Welcome Guest Blogger, Bronwyn Green!

We invited this week's feature author, Bronwyn Green, to blog about how the Dark Destinies series came about. And we're so glad she agreed because we learned more than we hoped for and she even added a CONTEST in for one lucky follower. Be sure to read to the bottom to learn about the contest. Welcome to Guilty Indulgence Book Club!

Changing Courses (at least, it involved hot men…)

Once upon a time, way back when I first decided to try to write for publication, I thought that writing category romances was a great idea.  So I did what any would-be category romance author did and sent off a story to the biggest category publisher in New York. I was really heartened by the response. They loved what I’d sent them, but thought it was too hot. They wanted to know if I could tone it down a little.

So, I diligently edited the story and resubbed it. I got a call from one of their editors. It was still too hot – could I maybe make it a little tamer. *big sigh* Of course, I told them yes. And I tried. I really did. In the end, the story went through four sets of revisions with three editors (high turnover) but was ultimately rejected. The same thing happened with the next book. Only I stopped trying after two revisions. Yeah, frustration won out.

One day, I was venting to my dear friend and critique partner, Brynn Paulin. She looked at me and asked, “Have you considered trying to write an erotic romance?” Well, I hadn’t. Not really. I’d written a couple very short erotic pieces there were more writing exercises than anything else – but writing a full length story and subbing it for publication? No way. At the time I was incredibly intimidated by the idea of it. Not writing it so much, but putting it out there. But I’d had the opening of what was to become Overlord’s Chosen in my head for ages, so I thought “What the hell – let’s do it.” As it turns out, that was one of the best choices I’ve ever made. (Thanks, Brynn!)

When I started writing the first book, I’d never planned for it to turn into a series, but the characters developed a life of their own. And as it turns out, writing erotic romance was surprisingly freeing. Other than a few lines that I’d never cross, I sailed into all kinds of uncharted (for me, anyway) territory. After trying to write stories that were confined to someone else’s boxes, it was fantastic to experiment like I was able to with Overlord’s Chosen.  And I’ll confess to falling more than a little in love with Micah as the book went on.

As I approached the end of the book, I knew that Asher was going to need his own story. Then I discovered early on in the beginning of Asher and Neeve’s story that Joseph would need his own, as well. And so would Tamara and Colin, too. I can’t wait to go back and visit the world of Dark Destinies. It’s a little dark there – a little dangerous, but I love it. 

Speaking of 

a little dangerous...

I’d like to introduce you to the inspiration for both Micah (left) and Asher (right)... *Swoon*

CONTEST ALERT!

With thanks from our guest blogger, author Bronwyn Green, one lucky commenter WINS the first two books in the Dark Destinies series. Tell us who your favorite HERO is from Dark Destinies series... is it Micah or Asher? Or tell us which HERO you can't wait to read about... is it Joseph or Colin? 

Commenters from any day this week (allowed to comment once every day January 30-Feb 2 for five chances to WIN) will be entered in the contest. Must be an indulgent follower to WIN.

Overlord's Chosen

Overlord’s Chosen A Dark Destinies Story by Bronwyn Green
So, it’s January, the post holiday, New Year’s resolution honeymoon period (we still think we will keep them J) which can mean only one thing… It’s time for my annual “let’s work out for a few weeks and pretend we are going to lose weight” saga. Let’s see, do I have everything? New workout clothes from TJ Maxx? Check. New Treadmill? Check. Good book that can get you out of bed at 6:15 a.m.??

Well, with Bronwyn Green’s Dark Destinies Stories, that is a Check Plus. You will actually look forward to rising and shining to find out what is happening with these characters.

To be honest, I did not have great expectations. Maybe, it is just post holiday doldrums, but some of the novellas and books we had read recently had more sex scenes than story in them. Call me crazy, but I am still a girl who likes a good story. If I don’t care about you as a character, I couldn’t care less how much action you are getting. Happily, I was not disappointed by Overlord’s Chosen and could tell by the First Chapter that I was really going to connect with these characters. The story evolves around Micah, the very hot new Overlord of Maelgwn, whom the Guardians dictated would mate Elizabeth, a young village woman and the female heroine. Did I mentioned the hot Overload has long black braids? I envision a kind of a Khal Drogo meets the Highlander vibe. Their love story is very believable both on an emotional and physical level. In addition, the world and culture of Maelgwn where they live is very interesting, It is a male dominated world where some are gifted with magical gifts, but if a female is found to have magic, she is put to death. Poor Elizabeth had to live through the trauma of seeing her own mother burned alive because she had magical abilities. Understandably, that experience leads her to be distrustful, but in the end she learns to trust Micah and their love. The secondary characters and history of Maelgwn also pull you in and I am looking forward to reading about other characters in this world.

So, four chocolate covered strawberries and a big thank you to Ms. Green for helping me keep my resolutions (at least for another few weeks anyway!)

Cat Devon
This book was given to us by the author. Many thanks.

CONTEST ALERT!

With thanks from our guest blogger, author Bronwyn Green, one lucky commenter WINS the first two books in the Dark Destinies series. Tell us who your favorite HERO is from Dark Destinies series... is it Micah or Asher? Or tell us which HERO you can't wait to read about... is it Joseph or Colin? 

Commenters from any day this week (allowed to comment once every day January 30-Feb 2 for five chances to WIN) will be entered in the contest. Must be an indulgent follower to WIN.

The Rent Boy Murders

The Rent Boy Murders, John Simpson & Robert Cummings, Dreamspinner Press


The latest entry in John Simpson’s popular gay cop series that began with Murder Most Gay partners Simpson with coauthor Robert Cummings and finds policemen Hank Capstone and Pat St. James on the trail of a serial killer who targets young male hustlers.

While Hank and Pat are very happy with their home lives and their husbands, the police work has become more perilous and unpleasant. Though Hank and Shawn, along with Pat and Dean, enjoy a weekend at Gay Pride in New York City, they know their investigation into the brutal murders of rent boys will be waiting when they return home. Along with trying to investigate the murders, they must also deal with Pat’s old training officer who is now working in the detective bureau. Blinded by ambition and alcoholism, Flanders wreaks havoc on an otherwise solid case against the killer.

When their sergeant’s gay nephew, Clay, is lured into a meeting, then drugged and raped, the sergeant asks for Hank and Pat’s help. Clay is reluctant to talk to the cops, but Hank and Pat will need to gain his trust once they discover his attack may hold clues to catching the killer and closing the case that a dozen other detectives are trying to solve.

This is the fourth book in the Murder Most Gay series and the first where John Simpson had a writing partner. I enjoy this series and was concerned that the voice of the book might be different with the addition of a writing partner, but I have to say that fear was unfounded and I very much enjoyed this book in the series. This is once again a perfect blend of a gritty police drama with just the right amount of romance and personal relationship development.

Work partners and friends Pat St.James and Hank Capstone have been promoted to detectives and things couldn't be going better in their personal lives either. Both men are in happy committed relationships with the men they love and their careers are taking off.

When rent boys start showing up murdered in the park the new detectives are eager to do their part in bringing this psycho to justice. While the investigation is ongoing Hank and Pat must also deal with with a blast from their past in the homophobic, and alcoholic Sgt. Flanders, who doesn't want to help anyone but himself. Throw in a counterfeit credit card ring, a bank robbery and a trip to New York for Gay Pride and you will understand why this book is almost impossible to put down.

It was great to reconnect with these character's the storytelling and mystery get stronger with each book. This book will appeal to anyone who likes mysteries, crime dramas and romance and I would recommend the whole series. So if you like your your books, smart and sexy, gritty and personal....well then,here you go.

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.

This book was given to us by NetGalley. Many thanks.

Hanging by a Thread on Saturday!

Theoretically, Saturdays are made for relaxing (and chores, but mostly relaxing) and that is just what I plan to do! The only thing better than curling up with a good book is trying out a new movie made from a good book - most fall short but sometimes, if you can let go of all those preconceived notions built within your own imagination, you find some pretty entertaining stuff (case in point, The Harry Potter series). Hence, this weekend's trek to the local Regal cinema to be robbed of all pocket change and a chance to see Stephanie Plum on the big screen. I have to say I think One For The Money worked - was it my dream interpretation? No. But in the end the yummy Morelli and Ranger won me over - you know I am such a sucker for pretty eye candy.

Thread of Death, An Elemental Assassin novella, Jennifer Estep, Pocket Books, 1/31/12

Gin Blanco, aka the assassin the Spider, might have finally killed her nemesis, Mab Monroe, but that doesn’t mean that it’s smooth sailing. Gin goes to Mab’s funeral to say her goodbyes and runs into some of Ashland’s most notorious underworld power players, including Jonah McAllister and Phillip Kincaid. McAllister wants her dead, and Kincaid has his own murky motives when it comes to the Spider, and Gin once again finds herself fighting for her life. Only this time, she might wind up in the cemetery right next to Mab….

Okay, okay - I admit I am a total sucker for this series. I love the action, adventure, strong characters and snappy dialogue. Thread of Death, a "between the numbers" novella, teases the reader with Gin's latest dilemma - life without Mab. For readers who finished Spider's Revenge and wondered - now what? Let's just say this - life without Mab goes on. And if you are the assassin known as the Spider, life is never easy, simple or free of bloodshed.

Ashland had been ruled by the tyrannical Mab Monroe for quite some time but plenty of power players remain and somehow enemies have a habit of landing on Gin's doorstep. Gin herself nearly perished in the last major battle and she and her crew have to gird themselves for the drama that follows. The biggest issue may be that Gin's secret identity seems to be rather public knowledge.

Gathering with her family at Mab's classic Southern funeral, Estep manages to plant hints and clues building for the next installment. To keep things fresh and interesting, the author allows multiple POV's - hearing sleazy lawyer McAllister's and casino boss Kincaid's thoughts as chaos reigns throughout the funeral tantalize the reader as they realize the jig may be up for the anonymous do-gooder diner girl by day/assassin by night Gin. Gin's lover, Owen may also have a secret or two that comes back to haunt him in the upcoming books. With her friends, her returning strength and her brilliant killer instinct, Gin may live to see more days....or become a pawn in an all out battle to assume the throne left behind by Mab

Stay tuned for the next full length Gin novel, By a Thread, available in book and ebook on February 28, 2012!

RATING: 5 big fat Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries - and a an eagerly anticipated new recipe or two in the next Gin Blanco tale - you have to appreciate a series where the heroine is a bad ass killer and knows her was around a kitchen well enough to create a little slice of heaven!

This book was given to us by the author - Jennifer Estep. Many thanks.

Fridaylicious

Fridaylicious! It's the only word I can think of to describe today. It's one of those days that everything is all good. Thankful for my friends and family and the blessing that I have. I'm full of happy energy and I get my first day off since Christmas tomorrow and I'm looking forward to seeing my daughter's basketball practice and my son's first Boy Scout derby. My mom skills were tested this week. I painted his derby car and applied weights and adjusted the axles. I'll let you know how it all turns out. Again I was blessed with a few warm days. The man upstairs has been good to me this week. I also took a trip back into one of my very favorite worlds Lora Leigh's Breeds and I didn't have to travel far it's located in Virginia!

Lawe's Justice By Lora Leigh

Diane Broen's lived to protect her younger sister Rachel from harm. But now that Rachel has been mated off, Diane's occupied herself with less fulfilling tasks at the Genetics Council--until she's paired with a new team member, a Breed male notorious for his attitude, and a touch that makes her recoil.

Lawe isn't thrilled with her either. A lion at heart, he prefers a lair of solitude. When it comes to females, he'd rather snarl than purr. And while fate may have paired them to fight on the same team, neither is willing to admit to the obvious: the mating heat between them is positively incinerating.

It's only when danger threatens that they make a hotter-than-hell connection--one so explosive it could destroy them. Or, as providence reveals, bind them together, forever.

As always I enjoyed this book. The Breeds continue to track down those out to destroy them. Now that Brandamore is dead there are still threats and the trail of his cruelty is everywhere. Everyone is searching for 3 rogue breeds that my hold the key and Jonas's daughter Amber continues to change due to the affects of the serum that Brandamore injected her with before his death. It occurred to me while reading this book and why this book I have no idea I'm a little slow sometimes but it must be incredibly hard to be a huge Alpha male and have your mate be your equal. All women in all the books I read are strong in their own way but to have one that goes on missions and disappears for extended periods of time must really wear on a mate's nerves when they are programed to protect what's theirs. It's fun to watch Lawe have to deal with Diane's job hazards lol.

I give this book 4 chocolate dipped strawberries some girl time. No woman should have to be surrounded by men all the time!
PEACE

Fabulously Hot Fingertip Fantasies

Oh, all the images you can conjure… with the Fingertip Fantasies series by Melinda Barron. This deliciously indulgent series is quite an experience. The psychological implications of the bdsm community are explored with such depth; the bonding of the couples is dealt with in a more realistic manner without rushing the subsequent relationships that form. While there is no shortage of decadent eroticism, the focus is on character development. Wonderfully done.

These books were given to us by Resplendence Publishing. Many thanks!

Book one in the series is Transparent Illusions.  

We first meet an interesting cast of characters in this book though the primary focus is on freelance writer Saffron Tyler. Given the chance to write an exclusive piece on Fingertip Fantasies, an elite bdsm resort, for the underground magazine Salacious, Saffron spends two weeks as a submissive at the resort. While her premise is to be there for her research, Saffron has a real need to submit.

The story is slow in the beginning but as Saffron’s experience at the resort begins, there is no stopping as she embarks on her submissive discovery. It is more than she had ever anticipated and the emotions flow from the pages as she adjusts her mindset. With toes curled, we meet her Master who immerses Enigma – her sub name - in the bdsm lifestyle. Master does not make it easy for her as she struggles to learn and obey his subtle (and not-so-subtle) cues. He often leaves Saffron sexually frustrated and she’s confused why he refuses to take his pleasure in her body. Compound onto that her tendency to speak before thinking and Enigma finds herself in quite a bit of trouble with Master. His unique punishments keep readers turning pages just to see what his imagination conjures.

Soon enough, she realizes it is no longer an act – not just an assignment – but something she desires more than anything. Saffron – Enigma - discovers she truly wants to be her Master’s perfect sub. And I can understand why because I nearly fell in love with him myself. A distinguished and experienced master, he shows Enigma the true joy in being submissive to a master.

With a bit of mystery and certainly a twist in the plot, readers will come to an unsuspected conclusion right along with Saffron. Her journey of discovery is heart-felt and their final scene together was amazing.

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Book two in the series is My Kingdom for a Corner. 

Master’s sister takes the leading role in this book. Francesca operates as a Domme, having a few subs that she plays with but no serious relationship until she plays with Mr. Oliver, a well-respected Dom, one night.  After mind-altering sex as a bottom, Francesca can’t get him off her mind, especially when he offers her a proposition.

Oliver is positive he’s unlocked Francesca’s submissive side. Now inviting her to spend the weekend as his sub to explore that untapped part of herself pushes Francesca to consider just what she’s willing to do to find fulfillment. Her stubbornness leads to delicious punishments and yet her courage is unmistakable – her desires (and fright of them) so palpable – as she embraces this experience with Oliver as her Dom. Their bdsm scenes are heart-pounding with dripping sensuality. And they are absolutely necessary in the telling of Francesca and Oliver’s story as readers watch the couple bond.

Oliver wants more than just the weekend. And he’s convinced Francesca could be happy as a Switch – being his sub while serving as Domme to others. Now he needs to convince her that she will not lose her Dominant side by embracing her sub side as well. But it’s his final act that demonstrates this beyond denial and opens her to a whole new world. The sense of freedom in a single action is profound.  You will shiver when you read this.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries 

Don’t miss out on these little indulgences… and beware: you cannot read just one so go ahead and buy them both.  They are a beautiful exploration of the bdsm lifestyle. And I've made it easy - just click on the links below and it will take you right to the purchase page! Happy reading.

That Old Black Magic....hello humpday!

Humpday hello, greetings and salutations! Old man winter has us in his grip...it's cold, rainy and everyone has decided to get sick and come to our hospital! It's crazy, I tell ya! Stay home, make a pot of chicken noodle soup and stay warm. Don't leave unless you have to - just read and eat! Yeah, it's a fantasy but it isn't necessarily bad advice either! It's what I'd be doing if I thought I stood a chance of getting away with it! Speaking of fantasies...check out this little eye candy snack! Good enough to eat, no?

We Guilty Indulgent bloggers had a productive monthly bookclub meeting last week - not sure we kept you in the loop. Since we have SO MUCH going on, we actually did some blog housekeeping, set up our calendar for the next couple months - stay tuned, we have some AWESOME books, author postings and contests! But like they say in Vegas, you have to stay to play, so please keep coming back - we appreciate it and hope you get some ideas for good times and great books! Oh, and we set a challenge for one another - each member had a "new-to-them-series" chosen and will be keeping you posted on the challenge as it progresses throughout the year (no one wanted to take on the entire Anita Blake series in a month challenge....funny, can't imagine why. Oh, that's right - I did that two summers ago, nearly lost my flippin mind but I did manage all 20 books - didn't socialize for the entire month of July! They missed me!)

So this week I caught up on the latest installment in Michelle Rowen's Living in Eden series, That Old Black Magic! Man, I just love my snarky paranormal chick lit! It keeps me chuckling and toe curling all at the same time - my dream combination!

That Old Black Magic (Living in Eden #3), Michelle Rowen, Berkeley Publishing, December 2011

Reluctant witch Eden Riley knows that codependent relationships aren't good, especially when you're possessed by a sexy but trouble making demon. Darrak's physical form makes good girl Eden want to go bad, but the constant itch to use the soul-destroying black magic she's recently acquired might force Eden to explore her dark side in an entirely different way.

And when her magic starts manifesting itself without conscious effort, both Eden's life and the possibility of a future with Darrak are threatened-since only one of them might be able to survive this...

I am not a girl who likes first installments of series....usually. I don't know if it was a combination of having read this author and just enjoying her writing style or her gift with words, characters and dialogue that hooked me from the start, but I absolutely adored this series from the start with The Demon In Me! The plot line of a "psychic consultant" inheriting the 300 year old wandering spirit of an arch demon from hell displaced from his physical form by a curse was amusing. Having said spirit be a total hunk who can take corporeal form and knock your socks off during the day and possessing your body at night, downright comical. And hot, did I mention hot?

In this third installment, That Old Black Magic, Eden and Darrack have come to some realizations. Darrack has truly developed feelings for Eden, something a demon shouldn't be able to do. Eden doesn't want to examine her feelings in kind and spends much of her time trying to finagle ways to break the curse and separate her body from Darrack's - without killing him, or herself. Her nerdy neighbor Lucas, aka Lucifer, manages to throw her jobs from time to time that may or may not be expediting her transition to truly black witch and the loss of her immortal soul. Her business partner at the detective agency is going to turn into a werewolf for the first time in a matter of days after a were attack and is in total denial. Her dead mother's spirit has possessed a barbie doll lookalike in order to return and save her soul from her current demonic possession. Oh, and her ex-cop partner has joined with a misguided and possibly evil organization planning on killing her, Darrack, the angel they're holding hostage who may be her father and any other Others they lay their hands on. Business as usual.

Michelle Rowen's talents lie in her ability to blend humor and romance, balance paranormal with mystery and concoct a seriously entertaining story. Her characters are a melange of crafty, kooky, sexy and sometimes pitiful, and they reminds us often that good and bad aren't always black and white. Readers will fly through the pages to get from one action scene to another, interspersed with moments of sweet romance and sexy, witty banter. Never has a demon been made so appealing, the perfect mix of cocky and vulnerable. And who doesn't sigh over a good sacrifice for love....saps that we all are!

I give this highly entertaining series a major must read and That Old Black Magic four chocolate dipped strawberries (mostly because I am pissed I have to wait so long for the next installment of Eden and Darrack, refusing to believe that's all she wrote!)

Check it out! And stay warm!!!!!

Four Grooms and a Queen by John Simpson

Hi my name is Tyra and I am a romantic! There I said it and now you all know. I know I try to come off as funny and snarky but deep down I just LOVE me some sappy romance!!! And this week's book hit all the right buttons.


Four Grooms and a Queen, John Simpson, Dreamspinner Press
Life is good these days for rookie cops and best friends Patrick St. James and Hank Capstone. They've closed the books on two high-profile serial murder cases and survived unscathed. Now they learn that they've earned the admiration of their peers and superiors and that they've both been promoted to detective third-class. Things are good on the home front too--both men have loving partners who worry about them but support them wholeheartedly. Could things get any better? How about a double wedding on Christmas Eve?

What I enjoyed about this novella is that it read like a long epilogue. I felt like I was getting sneak peak into the characters personal lives. Where the first two books were very much suspense and police procedural with the beginnings of the two romances built in. This book was very much about the relationships, not just between the two couples but Pat and Hank as partners and friends.

Something else that I noticed in this story is the change in the way the story is told. The first book Murder Most Gay is written strictly from Pat's POV. The second book Task Force pulls away from that writting style and opens up the development of the other character's voices and this current book grows in that way even more.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series and sinking my teeth into another good mystery, but I hope that Pat can keep his clothes on while on the job in this one. LOL

If you are looking for a suspenseful, police drama written by a good storyteller then the whole Murder Most Gay series is a must have. The writing just keeps getting better.

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. This book was given to us by Dreamspinner Press. Many thanks.

Lord of the Abyss, Royal House of Shadows by Nalini SinghSingh

Lord of the Abyss is a masterful, exciting ending to the Royal House of Shadows series.

In case you missed our earlier reviews on this series please scroll down to the search bar located in the left column of the blog and do a search for the other three of this series.  We reviewed the first two the last week of November and they can be found under their authors names - Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe or under their titles.

Each Story in this series is written by a different author and is loosely influenced by a popular fairy tale.  In this case Beauty and the Beast.  The last of the four siblings of the fallen kingdom of Elden, Micah was only 5 when the kingdom was attacked by the Blood Sorcerer and his mother's spell sent him away to safety.  The spell was warped by the Blood Sorcerer's magic and he existed in a impenetrable sleep until he rose a man with no memory of his childhood or the love of his family.  He awakes to become the Dark Lord of the Abyss who's sole purpose is to condemn evil souls to damnation.  With his black armor and the reputation of the Abyss all fear him as a monster, rightfully so since he can turn into a true monster when needed, so he lives in a cold world where all he knows is the fear and terror of those around him.

At the end of the previous three books the siblings have arrived at Elden just in time for the great battle with the count down taking place on a magical time piece that was sent with each of them when they were whisked away by their mothers spell.  So with each book there is a sense of closure that they completed their initial goal of getting to Elden in time. But it is clear that the battle is not won if all four siblings are not all successful in getting there and that even then they have to work together in the final battle each attacking Elden from a different direction.  Lillian is the Blood Sorcerers daughter.  She has the ability to see the future and realizes that Micah is not going to remember in time to return and that the kingdom will fall fully into her fathers evil hands.  After a lifetime of suffering at the hands of her father's cruelty she refuses to let that happen.  She manages to spell herself into Micah's realm and begins to try her best to help him remember.  Lillian is not beautiful, in fact some would call her ugly.  But she has a strong beautiful heart and can see past Micah's hard exterior to the prince within.  As you read you start to question who is really the beauty and who is the beast - he is a beautiful prince who can turn into a beast and she is a ugly girl, who some cringe away from, but she has a beautiful heart that makes her beautiful...could there be more of the beauty and the beast fairytale woven in then what is obvious up front?  Can he love her for her beautiful heart in spite of her blood and ugly face she inherited from her father - the killer of his parents and destroyer of his homeland?

What I really loved about this one versus the others in this series was that I felt like he was actually Lord of the Abyss.  I felt like in the other three the characters were never really lord of anything.  For example at the end of Lord of the Wolfyn - he isn't really Lord of them, he arrives in Elden with only Reda, the Wolfyn didn't follow him nor do they really like him and he has no plans to go back to that realm and rule.  With this one he is really lord of his realm and plans to return and maintain that role.  It makes him a really compelling strong character and you can't help but think of him with more respect then his elder brothers.  Lillian's father, not realizing what is fully at stake, tries throughout the book to get her back making for some really great battle scenes and shows just how powerful Micah has become.  The battle for Elden really comes down to Micah and Lillian's efforts.  So by the time you get to the battle for Elden you are really invested in their struggles.  It becomes apparent that the other siblings battles aren't really what it is important but that they merge magically to help Micah and Lillian fight the ultimate magical battle to regain their homeland.

This story is enchanting and will be one that I come back and reread again.  It was refreshing to read a story where the girl isn't beautiful.  They both see each other based upon their personalities, strength of character and the beauty of their heart.  You really feel Lillian's struggle to find the will to believe in herself and in her relationship with Micah.  It is truly a touching story full of action, laughter, sorcery and love!

RATING: Five Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries!

That's right the first 5 that I have ever given out.  Thank you to Ms. Singh for writing such a wonderful book! Many thanks.

Following Skye's Trail

Hello Everyone!  I am so excited to write another review and thought that I would dig into my pile of books that I bought years ago at Lora Leigh’s RAW.  I happen to run into Jory Strong and she was such a fabulous person that I bought one of her books to have autographed.  Don’t laugh but… I normally pick my books first by the cover. The cover for Skyes Trail did not call to me but there was a women standing next to me that recommended the book so of course I picked it up and waited in line!!!! There isn’t anything wrong with the cover now that I look at it but if you’re like me and you have a pile of books sometimes you just forget what you have and don’t take the time to sit down and actually go back through them. I am really happy that this review pushed me to do just that.  I have at least 10 books in the pile that are not on my nightstand.  I loved this book so much though that I dug through all my books looking for the second book in the series and AMEN I found it in my closet and plan on starting that tonight.

For Skye Delano, the hunt and the kill are sometimes inexorably tied together.
Her origins shrouded behind an impenetrable wall of mental pain, Skye has survived and evolved into a tracker, a hunter who metes out justice to those who prey on the helpless. Alone, but not lonely, she’s been content with her life. But now her body is changing, making demands that her mind argues will be dangerous to her survival. Now there’s an underlying craving that’s left her restless. She needs to take a mate-or rather, two mates…
His captain may have warned him off of Skye, but that hasn’t stopped Detective Rico Santana from wanting her, and now he needs her-for himself, and to track a couple of kids who have gone missing.
In all the centuries that Giovanni Banderali has been alive, he’s never desired any woman enough to bind her to him as a companion. That changed the moment he saw Skye. She’s a threat to the fledgling vampires he’s searching for, but nothing will stop him from claiming her-not even the Angelini blood that flows through her veins.
Adversaries, natural enemies-dangerous allies-the bond that links them is stronger than lust, more powerful than love. When an Angelini chooses a mate, no man can resist.

Skye’s Trail is an amazing story.  Not to be judgmental but sometimes when you see Ellora’s Cave you think hot, steamy with just sex, sex, and more sex. NOT that I am against that mind you in any form or fashion!!!!!!!!!!!!! But…I didn’t really know what to expect when I started reading the story and I wanted to keep my mind open for the review.  Within the first 25 pages, I was already holding my breath with a race to find missing children. The blurb below doesn’t do the book any justice. There is sexual tension that makes the book HOT but I loved the chase to find the missing young women.  There are many sub plots going on from occult to corrupt senators.  I don’t want to give the plot away but this is a great read not just a steamy break from reality.  

  

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries 

I loved the book and will finish book two this weekend - Syndelle’s Possession.  There is a book three that I don’t own - Mystic’s Run - and if book 2 is as great as Skye’s Trail then I guess I will have to break down and just purchase it J! GIVE ME A COMMENT if you'd read the series or if I've inspired you to add it to your TBR pile.

Finally Deeeee Annnnn! Friday

This has been the longest week I've had in a long time. A ton of extra hours at the part time job but I sucked it up. Might as well work before soccer season starts because when that starts everything revolves around that. But be warned I'm off Friday and Saturday next week! Reading Dee-Ann's book kept me going this week. It was the one I had been waiting for and it didn't disappoint me.


Big Bad Beast by Shelly Laurenston

When it comes to following her instincts, former Marine Dee-Ann Smith never holds back. And this deadly member of a shifter protection group will do anything to prove one of her own kind is having hybrids captured for dogfights. Trouble is, her too-cute rich-boy boss Ric Van Holtz insists on helping out. And his crazy-like-a-fox smarts and charming persistence are making it real hard for Dee to keep her heart safe...

Ric can't believe his luck. He's wanted this fiercely-independent she-wolf from day one, but he never expected teamwork as explosive as this. And now is his last chance to show Dee what she needs isn't some in-your-face Alpha male-but a wily, resourceful wolf who'll always have her back in a fight…and between the sheets.

I so enjoyed this book. I've been waiting for Dee Ann's book since the first time they introduced her. I will admit that she fell for Ric much easier than I thought she would but I still loved the story. I also like hearing a bit more about her daddy Eggie. He is mentioned often in the other books. But is also often described at deranged, extremely violent and lacks people skills. I think I like him! His appearance towards the end made my day.

I give this story 4 chocolate dipped strawberries and waffles! All the points go to the man that fixes me dinner :)

PEACE

Quinn's Need Brings Closure

OK Folks, here it is (I feel like a drum roll might be in order)… the second book in the Whispering Pines Ranch series by SJD Peterson… Quinn’s Need… finally… I really needed to read this… in fact, I was waiting for it from the moment I finished the final page of the first book in the series.

I finished SJD Peterson’s first book, Lorcan’s Desire, and was struck by my need for closure. For days, I mulled Lorcan’s story over and ached for his true HEA which I was certain he hadn’t yet found. (CLICK HERE to read that review)Well, Quinn’s Need gave me the closure I was looking for - just not exactly how I'd imagined it. In this beautifully crafted love story, Peterson gives readers realistic love – not the glossed-over-everyone-smiles kind – that you feel deep in your heart. Every page is dripping with desire, honor, and sacrifice and, of course love.

The book opens with Lorcan returning to Whispering Pines after a year away. Though he’s been in a relationship with his best friend Jess, Lorcan still hasn’t gotten over his feelings for Quinn. Though each man has dealt with their break-up in their own way, neither is truly willing to close each other off from their lives. Even Jess is aware, and accepts, Lorcan’s love for Quinn. And they’ve even managed to find happiness with one another. But when they inherit Jess’s family ranch, their return to Whispering Pines stirs up a lot of old feelings. The tension running throughout even the most beautiful of scenes is palpable.

Quinn had sulked for months – Peterson’s description of his scowling creates a vivid image of the lonely man - before he found an outlet for his misery at the local “leather daddy” club, The Push. There Quinn can dominate others to gain control over his own feelings of weakness – not necessarily the right reason for participating in bdsm – until he meets up with a sub that comes to mean something to him. Quinn comes to realize he doesn’t whip subs for mutual pleasure but rather beats on them simply because he can. When Ty leads Quinn towards discovering the true world of bdsm, Quinn learns how to fulfill himself and care for another person. Quinn's Need balances erotically charged scenes with multi-faceted depth so that each scene, sexual or otherwise, seems necessary.

When there’s accident, Quinn uses his newfound self-discovery – recognizing he needs to be the man he is meant to be – and becomes someone Lorcan can rely on. They strike a delicate balance and things seem nearly perfect. It almost seems possible for Quinn, Lorcan, and Jess to develop into a relationship until more twists lead readers in another direction.

At its basic level, this is an erotic story of forbidden desires. But then you begin peeling away the layers of desires, sacrifices and honor to realize that Peterson’s books are an emotional journey. The characters are depicted with all the realism of a true human with all their idiosyncrasies. In Quinn’s Need, readers encounter unexpected twists that challenge your beliefs and yet leave you with a satisfying ending. By the end, I had my closure.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries 

This book was given to us through NETGALLEY. Many thanks.

ICE by Stephanie Rowe

I say Brrrrrr, it's cold in here! There are either some Toros in the atmosphere or winter is rearing it's ugly head.... I guess it was too much to hope that good old global warming would keep the icky wet stuff away. It's coming, I know it is. Cold mornings, static electricity in everything, having to "warm up the car", etc - all on the Ick list. On the flip side, it means roaring fires, cuddling under handmade quilts (I got a beautiful one from Kim for Christmas - yay!) and reading a really good book. Now that I look at it that way...well - maybe this winter stuff won't be so bad! We made it through half the week and the weekend beckons with crockpots of stew, good movies and maybe a glass of vino or two in addition to the aforementioned glorious book binging! Oh, I am so in a happy place now! Ahhhh. What's that? You need a little something more for your happy place? How about a bite of eye candy - will that help? Alrighty then!

Ice by Stephanie Rowe - originally published by Dorchester Publishing 2009 - released this week on Amazon.com and B&N.com with a hot new cover!

DEATH HUNTS THEM.

Alaskan bush pilot Cort McClaine thrives on danger, but the daredevil flier is closing in on a crash and burn if he doesn't get a handle on the past that's still haunting him. The last thing Cort needs is a woman who reminds of how much he's already lost, but that's exactly what he gets when a sexy-as-hell accountant climbs into his cockpit.

PASSION CONSUMES THEM.

With her diamond earrings and high heels, ex-climber Kaylie Fletcher has cut her ties with the snow-capped mountains that have claimed the lives those she loves. But when her family goes missing on Mt. McKinley, Kaylie must brave the land she fled to find them before it's too late.

SURVIVAL BECOMES THEIR ONLY GOAL.

When a madman targets Kaylie, there only person she can trust is Cort, a ruggedly handsome protector who will either heal her heart or break it forever.

You know how exciting it can be to forage in your closet or drawers and find a shirt or a sweater you completely forgot you had? Or putting on an old coat and finding $20 in the pocket? It's unexpected and a complete thrill. Buzz on Facebook this week had a favorite author of mine reporting she was re-releasing a previously published book I had read several years ago, complete with hot new cover. With all this impending winter weather, how could I not see this as a sign for this week's read?

Blasting with as much action packed adventure as freezing Arctic air, Ice takes the reader on a journey to the wilds of Alaska where Kaylie Fletcher ventures against her will and better judgement in the hopes that she can find her missing family. Cort McClaine gets hired to do a job - deliver a city slicker to her friend's home. The horror that awaits them upon their arrival also binds them together as they fight to discover the identity of a killer, find out if her missing family is alive and explore the electric sexual chemistry between them. Like oil and water, they appear to have nothing in common, but the surly bush pilot and the savvy, citified accountant have endured losses to the Alaskan wildnerness that left them with a resilience and will to survive - each in their own way. Once they start their new adventure, their wills are tested to the limits and resisting their mutual attraction becomes unavoidable.

Before the Kaylie's plane even lands, Rowe has the reader hooked! Compelling characters, well crafted storyline and snappy dialogue makes for a stellar page turning thriller. The sexual chemistry between Kaylie and Cort evolves as the deeper motivations of each becomes slowly revealed and makes for a very moving emotional journey and adds to the depth of the story as well. The descriptive scenes of the Alaskan wilderness are vivid and stirring, making the stark frozen setting both moving and beautiful. The author's writing style makes this tale - it is so appealling with it's realistic attention to detail, as well as it's sexy, edgy mystery!

Having been a great fan of Stephanie Rowe's paranormal romances, I was eager to check Ice out. More than pleasantly surprised, I became a fan of romantic suspense as a result. The action and adventure of a thriller gets all tangled up in a first rate romance and the combination is fabulous! Keep your eyes peeled for her follow up Chill and by all means, check out her Immortally Sexy series or her latest Soulfire series - available in print and e-book!

I give Ice five chocolate dipped strawberries and I'd like one of those sexy bush pilots from Twin Forks to keep me warm for a while!

Catching Up

I don't know about you but every once in a while I fall a book or two or three behind in reading some of the longer running series. Which can be a good thing and a bad thing. The bad is it can sometimes take me a bit to remember all the rules that go along with that authors particular world and recalling some of the subplots that happen in these books. The good is that I get to immerse myself in those worlds that the author made me fall in love with so long ago, and I get to spend some quality time there. So that is what I am trying to do with the rest of January is get caught up on three series that I have kind of dropped the ball on. As much as I love discovering new authors it's kind of nice to go back something familiar.



The Darkest Lie, Gena Showalter, HQN Books
In this riveting new installment of New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld series, Gideon, keeper of the Demon of Lies, fights to uncover the truth...
Forced to his knees in agony whenever he speaks the truth, Gideon can recognize any lie—until he captures Scarlet, a demon-possessed immortal who claims to be his long-lost wife. He doesn’t remember the beautiful female, much less wedding — or bedding — her. But he wants to . . . almost as much as he wants her.
But Scarlet is keeper of Nightmares, too dangerous to roam free, and a future with her could mean ultimate ruin. Especially as Gideon’s enemies draw closer . . . and the truth threatens to destroy all he’s come to love....

I have to be honest and say that I wasn't sure I was going to like this book. With Gideon being the keeper of Lies and only being able to talk in lies I thought it was going to be a pain in the ass, but once I got into it it wasn't bad at all. In fact every time Gideon called Scarlet Devil, meaning Angel, it made me smile.

Scarlet is probably my second favorite female after Anya in this series. I like her, because she's possessed with the demon nightmares, so the girl is frightening and she can kick ass. She makes a great weapon for the Lords to use against the hunters! Scarlet had such a horrible childhood, it made my heart bleed for her. Between her mother Rhea and her aunt Mnemosyne it's a wonder Scarlet can love at all.

I liked that this book wasn't so much about Gideon trying to defeat his demon and the lies he has to tell because of him, but about the lies that brought Scarlet to him. I also have to say I really enjoyed the little twist that Ms. Showalter threw in with Gideon giving Scarlet control the first time they were together. It was one of the sexier scenes that I have read in a while.

Like all of the other LOTU books this one has more than one story line being told, which keeps the book flowing and adds to the mystery and suspense of the series. I am a big fan of that type of storytelling because it gives the reader so many things to think about and ponder on.

If you are looking for a strong story-teller and a series with multiple plot lines, hot demons who are trying to be good and women who are strong enough to love them then The Lords of the Underworld by Gena Showalter is a series that you definitely want to read.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.

The Vampire Hunters Daughter by Jennifer Malone Wright

Beat those Monday Blues with today’s favorite guilty indulgence!  The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter Part IV releases today!  If you haven’t been following this series then you are in luck because Part I is Free today on Smashwords!  So now you can say Whoo Hoo for Monday! 

The Vampire Hunters Daughter Series is a fresh, exciting story told over a series of “parts”.  If you are a fan of True Blood, Vampire Dairies or even younger adult series like Nickelodeon’s House of Anubis then you will love this series.  Instead of the normal stand-alone short story format these are written more like an installment in an ongoing story.  I found this a refreshing approach compared to other “short” stories.  So often the lack of time can cause the story to feel undeveloped or incomplete.  Instead Ms. Wright does an excellent job highlighting the crucial points of the plot and getting to the heart of telling a captivating story in a very short number of pages.  With each part in this series under 20 pages, the parts are a continuation of the story and leave you excited for the next installment.  Given that the parts are very short I’m not going into a ton of detail about each part to limit the plot spoilers…

Part 1 –

Chloe is woken in the middle of the night to chaos.  Vampires have attacked her house and her mother resulting in her mother’s death.  Before the vampires are successful in kidnapping her, a group of Vampire Hunters storm in to the rescue.  Upon being taken to their compound she learns that her mother, a former vampire hunter, has been living in secret for years trying to keep her existence hidden from her Vampire Father. 14-year-old Chloe handles all of this is stride.  Of course she grieves for her mom but she takes the knowledge of Vampires and her new knowledge of her heritage to heart and uses it to help her embrace her new home with her grandfather.  She learns more about her ancestry and the extent of what is involved in being a Vampire Hunter.   A cute boy named Drew was one of her rescuers and happens to live in her Grandfathers house. 

Part II –

Chloe learns more about the origin of Vampire Hunters and her ancestry.  She begins her training, with the help of Drew, to become a Vampire Hunter like her mother.  Chloe learns that some Vampire Hunters have special abilities that manifest around puberty.  Chloe’s relationship with Drew develops and she has her first encounter with killing a vampire.  Chloe turns 15.

Part III –

Chloe celebrates her first Christmas without her mom.  Drew takes her to her mom’s grave.  Chloe learns that she has special powers and more about her ancestry.  Chloe begins to learn more about her Vampire heritage and what it means to be half-vampire.  Chloe learns that even at the compound she and the people around her aren’t safe from her father and his pursuit to get her back.  Luke, her grandfather, is badly injured in an attack.  Gavin, a boy from Chloe’s school, asks her to go out to the upcoming New Years Eve bash. 

Part IV –

Gavin and Chloe have their date, which seems to cause a strain in Drew and Chloe’s friendship.  Luke, her grandfather, is still in the hospital and they continue to visit him and check on his progress.  Chloe realizes that she is continuing to develop more powers.  She and Gavin have another date.  Her dad threatens Luke and she realizes that the only way to keep her friends and family safe is to go with him.

What is so great about this series is that Chloe is incredibly mature and a strong feisty character.  The relationship between her and Drew and her and Gavin is appropriate for her age and Ms. Wright lets that develop naturally instead of trying to turn this into a teen romance book.  I really enjoy that with each installment more clues are revealed about the world that Chloe lives in.  Much like several of the Harry Potter books she spends time researching in the library and exploring her environment to piece together clues to unravel what has been hidden from her by her parents.   This enables the reader to be on the journey with her as she grows and embraces her new life.   So rest assured even though I gave you the some details about each part, it is her journey through and what you learn about her along the way that makes the story really exciting.  I’m really looking forward to reading the next in the series and seeing what Chloe will learn now that the next step in her adventure begins – facing her father! 

RATING:  I give this series Four Chocolate Dipped Strawberries!

 

This book was given to us by Ms. Wright.  Many thanks.

Always Faithful by William Neale

So it's Sunday and Sid has gone back to Texas, I am doing laundry and getting ready for the week ahead. So as life gets back to normal it was nice to visit old friends. William Neale is back with the follow up to A New Normal and as excited as I was to read more about Mark and Cade when I read the blurb I was a little scared too. Always Faithful tells the story of what happens after the fairy-tale ends and real life begins.

When Cade and Mark said their vows it was for always and forever. But that was before Mark entered the Marine Corps and before Cade enrolled in college. Four years later, with Mark's impending discharge and Cade's graduation, they're seemingly ready to finally have a long-awaited life together. Their hot and passionate attraction to each other remains as strong as ever. But their long separation has changed both men. And even the strongest of marriages can be threatened by temptation, suspicion, and broken promises. Can their love survive? Or, will they discover that "always" does not always mean faithful?

I am a fan of Mr. Neale's writing for two reasons; his characters read so real and come to life in my mind and I come away from his books believing in love.

This story picks up four years after A New Normal with Cade about to graduate from college and Mark about to end his stint in the Marines. Mark has a secret that he needs to tell Cade, but he wants to wait until after Cade's graduation. Instead of coming home to begin a new life as a civilian, Mark has re-upped for another four years. Cade sees this as a betrayal of what Mark promised and doesn't understand why Mark would do something of this magnitude without discussing it with him first. Cade is not sure he can get past the hurt and feels this may be the end of their marraige.

Things aren't much better for Jake and Grant. Mark's father, Jake has been spending too much time at work and taking his relationship with Grant for granted. After Jake misses an important moment in Grant's life, Grant decides that maybe their second chance just wasn't meant to be.

Ok let me just say that I wanted to crawl inside this book and smack Mark upside the head. I could not believe that he would make that kind of decision without discussing it with Cade first. My heart hurt for Cade and the betrayal that he felt. Some one needs to pull both those Vincenzo men to the side and shake some sense into them. Which brings us to what I felt was the crux of this book. Falling in love is easy....staying in love takes a lot of work! This book brings home that fact and could be anyone in today's world. Mr. Neale once again creates a great story and a beautiful romance with character's that are flawed but love with all their hearts. I for one cannot wait for the next story in this series and love that fact that we have cross-over character's from the Home series.

If you are looking for a book that has the best things about romance books but feels so real it could be happening to your best friend, then pick up Always Faithful and make some new friends.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.

A Weekend with Mr. Darcy

Everyone has his or her own personal guilty pleasure and I firmly believe we should indulge it as frequently as possible - make it your celebration of life! Here at Guilty Indulgence Book Club, obviously we take our books seriously (even when they are sometimes not so serious!). For many in the new year, it is a time to make resolutions, plans, envision the new future ahead of them. For me, I take a look behind and revisit the past. Here and now, I will make a confession to you all about one of my longest running guilty pleasures: I LOVE MR. DARCY!

Long, long ago, in high school, I received a summer reading list which contained (gasp!) classics and the feedback from my father was immediate when I pointed them out for his input (figuring he was both well read and wise). His response regarding Jane Austen was less than stellar and I was so apprehensive about reading Pride And Prejudice that I made it the last on the list. I discovered at that time that he and I differed drastically in our opinions of what constituted a "great story"! I adored it, gobbled it up and re-read it three times on our summer vacation to my grandparents. (I even forewent a trip to Smith Island so I could stay behind and re-read it on the dock.) My father thought I was mental. I knew I was in love. With Mr. Darcy. The proud, arrogant, selfishly loyal, brooding hero of my dreams...

Proudly now, some quarter of a century later, I have taken the pilgrimage to Jane's great work annually (yes, that means I have read P&P more than 30 times). I also have seen every version made in film (yes, Colin Firth rocks my stripey socks!)and also every spin off, spoof, thinly linked fictional tale and many biographies of dear Jane and literary studies of her short but fabulous booklist. Check out this latest read by a new to me author, Victoria Connelly.

A Weekend With Mr. Darcy, Victoria Connelly, Sourcebooks Landmark, July 2011
Of course she's obsessed with Jane Austen...

Surrounded by appalling exes and fawning students, the only thing keeping professor Katherine Roberts sane is Jane Austen and her personal secret love for racy Regency romance novels. She thinks the Jane Austen Addicts conference in the English countryside is the perfect opportunity to escape her chaotic life and finally relax...

But then she encounters a devilishly handsome man at the conference who seems determined to sweep her off her feet. Is he more fiction than fact? Or could he be the hero she didn't know she was looking for?

This deceptively simple tale of a Austen fan's weekend would, I think, do our great writer proud. Set over the course of a long weekend, A Weekend With Mr. Darcy, tells the tales within a tale - a story about a group of Janeites gathering at a conference to celebrate all things Jane on one level and two simultaneous love stories brewing out of it on another level. Katherine and Warwick's relationship runs the gamut from farcical misunderstandings to deeper deceit and becomes the true testament to love overcoming pride. Robyn and Dan's relationship stumbles through the surprise of instant attraction and "love at first sight" and explores love overcoming stasis, fear and the small impediment of Jace, Robyn's outgrown boyfriend.

The storyline is a fresh take on several Austenian plot lines - modernized enough to feel every bit the present day in which it's set. The setting is brilliant, hosted by an eccentric famous actress, Dame Pamela, at her Regency era manor home, Purley Hall. With the descriptions of Hampshire and Winchester, where dear Jane once lived, the modern and historical elements blend seamlessly. The primary characters feel very multi-dimensional and are very sympathetic with their angsty issues and impediments to finding love and happiness. The secondary characters are every bit at colorful and wacky as those in any Jane Austen tale. It is hard not to compare Connelly with her muse, as this work is so obviously inspired by the writings of Jane Austen, and yet it does not attempt to replicate or reincarnate her stories. They are delightfully Austeneque without being shameless forgeries. At times a rollicking romp, at other times a solid romance tale, this reader thoroughly enjoyed A Weekend with Mr. Darcy and it certainly fed the guilty indulgence that is loving Darcy!

RATING: Five deliciously Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries, preferably served at high tea, in the Pump Room in Bath, England, with scones and clotted cream and a pot of properly brewed tea! Sigh.......

Follow Orders Friday

It's Friday the 13th and I'm determined to make it an awesome day. I was blessed with a few warmer days this week. That made me a very happy girl. I have a friend in town (HI SID!) Out to dinner to my favorite Mexican restaurant Wednesday night and dinner and a play tonight. New dress and purse for the occasion. Can't wait! Another thing I couldn't wait for was to read the following book!

The Dragon Who Loved Me by G.A. Aiken

I was raised for battle. And as the first daughter of a warrior family, I’ve earned my reputation the hard way. Yet now I fight alongside uncivilized male Northland dragons who think a female is only good for breeding and waiting back home in the cave. But it’s the foolish and foolhardy who would try to stop me, Rhona the Fearless, from doing what I do best—destroying the enemies of my kind.

So the smartest thing wily barbarian Vigholf the Abhorrent can do for me is stay out of my way as we risk all on a deadly mission in enemy territory. I don’t care if he’s fascinated by me, even though he is as attractive as he is resourceful. He’s having far too much fun putting me in difficult situations and testing my sense of duty to the limit. And I’m going to enjoy challenging his insufferable confidence, outwitting his schemes, and making him surrender in the wildest ways…

As always a wonderful book! I loved Vigholf's persistence in his quest to win Rhona. Five years is a long time to hint around! The further I got into the book I sorta felt bad for Rhona. She was every one's mother figure and never questioned what she should do (hence the blog name). Never mind what she wanted to do. She did what was expected of her without question. Something I could never do! I have enough trouble following directions as it is! In doing that she lost herself. She didn't see her own worth and beauty so when Vigholf showed interest she had no idea it was true interest and not a "hey you're here and I'm here so you wanna?"kinda deal. It was sweet to see her come around. I also loved the relationship she had with her father. Not a big part of the story but one of my favorites. As was her relationship with her triplet sisters that she raised.

I give this story 4 chocolate dipped strawberries and a cool spear (her dad makes the coolest stuff!)

PEACE

More HOT Puma Nights

Finally, I'm getting to read book two in one of my favorite new series I discovered in 2011. I've made it my New Years resolution to get caught up in all of the series I follow (and not be side-tracked by random books). I swear I am a very organized person but when it comes to books, I seem to go all ADD. All it takes is "look, Rebecca, shiny new book" and I'm off in a new direction before I've had a chance to complete a series. So, true to my INTJ nature, I have reorganized my TBR list on goodreads so books are now listed in the order in which I plan to read them. Yep - I can do this... though like all New Years resolutions, all could go to hell by February. And if it does, I can't say I'd mind too much as long as I get to keep on reading.


Falke’s Captive is book two in the Puma Nights series collaboratively written by Anna Leigh Keaton and Madison Layle. With plenty of action both in and out of the bedroom, Kelan, Reidar and Beth’s love story is another great read in a fabulously rich series that has quickly hit my favorites shelf.

As Puma shifters, the Falke brothers are careful with their family’s secret. So when Kelan and Reidar meet graduate research student Beth Coldwell on her first night in town and are drawn to her, it’s certainly not seen as a match made in heaven. Beth’s research involves tracking and tagging mountain lions and, at first, the Falke family doesn’t understand her motives for the research. Then things only get worse when she unknowingly captures Kelan in his animal form as part of her research.

Kelan escapes but not before Beth takes a blood sample from him and the DNA analysis shows he's not a common mountain lion. After the brothers' attempts to retrieve the sample fail and with little other alternative, they share their secret with Beth and hope they mean more to her than the fame from her research. Kelan and Reidar believe in her proclamation that she loves all big cat breeds and wants to make a difference by helping in their survival.

The three main characters are endearing. Kelan and Reidar are the younger litter mates of Axel and Gunner but they have their own unique personalities.  Well-developed characters, humor brings out their strengths and weaknesses. Kelan, the dominant brother like Axel, tends to be more hot-tempered and adventurous. Reidar is the even-keeled brother more likely to be rational and thoughtful. They balance one another which lend itself perfectly to the ménage story line. Together, they are exactly what Beth needs. Her strength and intelligence shine through when the brothers reveal their secret. True to her scientific nature and training, she takes it all in, asks questions, and determines the validity – even asking to see her men shift. And she’ll win every reader over when she decides to protect her mates. 

Falke's Captive is a shifter love story that avoids the stereotypes by presenting the story in an unconventional shifter culture. The premise of a scientist becoming a shifter’s mate is distinct and certainly not an overdone stereotype. The authors combined romance, humor, and adventure in creating an outstanding second book in their series. The Falke family is such a charming cast of characters; I can’t wait for more books about the rest of the family.

To read my review of Falke’s Peak, the first book in this series, CLICK HERE.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

The Lesson Plan.....Humpday rules!

I love my friends for countless reasons! They make me laugh, they cheer me up, they sing my praises and they put up with my chronic (and not always my fault) lateness...Sid is here this week and for that I am both thankful and joyous as it means we are together (and that is dangerous) and fun times abound - even if we are just sitting around reading, watching Tudors and drinking wine! I don't want you to think I am the world's worst mother, but I do appreciate the little breaks I get when I am no longer defined by anything besides my fabulous self! (Please don't fall on the floor laughing!) Ok, on a more serious note - who's hungry? Eye candy snackage anyone????

This week brings a new author, a new friend to Guilty Indulgence Blog and now a new favorite author...with little further ado:

The Lesson Plan (A Lords of Lancashire novella), Jackie Barbosa, Circe Press, December 2011

Sometimes, love is the hardest lesson of all...
Freddie escapes the trauma of every season by dressing as a boy and gallivanting about the countryside in her brother's cast off clothes. (As a self-professed (former) tomboy, I can't say I blame her.) Finally captured at twenty one, forced to undergo her debut, Miss Winifred Langston has no interest in trying on expensive ball gowns, learning intricate dance steps, or perfecting the sole tune she knows on the pianoforte. Rather than waste the last few days of her freedom on such pursuits, she invites her two closest friends to join her in one final caper.

When Lord Conrad Pearce learns of Freddie’s plans, he decides it’s past time to intervene. Planning a kidnapping to teach a well-deserved lesson, Con can’t resist the sensual beauty hidden beneath the maddening tomboy’s exterior. What begins as one sort of lesson becomes quite another, as Conrad embarks on a comprehensive erotic tutorial of his surprisingly enthusiastic and adept student. Can an affirmed bachelor and an affirmed tomboy old maid find true love and happiness?

The Lesson Plan is one of those clever, witty historical romances that contains enough brains to make the staunchest historical buff swoon and enough brawn to make the rest sigh with pleasure! The outrageous adventures of Freddie and her cohorts e make the story light-hearted and the romance and wooing between Freddie and Conrad, both in secret and in public make the reader squirm with delight! I always enjoy the storyline of the old-fashioned male who believes a woman would never appreciate or enjoy a "sexual awakening" - certainly Ms. Langston's virtue is no great loss when she has a lover who challenges her with pleasure and shows her "what all the fuss is about".

Well written, clever and sexy, The Lesson Plan feels like a much longer story. The characters are strong, fresh and the love scenes quite steamy. Of course, it leave the reader wanting more but that is often the way with novellas....Fans of Kate Pearce and Monica Burns will surely love this story with it's sexy, historical romantic elements and smoking hot love scenes!

RATING: Five Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries and a glass of whatever cold beverage will help you cool down!

This book was given to us by the author. Many thanks.