The Heart of Winter

Enchanted
The Heart of Winter, book 1

Can love withstand the test of time? 
Winter never truly understood love, nor did she have time for men until she met Austin Wells Carlyle. He was the man who would rock her world to its foundations. He would test her notions, give her something to believe in, and change her misguided thoughts regarding happily ever after. Strangely, she was going to allow him be the one thing she never believed in—her soul mate.

Requiem
The Heart of Winter, book 2

For Winter Shae Perri there is only one man meant for her, Austin Carlyle. That is, until their fairy tale life is shattered the night before they are to be married. Winter retreats deep within herself, hiding behind her romance novels, until sixteen years later she is startled to life by none other than Hollywood heartthrob, Cayden Cain. Cayden will have her questioning reality, because when she looks at him, she sees the face of Austin looking back at her

Revelation
The Heart of Winter, book 3


Winter’s reclusive life as a romance writer begins to collide with Cayden’s larger-than-life world. Cayden Cain, Hollywood’s hottest heartthrob, is someone who is unattainable in many ways. The odds of a real relationship with him are astronomical. Besides the paparazzi that are hell-bent on exposing pieces of her once private life, there is so much more conspiring against Winter and Cayden. She cannot survive in his world, and he simply cannot walk in hers. But everything will change when she discovers their worlds have always been connected, forever tied together by fate, by destiny, by unbreakable love.

Eternal
The Heart of Winter, book 4
Romance writer Winter Wells has found her new life with Hollywood Hottie, Cayden Cain, a blessing and a curse. He is the blessing. His career is the curse. Involved in an unprecedented web of strange events, and wound in a string of lies about to break with devastating consequences, Winter must battle ghosts from her past that threaten to harm Cayden. Faced with a choice she always knew would be inevitable, can the fairy tale of their relationship beat out the odds of their reality and really come true?


SERIES REVIEW
London Saint James created a sweet story of happiness from beginning to end.Over the course of four books, readers follow Winter as she loves, suffers loss, and loves again. There's some magic to the story and you will need to suspend your skepticism just as Winter did. And despite there being two different lovers for Winter, this really is a single love story about two people finding their soul mates (even though that doesn't mean there isn't pain in their lives).

The series begins with a book that is almost too good to be true and for that, it was a bit boring. Austin and Winter are a dream couple. Everything happens easily and it is very sweet. I kept waiting for something to happen. When book one ended, I wondered where the "big moment" was.

Well, that moment happens at the very beginning of book two. Despite there being slow development of Winter's character, here's where readers come to know her best. She may appear fragile in disposition but she clearly has a backbone of steel. Some may criticize her method of coping with loss but I found it to be very realistic and became more connected with her.

While there's no doubt Austin and Winter belonged together. there's also no doubt that Cayden is equally suited to her. The crux of the plot lies in the fact that Austin and Cayden are so much alike. The way their lives were intertwined was masterfully created, like stitches of a quilt, perfectly. As Winter reaches towards her well-deserved HEA, she undergoes a lot of trials. These trials make the last two books the most interesting and fast-paced of the series.

This series is well written and draws readers right in.The plot is fascinating, characters are engaging and the story's pacing is well-balanced. However, I would've enjoyed it more as one book. The flow is too broken up as four books - one book is all happy, one mostly all sad, and then it seems to take off with most of the real story rolling out in the final two books. But admittedly, London Saint James tells a beautiful love story. After the first book of the series, I was hooked and had to follow Winter's story.

SERIES RATING
4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries 
This book was given to us by the publisher. Many thanks.

I FEEL LIKE IT'S WORTH A NOTE TO SAY THAT THE STORY HAD MANY EDITING ERRORS. THE ERRORS WERE ENOUGH TO PULL ME OUT OF THE STORY ON TOO MANY OCCASIONS. I DID NOT, HOWEVER, HOLD THIS AGAINST THE STORY ITSELF.

Humpday Hello Christopher Koehler

Greetings and salutations my humpday nation. We survived the beginning of the holiday gauntlet last week and are on the downhill slope of this one! Yay us!  And would ya check out that moon tonight!  Howl - bay - go out and play (or not, it's cold here in Virginia) but give our goddess moon some love tonight!

One of our new fav friends from GRL, author Ellis Carrington, mentioned (over wine of course) that there was a fellow who had written a new twist on Pride and Prejudice and from there it was on, like Donkey Kong - I whipped my iPhone out and auto-bought this tempting morsel!  You'll see for yourselves what tasty brain candy awaits but first some delish eye candy!  Enjoy that view!

First Impressions, Christopher Koehler, Dreamspinner Press, April 2012

The first time Henry Hughes and Cameron Jameson meet, it’s an unmitigated disaster. Cameron reminds Henry of all he left behind when he stopped making adult films, and he cruelly rejects Cameron. When Cameron discovers Henry’s porno-thespian past, he assumes he’s dodged a bullet.

But circumstances continue to throw the two together. Though the physical attraction between them grows, they cling to first impressions, even as a slow dance reveals just how good they could be.

Henry finally realizes how wrong he was, but Cameron can’t cope with “sleeping with the enemy.” It will take a confrontation for Cameron to realize just how wrong he’s been, but unfortunately, he may have lost his chance.


Quick Buy Links:

Dreamspinner Press     Amazon.com     B&N.com

A new take on Pride & Prejudice and this Austenite was sold at first mention.  Having read nearly every fictional twist written, First Impressions, tempts this reader with the prospect of that elusive "something new".  A well written, delightfully crafted story of boy meets boy gone wrong. Shop boy Cameron subs in for the confident, clever Elizabeth and Henry, the former porn industry royal, channels more than his fair share of Darcy!  The pair meet and collide like bumper cars in the Sacramento social scene. Each encounter teases the reader with the pair's palpable chemistry and the inevitable crash and burn. At times it appears the kind -hearted Cameron will never get his man.  

Do not be fooled into believing First Impressions is a retelling of the classic story however. Koehler's tale is all his own and his writing style has the ability to be at turns breezy and readable and then bitingly humorous or poignantly introspective. His secondary characters provide color and depth to his story but the spot lights shine brightest on his two leading men.  Cameron's growth and maturation as he takes on responsibilities he never dreamed of strikes a definite chord. The emotional pain of his sullen teen nephew and his crazy, vapid roommates' unexpected support knocks the story up a notch from a potentially romantic romp to a truly romantic tale. Henry's intolerance and repeated verbal faux pas with the man he finds so fascinating feel very Darcy-esque. Thankfully their stars begin to align just before complete exasperation with both characters and author set in!  Sexily romantic without being overtly erotic - this tale provides the romance reader with some delicious brain candy!

For those who love a classic romance, for those who delight in verbal sparring and sexual tension, for those who cheer for the underdog, First Impressions deserves a first look!

RATING: Five Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries, preferably out on the dance floor with That Woman.....oh read the book and you'll see!  

Rogue Rider by Larrissa Ione

Rogue Rider, Larrissa Ione, Grand Central Publishing

Lords of Deliverance #4 (or Demonica 9)
They're here.
They ride.
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Born of a match between good and evil, four siblings stand between hell's minions and everything they want to destroy. They are the Lords of Deliverance, and they have the power to ward off Doomsday . . . or let it ride . . . 

ROGUE RIDER
Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues-and falls for-a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming, and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man whom Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he's also the kind of man who can be very dangerous . . .
Reseph may not know why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian's life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian's neighbors are killed, and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears that he's putting Jillian in danger. And once it's revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: Can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?

Thanks Larissa for my new favorite word....awesomesauce! I would also like to thank her for creating this incredibly complex and diverse world and sharing it with all of us. If you haven't read the Demonica books you need to and I am not just saying this because of my freaky OCD all books must be read in order quirk. They are just so good that they all need to be read, and really if you are going to read them why not just read them in order and then we can all be happy. :-)) 

So I didn't know if she could pull it off. I mean Pestilence was a bad, bad man! How could he ever make up for all the shit that he pulled?? You wipe his memory so he doesn't have a clue what he did and then you drop him naked in the middle on nowhere!

There are so many layers to this story that you just aren't really sure where she is going to go next and I love that in a series. There were a couple of really big HOLY SHIT moments and I think the biggest will be told in further detail in the next story. Have I told you how excited I am that she isn't leaving this world?? Well I am, really excited that is.

If you are looking for a really well written and epic series then pick up these books. It has it all, from ultimate battles between Heaven and Hell(this story is centered around the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse..duh!) to steamy sex, to laugh out loud snark and a crazy and varied secondary cast of characters who you can't help but fall in love with. So, seriously....go buy them now!

RATING:  5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.

Assumed Calling REVIEW, Author Lila Munro

Assumed Calling
Book Five, Identity Crisis Series
Author: Lila Munro
Publisher: Rebel Ink Press
Genre: Erotic/BDSM Romance Novel Length

Like the beat of a primal drum whispering the rhythm of an ancient dance, the lifestyle calls…

At the seasoned age of fifty-six, Allen Bourke has resigned himself to the fact he’ll probably never find someone to top he can also love. While he’s had wives and lovers, none of them endured and he’s come to the conclusion the clock’s ticking and age is working against him. Then a very intriguing Nicki Cartwright pings on his radar at what Allen determines will be his last house party. He can’t help but notice while he and his friends are getting older, the players emerging on the scene are forever getting younger. Nicki's no exception. Determined to resist the vibes humming between them, he only agrees to service her after his old friend, Kyle Montgomery, convinces him it's entirely feasible. Then it’s brought to Allen’s attention who Nicki really is. Knowing their pasts are forever intertwined, as hard as he tries to ignore his heart, he finds himself yielding to the tides of fate.

Born to senatorial royalty, Nicki Cartwright has spent her entire life trying to shield her mother from her father’s wrath while drifting further and further into a world where panic is normal and anxiety is always on the edge of her reality. Tired of burning the candle at both ends and forever trying to live up to the picture of All-American perfection her father James Cartwright touts as his ace in the hole during election cycles, Nicki finds herself on the path of self-discovery in search of relief from the stressors continually swamping her mind. What she doesn’t expect is to find who she thought she was is truly just a shadow of the person she really is. And what scares her most is the fact Allen, the only person she thought she could trust, has been holding a secret since before she was born which could destroy her entire family.

REVIEW
Assumed Calling was a bit bittersweet for me to read since I knew it meant the series was coming to an end but... thank you, Ms. Munro... a spin-off with some of the deliciously dark characters from this book begins soon! And knowing that helped this story make a bit more sense. there's a lot going on in this story. In fact, for a large portion, the hero and heroine aren't even in communication and much of the action happens with them apart. Ms. Munro infuses a sense of mystery, intrigue and conflict into the book. Readers get a lot of information on those delicious alpha males I mentioned earlier.

Nicki and Allen are quite the unlikely couple. Yet magically with the stroke of her pen, Ms. Munro makes it all feel real and possible. Allan is the traditional alpha male with that overconfident air of a man in charge. He provides Nicki with the sense of security she seems desperate for after she ignites passion in him that he hasn't felt in years. These two find peace in one another despite having to navigate their pasts to become the people they want to be together. Their relationship is tender though admittedly there are the erotic BDSM scenes I love. There are plenty throughout the book without being too much so even if it's not your thing, the scenes are written to propel the couple's relationship.

Readers will hang on until the very end to learn how these two lovers find their HEA. Ms. Munro is known for her realistic stories -and she has in the past been known to deal a killing blow- so there are moments in the book when you might wonder... well, I won't ruin the ending for you. Just know that this book takes you for a ride. And, like me, you will then happily get in line for your next turn.

RATING
5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries, an ULTIMATE UNDULGENCE
& definitely better than a lollipop, Nicki!
This book was given to us by author. Many thanks.

BUY LINKS
Amazon     ARe     Nook     Bookstrand

LINKS TO ALL HER BOOKS 
Amazon           ARe             Nook                Bookstrand

Lila Munro currently resides on the coast of North Carolina with her husband and their two four-legged kids. She’s a military wife with an empty nest and takes much of her inspiration for her heroes from the marines she’s lived around for the past fifteen years. Coining the term realmantica, she strives to produce quality romance in a realistic setting. Her genre of choice is contemporary romance that spans everything from the sensual to BDSM and ménage.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on, trips to the museum and aquarium, taking field research trips, and soaking up the sun on the nearby beaches. Her works include The Executive Officer’s Wife, Bound By Trust, Destiny’s Fire, Salvation, Three for Keeps, the Force Recon series, the Slower Lower series, and the Identity series.She’s a member in good standing of RWA and Passionate Ink. Currently she’s working on sequels to several series to be released throughout 2012-2013 and has a brand new line scheduled for winter 2012-13.

TALK TO LILA

Realmantic Moments          Facebook         Goodreads            Twitter

ALL IN For this series!

ALL IN
The Blackstone Affair, Part 2 

BY Author Raine Miller

Ethan Blackstone has problems. He's broken the trust of the woman he loves and she's left him because of it. Ethan isn't giving up though--he's determined to get his girl back. Their passion together was explosive, but their secrets are even darker and more frightening. With political threats directed at Brynne, Ethan has no choice but to fight for her, to win her love, and to protect her from the very dangers that could take her away from him forever. He’s willing to risk everything to have Brynne and to keep her safe. He’ll go all in…



VISIT RAINE'S SITE

http://rainemiller.com/

BUY LINKS

Amazon  |  Smashwords  |  Barnes & Noble


REVIEW

RUN - I mean it, do not walk - RUN to get yourself a copy of this book! Oh wait! First read my review. And then read Naked, part 1 before you read All In, part 2. If you enjoy emotional / erotic romance books (you know, like Sylvia Day and EL James), I  have no doubt you will LOVE THIS BOOK!

QUICK RECAP: 

In Naked, Brynne and Ethan meet and begin in a combustible affair outside of what either had ever experienced. The attraction between the two was instantaneous and though there was this swirling drama around them, they seemed unscathed. Readers thought the story would be ending on a happy note but that wasn't meant to be. Miller left us hanging to see if this couple would persevere.

NOW All In picks up where Naked left off but we hear the continuation of their story from Ethan’s POV. Brynne just found out a secret that he’s kept from her and has walked out on Ethan. He falls apart because he's truly addicted to Brynne and the thought of not being with her drives him crazy. Since he was originally hired to provide for Brynne’s safety, he reconnects on the premise of keeping her safe. Ready to forgive, Brynne accepts him back with some parameters. (It's okay, Brynne, I couldn't resist him either!) It really is very tender how protective Ethan is over Brynne.

It's equally sexy how possessive he is over her. Miller writes some freaking hot sex scenes. I sighed aloud and had to adjust in my chair a few times. But here's what mattered to me - it wasn't just sex. Miller uses the scenes to move the story along and link us to the depth of emotions Ethan is experiencing. His need to possess Brynne is intense and you watch it come out in those intimate moments... well, really in a lot of the book but they're hotter in these scenes. lol!

All In gave readers insight into the male's perspective. Miller created a realistic view inside Ethan's head as he coped with his loss, fears and his own dark past. Readers also see that Ethan is also just a regular guy who needs his father's love, his sister's approval and is baffled by the female mind. Yes, Ethan is possessive and bossy but readers will truly understand what caused this and connect with his character more through the glimpses of vulnerability we are given. Readers come to know Ethan's character instead of Brynne's perspective of him. Miller crafted both Ethan and Brynne with brilliance and this concept of each book being from the other's perspective was genius.

Miller's voice is compelling as she tells the tale of these two unlikely lovers. I am All In for this series. Suspense, mystery, passion - the Blackstone Affair is a highly engaging story. One book isn't enough. Readers will be hungry for more.



RATING
5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries 
This book was given to us by the author. Many thanks. I'll be watching for Book 3!

From the Couch Week 2

Week 2 down only 4 more weeks to go. Been piddling around the house and reading. Not much else I can do. Did the food tour thing on Thursday, so much food so little time. Let me tell you what I read before I head into a food coma.....

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
Infernal Devices #2
In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

Again I spent my time trying to piece together how everyone fits together and leads to the Mortal Instruments series. I was surprised by all the twists and turns in this book, I didn't see any of them coming. That's all I am going to say because I don't want to give all the juicy details away.


RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries and some dresses of her own for Tessa.

An Unconventional Courtship by Scotty Cade

An Unconventional Courtship, Scotty Cade, Dreamspinner Press
Tristan Moreau loves his job as chief administrative officer and personal assistant to Webber Kincaid, President, Chairman, and CEO of Kincaid International. It would be the perfect job… if only he hadn’t fallen in love with his boss as well as the work. After two years, he’s still doing everything in his power to keep his feelings hidden—mostly because he wants to protect the reputation of his famous boss but also because he wants to keep his job.
Webber Kincaid has stayed in the closet, using his best friend and confidante as his beard. Everything in his life was working out just fine until he met Tristan Moreau. Within months, Tristan stole his heart and became his lifeline. But Webber knows the rules of the workplace better than anyone, so he’s kept his distance.
But two years is too long to wonder “what if?”—especially when business takes them to a private Caribbean island. When Tristan and Webber succumb to the tropical heat, their professionalism starts to backslide. It’s a seemingly impossible relationship, making a go at it under the paparazzi’s microscope. It may be the best—or the worst—business decision they ever made.

This is probably one of the sweetest stories that I have read in a long time. Thankfully just about the time I thought I would slip into a diabetic coma there would be enough angst and/or financial mystery that I would snap out of it.

 You can tell by the descriptive narration that the author either knows a lot about the Caribbean, food and boats or did a lot of research. This is one of those books that I walked away from feeling like I learned something and I know I walked away hungry. LOL

The author does a fabulous job of building the story and the sexual tension between Tristan and Webber. It may have taken them two years to come together but when the do it's absolutely beautiful and their chemistry together is combustible.

The mystery in the story reads very real especially in this day and age of corporate corruption. And while I felt the ending was a bit abrupt and left several questions unanswered I enjoyed the story and would love to revisit these characters. Maybe a Christmas story with a wedding, a baby, a graduation and more yummy food.

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

It's Where The Heart Lies

She remembered staring at the flag, thinking about its thirteen symbolic folds... and the sixth fold is for where the heart lies...

All widowed Alicia Galloway has left of her war-hero husband are the flag that draped his coffin and his final wishes: to move to his hometown, take over the family bookstore and enjoy a simple, quiet life with their two small children. When she arrives, her husband's best friend makes that new life anything but simple. How can she be so drawn to Liam Addison?

Liam only intended to help Alicia get settled. But one unexpected kiss awakens his long-held forbidden feelings. Soon, the town busybodies swoop in to warn Alicia away from him. Because no matter the man he's become, he'll never live down his reputation as town troublemaker and wolfish womanizer.

No one wants the war hero's sweet widow and the supposedly former bad boy together. But the more everyone tries to keep them apart, the closer he and Alicia get. And the more determined Liam is to prove he's a changed man. Will it be enough to convince Alicia to let a new love in her life?


REVIEW
Romance on the softer side for readers who enjoy a more predictable, mainstream read. Light sprinkles of romance wrapped into a story of a military wife living through her loss made this book a good read.

Flye created flawed but lovable characters in an enjoyable story. There are moments that will tug at reader's hearts, moments when you are cheering the heroine on and moments when you want to tell others to let her live her own life. How the heroine survives with such grace through a series of letdowns is telling of her strength. And giving the hero an enigmatic history adds greater interest.

However, there are no true exciting moments. What I believe is intended to be the big secret doesn't seem to make as many waves as it could because everything resolves so nicely. Readers will feel good and happy about this story... it made me smile.

RATING
4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
This book was given to us by the author. Many thanks.

From the Couch Friday

Greetings from my couch. I've been absent lately between soccer and surgery, I am out of commission for 6 weeks. I've been reading and watching a stupid amount of HGTV. Hard to believe it's November already and the countdown to Christmas has begun. Here is this weeks book.

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Infernal Devices # 1
Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world. . . . and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

I am a huge fan of the mortal Instruments series and Clockwork Angel has been on my TBR list for awhile. It took me a bit to get in the mind set so I could get into the book and enjoy it. When I read books that go back in time after the main series I spend my time trying to place characters and how they are related to the others and how their actions in the past affect the main series. Once I settled in I loved the story. The title is spot on and fits the story perfectly. kinda gives me a steam punky feel with the automation and the time period. All the characters had their own thing going from Will & Jem & Tessa to Charlotte and her trying to run the Institute. Jessamine and her dislike of the Shadowhunter life, right down to Sophie the housekeeper. I was completely surprised by the twist concerning Tessa and her brother Nate! GASP!!


RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries and a set of super cool gear that the women in the story don't seem to want to wear. Wear it, own it!

My Journey At Whispering Pines Ranch

OK Folks, here it is (I feel like a drum roll is definitely in order)… the final book in the Whispering Pines Ranch series by SJD Peterson… Jess's Journey… and now it's all come to an end. The Whispering Pines series is over. But I'm here to tell you what got me through it... you might want to sit down.

FREE READ: Riveted with Ty & Blake.
To Be Released in December...
When Ty left Pegasus for the big city, he knew he was falling for Blake, but still wasn't sure if he could trust him. And Blake wasn't sure he was ready to be vulnerable enough to take on another boy. Since moving to the Big City, Blake and Ty have learned how to live with each other, but are they ready to let go of their pasts and take the next steps not only in the playroom, but also in life?

THEN since even that isn't enough, Peterson shared this: "So many people keep asking me if the Whispering Pines Ranch series is over and I keep having to say, yes, I’m sorry but it’s really over. There's a new series coming called “Guards of Folsom” which has more BDSM and is based in New York and hence why I can’t really make it part of the WPR series. But you'll recognize some of the characters."

A Quick Peek Into "Guards of Folsom"
Given Blake's past history and what happened to Eli, it's only natural that the club he is associated with caters more to the protection of the sub rather than the Dom hence the name. While sometimes scenes can seem harsh to outsiders, Blake at his core, sees subs as precious, to be celebrated, protected and loved.

"Book one will be entitled "Pup" the story of an older Dom who finds himself taming a naughty pup. Book two will be entitled "Tag Team" This is the story of Jase, Bobby and Rig. That's all I have planned...so far.... but I do believe that Aiden James will be making an appearance at some point in the series. I'm very curious about that man :)"


Now, here's my review for the final book. BUT BE SURE TO READ THESE IN ORDER. It is on my favorite series bookshelf, among a limited other few, so I mean it when I say THIS ENTIRE SERIES IS A MUST READ... just be ready for the journey...

REVIEW of Jess's Journey

At an early age, Jess Jenkins learned to take care of his family and friends and put their needs before his own. He dreamed of finding the same simple happiness his parents had and followed their example. Then Lorcan James broke his heart and an automobile accident broke his independent spirit. Now that’s all Jess is: a broken shadow of the man he used to be, still confined to a wheelchair after six months. Jess is finally forced to put himself first and accept the help he needs on his journey toward recovery. Though pain, frustration, and depression leave him bitter and eager to push people away, his friends refuse to allow him to wallow in self-pity. Jack has only glimpsed the man beneath Jess’s angry shell, but he takes it upon himself to prove Jess isn’t broken. And Collin is determined to bring back the sweet man he once knew. The simple, happy life Jess has always wanted is there for the taking—all he has to do is open his eyes and see it.

Jess is an amazing character of strength that Peterson has brought to life in this book. Once simply a secondary character, Jess must've been too large to contain. I imagine he demanded his own story and am so thankful he got it. Jess completed my journey to Whispering Pines Ranch with a sense of true resolution.

Peterson's ability to bring forth such raw emotion so readers can both hurt and heal in the same moment is unprecedented for me. I have never read another author with this much clarity. Such poignant stories of love -whether or not you enjoy m/m romance- bring out the romantic in any reader. Jess has undergone tremendous tragedy and loss but is a survivor. Much of his recovery has been overseen by Jack and Collin who give Jess the support he needs. Their mutual friendships are evident from the very first conversations in the book but it's the slow reveal of Jack and Jess's relationship that was most sweet (and hot!).

As always in this series, the secondary characters added dimension to the story. Conner's scene was a turning point with them men - much as I suspect he played a role with each couple. The absence of crazy spurned lover angst was much appreciated - Peterson handles the men's emotions, particularly Lorcan and Jess who could've been downright nasty, in an authentic way. The story flows so naturally. The resolution was realistic and the conclusion as satisfying as a whole plate of chocolate-dipped strawberries.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries 
This book was given to us by Dreamspinner Press. Many thanks.

Jess's Journey EXCERPT 

Prologue
CREAM walls were mixed with warm earth-tone shades of brown, yellow, and green that highlighted the bedding, furniture, and accessories. The room was designed to be soothing, cozy, and Jess Jenkins hated every detail of it. The small two-hundred-square-foot room had been his home for over four months, and nearly every waking moment of those 137 days, all he wanted to do was leave. Every thought and action he’d experienced was centered on one or both of two things: walking again and leaving the Tulsa Rehabilitation Center. Today he’d finally reached at least one of his goals—he was going home. Although he had worked his ass off to get to this point, and it was what he wanted, he was also scared shitless to leave. So much had happened since he’d gotten behind the wheel of his truck six months ago. What should have been a thirty-minute errand turned out to be a journey into hell.
Preparing to restart his life, Jess took in his suitcase sitting by the door and couldn’t help but reflect on how he had ended up here, a forever-changed man. From his earliest memories, he’d always been the kind of person who put the needs of others before his own desires. His mom had been the same way, always putting Jess and his dad before her own dreams. Victoria Jenkins had lived a good life, had found her pleasure in caring for and loving those in her life, and Jess always dreamed of finding the same love and happiness out of simplicity. He hadn’t strived for something he thought was unrealistic or impossible. To own a small piece of land, to share his life and love with that one special person had been what he’d desired most in life; instead, he’d lived his life for others.
College hadn’t been his idea; it had been his father’s dream. Since first tossing a ball with his dad on the front lawn, he’d loved football. Given his height, large frame, and powerful body, he was a natural defensive tackle and damn good in that position. Jess had been proud of the fact that he’d been scouted and his hard work on the football field had been recognized in the form of a full-ride scholarship to Auburn University. Yet, if he’d had his way, he would have declined the offer. Instead, he’d packed his bags, left the job he loved as a ranch hand, and headed to Auburn, Alabama, the fall after his senior year of high school. He left Pegasus, not out of any need of his own, but rather to fulfill his dad’s dream of seeing his son become the first one in their family to attend college. He never admitted it to his dad, but one of the happiest moments in his life had been when he blew his knee out during his sophomore year. One part of him had mourned the end of his football career; the other side—his true side—celebrated. The injury meant he could return to Pegasus and to his true dream: ranching.
Even Jess’s one long-term relationship hadn’t been about what he truly wanted but what he thought his lover needed. Jess rolled his wheelchair to the large window that overlooked the back gardens of the rehab center, a place he’d spent hours in, dreaming about the moment when he could return home. His gaze settled on the large oaks. Beneath their branches is where he’d sat and acknowledged his heartbreak and guilt over Lorcan James.
The first moment he’d spotted the tall, slender man with warm brown eyes and the most gorgeous fall of chestnut hair he’d ever seen, Jess had been smitten. Jess smiled when he remembered just how smitten he’d been. It had been obvious by the first words that had popped out of his mouth—“I think I’m in love.” He’d never seen a more beautiful man in print, on screen, or in life, than Lorcan; to this day, it was still true. After long hours spent reflecting on his relationship, Jess realized it was the sadness in Lorcan’s gaze that had called to Jess. The pain in those tormented brown eyes prompted him to act. Even before they spoke a single word to each other, Jess had known Lorcan was in love with Quinn Taylor. It was written all over the younger man’s face each time he looked at the ranch owner. Still, Jess had pursued him. He hated seeing the hurt in Lorcan’s eyes, knew what it felt like to love the wrong person, and through that shared experience, they became not only lovers but also best friends. What they never found together was true love. It was the reason he’d cut him out of his life the way he had in a “Dear John”—or rather a “Dear Lorcan”—letter.
The special bond between them kept Lorcan at Jess’s side after his accident. Did Lorcan love him? Absolutely, as much as he could, and Jess in turn loved him, but not the way a man should love his partner. Lorcan would have never walked away; the man was just too caring to do something like turn his back on a friend. Their bond also would have resulted in Lorcan throwing away his chance at true love. Jess couldn’t allow that to happen, couldn’t allow his friend to settle and put the needs of others before his own as Jess had done. The words he’d written in his letter still rang true.
Remember when I told you our hearts don’t always pick the right person for us? In your case, your heart picked exactly the right person for you. A year ago, Quinn didn’t deserve someone like you, but he does now, pretty boy. He has stood beside you the entire time you were standing by me. Quinn didn’t take my accident as an excuse to move in and try to steal you away. He was patient, loving, and a friend to you when you needed one the most. Even though he wanted more, he put you and your needs first. He’s a good man and finally became the man your heart always knew he was. Do you honestly think I would trust Quinn with your heart again if I didn’t think he was worthy? Never! I love you, and you will always be my best friend. You belong with Quinn. I always knew that. The accident was my wake-up call. Life is too short to settle, and next time, I won’t settle for anything less than someone loving me the way you love Quinn.
Knowing how things had turned out between Lorcan and Quinn and how Jess was able to concentrate on healing instead of worrying, reinforced his belief that committing those words to paper had been the right thing to do. Jess’s chest tightened with a twinge of loss as he continued to stare out over the garden, but he didn’t regret setting Lorcan free. This place, especially the majestic oaks, would always have a special meaning for him. It was where he not only dealt with his heartbreak at what he’d lost, but also where he’d set aside those feelings and his guilt. Please let me be selfish for the first time in my life. Jess nodded as the words he used to end his letter to Lorcan flittered through his mind. He was being selfish. He was putting his needs first.
Jess turned away from the window at the sound of the door opening and smiled up at Jack as he entered the room.

Previous Books in the Series (with links to my reviews!)

CLICK HERE for Review

CLICK HERE for Review

CLICK HERE for Review

CLICK HERE for Review

Steamroller by Mary Calmes

Steamroller, Mary Calmes, Dreamspinner Press
About the last thing Vincent Wade expected was for Carson Cress to ask him out. Vince is a dedicated biology student and a bit of a loner. Superstar quarterback Carson is larger than life, and he lives under a public microscope. There’s no way they should work. But Vince is learning that sometimes people just come steamrolling into your life and all you can do is hang on for the ride or lose your heart in the process. If their relationship can survive the fallout when an injury derails Carson’s future plans, maybe Vince can finally find something to believe in.






Ok I just have to start this by saying...BEST FIRST KISS EVER!!!

Vince and Carson may have gotten off on the wrong foot when they meet, but things heat up quickly. Vince tries to tell the sexy quarterback no but Carson only has eyes for the uber smart biologist and he quickly steamrolls right over any qualms Vince may have.

To some people Vince might have come off as an ass, but I loved his snarky attitude. His need to feed the world is in such contrast to his personality, it makes for a funny read. His reservations that Carson could ever really care for him are so believable considering his family.

Carson could be any big time quarterback on a university campus, so many of them are playing more for other people than themselves. I loved how he wasn't afraid to lose it all just so he could be with Vince. He had made up his mind and Vince was going to be his!

This book worked for me on so many levels I like the jock and the geek story line but the depth that Ms. Calmes took this story made it so much more.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. This book was given to us by Dreamspinner Press. Many thanks.

To read or not to read...Yeah Molly Harper...Jackie Ivie not so much...

So first off sorry for the late in the day post. Since I am posting so late I thought I would give you a two for one. We have been trying to only post our “guilty indulgences” limiting our reviews to three strawberries or more. Some of you that follow us regularly are probably wondering what happened to the book of the month for October. Well, two things happened - one we were all super busy and two the book that was chosen wasn’t one that any of us so far have felt compelled to give an opinion on.  Which for me means that nobody felt it warented a three or better. So why bring it up? Well, yesterday I got the handy dandy reminder e-mail from Amazon asking for my review and I was shocked at how many people loved the book and gave it a five star rating. With so many professional marketing people writing bias reviews trying to hype up books I felt compelled to comment.

So in post-Halloween fashion I’m saying "where's the treat" to Knight after Night by Jackie Ivie?

Cover Blurb:

THE VAMPIRE
Highland Vampire Thoran MacKettryck's lonely. Bitter. Vengeful. For centuries now, he's taken lives for profit and drained blood for free. Just like always. But then he's gifted what every immortal craves: his mate. He just can't believe his eyes when he finally hunts her down.

HIS MATE
Jolie Pritchard's young. Studious. Driven. Studying Medieval Literature is her life and this scholarship - her dream. She's the last thing an arrogant, gorgeous, world-class playboy should be pursuing and she knows it. If only he wasn't the most thrilling male she's ever imagined...

THE CURSE
She was warned. She didn't listen.

The above cover blurb sounds great right? Unfortunately this disjointed…. a paragraph on him….a paragraph on her is similar to how the book reads leaving the reader feeling like they are missing how the two are really connected. They are just all of the sudden in the same room interacting without any explanation as to why. Jolie is very immature and not a heroine most of the followers of our site tend to shout out for. I would give this one a “two and a half strawberries” and mention it mearly to say “really what were those reviewers thinking on Amazon”, “this is what happened to the book of the month for October” and “you have been warned”.  Although Ms. Ivie wrote some very compelling scenes the story felt too broken up and lacked the depth is needed to feel complete.  She is talented but the story needed to be more developed.  Sorry if you disagree but this wasn't a guilty indulgence for me.

Now that I have given my two sense on that, I’ll move on to my "Yeah - there's a new release - Whoa Hoo" must read for this week.

Molly Harper has yet again out done herself with another installment to the wacky group of characters in Half Moon Hollow!

The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires...

picks up after the Jane Jameson series but chronologically falls before the other stand-alone, Driving Mr. Dead, even though it was released after it. This is the story of Iris Scandland, the wedding coordinator from Jane’s wedding and the boss of Miranda from Driving Mr. Dead. Iris has continued to grow her concierge service for vampires and is asked by the counsel to take on a new client. However, upon arriving at his house to drop of his contract she finds him passed out on the floor – not normal for a vampire. After realizing he was most likely poisoned by someone from the counsel he begs her to help hide him while he tries to discover who is trying to kill him. Iris reluctantly agrees knowing that this will mean inviting him into her home and interacting directly with him – something she always tries to avoid with her clients. And so begins their journey to find his attacker, discover what is going on with the case that he was working on and may be the attackers motivation, and try to do it all without driving each other nuts. But as they continue to work together they quickly realize all the anger between them is foreplay in disguise.

Iris is a wonderful character full of spunk and self assurance. I think my favorite part is when he tries to drink from her in his drugged out state and she brings him back to reality by “smacking him on the nose like a misbehaving puppy”.   Mr. big and sexy is so startled that he can only smile at her spunk and attitude. Cal is a very likable character. Although a bit set in his ways and grouchy at first, as he begins to feel better he really becomes quite charming. This is a fun read and a great installment to the series. As always, I “listen” to Molly. Amanda Ronconi, as always, does a fabulous job with this series and really brings the characters to life. This is one of my go to series when I’m feeling down and need a fun escape. And this book is a wonderful addition!

Cover Blurb:
Iris Scanlon, Half-Moon Hollow’s only daytime vampire concierge, knows more about the undead than she’d like. Running all their daylight errands—from letting in the plumber to picking up some chilled O neg—gives her a look at the not-so-glamorous side of vampire life. Her rules are strict; relationships with vamps are strictly business, not friendship—and certainly not anything else. But then she finds her newest client, Cal, poisoned on his kitchen floor, and only Iris can help.

Cal - who would be devastatingly sexy, if Iris allowed herself to think that way - offers Iris a hefty fee for hiding him at her place until he figures out who wants him permanently dead. Even though he’s imperious, unfriendly and doesn't seem to understand the difference between "employee" and "servant," Iris agrees, and finds herself breaking more and more of her own rules to help him - particularly those concerning nudity.

Turns out what her quiet little life needed was some intrigue & romance—in the form of her very own stray vampire.

Rating: Four Chocolate Dipped Strawberries!!!

Yes Sir! Somebody's Perfect.

In honor of the Military Hop, we're featuring one of our favorite authors, Kallypso Masters. We're part of her street crew spreading the word about her books whenever we can because WE LOVE HER BOOKS. And since her books' heroes are ex-military, it seemed the perfect time to feature her newest book.

Be sure to click on the button to the left, 

check out the hop page 

and WIN RESCUE ME SWAG.

Nobody's Perfect BLURB
Savannah Gentry, now Savi Baker, escaped the torture and degradation forced upon her by a sadistic father for eleven years and has made a safe life for herself and her daughter. When her father threatens her peace of mind—and her daughter's safety—Savi runs to Damián Orlando for protection. Their one day together eight years earlier changed both their lives and resulted in a secret she can no longer hide. But being with Damián reawakens feelings she wants buried—and stirs up an onslaught of disturbing flashbacks that leave her shaken to the core with little hope of ever being a sexual being again. 

Damián has his own dragons to fight, but has never forgotten the one perfect day he spent with Savannah in a cave at the beach. He will go to the ends of the earth to protect Savi and her daughter, but can never be the whole man she deserves after a firefight in Iraq. Besides, the trauma of war and resulting PTSD has led him to find his place as the Masters at Arms Club's favorite sadist. Savi needs someone gentle and loving, not the broken man he has become. But he sees that the lifestyle he's come to embrace also can help Savi regain control of her life and sexuality. How can he not help redirect her negative thoughts and actions if she needs him?


REVIEW
Kallypso Masters may think Nobody's Perfect but we don't know what she is talking about. We found Somebody Perfect right in her book. Let us introduce you to Damian. He's the hero from the book and, okay, we'll admit he's got a scarred past but he's the p-e-r-f-e-c-t hero. Boy does Kally know how to write her heroes. And her heroines... Savi was a masterfully created character who overcame tremendous obstacles and rose above them.

In the Rescue Me series, Kally has created realistic characters that readers will feel immense empathy for because they seem so genuine -the real deal- and grab readers right in. All of these men who just happen to be involved in a fetish club (freakin' hot!) are also warriors. They've seen the places of hell, survived and are living life. Their women are strong with stories of their own.

This particular book "Nobody's Perfect" is the most darkly themed -Savi is the victim of severe abuse- but finally we get Savi and Damian's story which began back in the first book. It was absolutely worth the wait. And to say their daughter's safety is precious is an understatement. It was so great to visit with the other couples. But damn that Kally ;) for the brief excerpt from the next book. Now I am pacing awaiting the next book!

If you enjoy military romance, BDSM, hot heroes or any form of sensual love stories and haven't read this series, you are missing out on greatness. BONUS: book one is always offered for FREE so go over to Barnes&Noble and grab it!


RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries 
This book was given to us by the author. Many thanks.

Yes Sir! Military Blog Hop Has Begun

The Men and Women of the Military HOP!

A BIG SHOUT OUT to the men and women who are or were serving in the military. All the sites in this hop will be featuring romance books with military hotties on far distant planets... hell yeah, how awesome is that! Some are giving away books, some gift cards, and some have fun swag.

The Ndulgent Bloggers have SWAG from Author Kallyspo Masters.

Her series, RESCUE ME, features hot military men, now retired, who opened a fetish club. 

It's not only hot - it's an emotional journey through each of these men's lives. 

If you haven't read them, you are so missing out!!!

Her latest book - NOBODY'S PERFECT - is our first review during this hop.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MARCH along... the LINKS are below...

As Yummy As Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries!

I Love Reading Book Series, especially really good series where the characters feel like family. Laura Kaye's Hero Series was just that. Book One, Her Forbidden Hero, was a tender romance with the right balance of sweet and heat. I didn't know when I read it that I would someday be able to read Brady's story so it was an early Christmas present when her book came out on our blog's weekly review list. I grabbed it right up. And I was not disappointed. I absolutely knew Brady was going to be my favorite kind of hero. Y-U-M-M-Y!

ONE NIGHT WITH A HERO

He wants just one night…
After growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father, Army Special Forces Sgt. Brady Scott vowed never to marry or have kids. Sent stateside to get his head on straight—and his anger in check—Brady’s looking for a distraction. He finds it in his beautiful new neighbor’s one-night-only offer for hot sex, but her ability to make him forget is addictive. Suddenly, Brady’s not so sure he can stay away.
…what they need is each other.
Orphaned as a child, community center director Joss Daniels swore she’d never put herself in a position to be left behind again, but she can’t deny herself one sizzling night with the sexy soldier who makes her laugh and kisses her senseless. When Joss discovers she’s pregnant, Brady’s rejection leaves her feeling abandoned. Now, they must overcome their fears before they lose the love and security they’ve found in each other, but can they let go of the past to create a future together?

REVIEW
Laura Kaye has one of those author's voices I fall right into. I could read everything she writes. Her stories simply feel real. This couple -Brady and Joss- were so adorable and hot together, I was immediately drawn in by the fun dialogue. With such natural and smooth scenes between the two characters, it was like watching real life... except better. Kaye writes from her heart and developed this rich story about characters that resemble everyday people, ones readers might be friends with.

Readers will devour this book. It's as yummy as a candy bar... or 5 chocolate-dipped strawberries!





RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries 
This book was given to us by Brazen, Entangled Publishing. Many thanks.

About the Author 

Laura KayeLaura Kaye is a bestselling and award-winning author of paranormal, contemporary and erotic romance. Laura's hot, heartfelt stories are all about the universal desire for a place to belong. Laura grew up amidst family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses, cementing her life-long fascination with the supernatural. Though an avid fiction writer as a teenager, a career as a historian took her in other directions until recently. Now that Laura's inner muse has awakened, she's constantly creating new story ideas! Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

goodreads url: http://www.goodreads.com/LauraKaye
website: http://www.LauraKayeAuthor.com
twitter username: laurakayeauthor

Humpday Hello Luxen Style

Howdy ho hump day nation!  It's been awhile, life has just gotten to me - we all have those moments where you have to hunker down just to get through the day. Thank God for great friends....and books....and wine!

Some days guilty indulgences are the best thing you can give yourself.  Speaking of Guilty Indulgences - who here missed the Hump day eye candy?  Well, to serve penance, I will give you something special and maybe sneak in another later in the week....you'll have to keep your eyes peeled and stay tuned!

During my hiatus, I read....alot! And all over the map - historical romance, YA, erotica, M/M romance, contemporary romance - some old favorite authors and some new authors - and all of it was really, really good!  Check out my homage for the day - an amazing voice in romance is a hot YA storyteller to boot!

The Lux series, Jennifer Armentrout, Entangled Publishing, 2012

Shadows (A Prequel), Lux series

The last thing Dawson Black expected was Bethany Williams. As a Luxen, an alien life form on Earth, human girls are…well, fun. But since the Luxen have to keep their true identities a secret, falling for one would be insane.

Dangerous. Tempting. Undeniable.

Bethany can’t deny the immediate connection between her and Dawson. And even though boys aren’t a complication she wants, she can’t stay away from him. Still, whenever they lock eyes, she’s drawn in.

Captivated. Lured. Loved.

Dawson is keeping a secret that will change her existence…and put her life in jeopardy. But even he can’t stop risking everything for one human girl. Or from a fate that is as unavoidable as love itself.

Obsidian, Book 1, Lux Series

Starting Over Sucks

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy Internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And Then He Opened His Mouth

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.

The Hot Alien Living Next Door Marks Me

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I Don’t Kill Him First, That Is


Onyx, Book 2, Lux series

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than Arum has come to town

The Department of Defense is here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we’re linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there’s this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that’s possible. Against all common sense, I’m falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then, everything changes

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies.


BUY LINKS: Amazon Barnes and Noble


REVIEW:

Call me a crazy kid wannabee, I adore YA romance series. The writing is usually a cut above, having to rely upon great characters and interesting plot lines instead of sexy erotic thrills. Jennifer Armentrout's new Lux series is no exception to this rule. Action, sassy heroines and brooding heroes, simmering sexual tension (at a PG13 level) and snarky humor - what more can one ask from a teen series? Toss in some truly interesting and well crafted plot twists and an extremely well constructed world and you have total captivation.

For those who freak out about order of series - close your eyes. I read Obsidian first (It's book 1) and completely fell in love with Daemon and Katy. Ms. Armentrout captures her readers with very multi-dimensional characters and some razor sharp story lines. From the very first page I was hooked, read all night and started the next book the following day - yes, that kind of addiction. Perhaps it's this blogger's tender heart for a book blogger heroine or a hero to rival Jace Wayland or Logan Quinn....

Katy and her mom move to podunk West Virginia in an attempt to restart their lives after Katy's dad's death. With mom working insane shifts at several hospitals, Katy is alone much of the time. She strikes up a friendship with her neighbor Dee Black, much to Dee's brother's dismay. Daemon's hostility manifests in some stellar verbal sparring that leaves Katy baffled. However, when Katy gets attacked one night, Daemon comes to the rescue. Like magnets that attract and repel, the pair have a chemistry that is out of this world...literally. Obsidian lays the ground work for a classic forbidden romance - Earth girl and Alien boy!

Onyx takes the storyline and runs full steam ahead. Unbelievably, Onyx was even better than Obsidian which I adored. Building upon the world of the Luxen on Earth, taking the war with the Arum and the mysterious men in black from the DOD, Onyx tantalizes the reader with the momentum of Daemon and Katy's romance and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of several local teens, including Dee and Daemon's brother Dawson and his human girlfriend. The witty banter between him and Katy continues and their sizzling chemistry remains but never crosses the YA line - combining a very emotional and cerebral romance with the burgeoning passions of the two teens from very different worlds. The cliff hanging ending keeps readers on the precipice desperately waiting for book 3, Opal, to be released December 11, 2012!

By far one of my favorite reads of 2012, the Lux series is a shining example of great YA storytelling.

RATING: Five Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries and a trip or two to the Smoke Hole Diner in Petersburg! Winner of our Ultimate Indulgence Book Award!