Sunday, November 11, 2012

A STUDY IN SEDUCTION BY ~NINA ROWAN~



Lydia Kellaway has a brilliant mind. She is a master with puzzles but not so brilliant 
when it comes to managing her life. When Lydia's Grandmother pawns a unique locket that
Lydia held in high regard, trouble begins. Lydia discovers that Alexander Hall, Viscount Northwood 
has purchased her locket, and so begins the game of retrieving it from him.
Alexander Hall, Viscount Northwood is constantly bothered by his family to find a bride and settle down to his duties  which include of course, producing and heir. Scandal in his family's recent past has already seen to ruin his marriage plans. His Russian mother ran off with another man leaving all of Londoners with their tongues wagging. In addition, tension between Russia and the rest of Europe doesn't help any of his public dealings. All said, Alexander is put off by marriage, and with reason.
Lydia is not Alexander's type of woman at all, but that being said, she stirs something deep inside him that makes him want to know what makes this brilliant woman's mind tick. Lydia gives Alexander a series of puzzles to solve in exchange for the coveted locket and so begins a series of mishaps and mysteries that evolve into a relationship. As feelings begin to grow between Lydia and Alexander, he finds that he wants more from her than she is willing to give. Lydia has a deep, dark secret that if and when it is revealed  will likely ruin the lives of many involved.
A new reader of Nina Rowan, I cautiously began this tale will even expectations. I was so pleasantly surprised with A Study in Seduction, that I am so looking forward to the next book in the Daring Hearts series. I like a good mystery entwined with the romance, and that's exactly what you get here. Lydia's secret is quite a shocker, making this a total must read. I love how Lydia, the brilliant mind, is a fish out of water when it comes to love. Alexander on the other hand is such an open character. Once he decides what he wants, he goes right after it. I enjoyed  A Study In Seduction by Nina Rowan, and I hope you will too.


~KIMBERLY~


4 Stars (Brilliant)

Friday, November 9, 2012

Infinite Betrayal by Robyn Mackenzie and Gayle Donnelly



Mina Roarke is in mourning over the loss of her mother, her only family member. Having been brought up in the Pacific Northwest believing she had no one left but her friend Chloe she is distraught. When she finds letters written from her presumed dead father to her mother, she is stunned enough to travel to Germany to attempt to find something out about the man who took no part in her life. At Chloe's coaxing, Mina takes the journey. What she discovers on her travels rocks her very existence.

When Mathias, a very tall dark and sexy shifter of a race called the Coteri, is sent by Roderick, Mina's father and King of the secret shifter Coteri race, to protect her, sparks fly between the bodyguard and his charge.  As Roderick's trusted General,  Mathias is entrusted with protecting Mina with his own life if necessary, but protecting her means staying close to her and that proves dangerous. Aside from the Coteri being unknown to the human race, they have enemies, namely a former Coteri , Valencia and her demented son Luca, who belong to the Valta, the nemesis of the Coteri who's ultimate goal is to rule over humanity, not co-exist with it as the Coteri do.

Regardless of Coteri law forbidding a shifter to fraternize with humans, Mathias is so drawn to Mina he cannot help himself and one kiss has him ignite a fire deep inside She in turn is completely taken with him before she finds out about the Coteri and being a half breed herself. Mathias struggles with the budding relationship, knowing that his King would probably kill him for touching his daughter. Ultimately what the pair feel for each other creates fireworks and trouble taking the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotion. When Mina discovers the mystery of her birth she is confused and shaken. Will Mina comes to terms with the fact other races exist and she belongs to one? Will  the dominant Mathias succeed in his quest to shelter Mina from the danger that is very much on her tail? Once again.. you're going to have to read to find out.

I loved INFINITE BETRAYAL! The creation of this shifter race by Gayle Donnelly and Robyn Mackenzie has shaken things up. I find myself imagining all the awesome tales to come from these amazing shifters. You feel the passion that Matthias and Mina have for each other, you become part of their world. The secondary characters only add to the drama with hunky shifters Talon and Tre, who pick on each other adding a bit of laughter  and the super intelligent Isla who holds the Coteri history and knowledge dear. This story runs the gamut of emotions with the passion and desire to horror and disdain. I cannot wait for the second installment of this series hoping there are plans for several more! I highly recommend INFINITE BETRAYAL to all, it does not disappoint!

~KIMBERLY~


4 Orgasms Read (Awesome!!!)

5 Stars (Hook Line and Sinker)


Gayle Donnelly & Robyn Mackenzie on the web: http://www.donnellymackenzie.com/

Thursday, November 8, 2012

The Perfect Score by Beth Williamson





In the Perfect Score, we have a group of friends who are members of a local bowling league in a small town called Espejo in Texas. As luck would have it, Espejo is hosting a  The Perfect Score Tournament and these three friends, Babs, Veronica and Marlene decide to compete. Bowling was what they had in mind, but what happens with these three friends is much more personal, and life altering.

The Perfect Score is one of those feel good reads. Ordinary people living their ordinary lives, secretly hoping for their chance at love. Beth Williamson is a master at involving the reader with the characters. As we sit on the sidelines and root these three ladies to live their lives to the fullest and take the chances that can ultimately give them what they need. I enjoyed The Perfect Score by Beth Williamson. Beth knows how to get to the heart of the story and I love how she gets the reader  there. Not only do these three novellas have heart, but they are extremely sexy, delving into the bedrooms of these three ladies where we get an up close peek into the intimacy shared with their significant others. Definitely not for the faint of heart, The Perfect Score will make you want to run out and join a bowling league!

5 Stars (Hook Line and Sinker)



One Night Stand
Babs Loomis is a bitter woman. Her husband left her after five years because they couldn’t have children and he didn’t want a woman that was barren. She is a chain smoker, and a drinker, intent on getting as much pleasure as she can out of life. She bowls for company – Veronica and Marlene are her closest friends. When she runs into Jimmy Tanaka at the tournament, a former friend of her ex-husband’s, her bitterness turns into something completely different and totally unexpected.
Can Babs overcome her own ghosts and find more than a one night stand?

Widow’s Weeds
Veronica Avery needs to get laid. It’s been five years since her husband died in a car accident and she’s lonely and tired of trying to meet men that end up with a big “L” on their forehead. When she joins The Perfect Score bowling tournament, her modest hopes are pinned on meeting a man she might feel comfortable going to bed with.
She’s not expecting to meet Patrice Goldman, a woman that inspires feelings of passion and longing in her cobwebby heart. Afraid and confused, Veronica tries to deny her growing feelings for the auburn haired woman, but fate has other things in mind for the woman in black. It’s time to shed her widow’s weeds and live again.

Marlene’s Man
Marlene is a big girl and has always been a big girl, but she’s a kick-ass bowler, determined to finally hit that 300 game. The Perfect Score tournament at the Starlite Bowling Alley is her chance to show the world that she’s worth something more than just a quick lay.
When she meets Buck Miller at the tournament, she falls instantly in lust. When their fabulous sex turns into a relationship, Marlene runs like a scared rabbit. Will Buck give up his goal of a perfect game to convince the woman of his dreams that he loves her? Or will Marlene’s stubbornness ruin her chances at a 300 game and a man of her own?

READ AN EXCERPT

As she stood and focused on her mark, she heard someone clear their throat behind her.
“Ah, you’re missing a pin there, sweet cheeks.”
Marlene saw red. Terry just couldn’t let up, could he?
“Listen asshole…” She began as she turned around to tell him to stick it up his ass. The words froze in her throat. Standing at the end of the lane was the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen in her life.
He was big, no check that, he was huge. At least six and a half feet tall, with curly light brown hair, and a well used cowboy hat on his head. His shoulders seemed to fill her vision as they stretched out a black cotton t-shirt until the seams looked like they’d bust. His jeans were sinfully tight across a nicely bulging package.
Holy ever-loving Christ.
His eyebrows rose as his gaze traveled up and down her body. She broke out in goosebumps when he lingered on her overly large boobs. Her pussy felt plump and warm in her jeans and hot damn, she was getting damp panties just looking at him.
“I’m sorry; I thought you were someone else.” Marlene knew that sounded lame since she’d just called him an asshole, but it was the best her paralyzed tongue could come up with.
“Gotcha. Somebody been bugging you?” He stepped down into the seating area and Marlene felt her nipples twitch.
“Just… an old friend I guess you could call him. He was just trying to get my goat, ya know. Um, is there something I can help you with? I mean, do you need help?”
Oh, hell, she should just leave the building and stop making a fool of herself. He smiled and those pearly whites just about blinded her. Who the hell was he?
“You can help me if you’re Marlene McComb.”
“Me? You’re looking for me?”
Not. Possible. Just not possible. Why would this Greek God be looking for her? He needed someone to polish his scepter?
“If you’re Marlene, then I’m your partner for the tournament. Name’s Buck Miller.”
Marlene wasn’t a religious woman, but when he announced that he was her partner, she could swear she heard angels singing up on high. He was her partner. Her partner. Well, halle-fucking-lujah!
“Oh, right. In the mixed doubles. Yep, I’m Marlene. Nice to meet you.”
She wanted to snort at her own inane comments. Nice to meet him. All she could think about was his name. Buck. Nice that it rhymed with fuck, because that’s all she could think about. He was big enough to ride. Big enough for her.
As Marlene stepped forward to shake his hand, the air around her seemed to crackle. When their hands met, the jolt that went through her had nothing to do with static electricity and everything to do with pure chemistry. Buck’s smile got wider. He felt it too.
“Would you like to practice with me?”
Would you like to jump in the sack with me?
Marlene couldn’t contain her wayward thoughts. He was just so damn… hot and sexy. She was totally in lust. It wasn’t the first time, but it was the most powerful. Holy cow. She could hardly form a coherent thought in the glare of those pearly whites.
“Sure thing. Let me go get my stuff outta my truck.”
He turned to walk out and Marlene’s knees went weak. That ass. His ass was absolutely perfect. Round, tight, and the perfect size to caress and squeeze. And bite. She sat down heavily in the scoring chair and tried to calm her racing heart before Buck came back. She didn’t want to look like an idiot, and no doubt, her pale complexion was as red as a tomato right about then.
“Marlene, you okay?”
Marlene turned and looked at her friend Jesse, the owner of the Starlite Lanes. He was a fifty-something bachelor with steel gray hair, a sweet disposition, and the largest collection of Hawaiian shirts in the state of Texas.
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
“You look like you’re about to pass out, honey. Do you need something from the snack bar?” He looked so concerned, she felt guilty. After all, she was flushed because she was horny, which he would never suspect of course.
“Maybe an ice water, Jesse. That’d be peachy.”
He nodded and went off to the snack bar to get her the water. Marlene smacked her forehead with one hand and tried to think of icky things to calm herself down. Math class, old ladies with saggy boobs, toe cheese, rat droppings.
“Lee?”
Marlene’s head snapped up at Buck’s voice.
“Huh?”
“I’m sorry. I’m one of those fellas who likes to shorten names. If it’s okay, I thought I’d call you Lee instead of Marlene.”
Oh hell. He did it again. She could feel the heat creeping back into her cheeks. No one had ever given her a nickname that didn’t suck. Until now.
“That’s sweet of you. Sure, you can call me Lee.”
“Perfect. Can I warm up before we bowl?”
Marlene simply stared at him as he set his bowling bag down and leaned over to unzip it. That ass was going to send her into a coma if she kept looking at it. Warm up? Hell, if she got any warmer, she’d catch on fire.
“Sure. Let me reset the scores and we can bowl on both lanes.” She managed to squeeze out.
While she busied herself trying to remember what buttons to push to clear the scores, Buck took out his bowling balls and shoes. She peeked at his feet. He had biiiiig feet, really big feet. Didn’t that mean he had big… other body parts? Just the thought sent shivers down her spine.



Beth Williamson, who also writes as Emma Lang, is an award-winning, bestselling author of both historical and contemporary romances. Her books range from sensual to scorching hot. She is a Career Achievement Award Nominee in Erotic Romance by Romantic Times Magazine, in both 2009 and 2010.
Beth has always been a dreamer, never able to escape her imagination. It led her to the craft of writing romance novels. She’s passionate about purple, books, and her family. She has a weakness for shoes and purses, as well as bookstores. Her path in life has taken several right turns, but she’s been with the man of her dreams for more than 20 years.
Beth works full-time and writes romance novels evening, weekends, early mornings and whenever there is a break in the madness. She is compassionate, funny, a bit reserved at times, tenacious and a little quirky. Her cowboys and western romances speak of a bygone era, bringing her readers to an age where men were honest, hard and packing heat. For a change of pace, she also dives into some smokin’ hot contemporaries, bringing you heat, romance and snappy dialogue.
Life might be chaotic, as life usually is, but Beth always keeps a smile on her face, a song in her heart, and a cowboy on her mind. ;)



Wednesday, November 7, 2012

MIRACLE IN NEW HOPE by KAKI WARNER




 Widower, Daniel Hobart has taken up residence in New Hope. He leads a solitary life and because half his face is marred by scars, he believes that the townspeople dislike and avoid him. Several years ago he lost his wife and young son, and carries the guilt of not being able to save them deep within himself.

When a snowslide slams through the general store he is at, Daniel is trapped under six feet of snow, with little air to breathe. When he calls out for help, he is answered by the voice of a child, a young girl. Daniel believes the young girl is trapped as well, but when he is finally rescued and inquires about the child, he is told there was no one else trapped. Daniel begins to hear the young girls voice imploring him to help her and thinks he may be going crazy. Then at his cabin, he sees a young girl, with whom he speaks to. Her name is Hannah Ellis and she asks Daniel for help, but disappears before he is able.

Daniel goes back into town to inquire about this Hannah Ellis, and finds that she is the missing and presumed dead little girl of young widow, Lacy Ellis. Hannah disappeared while on a trip to another town and was believed to have perished in the cold. Lacy Ellis, after almost a year of searching has just about lost hope until she hears Daniel's story. When Daniel says he is going to try and find Hannah, Lacy and her skeptical brothers join in the search.

Although Miracle In New Hope is a novella, it is a complete and compelling read that I enjoyed immensely. Kaki Warner has brought two damaged people from different walks of life together to achieve the same goal. Daniel is scarred on both the inside and out, but he is a good man just trying to get by. Lacy has lost so much and even though she has the help of her well meaning brothers, she still needs understanding.  This novella is one of persistence and hope and I cannot wait to read more by Kaki Warner, as she is one of my favorite Western authors.

~KIMBERLY~
5 Stars (Hook Line and Sinker)

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

THE PERFECT SCORE RELEASE PARTY RODEO!

SINCE I LOST POWER FOR 9 DAYS, I HAVE DECIDED TO EXTEND THIS CONTEST TO SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11th...



BETH WILLIAMSON'S ~ THE PERFECT SCORE~  RELEASE DATE NOVEMBER 6, 2012

The Perfect Score Tournament is coming to the small town of Espejo, Texas. The biggest bowling tournament in the state is going to change the lives of three friends.
What they find is more than a 300 game.
One Night Stand
Babs Loomis is a bitter woman. Her husband left her after five years because they couldn’t have children and he didn’t want a woman that was barren. She is a chain smoker, and a drinker, intent on getting as much pleasure as she can out of life. She bowls for company – Veronica and Marlene are her closest friends. When she runs into Jimmy Tanaka at the tournament, a former friend of her ex-husband’s, her bitterness turns into something completely different and totally unexpected.
Can Babs overcome her own ghosts and find more than a one night stand?
Widow’s Weeds
Veronica Avery needs to get laid. It’s been five years since her husband died in a car accident and she’s lonely and tired of trying to meet men that end up with a big “L” on their forehead. When she joins The Perfect Score bowling tournament, her modest hopes are pinned on meeting a man she might feel comfortable going to bed with.
She’s not expecting to meet Patrice Goldman, a woman that inspires feelings of passion and longing in her cobwebby heart. Afraid and confused, Veronica tries to deny her growing feelings for the auburn haired woman, but fate has other things in mind for the woman in black. It’s time to shed her widow’s weeds and live again.
Marlene’s Man
Marlene is a big girl and has always been a big girl, but she’s a kick-ass bowler, determined to finally hit that 300 game. The Perfect Score tournament at the Starlite Bowling Alley is her chance to show the world that she’s worth something more than just a quick lay.
When she meets Buck Miller at the tournament, she falls instantly in lust. When their fabulous sex turns into a relationship, Marlene runs like a scared rabbit. Will Buck give up his goal of a perfect game to convince the woman of his dreams that he loves her? Or will Marlene’s stubbornness ruin her chances at a 300 game and a man of her own?




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Sunday, October 28, 2012

RECONSTRUCTING JACKSON by HOLLY BUSH




Wheelchair bound, lawyer/ex-soldier, Reed Jackson arrives in Fenton, Missouri after being more or less disinherited by his father because of losing a leg in the Civil War. Reed, the eldest son was set to take over the family plantation and marry a local Southern Belle, until the unfortunate outcome which has the elder Jackson handing said bride-to be and the plantation over to another brother who has no infirmities. 

Once in Fenton, he moves into the Ames Hotel, which is owned by his cousin Henry and wife Mary Ellen. Upon his arrival, Reed meets the hotel manager Beulah who is a freed slave. Having been a soldier on the losing side of the Civil War, Reed is uncomfortable with Beulah's status and stature when he first arrives, but soon becomes fascinated by her pride and her determination.

Belle Richards is the sacrificed young daughter of a dirt poor family in Fenton. The seventeen year old is beaten regularly by her ignorant and evil brother Jed, and her equally ignorant alcoholic father consistently  but that doesn't break the young girl's spirit. In fact, it spurns her to better herself by fulfilling one of her dreams, to read. Beulah and her brother, a reverend, secretly school Belle and others in reading, but trouble begins when Belle's brother finds out. Post war Missouri is still reeling with prejudice as many of the Southern states are. Jed is so angry his sister is being taught how to read by blacks, that he beats Belle severely. 

Beaten and bloody, Belle winds up outside the Ames Hotel in the company of Beulah. Reed Jackson, quickly takes control of the situation and has Belle brought to his room to be doctored and watched over.
When Belle's family comes the the Ames Hotel to force Belle to return to the hovel they live in, Reed asks Belle to marry him so she would be taken care of and never fear from her family again. She agrees.

Marriage between these two people, so different from one another but so intriguingly compatible, makes this story extremely compelling. At first, Reed is resigned to the fact that he would never be able to do any better than the poor Belle, but soon he comes to realize that this woman has unflinching determination and a Hell of a lot of heart. All Belle ever wanted was a home a husband to love her and children, and once she is given the chance, she takes the bull by the horns. 

Tragedy soon strikes too close to home threatening the very lives of all Reed holds dear and when his new wife decides to take on the world, Reed must overcome his disability to become the man he has always meant to be.

What can I say about this book? Well I have to tell you, Holly Bush is an extraordinary writer. Every time I read her books a cry and rejoice. Being the history buff that I am, I am always drawn to a good story pertaining to the highs and lows of our country. Holly Bush is not afraid to take the post Civil War sentiment and make it a lesson to all, even if it's in a fictional romance like Reconstructing Jackson. This is a fabulous read and I am proud to say that I have read every one of Holly Bush's books, am a big fan of hers and hope she continues with these stories that are so worth the time to read. I highly recommend Reconstructing Jackson.

~KIMBERLY~

5 Stars (Hook Line a


 Holly Bush on the Web: http://www.hollybushbooks.com/
Holly Bush on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hollybushbooks
Holly Bush on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3378392.Holly_Bush

THE TROUBLE WITH COWBOYS (Catcher Creek #1) by MELISSA CUTLER



Amy Sorentino is a legend of sorts. A former contestant on a big reality cooking show, The Ultimate Chef Showdown. She is infamous for a very public outburst during the filming. The ultra talented chef loses the big prize and eventually returns to her life in Catcher Creek as one of three Sorentino sisters struggling to keep the family ranch afloat after their father's untimely death and their mother's emotional breakdown which, which puts her in a home with constant care. The Sorentino sisters have decided to turn the family ranch into a dude ranch that features meals comprised of staples from all local growers and suppliers. 

Kellan Reed, cowboy extraordinaire, owns a prestigious cattle ranch that produces the best beef around. Kellan has proudly worked to the bone to start and run his business. Kellan also has a big secret he would prefer the world never know. He is the sole heir to Amarex oil corporation, of which his maternal uncle  is the shady owner. Uncle Morton attempts continuously to drag his nephew into his unethical dealings, but thus far, Kellan has been able to steer clear.

Amy and Kellan bump into on another at the local Quick Stand, where chef Amy is in search of celery and she holds up the line at the store. Some of the locals in that line bring up the touchy subject of The Ultimate Chef showdown and also try to rile her about her family and just before Amy goes off on the locals, Kellan Reed steps in to save the day. Immediately sparks fly between Kellan and Amy and there is no use denying the fire that has ignited between them, even though Amy has a set of rules with number 1 being "NO COWBOYS".

When Kellan finds out that his uncle is after Amy's childhood home, he realizes this is a conflict of interest and  he attempts to step back, only to be sucked back in due to, first, his feelings, and second, Sorentino family issues that tug at his heart as well. Sisters, Amy, Rachel and Jenna are at wits end with family issues and throwing in the prospect of losing the ranch may just too much to handle for everyone involved.

The Trouble With Cowboys by Melissa Cutler is a book that grabs you from the first, with its immediate sparks flying between the Amy and Kellan. Then it keeps you interested with each character's story. Kellan is a straight forward decent guy. I immediately was attracted to his passion for his work and being a self-made man. Amy, having been taken advantage of in her past is a tad gun shy, especially when it comes to cowboy Kellan, but his persistence is admirable. Melissa Cutler has added a cast of characters who only compliment the entire scheme of things with Kellan's friends Vaughn, Lisa and Chris and Amy's quirky new employees, Sloan and Douglas. 

I loved the The Trouble With Cowboys by Melissa Cutler. This story is riveting and well written with a great balance of humor and drama. This book goes through a gamut of emotions, laughter and tears and leaves the reader well sated. I am so looking forward to the next in the Catcher Creek series as I am already making bets on who will be the next two to fall in love. Gahhhhh, must we wait a year for this book?

~KIMBERLY~ 

5 Stars (Hook Line and Sinker)



Melissa Cutler's Website: http://www.melissacutler.net/
Melissa Cutler on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/melissa.cutler.71?fref=ts
Melissa on Twitter: https://twitter.com/m_cutler
Melissa on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5775524.Melissa_Cutler