspires an eclectic array of shopping options - from sassy Vicky's Secret to sleezy Spencers...needless to say the company was fab and the gifts guaranteed to entertain! As a little treat for those who weren't available to endulge with me - I bring you tidings of indulgences of the eye candy variety! (I am pretty sure he is thinking about what to get me for my birthday next year!)

Hades Squad 2: Lucifer’s Choice, Jianne Carlo, Loose ID

Who doesn’t love a good Alpha male? Certainly no exception, Sax Anders, code name Lucifer, is fierce, focused and passionate. Like a Viking raider, he spies what he wants. And what he wants is the exotic beauty from the flamenco bar for one night. Nalini Marajh doesn’t even stand a chance. Book 2 of the Hades Squad, Lucifer’s Choices hooks readers from page one, heck – paragraph one. Grab a fan and some ice water because this little treat has some major heat!

Nalini has fantasized about big brother Tarak’s friend Sax forever. Having run away to escape an arranged marriage, Nalini forges a new life and career until her ship is captured and the Hades Squad comes to the rescue. A plan comes together and Nalini capitalizes on a fantasy come true. Nalini’s web of lies unravels when she and Sax pose as engaged for publicity sake only to find emotions getting the better of them. Can she overcome her fear of confinement long enough for him to convince her to stay?

Jianne Carlo writes sizzling romance scenes with passion and creativity. What initially begins as a quick, albeit hot, encounter continues into a growing sexual infatuation that morphs into more. Alpha male Sax and naïve Nalini generate the kind of heat that deserves a re-read at leisure.

Nalini’s character fights the culture clash between her parents’ wants and desires with her own. The author explains cultural issues sensitively without proselytizing. The evolution of the parent-child relationship mirrors the romantic one but feels effortless – the story so engaging that its subtleties are worth a second read as well!

Truly an action packed drama in addition to erotic romance, Lucifer’s Choice takes the reader on an exotic journey which explores passion, truth and consequences and the choices that are made on the rocky road to romance. Like fine tequila, the men of Hades Squad are spicy and a little hard to get down but the warm afterglow must surely be worth it.

I give this tasty little treat a yummalicious five chocolate dipped strawberries and will be keeping my eyes peeled for new additions to this author's repertoire!

This review was previously written amd published for The Romance Reviews.

Black Gold

Here's hoping first time duo Nacht and Euclid follow up Black Gold with an encore. Billy "Goldie" Goldean is a pop superstar with a secret, and Jethro "Jett" Black is a non-conformist punk rocker who just told Rolling Stone magazine Goldie is the celebrity that he would most like to fuck, even though he isn't gay. I felt a lot of sympathy for Goldie and he needs someone who will look out for his interest and not their own. His mother is non-existent in his life and after meeting her, you realize that is probably for the best. His agent is a douche-bag who embraces every bad Hollywood stereotype. The only person in Goldie's life with any redeeming value is his bodyguard, Robbie, who is more like a father to him. Jett is everything you want in a puck rocker. He drinks a lot and uses drugs and never wants to sell out and become mainstream, because for him it's all about the music. Unfortunately, mainstream is exactly what his band-mates want. He tries to come off as crass and uncaring but you realize it's just a defense mechanism. I enjoyed this book, but I didn't love it. When I read the premise it sounded great, and while it was a solid story, I think it could have been much stronger with some editing. This book is heavy on dialogue and I felt I was being told the story instead of shown. I also had a problem with how quickly the two characters hook up the first time. Don't get me wrong. I believe in "love at first sight" but their first time together happened almost before they knew each other's names. There is, however, a lot of conflict and fall-out that keeps the story line moving and as the relationship develops, you can't help but root for them. Can two seemingly different personalities come together and stay together? I give Black Gold 3 chocolate dipped strawberries. This review originally posted at The Romance Reviews. http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=987

The Initiation of Miss Holly

KD Grace's debut novel, The Initiation of Miss Holly, brings the reader into a fantastical world of an exclusive club based on a legend from a time long ago, with a cult of people who believe that sex of any sort should be more than just an erotic fantasy. This book includes so much sex, sex, sex in such diversity that an erotica fan will swoon. But consider yourself warned: this is not for the faint of heart and even this more light-weight erotica fan was taking deep breaths during some scenes.

Hold on tight. The story jumps right in as Rita, a London journalist, is trapped in the dark on the Euro Tunnel only to meet the mysterious stranger, Edward. She is drawn to him but due to the electrical outage, she is unable to see what he looks like and is forced to rely upon her other senses to experience him. And experience him she does – in an erotic interlude that is sure to leave readers with accelerated heart rates.

Rita later agrees to a date with him at The Mount, a private club only the most elite people frequent. Edward insists that she wear a blindfold while they’re together which serves to both scare and arouse her. As they share an intimate dinner, Rita learns that Edward intends to share even more with her… and so her initiation into the club begins. Rita’s first experience leaves her spinning but still ready for more which is exactly how the reader continues to feel. The only restriction to Rita’s initiation into the club is that she cannot have sex with the one person she most wants, the mysterious Edward. Instead over a few months she has adventures, each bestowing a different lesson, with the members of the head council. 

While the concept of The Initiation of Miss Holly is a simple one, the plot is thick with intrigue and mystery, keeping readers turning the pages. During Rita’s initiation, she is forced to deal with Vivienne, the head of The Mount who is less than pleased with Rita’s presence. And though there are many, many erotic encounters to keep Rita busy (and to keep the book hot), Rita’s overall experience is shaded by Vivienne’s attempts to sabotage her and the mystery of still not truly knowing who Edward is. And Rita must complete her initiation to be considered worthy of membership in The Mount, and then be granted the privilege of seeing Edward.

Though a bit over the top for me, I can't deny the storyline propelled me from one scene to the next. The Initiation of Miss Holly is skillfully written to provide a provocative blend of kinky sex with subtle mystery. Simply put, this book is a page turner for the erotic reader... it's totally worthy of our five chocolate-dipped strawberry rating!

This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=1601

South of the Border

This short story from Laura Baumbach is HOT, HOT, HOT! It made me want to go out and buy the next book featuring Gabriel and Antonio, so if that was its purpose, it succeeded. The story starts in the hot tub with Gabriel, who during a recent undercover assignment was blinded when a bag of heroin exploded in his face. After being forced to leave his job on the San Francisco police force because of his blindness, he finds comfort in the arms of his lover Antonio. Before Antonio has to leave on another assignment, the men come together for some heated, wet loving. I was amazed at the depth of the characters and their feelings that the author was able to convey in such a short time and look forward to reading more from this series. I give South of the Border 5 chocolate dipped strawberries. This review originally written for The Romance Reviews. http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=1447

Danielle's Touch

Danielle’s Touch by Lisa Alexander-Griffin is a lovely story about two people finding their happily ever after. The author provides readers with multi-dimensional, well-developed characters that could easily be people right in our everyday world. So realistic, it made it simple to fall into the story of Danielle and Ethan.

Danielle is working at rebuilding her life after finding the strength to divorce her abusive husband when she first meets Ethan. Needing assistance with restoring his newly purchased Victorian home, Ethan walks into Danielle’s decorating business. The handsome cowboy finds more than just a decorator when he meets the sexy woman behind the counter. At first not sure what to think of the old shop but intrigued by Danielle herself, he sets up an appointment for her to come see his home. And though the last thing on Danielle’s mind is falling for another man, she can’t resist Ethan. (Dare I say that it was love at first sight, whether they admitted to it or not.)

As they develop a relationship – more him pushing, her pulling at first – they find trusting to be their biggest obstacle. While their desire for one another is present, Danielle is still coping with her ex-husband who won’t seem to go away. Her tenacity in reclaiming her life is near heroic, and her strength admirable as she refuses to be sheltered but takes responsibility for her own well-being. The reader will find themselves drawn to Danielle’s resiliency.

Domestic violence is a brave topic for any author to take on and Griffin does it well. Allowing Danielle’s victimization to be part of the story without allowing it to define her was done with perfection. The scenes written in her ex-husband’s point of view gave a frightening look into the mind of a terrible man and allowed readers to see just how he affected Danielle. Clearly her hesitancy in developing a relationship with Ethan was caused by how her ex-husband treated her. Because of those experiences, she has to learn to trust again and through trusting Ethan, she can believe again in love. What a beautiful premise for a book, right?

Ethan is patient with Danielle, even though he’d like nothing more than to shelter her. Dealing with his own fear of loving and losing, Ethan finds he cannot help but fall in love with Danielle. And when he tells her he loves her, he is amazed that it feels right even though he’d believed that impossible since losing his parents. Personally, I think his ability to love was born again from his friendship with Grady, a sweet man (and also a great secondary character) who took Ethan in when his parents passed away. And though readers will like Ethan from the beginning, when Ethan comes to her rescue you fall in love with him.

When Ethan takes Danielle away to an inn, the romance kicks up and the time away allows them to develop a connection that couldn’t happen as quickly in their ordinary lives – good choice by the author.  And while taking them out of their environment was a nice change of pace, the storyline involving the special visitor at the inn was a bit odd and didn’t weave into the rest of the story. Returning from the inn, Griffin doesn’t make it easy for Danielle and Ethan as they are watching over their shoulders for her ex-husband, worried he will continue to try to hurt her. Sure enough there are some tension-filled, suspenseful scenes that have readers flipping pages quickly to find out what happens.

My only real concern with this book is the passage of time. There were scenes when the author took us from morning to evening in the blink of an eye, one week to one month in a page without warning. I found it distracting at times but not enough to deter me from the story because Danielle’s Touch is a beautifully crafted love story with two characters that readers cannot help but fall in love with themselves.

This is a four strawberry book. It's a nice read.

This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews and can be seen by clicking on:
http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=1544

Absolutely Crazy for Absolution

I have the honor of bringing you the review of Absolution, Kaylea Cross’s final installment in her first military suspense series. I liked the series so much that I recommend it al the time now. But it was when I reflected on why I enjoyed the series so much that I realized I was envisioning my brother David as the hero. David was a military man himself who died too young in 1994 after serving over in the Middle East. He was always larger than life to me – he was my hero, partly because I was his younger sister but also because he had this underlying strength and confidence in everything he did. It’s the same strength that I felt in Cross’s military men. I’d never gotten the chance to talk to David about his experiences during the war and his time in the Middle East; and that’s something I always wished I had. We’d planned on doing an interview so that I could document his experiences to use in a book someday but our time together ran out. I still regret losing that chance to really get to know him, to understand his military life. And while I can never do that interview or get to know more about his personal experiences, I feel like I caught a glimpse of his life in Cross’s books. To so vividly be shown the heart of military men was inspiring and called for a reverence, a true appreciate for these amazing men who have such bravery.

Absolutely Crazy for Absolution

Kaylea Cross’s series got better and better until it all culminated in the amazing final installment. Absolution has her trademark suspense, action and emotion packed into it but with a unique hero and heroine who are both older than the norm in today’s romance novels.  Since readers have had glimpses of the couple, clever clues about their marriage which ended over twenty years ago, it was a treat to finally learn their full story. And again I was hooked from the very first page. Cross wove in each character from the series into this captivating story so that their significance to the overall plot was reinforced while not taking away focus from the main characters.

Luke and Emily, oh Luke and Emily, the sacrifice and unrelenting love of this couple squeezed my heart. Admittedly, reunited lovers is one of my favorite themes in romance books but their story keeps the reader in suspense wondering if it’s possible for their relationship to really work out in the end. Cross doesn’t sugar-coat anything in her series, including Luke and Emily’s fate in this climactic ending.

Luke, a Navy SEAL, walked away from Emily years ago after he accidently hurt her and was scared he might do it again. Leaving behind both Emily and their young son, Luke went on to work for the CIA and made plenty of enemies along the way. Throughout the series, Luke is tracking a terrorist he helped train before he turned on the United States. The terrorist has been using women close to Luke to gain his attention; and now it looks like Emily could be in danger. Luke is prepared to give up his life in order to finally take the terrorist down but his plan changes when he finds out Emily might be sick.

Though they have been separated by miles, Luke and Emily have never stopped loving one another. The bond they share is carried with Luke everywhere he goes, just like the medallion Emily once gave him. Reunited briefly at their son’s wedding in a previous book, Emily stays with Luke before a life-threatening surgery only to leave before he gets into recovery. When Luke shows up at her doorstep a month later, he learns she left so quickly because she has cancer and was beginning treatment. Realizing Emily might die from cancer, he accepts that he’s caused them to waste half a lifetime they could’ve been together and wants to reconcile. And now it looks like neither has much time left.

Afraid for her safety, Luke moves Emily into the Beirut compound with Luke’s team as all the series’ heroes and heroines come together in this final mission. Emily continues her treatment and is cared for by the others while Luke works to eliminate the terrorist. They share stolen moments while both continue their separate battles, Luke getting closer than ever to ending his mission. Emily’s strength in the face of death and adversity is nothing short of amazing; and Luke’s willingness to accept his shortcomings with her is inspiring. The scene where Luke helps Emily rediscover her beauty after the treatments ravish her body will forever resonate in my heart.

This book is well researched and thoughtful. Every detail, including both the military aspects and Emily’s illness, is far more detailed than readers will find in other books within this genre. The details create scenes that jump off the page as the reader travels from the United States to Beirut and the mountains of the Middle East. It is truly the best romantic military suspense series available.

Absolution has a unique plot with one twist after another so even though the reader expects a happy ever after because it is a romance, the suspense leaves the reader guessing. In fact, this is what puts the series on my “favorites” shelf. I was on the edge the entire book - there were no moments in the story where I was certain what was going to happen. Cross beautifully crafted a storyline with the military suspense aspect of the plot equally as strong as the romance aspect, creating a realistic story while still giving the romantics-at-heart the ending they crave.

*Read this series in order. The story of Absolution has been building throughout the entire series so you just won’t get as much out of this book without having read the others first.*

Absolution deserves five chocolate dipped strawberries. (And if you won’t tell the girls, I’d even steal an extra and give it six!) It’s an indulgence every reader should make the time for.

Sexy Special Ops Soldiers

Thanks once again to the Guilty Indulgence gang for hosting me here this week! I write military romantic suspense because it’s exciting, and because I love the balance of danger and romance in them. I’ve always been a romance fan, but I also read a lot of special ops non-fiction because it interests me. One of my favorite parts of writing is when I can slip little bits and pieces of what I’ve learned into my stories.

I want to entertain my readers, but I also want to teach them something. Maybe it’s about what various branches of the military do, or what skill set the soldiers have, but a lot of the time it’s something about the political or military situation in the Middle East. I hate it when romance authors sugar coat serious issues in their writing, so I don’t do that. You might have noticed that my books are pretty, uh...graphic. (*cough*) I realize that level of violence in a romance novel isn’t necessarily every reader’s cup of tea, but I just wouldn’t feel right glossing over important issues simply to make it tidy and pretty. The men and women in our armed forces fighting overseas today face ugly things in a highly complex cultural/political situation, and I want to do them justice in my stories. I hope I have.

I think it’s fairly obvious in my books that I’m a big fan of the military, and that’s why I love to write about Special Ops heroes. I mean, what’s not to love? They’re brave, strong, loyal, and will do whatever it takes to complete the mission and protect their teammates. Just getting through their rigorous selection programs is an incredible feat of determination, but the sheer discipline and motivation they must demonstrate in order to earn the right to call themselves a SEAL, or a Ranger, etc... I think it’s amazing. I can’t help but admire them.

This first series of mine showcases heroes from various branches of the military: Rayne (Out of Her League) is a former Marine, Declan (Cover of Darkness) is a Navy SEAL, Ben (No Turning Back) is a former Ranger, Rhys (Relentless) is former Delta Force, and Luke (my absolute favorite, from Absolution) is a former SEAL working as a paramilitary officer for the CIA. I hope readers will learn more about what the incredible men in these elite units can do, and understand why SpecOps forces are an increasingly critical part of the U.S. arsenal in today’s military conflicts.

While it’s true that I’ve only used military men in my work so far, my upcoming release with Carina Press features military heroines as well. Deadly Descent will release in September. It’s about an Air Force Pararescue Jumper hero and an Army medevac pilot heroine operating out of Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. It’s the first of a trilogy, and I’m very excited about it. Researching that book was so awesome I still get shivers when I think about it. Have to get cracking on the second book soon!

Thanks for dropping by, and I hope I’ve made you curious to learn more about these elite soldiers.

Happy reading,

Kaylea Cross

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Happy Hump Day - Make Mine Relentless!

Here we are again - halfway through the week and already so much to recap....Sunday, I went to get "my hair did" and we launched missile strikes on Libya - since when does going red inspire warfare? Monday, did you see that moon? Amazing, breathtaking, awe-inspiring. Even my daughter was caught up on Tuesday's new release day with her frenzied pleas to download the latest Carrie Ryan at midnight - thank god we pre-ordered for her Nook! And today, Liz Taylor's passing - sigh...what an icon she was, amethyst eyes and throaty laugh, so lovely. Wow....so, in honor of all that (and a birthday looming on the horizon) I am sharing my favorite treat of the week. Take a taste of this eye candy! (Mama loves this more than baklava!)

So, phfew - where were we? Oh yes, more of the fab Ms. Kaylea Cross. I am pleased to give you my dish on the next in line, Relentless. Now, usually Tyra starts this rant, but I must say - do not read this book series out of order. You will enjoy this book so much more if you have already read Cover of Darkness and No Turning Back.


Relentless, Kaylea Cross, Wild Rose Press, June 2010.

Former Delta Force operator Rhys Sinclair defied the odds by recovering from a traumatic brain injury that should have killed him. Given the chance to repay the beautiful doctor who saved his life by guarding hers, he can't say no--even if it means facing an unknown threat from the cunning terrorist his CIA-sanctioned team had been hunting in Afghanistan. The catch is, she can't know about it without blowing their cover. Trauma surgeon Neveah Adams is finally putting her life back together after her horrific experience in Afghanistan. Giving the keynote speech at a medical conference in Vancouver is her starting point. With Rhys there to watch over her she feels safe for the first time in months, and her biggest problem is trying to hide her intense feelings for him. But Rhys knows something Neveah doesn't. The terrorist who targeted her in Kabul is coming after her again, and he's relentless enough to ensure all his past mistakes are erased with one final strike. Now that the nightmare from her past has resurfaced, Neveah has no choice but to put her trust in the one man who has the ability to break her heart, never knowing an assassin is closer than they realize.

Shy, brainy surgeon Naveah Adams struggles to recover from her hostage experience while working in Afghanistan with several other doctors with the group Doctors Without Borders. Rhys Sinclair, one of her ex-CIA military ops rescuers struggles to recover from the physical devastation of a land mine accident immediately afterward. He saves her, she saves him, he saves her again....can you dig it!

They each go on to their new post-trauma lives, until a terror cell gets activated by an old enemy, Farouk Tehrazzi, and the targets include Bryn McAllister, Luke and his family, and even Naveah herself. Luke puts the team together for secret security to ensure the joy of a family wedding doesn't end in tragedy. Naveah coincidentally will be in Vancouver at a medical conference as a keynote speaker. Rhys decides the best way to keep her safe is to ask her to be his date. She's had a thing for him since the rescue. He has a thing for her but feels he can't act upon it. The solution? A little bit of vino and a lot of bawdy talk at a bridal shower and voila - incentive for seduction (I would not mind if Rhys did room checks for me on a nightly basis...just sayin!). Ms. Cross does an outstanding job of peppering a truly well written military suspense with some spicy romance. When they say opposites do attract - they must have been talking about Naveah and Rhys - so different and yet so perfect for one another. They have chemistry and a soul deep connection borne of trauma and tragedy.

Trust becomes an integral issue in this particular book. With the focus more on the romance than perhaps the previous two books, one would think this was a natural consequence. However, this is no formulaic thriller - how the events unfold, who to trust and what happens with misplaced trust play out. There are some well crafted plot twists and that caught me by surprise. There has also, quite obviously, been some detailed research on the author's part to make the story feel seamless and prevent the reader from getting bogged down in all the military details (probably more prevalent in the last two books).

However, I think for me, the most enjoyable parts were the growth and evolution of Rhys and Naveah's relationship. I love when the smart girl gets the perfect guy - makes us leaders of the Nerd Herd feel hopeful that our brawny alpha male is out there waiting! I love a good "Ops" series and this one has the potential to go on this GI girl's keeper list. I am definitely looking forward to more sweet treats from Ms. Kaylea Cross! I happily give Relentless four chocolate dipped strawberries! Yummmmm.

No Turning Back

Next Tuesday is a BIG release day for me. Several of my favorite authors have books coming out that day so I was thinking about taking a day off just for me. Then I realized that it's Spring Break week for my kids and they would be home with me....so now I am re-thinking that plan. LOL Don't get me wrong I love my kids but the only time they want to talk to me is when I am trying to read. And it's always obscure, random, why did you need to ask me that now, kind of questions. Big plans for the weekend, Jenn has a birthday on Friday and we and doing super duper secret things on Saturday. I love that my friends are like me in that we go out of our way to make birthday's a big deal for each other. It doesn't have to be anything expensive it's just all about being together and showing that person they are important to you.
So this week is Kaylea Cross week and if you have not read one of her books what are you waiting for?? She was a new to me author and I am so glad to have found her because her books are well written and suck you right in.

No Turning Back, Kaylea Cross, The Wild Rose Press, March 2010
CIA communications expert Samarra Wallace is on the run from a faceless enemy when she learns terrorists have kidnapped and threatened to execute her cousin. She will do whatever it takes to free her, including breaking cover to contact the former teammate she is dangerously attracted to. Now all she has to do is convince him she's not working for the bad guys. Ex-Army Ranger Ben Sinclair isn't sure he can trust Sam, but he can't turn her away. Lives are at stake and she may be the only way to capture the terrorist mastermind his team is hunting. Despite his reservations, he finds himself falling for her. But when Sam's innocence is questioned again during a botched operation in the remote mountains of Afghanistan, the team pays a terrible price for trusting her. In the wake of that staggering betrayal Ben must decide if she's the innocent woman he fell in love with, or if she's a traitor who'd set them up to die.

Sam works for the CIA as a communications expert and Ben is an ex-army ranger/body guard working on the same team. Sam believes she is being followed by either a terrorist cell or the CIA, panicking she flees and sets off a series of events that lead people on her team to believe she is a traitor.

When the one person Sam cares about the most, her cousin, is kidnapped by a terrorist group she has no choice but to return to her team and prove her innocence to help save her cousin's life. She is in a very difficult position, her team and Ben continually question her loyalty throughout the book. Whenever something goes wrong during the rescue mission, it is Sam's loyalty that is questioned.

As you know I am a stickler about books being read in order, never has that been more important than with this series. This book picks up basically where Cover of Darkness ends. It reads so true to life it could have been a story on CNN. It is suspenseful and scary and everything that I have come to expect with Kaylea's books. I completely connected to Sam's character and had so much empathy for her. To know that the people you work with every day suspect you of being a traitor would be so difficult. I could also understand Ben's concerns,so many things pointed to Sam being a traitor that it was hard to believe otherwise. I appreciate the strong female characters that exist throughout Ms. Cross work. I love when an author shows how incredibly strong and capable women are without making them come across as a bitch. The chemistry between Sam and Ben leaps off the page and is smoking hot. Strong secondary character's and a plot line that never stops made this a great read. I couldn't wait to get to the next story. I give No Turning Back 5 chocolate dipped strawberries.

Military Men Monday

Happy second day of spring! Hope everyone had a great weekend. The weather here was great but woke up this morning to pouring rains. Nothing like starting my day cold and wet. But never fear! I see the sun now and hope it stays for awhile. Soccer practice should be fun this evening in the mud! Besides they say mud is good for the skin. Speaking of things that are good let’s start with Kaylea Cross’s book Cover of Darkness. I enjoyed reading it and hope you do too.

Cover of Darkness by Kaylea Cross
Targeted by a terrorist cell, Bryn McAllister survives a bombing at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut only to be left to die in a desert cellar. When she is rescued by Navy SEAL Lieutenant Declan McCabe and his team, Bryn must rely on the handsome officer to get her to safety. But just when she thinks the nightmare is over, family friend and legendary CIA operative Luke Hutchinson recruits her and McCabe to help track down the terrorist mastermind responsible for the attack.

With Bryn determined to see the terrorist brought to justice, Dec joins up to protect her, prepared to do whatever it takes to keep her safe during their dangerous mission. Battling the explosive attraction between them, Dec fights to keep his distance from her so he can do his job and keep her alive. But when plans falls apart and Bryn is captured, he must make the agonizing choice between his duty as a SEAL and the life of the woman he loves.

I have to admit that it took me awhile to get into this book. The story is super as are the characters. It is very military detailed. Which kinda bogged it down for me. But that is just me. I completely appreciate the detail that she put into it. Our men and women that put their lives on the line for us everyday deserve to be represented to their truest form and Kaylea certainly did them justice. It also brings to light the lives of those loved ones that get left behind when their other half is called to duty and basically have to drop off the face of the earth to go under cover.

The main characters Dec and Bryn are great. I also enjoyed Ben, Bryn’s bodyguard/head of security. Ben has feelings of more than friendship for Bryn but knows that she doesn’t feel the same. She loves Ben like a brother. Which must be difficult for Ben to deal with on a daily basis since they spend so much time together. I look forward to his book!

I give this book 3 chocolate dipped strawberries and a spa day. I really felt for Bryn as she trudged thru the desert and survived the hostage situations.

For another review of this same book: Cover of Darkness by Kaylea Cross, see Rebecca's post from January 1, 2011.

Out of Her League

WELCOME to our Romantic Suspense-ful Week with Kaylea Cross! Each day this week, one of us will review each of the books in Cross's great romantic suspense series that follows Luke Hutchinson as he pursues a terrorist. Readers meet his family and each of the men (and the women they fall in love with) throughout the series. We recommend reading the books in order so, for today, we bring you BOOK ONE:


Out of Her League by Kaylea Cross
Kaylea builds her main character Christa in a believable manner that allows for the reader to stay with the storyline from the first page. Christa is a strong, independent woman has goals beyond her desperate need to one day get married and have a family. (Amen Sister!)

The author has taken a real threat that many women either have heard and commiserated around or just plain out-right experienced and brings it out in this book. I found myself clenching my fists and squirming at times given the level of fear that was invoked by Christa’s story. Rayne…my oh my…a man with military background and a delicious physique (as described by Christa). Whew. What’s not to like about that? He has the role of hero and plays it well. With a sordid past filled with a long line of women, no one - not even Christa, believes he has the ability to figure out what he wants and stick with it.

As the reader, you better get ready for sleepless nights because it is very difficult to put this book down and focus on anything else! 5 chocolate covered strawberries.
Review by Liz

CONTEST ALERT!

Kaylea Cross is giving away  FREE BOOKS to some of our lucky followers. To enter, follow us and make a comment to any post throughout the week. Kaylea will be here to "talk" with anyone who comments so feel free to ask questions or give your thoughts on the books. WINNERS will be drawn and notified once the week is complete.

Sleepy Hollow Dreams

Taryn Kincaid puts a sultry, sexy twist to the Washington Irving tales we grew up with. Be warned: This is not the tale your parents read to you; it is much hotter! Ms. Kincaid has taken two stories that most of us grew up hearing and turned it into an erotic short story that stands on its own. She has taken aspects from The Headless Horseman and Rip Van Winkle and put a completely different twist to them.

Katy lives in Sleepy Hollow, and every night, her dream man comes to her and gives her the most amazing sex of her life, and then she wakes up. Ryck Van Winkle has been cursed by a Succubus to enter women's dreams and satisfy their fantasies while never finding release himself, until he enters Katy's dreams. Ryck thinks Katy is the one person that can release him from his curse and help him defeat the Succubus before she takes over the town of Sleepy Hollow.

The writing is descriptive and the story line moves quickly. The main character's relationship burns up the pages and you can't help but root for them. I enjoyed this book and would visit the world of Sleepy Hollow that Ms. Kincaid created again, if she should ever venture back there.

This review origianlly posted at The Romance Reviews: http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=237

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Free Spirit Friday

Happy dance! Happy dance! Sunday is the first day of spring! I’ve seen the daffodils popping up and it makes my heart happy. March is a fun month regardless of the first day of spring celebration. Two of my favorite people have a birthday this month which calls for girl time and super top secret planning. Some deal with the secret keeping better than others and you know who you are. One day all this is gonna come back and burn me they say but until then……
I hope you go out and add this book to your to be read pile because I promise you that you will love it! I can’t wait for the next one. Note cute shoes on the cover (just saying) and the scythe (I would totally carry one of these if they would let me but they keep telling me no. Why?). I also have a soft spot for Charley. Gotta love a girl who names her boobs and ovaries. My girls Barbie and Buffy and my ovaries Federico and Xavier salute you!

First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones

Private investigator Charlotte Davidson was born with three things: a smoking hot ass; a healthy respect for the male anatomy; and the rather odd job title of grim reaper. Since the age of five, she has been helping the departed solve the mysteries of their deaths so they can cross. Thus, when three lawyers from the same law firm are murdered, they come to her to find their killer. In the meantime, she's dealing with a being more powerful, and definitely sexier, than any specter she's ever come across. With the help of a pain-in-the-ass skip tracer, a dead pubescent gangbanger named Angel, and a lifetime supply of sarcasm, Charley sets out to solve the highest profile case of the year and discovers that dodging bullets isn't nearly as dangerous as falling in love.

I loved this book! I laughed out loud so many times I lost count. One can only imagine the entertainment you can get from being able to talk to the dead. I love the variety of dead people she hangs out with. On the other hand it could be extremely painful. The scene with the Johnson girl’s mother was a heartbreaker and also the one with the teenage girl hanging out at the school office where her grandma worked got me too. Of course this “gift” of sorts has to be a HUGE load to bare alone. Every girl needs a best friend to share the burden with and who better than a chick named Cookie. Because let’s face it, it takes a special friend to understand the super hot sex life you’re having with a guy no one can see or hear but you! Being in love is hard enough but when you’re the only one that can see or hear him it can get really interesting. Charley knows she’s connected to her invisible lover Reyes Farrow somehow but she doesn’t know how. She just knows that she must save him before his time runs out.

I give this book 4 chocolate dipped strawberries and a scythe. If you’re gonna be the Reaper you got to have a scythe (and if it matches your shoes that’s a plus too). Hope everyone has an awesome weekend!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

I have always been a fan of St.Patrick's Day and it hasn't always been about the green beer. It means that spring is right around the corner and I am usually in the throes of March Madness! Filling out brackets is a family event in our house, and while I know some of you may frown on the fact that we allow our children to gamble, I won last year and didn't have to cook for a whole week! So you might want to re-think your stance.

I am pretty sure I was the first one in the GI club to finish this months book and it just about killed me to not be able to talk about it right away. Frequent readers of this blog know that I am a BIG fan of books that have a sense of humor, so when I read the blurb about this book I was very excited. There has been a lot of hype and good buzz surrounding it which can sometimes lead to disappointment, but I am very happy to say this book not only lived up to the expectations for me it exceeded it.


First Grave on the Right, Darynda Jones, St. Martin's Press, February 2011
Charley Davidson is a P.I., and to help her father and uncle, who are both police detectives, she also consults for the Albuquerque Police Dept. Oh yeah and one other thing...she's The Grim Reaper. Now I know what you are thinking....how does she walk around in that hood and robe in the New Mexico heat??? Well she is not your stereotypical Grim Reaper, for starters, she doesn't wear the robe or carry the scythe, but she does talk to dead people and that helps her with her paying gigs.

So what happens when 3 lawyers from the same firm are all murdered in one night? If you are Charley's Uncle Bob you call her for some help. While working on this case and trying to convince 3 stubborn lawyers to "cross over" she is also trying to figure out the secret of who is coming to her in the night and giving her some seriously HAWT dreams. While the mystery man is familiar he is also kind of scary.

I swear as I was reading this book I felt like I was listening to one of my best friends tell me about her life. I loved the flow of the book and the snarky way that Charley talks to everyone. The banter between her and sexy skip-tracer Garret Swopes is some of my favorite dialog. The attitude and snappy comebacks made for a fun read. A full cast of lovable and interesting secondary character's keep the story line moving. I love when a book makes me laugh out loud and this book did on more than one spot. I give First Grave on the Right 5 chocolate dipped strawberries!!And I am anxiously awaiting the second book in this series, Second Grave on the Left due out in August.


Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a signed copy of First Grave on the Right.

Hump Day Hello - Darynda Jones style

Hello again - greetings and salutations. So here we are again - oddly enough, stuck between the day of uber bad luck (Ides of March, so not a good day for Julius Caesar!) and the day of uber good luck (kiss that Blarney Stone lads and lassies for good ole St. Paddy's day!) and what's a girl to do? Well, if you are me - you have a really crappy day at work, drink a few tasty adult beverages and then get down to some serious reading. This week's delish treat features an author new to me and the gals of the GI book club, Darynda Jones' First Grave on the Right. By now, you may or may not know, but I am a really tough customer when it comes to first books in series - I either love it or hate it - very little in between. Fortunately, Ms. Jones knocked it out of the park! As homage to her hot, hot, hot hero, Reyes Farrow, allow me to first give you my interpretation of Satan's son, eye candy style...... Mmmmmmmmm

First Grave on the Right, Darynda Jones, St Marten's Press, February, 2011

A smashing, award-winning debut novel that introduces Charley Davidson: part-time private investigator and full-time Grim Reaper.

Charley sees dead people. That’s right, she sees dead people. And it’s her job to convince them to “go into the light.” But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (i.e. murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she’s been having about an Entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely.

Let me first say that Darynda Jones' needs to stay out of my head....and I mean that lovingly! This book could totally be my journal, if I saw dead people, and were the Grim Reaper, and had even a 1/10th the sex appeal of hot mess Charley Davidson. Ok, maybe not completely my journal, but the snarkatude, sassy heroine and ever present coffee mug amongst friends is totally me! There are so many little tiny details that I adore in this book that I cannot begin to name them all...but the chapter headings (from bumper stickers and rude t-shirts) are case in point!

There are those of us who will gush about the story line - and it has so many tangled twists and turns that it makes for thrilling, fast paced reading. How can you not love a story that manages to feel and read like urban fantasy - witty, gritty, and full of snarky good humor but tastes like a classic paranormal romance (Mmmmm - alpha male who kisses one into syncopal episode all while in coma-like state - wowie kazowie!) Filled with mystery, intrigue, and even a few good fight scenes, First Grave on the Right, sets quite the bar for future stories in this series.

There are other's of us who will gush about the characters - the heroine, Charley Davidson, who is part bionic woman (better, faster, stronger, heals quicker!) and part hot mess (constantly falling, fighting, leading with her mouth at all times) charms the reader so quickly. And BFF/Asst Cookie with her ever present coffee mug holds the ability to roll with the punches as figuratively as Charley does literally. How can you not love a character than means to do the right thing and realistically rarely succeeds? Jones' talent lies in creating a madcap cast of characters that somehow feel like folks we all know, situations that "might happen" and mixes in crazy with the sane. Secondary characters are every bit as crucial to the plot as main and through them, the real truths about Charley and Reyes leak out. Furthermore, any writer that can make an insubstantial "smoke-like" hero rank up there with the all time hotties of paranormal romance has got some bad-assed writing skills! For those of you who doubt, get to Charley's shower scene and tell me that urban fantasy/paranormal romance doesn't capture sexy in a whole new way!

Well crafted story, snappy dialogue, sexy characters makes for this first in a series well on it's way to being a "keeper" on this reader's shelf. The only sad note is the wait until August of 2011 for Second Grave on the Left, it's sequel!

Most deserving of all five of the chocolate dipped strawberries this week - Ms. Jones has given me something to indulge in and enjoy!

LOVE THIS BOOK!!

First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones. I loved this book. Darynda has a wicked sense of humor – filled with sarcasm to-boot! I found I couldn’t wait to start a new chapter just to see the little tag line at the beginning that was taken from a t-shirt, bumper sticker, etc. The main character, Charley is a female Grim Reaper and has been since birth. Her life was pretty bumpy as she learned to accept her role in the world and lost many a friend because of it. Reyes is the antithesis of Charley and yet follows her relentlessly. He is mysterious to the very end. The humor in this book pushes the reader forward in an unsuspecting way towards a number of “who knew” twists and turns in the plot. Darynda has a nice way of combining action, depth of plot and character with her wicked sense of humor. This is a must read as I am anxiously awaiting her next book. Hurry up Darynda – please! 5 chocolate strawberries.

Review by Liz

Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a signed copy of Darynda's book!!

You Never Have A Second Chance to Make a First Impression!

I am very excited to be reviewing First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones. I knew nothing about the author or the premise, just that it was our assigned book and I had better read it by Sunday night. The story involves Charley Davidson a young woman who has the ability to see dead people. She is a private investigator in her day job -- helping her police-officer father and uncle solve murders (with the help of the victims’ ghosts) and her second job is as a Grim Reaper helping the recently departed cross over to the next plane. Charley knew she was different when she realized she could remember everything that she ever heard or saw from the moment, literally, the moment, she was born. Unfortunately for her, her mother was her first “customer” who passed through her as she died in child birth. I thought that Jones’ description of this passing and Charley’s emotions about it were very poignant. Of course seeing dead people and talking about it gets Charley in trouble at a young age and, of course, there is an evil stepmother in the story. Charley ends up learning good life lessons about who she can trust with who she really is and what she does. Her best friend Cookie is a hoot and seems to take all of Charley’s crazy paranormal interactions in stride. Charley’s “gift” came with no instruction manual, so her understanding of the world, the different metaphysical planes and her role in it are limited and she makes up stuff as she goes along, sometimes asking interesting ghost characters for help and insight. She has a great sense of humor which made the book very enjoyable to read. While being introduced to Charley in this book, we are also enmeshed into a triple murder case which has suspenseful twists and turns and very interesting secondary characters.

Romance, of course, is not too far away, as Charley is a hottie with skills and attitude. There is only one man for her, Reyes Farrow, and much of the novel is spent trying to figure out who and what he is. I will not spoil the fun, you have to read it to find out! I really loved this book and immediately went to look for other books in the series to download and read. Unfortunately, this is the first one and the others aren’t due out for awhile. That is one reason I like to pick up a series around book three. Now I have to wait, ugh! The only thing I didn’t get was her nickname ”Dutch” as it sounded male to me and doesn’t have some secondary meaning that we have guessed or have been told. I am hoping there is some good reason that Reyes likes to call her Dutch. One of the best reads I have read in awhile, especially for a first book in a series. I am hooked and definitely give it five chocolate dipped strawberries!!
Cat Devon
Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a signed copy of this book!!!!

Welcome Darynda Jones!!!

Hello, I hope everyone is having a great weekend and you all remembered to set your clocks ahead. We are having beautiful day here in the Shenandoah Valley. We have a new author with us this week, Darynda Jones will be blogging with us today and will stop in and answer any questions you might have. Darynda's first book First Grave on the Right will be spotlighted all this week, so be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a signed copy of her book!

So we have all heard the story of how Harry came to J.K. while on a train, and Twilight came to Stephanie in a dream, how did Charley come to be?Charley came to me as I lay in bed one morning, waiting for my turn in the shower. I wanted to write something paranormal because I love the stuff, but as an aspiring writer trying to catch New York’s eye, I wanted something different, something that would grab an agent and editor’s attention. So probably my main inspiration to write a grim reaper was desperation. I lay there contemplating paranormal entities, what had been done and what hadn’t, came up with the grim reaper, and thought, “Hey, that would be so fun to write about.”

We have a couple of aspiring authors as members any words of wisdom for them?
Absolutely. First, never give up. It took me seven years of writing seriously, ie toward publication, and three complete manuscripts to sell. Have faith in yourself when no one else does.

And second, finish the book! Keep typing away until you’ve completed the manuscript, polish it until it shines, start the query process, then start another manuscript. Don’t rest oh your laurels. For one thing, I have no idea what laurels are, but apparently they don’t like to be rested upon. And for another, you will learn SO much with each new manuscript you write. Trust me, you won’t get anywhere fast with incomplete manuscripts lying about. I have dozens and they aren’t doing me any favors. So do yourself a favor and finish what you started.


Do you write full time or is this a part time gig? I am living the dream, baby. I now get to write full time and am thankful everyday to be able to say that. I’ve been a sign language interpreter for many years and loved that job, but it was still that. A job. When all you want to do is write, anything that takes you away from that is a job.

Have you ever experienced writers block and how did you get past it?
This is interesting, because I have. I think you must be able to step back and take a look at what’s going on around you. Stress is probably the main culprit of writer’s block, but mine, I realized after months, was actually because I’d messed with my process. I know that sounds silly, but let me just say, I do NOT mess with my process any more. I have a certain way of doing things, and when I try to skip ahead or change it in anyway, I pay the price.


Have you always been interested in paranormal things?
Ever since I saw my first vampire movie when I was five, I’ve been interested in the paranormal. When I was 7, I wrote my first paranormal play. It was a mixture of Dracula and Cinderella. I’ve always been a romantic. 

What's a typical working day like for you?
Well, right now I’m still promoting my first release, First Grave on the Right, so I start out every morning answering emails and doing the whole social networking thing, which I love way too much. Then I get down to business in the afternoon. This depends on what I’m working on. At the moment, I’m doing revisions on a YA that sold to St. Martin’s Press called Grimsight. Soon, I’ll have copyedits for book three in the Charley Davidson series, Third Grave Dead Ahead. I’m also working on another YA I hope to have completed soon. So it just depends on what is on my plate for that day. I usually try to call it quits by around 9pm. Otherwise, I’m just exhausted the next day. Twelve hours at the computer is plenty. LOL.


When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal?
I have a killer office in my home that I love and can be found writing there most afternoons. When I’m working on a deadline, I do indeed have a daily writing goal, at least until I get the first draft finished. It changes, depending on how much time I have and how far I have to go. Then it’s kind of a free-for-all. Occasionally, I do have to set a daily goal for revisions and the like, especially if I am taking too long. I have been known to procrastinate a time or two. (Understatement of the millennium.)

Coffee seems to play an integral part in your story, is that taken from real life?
You know, I really didn’t start drinking coffee like I do now until I started writing First Grave. I think this is a case of reality mimicking fantasy. Now I’m so hooked on it, I bought a mini-microwave for my office so I can heat and reheat my coffee without having to make a trip to the kitchen every five minutes. (Remember the procrastination thing? Yeah, that was one of them.)


What is your guilty indulgence? Probably television. I always feel guilty when I watch TV, but some days it’s my reward to myself for a job well done. Others, it’s just me procrastinating. Again. And of course, I have to have popcorn when I watch movies with a large Diet Coke by my side.

Thank you so much, Tyra, for having me!

Darynda, thanks so much for being with us. I know we are all already looking forward to your next book, Second Grave on the Left!

Quicksilver

Quicksilver, Joy Spraycar
A recurring nightmare holds Serry Miller in its grip and has for most of her life. In spite of her fear of the man who becomes a monster, she’s in love with him. Not only does she have nightmares while she sleeps, she’s living in one with an abusive, alcoholic husband. When, Serry’s drunken husband hit’s Quinton Worthington’s car, she sees the face of the man from her nightmares on a stretcher entering the hospital. When he looks at her and calls her by her name, she is plummeted into a life that she has only dreamed about. Quinton Worthington has suffered for over a hundred years. That’s when his evil father ripped Serenity, the love of Quinton’s life, from him. At the same time, he changed Quinton into a monster. When Quinton sees Serry’s face in the hospital, he believes that Serenity has come back, and he will do anything to be with her. There’s only one thing that stands in their way of having the life they want: Quinton’s father.

Unique – is the word that I want to use to describe this book. I am saying that because I just can’t lump it into any one category or for any one particular type of reader. When I first started reading the book I thought about how I felt when I read Twilight. Everyone wanted me to read Twilight – I wasn’t thrilled about it but I gave it a try because of my friends. I remember reading it and thinking – “where is the story really going” but “hmmmm - intriguing”. Quick Silver is the same type of feeling. It grabs you enough that you want to keep turning the page. Like Twilight, it is a simple love story, no hard core sex scenes or vulgar language. If you took out a couple pages of implied sexual violence it would be perfect for teens. It isn’t even just for women. I can see where it could appeal to men as well. For a person who throws books down, I can honestly say that I didn’t drop it once .
Quinton’s character is great. He is a 150 year old werewolf, turned by his father. His father is a tyrant and is into everything dark and evil. The werewolves in this story aren’t the kinds that are hunky and you want to date. These are the ones that nightmares were made out of. Quinton wants nothing more than to be normal and have a normal family. His love of all time, Serenity, was taken from him when his father turned him into a werewolf. He hates himself and doesn’t want to hurt anyone so with the help of the mob, he locks himself away during the full moon. Serry’s character is a little bit like an old fashion June Cleaver in modern times. She is happy and only sees the good in everything. She loves deeply and without question.
Quinton and Serry meet again by accident, when Serry’s abusive husband runs into Quinton’s car. The story grows from there, not just into a love story but also a battle of good versus evil. The love scenes are implied which makes it great for younger readers, guys and women who like the milder romance.
There are several parts in the book where the writing is a little juvenile and repetitive but most of the book flows nicely. There is a lot of suspense and the “oh no girl don’t go there” moments. It was refreshing and worth taking the time to read it. Keep in mind that it isn’t filled with hot sex scenes or horrible blood and gore -Just a really “unique and intriguing” story. I would read another of Joy’s books. Good job! I would give Quick Silver 3 ¾ chocolate dipped strawberries.
Review By Shari

Reluctantly Yours

Every once in awhile (especially on cold, dark wintry days), I love a good weeping book. You know, the books that have you reaching for tissues. I found just the book this past month and have been waiting for a chance to share it with you because the love story between these incredible characters touched me so deeply. I closed the book at the end feeling as if I knew them, wishing I knew them, in fact, so that I could give them a call and ask how everything is going. Here's my review of The Reluctant Dom by Tymber Dalton as originally written for TRR... 

The Reluctant Dom will forever be one of those books that you carry in your heart, having taught you something and changed you in the course of your reading. The reader is immersed in the lives of all three main characters from page one. At its core, The Reluctant Dom is a beautiful love story and the emotional wrenching is extraordinary. (But break out the tissues because you will need them.) It is one of those unique love stories that has the HEA but still rips your heart out along the way, stomping on it before nurturing it once again back to life. 

As the voice of this story, the author takes us deep inside this unconventional relationship through Seth’s eyes. Seth and Kaden have been close friends since childhood and, in most ways, they are closer than brothers. It’s no surprise then that Kaden chooses Seth to confide in when he finds out he’s dying of pancreatic cancer. The surprise is in what exactly he asks of Seth. So overwhelmed with the knowledge that Kaden is dying that he can barely breathe * Kaden’s dying * much less accept all the other strange things that Kade shares with him. The one thing that he is certain of – the very thing that propels him forward – is that he will do whatever Kaden needs of him.

Kaden is a brave man whose only concern is for his wife Leah, a strong woman with a dark need that only Kade has been able to provide for. Leah was sexually abused as a child by both her biological father and in the foster homes in which she lived. As a means to deal with Leah’s subsequent need to feel pain and to help her express her emotions appropriately, Leah and Kaden discover the D/s lifestyle. While some readers may feel objection to this choice, the author does preface the book by explaining that their lifestyle may be outside the norm. And that their lifestyle differed from my own did not diminish the compelling story of undying love.

When Kaden explains their lifestyle to Seth, including the reasons for why they first got involved in the D/s lifestyle, Seth accepts them but is confused by his role. Seth is shocked * Kaden's dying * but agrees to move in with them during Kaden’s final months. And then comes another shock for Seth when Kaden explains his desire to prepare Seth to take over the care for Leah when he's gone * Kaden’s dying *. Kaden wants Seth to take over being Leah's Master. Seth doesn't think he will be able to ever understand their lifestyle but he is willing to accept it because he loves them both unconditionally. And as the author creates a sense of normalcy for Seth, the reader grows to consider the feelings that Leah, Seth, and Kaden share as normal.

This author does something special that many authors fail at as she uses the sex scenes to further the story. As Seth becomes more accepting of his role of master and deepens his confidence in the lifestyle, the interchanges between the three characters shift. Each sex scene, whether D/s or vanilla, depicts the emotional journey of the characters. When the characters interact intimately, the reader can sense the love, compassion and friendship resonating in the scene.

The reader will also feel the grief at times overpowering Seth. It was genius of the author to remind the reader, much as Seth was constantly reminded, that * Kaden's dying * throughout the book. The way in which Seth grieved for Kaden before, during, and after was so real, intense and heartbreaking. While he is discovering feelings he’s always had for Leah, Seth still prays for the miracle.

The Reluctant Dom is an unconventional love story of a wounded woman who is loved unconditionally by two men. The fact that they live a D/s lifestyle does not change the fact that these men will do everything in their power to care for her. Kade’s preparations for his death speak eloquently to his love. Leah’s need to be strong for Kaden shouts of her love. And Seth’s willingness to embrace the love of two people most important to him is simply an amazing testament of love. Beautifully written with a powerful message, The Reluctant Dom is going on my “favorites” shelf though its a bit smudged with stains from the 5 CHOCOLATE DIPPED STRAWBERRIES it earned.

This review originally posted at: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=1342