Rogues and Romance

Quest into the Forbidden by Vanessa N. Gilfoy

2008-04-01T05:04:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm a bit out of order here, as this is the third book in Vanessa Gilfoy's New Pangaea series and I last reviewed the FIRST book, Masquerade of the Cursed King. If you didn't catch my review of Masquerade, be sure and take a peek, and definitely go and check out Vanessa's guest blog with us and find out more about her vision for New Pangaea.

This story especially really drew me into the world of New Pangaea. I found myself going over the timelines of all the stories to place the events, and of course visiting Ms. Gilfoy’s website and checking out her awesome New Pangaea section. It was then I realized how really captivating this series is- you really can’t help wanting to know more, and thinking about it long after you’re finished reading.

Quest Into the Forbidden
Vanessa N. Gilfoy
Ellora's Cave
ISBN #9781419914003
Available Now
Novella
Fantasy Erotic Romance

Holt, king of Gildon, is a self-assured warrior who has traveled to elven land seeking the final treaty in his quest for peace with the elven kingdoms- peace on paper, anyway. He is already in a precarious position entering elven land: humans are shot on sight. But nothing compares to the trouble he finds when he comes across Ceres: an elven princess who recognizes him as her fated, and a woman he can‘t resist. Though it is forbidden for elves and humans to mate, their hearts and bodies refuse to let them deny one another. But if Ceres’ father, the king, were to find out, he would force them apart and the sound of the uneasy peace shattering would pale in comparison to the shattering of their hearts…

Vanessa Gilfoy has enraptured me once again, this time with the third book in her New Pangaea series. Quest in the Forbidden is a bit different than the first two books in that the story focuses on the hero’s point of view, where the preceding books centered more on the heroine. Ms. Gilfoy really impressed me with her ability to expertly walk the fine line between making the heroine mysterious and magical, but still inspiring empathy from the reader. While we do get bits of the story from Ceres’ perspective, for a good part of the story her thoughts and motives are a mystery, making her “feel” like even more the ethereal and enigmatic elven princess that she is. There is no question however, that Holt is willing to go up against an entire race for her, and does. Besides exciting action and intense romance, one of the best parts of the story is the personal growth both characters go through because of their love for each other. Ceres starts following her heart, and quits hiding who she is, and Holt learns the meaning of true sacrifice: self-sacrifice. Vanessa Gilfoy really outdid herself not only with Quest Into the Forbidden, but with every book in her New Pangaea series, and I can only hope and wait for more!

-Mandy Briggs
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac

Violence Rating: *4- Fire Arrow

Quest into the Forbidden book trailer from Vanessa Gilfoy on Vimeo.

Official Blurb:
All he needs is one more treaty to wash away his bloody past and achieve his golden reign. But when King Holt Duran stumbles upon an elven princess bathing in enchanted waters, he stands to lose all he's accomplished. He knows it's wrong. Intimacy between elves and humans is forbidden but how can he resist her dewy skin and goddess-like body?

Ceres shouldn't want him but his boyish charms tempt her for a taste. If she could hide him away, she'd enjoy him again and again.

Happy Reading!
Mandy

The Crystal by Sandra Cox

2008-03-19T17:59:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of reading, reviewing, (and loving) Sandra Cox's book Boji Stones before reading The Crystal, her first book. But now that I've read The Crystal, I must say I am very impressed that both the story and writing were not only just as good as her second book, but as wonderful as many a seasoned writers.

The Crystal
Sandra Cox
Cerridwen Press
Available Now
249 pages
Paranormal Romance

Gabriella Bell is a spunky policeman’s daughter and small-time reporter with dreams of being a serious journalist. But her life changes when she enters and antique shop and sees the face of a handsome man in the center of a gazing globe. She can’t resist purchasing a crystal ball, unaware that it had been stolen from the aunt of Christopher Saint, a handsome member of elite society, and the man whose face appears to her in the crystal ball.

Christopher Saint lives a dual life- one of a wealthy gentleman, and the other as an infamous cat burglar known only as The Tiger. He has little trouble tracking down his aunt’s stolen property, but when he meets the new owner of the crystal ball, he gets more than he bargained for. Because with the pull Gabby feels to the crystal ball- and to Christopher Saint- she refuses to give it up without a fight. But when a new enemy emerges and threatens not only the crystal but their lives as well, Gabby and Christopher must band together or risk losing much more than just a crystal ball.

The Crystal is the first published book by Sandra Cox, an author who never ceases to amaze me with her flawless infusion of paranormal and suspense elements with contemporary romance. The larger than life characters in this story create a lot of the story on their own, but there’s no lack of action and plot, that’s for sure! The mystery of the crystal ball, the suspense of unraveling the secrets of who is after it and why, and the explosive relationship between Christopher and Gabby are enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. Ms. Cox creates rich supporting characters, from Christopher’s eccentric fae aunt to Gabby’s overprotective father, they refuse to fade into the background. The Crystal’s twists, turns, and sarcastic banter between the two main characters make for an entertaining, lively read. I recommend Sandra Cox to anyone who likes a little fun (and a lot of heart!) with their romance.

-Mandy Briggs
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *2- Cupid’s Passion Arrow

Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow

Official Blurb:
"Only the chosen ones or their mates will ever be able to see the magic contained in the Globe."

Caught in a downpour, Gabriella Bell enters a trendy little shop and discovers a crystal ball in which she sees the face of a hard-eyed stranger. Drawn by a force she doesn't understand she buys the crystal, unaware she is purchasing stolen property that belongs to the aunt of a premiere cat burglar known to polite society as Christopher Saint and to the underworld as The Tiger.

She soon discovers that not only does the handsome, hard-eyed stranger want the mysterious globe but so does a beautiful ruthless jewel thief who will stop at nothing, including murder, to possess Christopher and the crystal ball…and Gabriella is standing in her way. Gabriella discovers the road to true love isn't just rocky, it's downright dangerous.

Happy Reading!
Mandy

Draegon's Lair by Linda Ciletti

2008-03-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

It has been quite a while since I have read a historical romance, but Linda Ciletti's Draegon's Lair reminded me what it is I love about them. A good historical romance not only pulls you into the story, but into another time period completely. This book definitely did that for me! Linda Ciletti has written an amazing story, and I think you'll agree. Oh, and be sure and stop by her MySpace page before and after reading Draegon's Lair- you will love her Alys and Draegon Meez. They look exactly how I pictured the characters!

Draegon's Lair
Linda Ciletti
Wings ePress
ISBN: 978-1-59705-249-8
Available Now
ebook and print
167 pages
Historical Romance

Alys de Monceux is a victim of circumstance, and even worse, a victim at the hands of her betrothed, Bastion of Worthingshire. She knows she has to flee, to protect both herself and her secret. But when she wakes up in a strange bed with amnesia, she has to depend on her rescuer, the warrior lord by the name of Draegon who never shows his face, until her memory returns. Because there’s only two things she knows for certain: one, that she’s in grave danger, and two, she can’t get her mysterious hero out of her mind.

Draegon is a fierce warrior and lord of a small demense, Greystone. He is a man shrouded in mystery- literally. His face inspired fearful reactions even as a small boy- there were some who even called him a demon. At the urging of his late guardian, he has kept his face hidden for years, and his heart shielded even more. But when he rescues a wounded woman from a group of warriors hunting her, just looking at her causes a stirring in him that he thought impossible. He knows he’s bringing trouble upon his home by taking her with him, but he just can’t walk away from her. While Alys struggles to regain her memory, Draegon struggles to repress the foreign feelings she inspires in him. It’s only when her betrothed shows up at Greystone with his army does Draegon realize how much danger they are all really in. For Draegon knows Bastion of Worthingshire by another name, the malicious and deadly Knighthawk, and Draegon also knows there’s no way he will hand Alys over to that monster Bastion. But Bastion has no intention of letting Alys go, nor will he let her go unpunished for escaping him.

Draegon’s Lair is a wonderful historical full of romance, passion, and mystery. Linda Ciletti does a phenomenal job of developing the characters, from the abuse and anguish Alys has suffered at the hands of Bastion, to the pain and loneliness Draegon has felt his whole life. The ease at which the reader can identify with these characters really makes a difference in the realism of the story. Ms. Ciletti has created an intense and palpable attraction between Alys and Draegon- which is even more impressive when you consider the tension is at its peak before Alys even sees his face. This story has plenty of secrets to keep you guessing, all of which are revealed and nicely tied up by the end, making for one satisfying read. Draegon’s Lair is one of those stories where both the plot and characters really grab you, and it gets harder and harder to put down. Linda Ciletti has definitely made me a fan with this story, and once you read Draegon’s Lair, you will be too.

-Mandy Briggs
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *2- Cupid’s Passion Arrow

Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow

Official Blurb:

Alys de Monceux runs from her betrothed, the cruel and abusive Bastion of Worthingshire. She had run from him before and was flogged in her efforts. This time she cannot fail. This time there is more at stake than her own life. Death would be preferable than returning to the man she fears.

Draegon of Greystone lives a reclusive life. Beneath hood and helm, he hides a face he is sure others will fear. Only his good friend, Diminimis, has seen him without cover. Draegon is content in his world of shadows, or so he believes, until he rescues a wounded Alys from a band of pursuers. Soon he realizes the truth of living in hell--his hell--as he watches others from afar, never interacting. Suddenly he yearns for a love he is unworthy of. He knows this, but how can he convince her of his unworthiness? This spirited and persistent woman who believes him to be more than what he is.

Bastion of Worthingshire wants Alys back.at any cost and he will kill anyone who gets in his way. When he tracks her to Greystone, however, he discovers more than his runaway betrothed--and the myth that has long hung over him finally comes to light. A light he must extinguish.

Happy Reading!
Mandy

Just Ducky by Talia Kelley

2008-03-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

One of the really fantastic things about being a reviewer is getting to read books by talented new authors that you would not have neccesarily been aware of. Talia Kelley is one such author, though I doubt it will be long before plenty of readers know who she is. Just Ducky is her third published story, and her own personal style of writing really shines through. I loved that she had the creative courage to center the story around something as innocuous as a toy duck, and that quirkyness is only part of what makes her story so much fun to read.

Just Ducky
Talia Kelley
Forbidden Publications
Available Now
28 pages
Erotic Paranormal Romance

Amy considers herself lucky. Thanks to a sizeable inheritance, she is able to travel the world, browsing shops while pursuing her love of collecting books and other antiques that catch her eye. But there’s a loneliness she feels that she can’t deny. So when she begins hearing a voice speak to her, and having erotic visions of a handsome lover, she thinks her loneliness is driving her mad. What doesn’t occur to her just yet is that this all started after stumbling upon a strange shop in which the eccentric shopkeeper gifts her with an antique bath toy: a beautiful duck with the most lifelike eyes…

Just Ducky is a paranormal short story by writer Talia Kelley. This story is as whimsical as it is sensual, and Ms. Kelley puts a fun and new spin on the hero-magically-bound-to-an-object story. I was especially won over by the author’s ability to give just the right amount of back-story in order to entice the reader to feel invested in the characters, even with the small amount of pages. Erotic romance lovers will definitely be enthralled by Amy and her mysterious lover, Drake. These two are a potent combination, and their story definitely gets you fired up in no time. Just Ducky is a story I’ll definitely read again, and there’s no doubt I’ll be seeing plenty more of the talented Talia Kelley.

-Mandy
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid’s Aphrodisiac Arrow

Violence Rating: *1- Suction Cup Arrow

Official Blurb:

Amy loves curious and unique items, and thanks to an extensive inheritance, she’s free to buy any treasures she desires. Day after day, she travels and purchases old books and curiosities. It’s a life for which many would give a selected body part, but still fairly humdrum for shy Amy, for whom shopkeepers and hotel staff members are the only social contacts.

Things change for Amy when she accepts a strange little bath toy from a grateful shopkeeper. Suddenly, she finds herself in a world of erotic dreams and strange occurrences, with a dream lover who seems uncannily real. Will Amy succumb to the deep desires this phantom brings to the surface?

Happy Reading!
Mandy

Interview with Nina Pierce

2008-03-06T23:30:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to have Nina Pierce here with us today for an interview. Nina Pierce sent in a review request to Mandy and I here at R&R for The Healer's Garden, and from there, we now have a wonderful interview! I hope that this gives you, the reader some insight on what a fabulous author and person Nina Pierce is!

R and R: Every author has a certain writing style, how they develop their characters, stories, and where they start. What’s your “writing style?”

Nina Pierce: First I start with the “what if”. What if a virus killed most of the male population? (The Healer’s Garden) What if drugs were running up the Maine coast? (Love’s Bounty) What if someone believed their best friend was murdered? (Blind Love)
Then I work out from there. How would the species continue? What would life look like 100 years down the road? How would women cope with the shrinking population? How would the government intervene? (The Healer’s Garden)
Once I have a basic idea of the story from these questions I sit down to write. No outline other than what’s in my head. And I type. And type some more. The characters begin to flesh themselves out. More questions pop up. Why can’t they just inseminate women? How would the government work to control men?
And I write some more.
Usually the villain shows up and their personality starts to emerge. Why do they act the way they do? Did something in their past cause this behavior?
Now, my character’s motivations emerge.
And all the while I write. And the story begins to take shape.
Since I write suspense, sometimes a really good idea comes to me in later chapters and I have to go back and layer in red herrings or other details. But usually I have the whole convoluted plot in my head and write the scenes to flesh out the details so when I finally reveal the twist it’s surprising but not unbelievable.
I say I don’t plot, but the reality is… it’s in my head. I just don’t write it down. It’s what works for me. The whole process of letting the characters tell the story.

R and R: On your website, you have two titles listed: Tilling Passions and The Healer’s Garden. It seems that most authors would stick to similar themes in their stories, but Tilling Passions is about three sisters and their individual steamy love stories. Whereas, The Healer’s Garden is more futuristic set in a lesbian society. Why did you take what seems to be two very different routes?

Nina: Umm… because. No, just kidding.
In actuality I wrote two books under my real name, Kara Dunn. One is a straight romance that I’m still reworking and the other is a romantic suspense involving the FBI and a stalker. The market for those is really tough. So instead of spinning my wheels just marketing, I did some research and found erotica was a booming market.
I’ve always loved heat in my romances so turning it up a notch in my stories seemed like a reasonable progression of my writing. I’d always fantasized about having men at my disposal (what woman doesn’t) and started out creating The Healer’s Garden. It’s set in the future because the story, the way it is written, couldn’t happen today. There is a real suspense to this story with the villainess, Gabriella Bresilee. The woman is just a little “off” throughout the novel. But the reader doesn’t find out until the very end what she is up to.
The Tilling Passions series is more how I write. Contemporary romantic suspense. I love the mystery part. Making the reader wonder what is up, taking them down the wrong path and then throwing in a twist at the end.
This series is about three sisters who own and operate a floral shop and landscaping business. Each story stands on its own, but there is the common thread of their sick father throughout the books. In the last story the whole mystery of his illness is resolved.
Though The Healer’s Garden and Tilling Passions series don’t seem related, all my books have a twist at the end that I hope the reader doesn’t see coming.

R and R: Onto The Healer’s Garden, specially! What was the most difficult part for you while writing The Healer’s Garden, and for that matter, what was the most exciting?

Nina: The most difficult thing by far was the world building. I had to keep reminding myself it was the year 2172. Not too far in the future, but far enough that some advances would have been made. Mostly I focused on the toll to the human population and their need to survive.
The most exciting? The whole process of writing a novel is exciting for me. I love to keep finding new ways to twist the story. Again, I’d like to think I do the unexpected and surprise readers with revelations. Sometimes I make jokes and hope the reader sees the humor. At one point in The Healer’s Garden, the hero, Brenimyn, is reading reverently from “The Book of Ancients”. The scene is very deep. Later when the reader finds out what book he’s actually reading… I hope they giggle. And no, I’m not going to tell you. Like I said, I like to surprise my readers.

R and R: What gave you the idea to create a female dominated society in The Healer’s Garden? What about Jahara’s character made her break away from that?

Nina: Actually, it wasn’t the society that came first it was the initial “What if” about the men dying off. From there it seemed natural that women would seek each other out. Humans are not solitary beings. They have the need to be in groups and procreate. So the female dominated society was just a natural progression of a dying civilization.
And our history shows that when there is a minority, in this case, males, we tend to suppress them. This is what the government did. They castrated the unacceptable breeders and enslaved the males chosen for breeding. This creates an interesting class system.
What made Jahara break from this? The government’s insistence that she take up residence at the procreation facility, the Garden of Serenity. It is here that she forms her first relationship with a man.
Jahara loves her partner, Merenith. But she acknowledges there is something missing in their relationship. She wants to be happy with this woman and plans on marrying her, but after she meets Brenimyn she realizes not all women were meant to be partnered with another woman. There is a fulfillment she experiences with Bren that she didn’t have with Merenith. This opens the door for Jahara’s change of heart. Her relationship with Merenith is more like sisters than lovers, but never having met a man prior to Bren, Jahara didn’t know this.
As it turns out, there are many woman who also find happiness and lasting relationships with men.

R and R: Lastly, when you’re not reading, writing, or doing laundry (from your website, what do you enjoy?

Nina: There’s life outside writing? My husband thinks my fingers are permanently attached to my keyboard! LOL!
No, actually I do enjoy time with my family and being outside.
We have a lot of snow in northern Maine. I enjoy going out on snowmobiles with my husband. The trail system where I live is like a highway through the woods. It’s just beautiful.
In the summer I spend a lot of time traveling to visit with family.
Other than that… I sleep!

Blind Love: Book one of the Tilling Passions Series, coming soon to Liquid Silver Books.

Again, Thanks so much for being at Rogues and Romance today Nina Pierce.
For all of our readers out there, be sure to check out my review for The Healers Garden!

Happy Reading!
*Dee*

The Last Celtic Witch by Lyn Armstrong

2008-03-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

Resplendence Publishing has a knack for publishing great authors and Lyn Armstrong is no exception! The Last Celtic Witch is a fantastic way to get to know Lyn Armstrong as an author. Although it is a bit more lengthy than a novella, you'll find yourself reading The Last Celtic Witch all at once. :-)

The Last Celtic Witch
Lyn Armstrong
Resplendence Publishing, LLC.
EBook
October 2007
115 pages
Historical romance

When Adela MacAye was but 12 years old, she had a vision of her mother being burnt at the stake, for “communicating with the devil.” Adela’s vision came true that day, and now, all these years later, they are still coming true. She’s been running away ever since she saw her mother go up in flames. Now, however, Adela is having visions that will lead to her own death. Soon, Adela fears she will be thrown into the dungeons, and thus, sentenced to death by burning at the stake…

However, before Adela is sentenced to death, she has to carry on the MacAye blood. They have a sacred blood, and it must be passed down to Adela’s child. She casts a spell, which will lead her to her child’s father, and then she meets Sir Phillip Roberts. Will their encounter leave Adela with child, or are there much darker forces working against Adela’s plan to give birth before her destiny is carried out?

Lyn Armstrong has done a fabulous job of infusing both history and paranormal aspects into The Last Celtic Witch, while all the while giving the reader a fantastic romantic twist. Adela is a strong woman, as is Sir Phillip a strong man, and their strengths makes them impeccable characters to fit hand in hand. Lyn Armstrong will pull you into her world with The Last Celtic Witch, and she will leave you wanting more.

*Denise Kivett*
Rogues and Romance

*Heat Rating:3- Cupid’s Ardor Arrow

Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow

Official Blurb:
A painful death… a prophecy foretold.

Pursued by evil forces for her powers, recluse Adela MacAye foresees her own agonizing death. She must seek the chosen one to produce an heir and pass on her Celtic powers. To fail would be the end of good magick, plunging the world into darkness.

Conjuring a fertility spell she is led to a sensual chieftain who is betrothed to the sorceress that hunts her. Time is running out as fate and the future pursue her.

Plagued by enemies and undermined by sabotage, handsome Laird Phillip Roberts must save his clan from bloody feud by making an alliance through marriage... a marriage he does not want. After a night of white-hot sensual delights with the alluring witch, his heart commands he break the pledge of peace. With treachery around every corner, will he be too late to save... The Last Celtic Witch?

Happy Reading!
*Dee*

D. Renee Bagby -- Guest Blog: Part 2!

2008-03-02T13:14:00.000-08:00

Here is Part 2 of D. Renee Bagby's Guest Blog! I hope everyone has enjoyed having her here, as I know Mandy and I have! Thanks so much for guest blogging with us D. Renee Bagby!

Little Known Facts about Adrienne

These facts fall into three categories—the way it was, deleted scenes and stuff I couldn’t mention in the book but wanted known.

The Way It Was
Anyone who’s read any of my past interviews knows that it took me about five years to get to the version of Adrienne that’s out now. I had a few unfinished WIPs (works-in-progress) and finished first draft written but didn’t like how they turned out and reworked the story idea. I didn’t like the rework, which was just an expanded outline, so I scraped that and restarted from the beginning. Here’s what got scraped:

- Adrienne’s name used to be Arlean (pronounced Arlene) Winster, Malik was Malcolm, Chandra used to be Charyl, Hollace was Halor, Oringo was Oryal—and he was Halor’s second-in-command, not his son—and Travers was Traton. Did I do good changing those names or what? Man it’s embarrassing to admit, though. The only character who never went through a name change was Feyr. That was his name from the beginning and I never had the inclination to change it.

- Adrienne was originally a high school senior. Yup. I had her as the loner/outcast type that kept to herself but made superb grades. Her grades made her a teacher favorite thus her outcast status.

- Josh—the antagonist at the beginning of the book, in case you’ve forgotten him—was also a senior. But he was grunge instead of prep. Still a rich kid but Adrienne caught him dealing in the bathrooms instead of plagiarizing. Like the book, Josh was expelled for possession and decided to take his anger out on Adrienne during her lunch period, which means Malik’s intervention—the original intervention—took place around noon on the middle of a high school campus full of kids. Yeah, that got scraped quick, fast and in a hurry.

- Originally, before I conceived of my Multiverse, all people who hopped from Earth to Bron were automatically powerful mages. It came from being from Earth. That got scraped when I decided to string my stories together through the Multiverse. But, I had to conceive of a reason for Adrienne to be kidnapped. Well… that gets mentioned later in the book—thus I won’t give it away in case someone hasn’t read it yet—and explained fully in a story I have planned for later down the road.

- Hollace was the original antagonist. In the first, first version, Malik (Malcolm) brought Adrienne across the dimensional threshold but the portal went screwy and she landed in Hollace’s forest. He found her and took her home without knowing who she was. In the second rework, he captured Adrienne and was going to marry her to Oringo so Malik couldn’t have her, but Malik pulled a switch and married her disguised as Oringo.

- Malik was supposed to be evil. I kid you not. I wanted him to be evil, but he wasn’t going for it. So, I let him be spoiled instead—the way he wanted. To make up for it, I made an evil hero that will show up in my dragon books.

Check out our reviews for Adrienne!

Happy Reading!
*Dee*
R&R

Witchball by Kathleen Coddington

2008-02-29T12:21:00.000-08:00

Whew! I've just been crankin' out the reviews, haven't I? Keeps me busy though, and it's a good busy, so I'm not complaining! Witchball was a fun read, and I definately recommend it, for your shelf...err...electronic shelf, I suppose, since it's an e-book. :-)

Witch Ball
Kathleen Coddington
Cerridwen Press
August 2007
E-book
201 pages
Paranormal Romance

One night, way back in 1707, in Lady’s Cove, Maine, Miranda, as the high priestess is heading out to the altar to perform a ritual of protection. However, upon arriving, she finds herself being entrapped in a witch ball by an evil and dark spell. The one who cast the spell, cast it out of jealousy, in order to become high priestess, and in order to have Miranda’s soon to be husband, Nathaniel. As the spell is taking over, Miranda finds out that she may be trapped there for all eternity…

Present Day: Nathaniel Swann finds himself moving into a new house with his daughter Caitlin, in Lady’s Cove, 9 months after his wife, her mother’s death. The same day as their arrival, Nathanial and Caitlin stop inside a little store, and Caitlin is instantly captured by the witch balls on display. Upon, encouragement from Dad to buy one, Caitlin picks the oddest one of all: the one hanging above the register, on display. As Nathaniel is trying to rinse off the dust, in order to hang the witch ball, he drops it. Upon dropping it, there is a flash of white light, and what remains is a woman…

The woman is Miranda, and it is now up to her to convince Nathaniel that they are soul mates, and that he truly does know who she is. But Nathaniel is all about cold hard facts. With Caitlin’s help, Miranda can convince Nathanial that she is who she says, and the can move on…together.

Kathleen Coddington writes one witchy novel! Miranda and Nathaniel were very well developed, and Nathaniel had the exact reactions and suspicions, you would expect any man like him to have, placed in his situation. And where Nathanial is suspicious and rash, Miranda is his exact counter-part, being kind and understanding. The storyline was continuous, as well as perfectly resolved at the end. Kathleen Coddington really knows how to create a paranormal atmosphere, while keeping the reader tied into reality!

--Denise Kivett
PNR Reviews
October 18, 2007

*Heat Rating:2- Cupid’s Passion Arrow

Violence Rating: *2- Blunt-Tipped Arrow

Official Blurb:

Their love was eternal. Until forbidden magic threatened to tear them apart forever.

When Nathaniel Swann and his daughter move to the small town of Lady's Cove, Maine, the last thing he expects is the beautiful woman who appears in his kitchen after he accidentally breaks a witch ball, a housewarming gift from his neighbor. A hardheaded scientist, he refuses to believe the woman's fantastic tale of magical spells, eternal love and reincarnation.

Released after being imprisoned for three hundred years in the witch ball, Miranda Hawthorne is reunited with the man she is destined to be with throughout time. Her joy is short-lived when she discovers that Nathaniel no longer remembers her or their love. How can she convince him to help her to break the witch ball's lingering spell before the bond between them is severed for all eternity?

And in the house next door the priestess responsible for the witch ball's spell plots to prevent them from discovering the secret that will set Miranda completely free.

Buy Witch Ball!

Read and Excerpt from Cerridwen Press

Visit Kathleen's Website

Check out the Official PNR Post for Witchball

Happy Reading!
*Dee*
Rogues and Romance

*NOTE* Yet, another older review, somehow saved as a draft...We'll be looking for these within the next couple of days. Sorry guys!

Of God's and One Woman by Dahlia Rose

2008-02-29T10:43:00.000-08:00

One of my first reviews was Midnight Encounter's, and anthology, which I did for Paranormal Romance Reviews. Dahlia Rose was one of the author's in the anthology, and I just loved her work. So, you could say that I was on the prowl for more of her work! :-) I was lucky enough to run across Of God's and One Woman, and I loved this one just as much as her story in Midnight Encounter's! And that's not all! Dahlia Rose actually just recently contacted Rogues and Romance to review 3 of her books! So, check back for more reviews of Dahlia's work!

Of God’s and One Woman
Dahlia Rose
Aphrodite’s Apples
August 2007
116 Pages
E-Book
Mythological

Ares and Hades are brothers. Ares patrols the world’s wars, while Hades rules over the Underworld. Then one day while Ares is watching a beautiful woman take on six men much bigger than her, Hades arrives to collect her soul, so that she can spend eternity in the wonderful Elysian Fields. Ares then strikes a bargain with his brother: a favor for a favor. He wants the woman, as he has been watching her for quite sometime but never making himself known to her, for he is a God.

But just because Sasha is dead does not mean life has left her, for she is more wild and vibrant in the afterlife, it would seem. After Ares finally convinces her that she IS in fact dead, he informs her that she is in fact, in Hell. Though, Sasha has no idea why she ended up THERE, doing so much good during life. However, there is an upside, Ares informs her that Hades can put her soul back into her body, but for a small price: to be Ares’ concubine in the mortal world. Sasha agrees…

But Sasha would NEVER be any man’s concubine, no matter what. As soon as Sasha and Ares arrive in the mortal world, Sasha takes him by surprise, knocks him down, and flees. At first Ares is angered by her actions, but soon finds himself laughing, for the chase is now on…

Ares never agrees, or lets anyone else agree to anything, unless he knows for certain that things will work out appropriately, like with Sasha. He knows he will have her, but Sasha will never allow herself to be forced into anything. It is up to Sasha, as to whether or not their love and sexual desires will spark and ignite, or will Ares be forced to send her back to the Underworld…

But just as Ares is completely captivated and fascinated by Sasha, he dismisses his long lover: Discordia. For that Ares will pay, for Discordia is the Goddess of discord and mayhem. She will find his new lover, and destroy her.

Dahlia Rose has a knack for writing exceptionally well stories. She infuses highly sexual scenes with an intense storyline. Dahlia Rose has also crafted some realistic yet funny characters. The relationship between a God, Ares, and a human, Sasha, is just funny. Ares, for being so fascinated with humans, knows little about their world, and badgers Sasha like a two-year-old. Yet, he is extremely patient with her and understanding. Where as Sasha is the exact opposite; she grows tired of his questions, and though she tries to be kind to him, she finds it hard, being forced into being his concubine and all. If you love Dahlia Rose’s work, you will LOVE Of God’s and One Woman, and if you’ve never given her a try, then start now!

--Denise Kivett
PNR Reviews
October 24, 2007

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac

Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Official Blurb:
(from Aphrodite's Apples)

Ares...God of War
Aries God of war, all powerful and a warrior for thousands of years. Now in modern times mortals has forgotten the ways of old and gods have been placed in the history books. Aries long for battles and he is tired of watching from the sideline as the world wages its wars. Until he met her a modern day crime fighter that takes on the battles on the street alone. She fights for the weak and defenseless and she completely captivated Aries. One night as she fights she is killed and Aries ask his brother to put her soul back into her body.

Sasha Green knew one minute she was fighting with a group of thugs and then her soul was out of her body. The night gets stranger when she finds herself in the underworld staring at Aries and his brother Aries who is telling her thant she is dead. Her soul can be replaced in her body but for a price. She must let Aries fight with her and oh yes, she must become his concubine. Sasha has no other choice but to accept his offer is she wants to be alive once again. But she is not going to go down that path willingly.

From the very beginning Passion and heat flares between the god of war and the mortal woman who he stands with to fight the evils of the street. Soon there is something neither of them expected…Love, and danger as well. Will a mortal and a god be able to fit love in between battles and all the obstacles they must over come?

Buy Of God's and One Woman from Aphrodite's Apples!

Read an Excerpt

Visit Dahlia Rose

Check out Dahlia Rose's Blog

Read the Official PNR Review for Of God's and One Woman

Happy Reading!
*Dee*
R&R

*NOTE* Somehow this post was saved as draft, and was never published. Hence, the "old" links. :-)

The Pirate Wench by Melinda Barron

2008-02-28T09:30:00.000-08:00

Yet, another great work of fiction by Melinda Barron. Enjoy the review for The Pirate Wench. I hope this review entices you, the reader, as much as the story did me!

The Pirate Wench
Melinda Barron
Resplendence Publishing, LLC.
November 2007
eBook
116 pages

Melani is at Ahoy, Matey, a theme park, as a guest, maid of honor, undercover employee, and author. The park has been opened for ten years, thus far, and weddings have recently been added to attract even more guests. Melani’s best friend, Ellie will be the first to be married at the park—to the park’s owner: The Pirate King. However, Melani is about to become a pirate wench, and she’s not so thrilled about that…

Whew! And the outfit she has to wear! Melani is beyond sexy, but she, personally just isn’t into those little sexy pirate outfits. That is until she meets Royce, a fellow pirate. Melani the writer doesn’t stare at sexy, and all too manly men, but what about Melani the pirate wench? Melani can definitely see why Ellie thought that Florida and Ahoy, Matey were so enticing…

Then, Royce is given the opportunity to take Melani to dinner, and he jumps at the chance. Dinner of course could lead to dessert, but just how hot and heavy will this pirate and pirate wench get?

A pirate romance! What could be more exciting? All of these characters are absolutely fascinating. The meld together so well, and it’s very easy to relate to where each character comes from. Melinda Barron has proven that she is an absolutely fantastic writer. So, go grab yourself a copy of The Pirate Wench, it won’t disappoint!

-Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance

*Heat Rating:3- Cupid’s Ardor Arrow

*Violence Rating: 0-No Violence

Official Blurb:
Can a staid, by-the-book journalist find love with a modern day pirate?

Melani Canton is about to find out. When she travels to Florida to be maid-of-honor at her best friend’s wedding, she takes on an extra duty: taking a good look at Ahoy, Matey, the pirate- themed park where the wedding is set to take place, and writing a story that will attract visitors. While there, she meets handsome swashbuckler, Royce McKenna. Royce is a former lawyer who has given up the courtroom for life on the high seas, amusement park style.

McKenna is the co-owner of Ahoy, Matey. When Royce sees Melani he knows that he has to have her. Melani is not, however, the type to sleep with a man she has just met.

So Royce does what any good pirate would do. He “abducts” Melani and gives her a wild night of passion on his pirate ship, where Melani discovers that being Royce’s pirate wench isn’t such a bad thing. But when the time comes for her to go back to her stoic life, will Royce let her sail off into the sunset? Or will he find a way to keep his Pirate Wench?

Happy Reading!
*Dee*

Tiger's Eye by Catherine Chernow

2008-02-27T16:52:00.000-08:00

And here we are with number 2 in the Bride's Inn Series! If you enjoyed Lady In White, then Tiger's Eye by Catherine Chernow is sure to please. We have also been asked by Catherine to review Magic Man, the third in this wonderful series. That will be coming soon!

Tiger’s Eye
Bride’s Inn Series: Book 2
Catherine Chernow
Resplendence Publishing, LLC
December 2007
E-book
94 Pages
Erotic Paranormal Romance

In Tiger’s Eye we are introduced to two new characters at the Bride’s Inn. Meet Jake Hunter a.k.a. Grady Smith and Miranda Hollander. They both have similar, yet tragic backgrounds. Miranda lost her young son not too long ago. He was murdered, and then, her marriage fell apart. Jake lost his wife in a car accident, which also claimed their unborn child. They are both guests at the Bride’s Inn, where Clarice, a pregnant Serena, and Seth still reside.

Jake arrives late at night at the Bride’s Inn, and he was sent promptly to his room, where he dreamt of a beautiful woman with long dark hair. When he awoke however, his dream became a reality. Jake had slipped into the wrong room, Miranda’s room. The Lady in White, who also resides within the walls of the Bride’s Inn, will bring these two tortured souls together because what Miranda will soon realize is that Jake is her tiger prince…

Catherine Chernow has written a magnificent sequel to Lady in White. Tiger’s Eye is very similar to its predecessor, yet different enough to draw you in and keep you reading! The Lady in White is a magnificent character, as she is what truly ties these stories together. The fact that Chernow has brought back her previous characters while introducing the new ones: Jake and Miranda, allowing them to be the center of the story, is witty and creative. Tiger’s Eye by Catherine Chernow is a fantastic read and makes Bride’s Inn a fantastic series, thus far. I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us next with the third in the Bride's Inn Series: Magic Man!

-Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance

*Heat Rating:3- Cupid’s Ardor Arrow

*Violence Rating:2- Blunt-Tipped Arrow

Official Blurb:
Miranda Hollander seeks refuge from her terrifying past, but her heart won't find respite from the man with the golden tiger's eyes.

One dark, snowy winter night, Jake Hunter arrives at Bride's Inn, mistaking Miranda's room for his. As the storm rages outside, he becomes Miranda's golden prince, making her soar to heights of passion on gossamer wings, loving her body in ways she could only imagine.

As morning's first light dawns, it brings reality revealing the secret her
tiger prince harbors, and the real reason he has come to Bride's Inn.

TIGER'S EYE: Book Two of the Bride's Inn series a scarefest of erotic
romance!

Happy Reading!
*Dee*

D. Renee Bagby-- Guest Blog: Part 1!!!

2008-02-25T08:25:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, and thanks for stopping by! Today, we have Part One of D. Renee Bagby's guest blog! Mandy and I at Rogues and Romance are absolutely thrilled to have her here. :-) We were BOTH lucky enough to review Adrienne, and D. Renee Bagby is here today to give us some deleted scenes and things she couldn't mention in Adrienne. :-)

Little Known Facts about Adrienne

These facts fall into three categories—the way it was, deleted scenes and stuff I couldn’t mention in the book but wanted known

Deleted Scenes
This is stuff that was sacrificed on the editing altar. My original submission was one hundred and thirty thousand words. That got cut to ninety-seven thousand for the final release.

- There was a short chapter where Adrienne’s family goes to the police station near the college and talks to the cops about the incident. That was the first introduction of the family. It got cut so the story could flow better. Also, I didn’t want to write a parallel scene/chapter later where Adrienne and her parents went back and talked to the cops again.

- After the picnic-breakfast scene, minus Malik up a tree—that was added before final release—but before the wedding, Adrienne had another dinner with the court. In that scene, Rena made her first appearance and the reader learned all about Rena’s mother and how Indivar ended up with her. Obviously, that information was worked into the picnic scene thus making the second dinner obsolete.

Stuff I Couldn’t Mention
This is stuff that just didn’t fit anywhere due to length and flow issues. It still applies and is pertinent info, but not necessary to enjoy reading Adrienne.

- Mushira is married and has two children and one grandchild. Her daughter, through no fault of Mushira’s, is spoiled and haughty. She refuses to follow in her mother’s footsteps and act as a lady’s maid. Mushira’s son, on the other hand, is more than happy to train under Saj and he’s raising his daughter to serve, as well.

- Mushira’s mother was Queen Dione’s lady’s maid and her dedication to her job made her somewhat negligent. The only time she paid attention to Mushira was during training to be a proper lady’s maid for the future queen. When Queen Dione was assassinated, grief made Mushira’s mother follow.

- Qamar is three years married to a lovely young lady who works in the kitchens. They are currently (as of the story) debating on whether to bring a third into their relationship to impregnate the young lady or simply have a fertility mage change some of Qamar’s eggs into sperm and conceive that way (yes, they can do that).

- Nimat was kicked out of her home at a young age because her mother was jealous of her beauty (think Snow White and the wicked stepmother, except this was her actual mother). Nimat’s mother is actually jealous of Nimat because she’s the lady’s maid to Adrienne.

- Hani is child number four of a ten child household. Everyone in her family is an assassin. As to where the assassins are trained and where her family lives, you’ll just have to keep reading the Bron Universe stories to find out. It’s a major plot point so I can’t mention it without giving away stuff.

Check out our reviews for Adrienne!

Happy Reading!
Check back soon for Part Two: The Way it Was!
*Dee*
R&R

Nuit Aux Trois by Melinda Barron

2008-02-25T08:24:00.001-08:00

Whew! I'm crankin out the reviews today! This is my second review for Resplendence Publishing, and I'm feeling like taking on another one! :-) Melinda Barron has done a fantastic job with Nuit Aux Trois, and I hope that my review comes across just as well to get some of you readers interested!

Nuit Aux Trois
Melinda Barron
Resplendence Publishing, LLC.
October 2007
eBook
51 pages
Erotic Romance, Paranormal

Quinn, Dev, and Fletch are the perfect roommates. They get along just great, especially Dev and Fletch, who are a match made in heaven. However, the longer Quinn lives with the two guys, the more sexually frustrated she becomes, but Quinn knows that she is miss-reading their signals and is just lonely…right?

Quinn recently got passed up for a job opening at her TV Station, because she’s not a size two. So, she takes two weeks vacation time to go ghost hunting with the guys. After all, she’s a skeptic, and it’s their job, what’s the harm?

However, a lot can happen in an old haunted plantation house. Things definitely begin to sizzle between Quinn, Dev, and Fletch, but will Quinn accept their offer of love and so much more. After all, she’s wanted it too, or is it all just a bit too much?

Nuit Aux Trois has just the right amount of erotica, romance, and paranormal. I absolutely loved how well Nuit Aux Trois ebbed and flowed. Melinda Barron has done an amazing job writing Nuit Aux Trois. Her characters are exceptionally crafted as well. Everything about Melinda Barron's writing is very realistic. You'll feel as if you've stepped into Dev, Quinn, and Fletch's world!

-Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac

Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow

Official Blurb:
Quinn’s two roommates, lovers Fletcher Covair and Devlin St. Giles, have the perfect idea: Quinn will accompany them on a Halloween ghost hunt at a haunted plantation. Quinn agrees, knowing there’s no such thing as ghosts and thinking the time away will give her time to assess her future job prospects, and if nothing else, a chance to relax.

But the plantation’s resident ghost, Alison, has other ideas. She wants help in righting a long-time wrong, and it seems that the ghost has chosen Quinn, Dev, and Fletch to assist her. While Quinn’s mind is reeling from the knowledge that there are really ghosts, she comes to another shocking realization: Dev and Fletch have more on their minds than ghost hunting, and Alison isn’t the only restless spirit who wants to make contact.

Happy Reading!
*Dee*
R&R

Ticket Me More by Tia Fanning

2008-02-25T08:24:00.000-08:00

I feel so lucky to be able to review yet another piece of work by Tia Fanning. I was able to review Rules of Darkness (loved it), and Ticket Me More was just as fabulous! Enjoy the review, and be sure to check this one out!

Ticket Me More
Tia Fanning
Resplendence Publishing, LLC
October 2007
E-book
53 Pages
Erotic romance

As Melanie Darling is speeding home from work one night, she gets pulled over. She’s never been pulled over before. So, she decides she’ll try to flirt her way out of it. Lucky for her, she gets off with a warning from Officer Michael Johnson. Melanie’s always been the good girl. She’s never been drunk, never smoked, never done drugs, and she’s never even had sex. She actually feels good about getting pulled over. Atleast it added some spice to her life.

So, Melanie decides she needs a little bit more spice. She’s going to get her man: Officer Johnson. The next night, Melanie flies by Officer Johnson at 85, and much to her satisfaction, gets pulled over. Melanie is dressed to impress, and she begins to pull out ever trick in the book. Just as things are about to heat up between them, on the side of the road, Michael backs out. However, the new Melanie isn’t going to take rejection. She’ll continue pulling out her bag of tricks until she has her man, because Michael wants her too.

Ticket Me More definitely had me laughing before I got to the second page. Melanie is a great character, and Michael just fits with her. Their romance is hot and spicy, and Melanie getting ticket after ticket just to grab his eye is comical. Tia Fanning has written a snappy and fun read, with a thoroughly developed plot. Ticket Me More is a great novella, and I thoroughly recommend giving this one a read. And as always, novellas are a great way to get to know an author, and Tia Fanning is amazing!

-Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac

*No Violence*

Official Blurb:
Melanie Rose Darling is a very unhappy florist.

Hailed by the bridal flower world as an artistic genius, Meli works long nights making bouquets for women lucky enough to find love, while she herself lives a life of solitude. She yearns to share her heart and body with someone other than Bob, her Battery Operated Boyfriend, but acute shyness keeps her from engaging the “living” world.

However, Meli’s quiet and predictable existence takes an unexpected turn when she is pulled over and ticketed by the most gorgeous cop she has ever encountered… Officer Michael Johnson. Though he does not seem to notice her as anything more than a traffic violation, Meli makes plans to overcome her timid nature and seize the police officer’s attention… using any speed necessary.

If Ticket Me More sounds like your cup of tea, don't forget to check out my review for Rules of Darkness by Tia Fanning!

Happy Reading!
*Dee*
R&R

The Healer's Garden by Nina Pierce

2008-02-20T09:09:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a great read! I actually anticipated that this review would take me a few days, because it's a bit longer than what I'm used it. However, I flew through The Healer's Garden! Nina Pierce is on my list of author's I have got to find out more about!

The Healer’s Garden
Nina Pierce
Liquid Silver Books
2007
978-1-59578-411-7
E-book
158 Pages
Futuristic Erotica

In 2172, there are no same-sex couples. The government has taken the necessary precautions in order to keep the population under control. Females dominate a society where men are enslaved.

Step forward in time with Jahara, who has what seems to be a perfect life. She works at a major healing facility, she is descended from a Dame in a position of power, and she has the perfect girlfriend, Merenith. Well, everything was almost perfect, until the day the official government disk arrived. She’ll have to leave everything she knows, her job, friends, family, home, for 2 years to fulfill her obligation: to birth two healthy children.

Merenith’s number one fear of Jahara leaving her has to do with the rumor of the tribes of men and women who live outside the law. But Jahara is off to the Garden of Serenity, where she meets Brenimyn, an adult male breeder. Yet, Brenimyn is tired of being simply a woman’s tool, and that too, will change when he meets Jahara…

Nina Pierce grabs your attention with The Healer’s Garden from the very first page, and holds on to it throughout the entire story. The characters are amazingly well crafted with realistic qualities despite being futuristic. The relationships are relatable and true. Nina Pierce is an excellent writer, and you’ll find yourself pouring through The Healer’s Garden and wanting more from Nina Pierce.

-Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac

Violence Rating: *0- No Violence

Official Blurb:
In a female dominated society, mating with a male, even if it is to save the human race, is a distasteful task and one Healer Jahara Hriznek has successfully avoided--but time and excuses have both run out. Adhering to the outdated procreation law of the twenty-first century, she takes up residence at the government breeding facility known as the Garden of Serenity.

Brenimyn is a gifted breeding instructor at the Garden. Forced to copulate with all females who request his services, he is tired of the sexist government enslaving men. He lives to find the woman who will fulfill his destiny and help him bring about social equality.

Can Brenimyn and Jahara learn to trust each other and their hearts and allow love to bring about a new world order in The Healer's Garden?

Happy Reading!

*Dee*

When the Snow Lay Round About by Kirsti Ahlers, Veronica Towers, Linda Mooney, and J.L. Foster

2008-02-12T17:11:00.000-08:00

Whew! What a fantastic read! I read When the Snow Lay Round About all in one sitting! Well, I should really say, in one day. :-) I picked the perfect time, too. It's been snowing here in Indiana, all day. :-) Enjoy the review!

When the Snow Lay Round About
Kristi Ahlers, Veronica Towers, Linda Mooney, and J.L. Foster
Dark Castle Lords
ISBN 978 1 921347 31 3
eBook
278 pages

The Night Before Christmas
Kristi Ahlers
Rourke is home from battle and just in time for Yule. He is greeted by his sister, Sophia and her best friend Jacqueline. However, while Rourke was gone, Sophia and Jacqueline devised a plan, a plan that will make Rourke finally admit to his love for Jacqueline.
However, the plan is off to a rocky start, in part, due to the fact that Rourke finds Jacqueline irresistible. Thus, he becomes tongue-tied in her presence, and says the wrong things at the wrong time. There’s a downside though, Jacqueline has only two days to convince Rourke that they should be together forever, because once she goes home, she’ll married to another. Will Jacqueline’s plan work, and will she get the man of her dreams?

The Night Before Christmas takes place back in 1070. It’s a fantastic historical romance. Yet, the characters, no matter how long ago they lived, are dramatically realistic and genuine. Kristi Ahlers has managed to capture history, young love, and true love, all at once. Her writing is fluid, and The Night Before Christmas, as a novella, is a great way to get a taste of just what she is capable of.

Dreams to Keep
Veronica Towers
Lady Amanda Grace Ellington has her work cut out for her. See, her sister, Alyce, was to marry Sir William. However, she found her true love. Now, their father doesn’t want to risk losing Sir William’s money, and sends Amanda in Alyce’s place.
Before Amanda arrives at Sir William’s though, with the snow coming down hard, her coach loses a wheel, and she must now venture in the freezing cold by foot. Just as she is making her way up the front steps at Sir William’s though, she slips, and lands right in a snow drift, where Sir William finds her.
At first, Sir William feels tricked, finding that he is now married Amanda, not the young and spunky Alyce, but that, too, changes…

Sir William and Lady Amanda are quite fiery as far as characters go! Their relationship is as intense as their personalities, and they work just delightful together. Veronica Towers keeps the pace with When the Snow Lay Round About, as a whole. Her infusion of history and romance is perfect for this anthology. The way she has written Dreams to Keep is just marvelous, and you’ll find yourself falling in love with these two main characters.

Sandcastle
Linda Mooney
Terrie has had it rough the past few years with her mother’s death, battling leukemia herself, and Phillip walking out. But now, she’s moved back to her hometown in Texas, and things are really looking up for her. She’s healthier, and dealing with everything that has happened to her fairly well. Now she’s ready to grab a hold of everything that’s thrown at her, and take it on in full-force, including Paul Leeds and his family. But he’s married…isn’t he?...

Sandcastle is the only story in the anthology set in present-day. Where it is different, I think it gives us a little break in the pace, in a lovely way. Linda Mooney has crafted very strong and independent characters all across the board in Sandcastle. They have all had their struggles, and living off of the Gulf is a place where they all find themselves recovering and starting life anew. It’s a fantastic story that helps to pull this anthology together!

Elisabeth’s Holiday Wish
JL Foster
Step back again in time with Sir Harrison and Elisabeth. Sir Harrison must find a wife, or he will lose his newly acquire land, since his father’s passing. Elisabeth’s mind is on caring for her family, since her father too, has passed. However, late one night, while Elisabeth is visiting family and friend’s graves in the cemetery, Sir Harrison sneaks up on and startles her. Elisabeth, being a lady, leaves promptly before anything happens. However, as soon as they exit the cemetery, Elisabeth gives Sir Harrison a verbal lashing, and then kisses him with as much force as her words…
Now, Sir Harrison and Elisabeth are married, and Elisabeth finds herself feeling awfully lonely on Christmas Eve. She remembers back to the caroling and happy times when she was just a peasant. But, she finds herself living with Sir Harrison in a ghost town. It was a town ravaged by war, where they are now the town’s only residents. Elisabeth misses the community she had grown up in and loved so much. So, will Sir Harrison be able to grant Elisabeth her that one Christmas wish?

From the beginning of Elisabeth’s Holiday Wish, we know that Sir Harrison and Elisabeth are wed. However, the way the story unfolds, some of which is told from Elisabeth’s point of view, is what makes Elisabeth’s Holiday Wish so captivating. JL Foster has created characters that are both fully developed and captivating, with an exceptionally fluid storyline to match.

When the Snow Lay Round About
These four fabulous stories all tie nicely together, as do each author’s individual talent. They each bring their own blend of writing to intrigue any reader to envelop themselves in all four stories. While it’s past Christmas, you’ll still find that the love and romance brought to the table by all four authors keeps you reading way past the holiday season. You’ll also find little “extras” at the end of each story, including various recipes and the author’s special Christmas traditions! When the Snow Lay Round About is definitely one for your keeper shelf!

--Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *2- Cupid's Passion Arrow

Violence Rating: *0- No Violence

Happy Reading!
*Dee*

Betrayed by Jamie Leigh Hansen

2008-01-22T19:16:00.000-08:00

What a read! I really hope my review of Betrayed by Jamie Leigh Hansen catches some of the reader's attention. I'll be honest though. Mandy usually sends the novellas my way since I'm a full-time student, and thus, I was a little intimidated by the whopping 392 pages, but it was phenomenal, nonetheless. I was more than happy to read Betrayed, and I am delighted to present everyone with my review. I hope you like it as well!

Betrayed
Jamie Leigh Hansen
TOR Paranormal Romance
eBook
392 pages
Paranormal Romance (time-travel)

Caylus has lived, in a sense, for approximately 800 years. She lives and dies a continuous cycle, where during her life, she searches for her husband, Dreux, who is encased in solid stone, high up in a tower. However, knowing the location is a cinch, but getting to him requires skill and cunning. But, now, tonight, she’s reached him, but what is the key to unlocking him from his stone embrace? However, there’s another obstacle, and his name is Kai. He’ll do everything to stop these two, who are destined to be together, from forming as one, once more.

But, there’s more to Caylus and Dreux’s story. Dreux and Kai were brothers, are brothers, still. However, to save the brothers from the act of fratricide-the killing of one’s brother-Silas and Draven come in, and save the brothers from their would be damning sin. They only met to keep one from dying, but trapped Caylus in her never-ending search for her husband.

However, tonight is Caylus, or in this lifetime, Kalyss, last chance to free her husband from his stone tomb, and everyone else connected to the curse, as well. Though, she doesn’t know that, and Silas and Draven, can’t intervene, anymore than they already have. However, as one begins to delve into the story, you begin to wonder: will she remember what her role is, in time?

Jamie Leigh Hansen has beautifully written Betrayed. The back and forth between time periods is a great twist, enveloping history, as well our present time, never once losing the reader. The love that Caylus (Kalyss) has for her husband is real, and the reader can only root for her to succeed, in what is her final attempt at freeing her husband, and thus, everyone else, from their curse. You’ll be begging for more from Jamie Leigh Hansen after reading Betrayed!

--Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *2- Cupid's Passion Arrow

Violence Rating: *4- Fire Arrow

Official Blurb:
Trapped in stone, tortured by grief... This is their last chance.After nine loveless lives and nine horrible deaths, Kalyss must save Dreux from his stone prison-or pass without him into an empty eternity.When two strangers violently enter her life, Kalyss's gift awakens--along with the memory of her past lives--and she must learn who she can trust in order to break the cycle of hatred and betrayal that has held them captive for centuries.For only then can she free Dreux from his prison of stone. But will Kalyss be strong enough, now that the last chance has arrived--now that she must face not only the pain of this life, but of all her lives before?

Buy the mass market paperback at Amazon!

Happy Reading!
*Dee*

Lord Draco: The Witch's Knight by Raquel Taylor

2008-01-21T16:27:00.000-08:00

Lord Draco: The Witch's Knight was a fantastic read! I feel so lucky to have been able to review this particular work by Raquel Taylor, but at the same time, I want more! :-) I flew through Lord Draco, both reading and reviewing it. It was a great read, and I hope that this review shows that! :-)

Lord Draco: The Witch’s Knight
Raquel Taylor
Dark Castle Lords
ISBN 978 1 921347 22 1
eBook
95 pages
Paranormal Erotica (witches, weres, and vamps)

Romania 1817:
Illeana Caragea is a noble, but she now resides in a small cottage, where she is known as the Black Witch of the Woods. She has few visitors: those brave villagers who need the sick healed, and her brother, Alexandru.

However, on this particular night, she finds her brother bitten, by a werewolf. She restrains him as best as she can, but now convenes with the dead to find a solution. He is still a pup, according to Nicolae, the spirit who Illeana bargained with, in return for him to help her undo this curse. However, Nicolae also tells Illeana, that if she can slay the wolf that bit her brother, she can cure him. However, Alexandru must not kill in wolf-form, or he will be forever lost…

The wolves broke a treaty though, when they attacked humans, and Illeana, feels that the best way to kill the wolf that attacked Alexandru, would be to attack with full-force. She feels she must contact their father. But then, Nicolae reminds her that they will be weakened by the nights, when the men take the shape of wolves. Thus, she must fight darkness, with darkness, and she must find Lord Draco, a vampire. But, what Lord Draco want in return for slaying this wolf may be more than Illeana bargained for. After all, she only bargained her body, or did she?...

What a fascinating read! You will absolutely love Raquel Taylor’s work when you read Lord Draco: The Witch’s Knight. She has a witty sense of dialogue, and crafted unique, yet realistic characters, even with the paranormal elements. The storyline is fluidity at its best, and one will definitely not be disappointed with Lord Draco. Raquel Taylor will definitely capture your interest from the beginning, and hold onto it until the very end!

-Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac

Violence Rating: *4- Fire Arrow

Official Blurb:
In order to save her brother from the curse of the Moldovan werewolves, Ileana Caragea--shunned and a witch--must call upon Lord Draco Constantinescu, King of the Romanian vampires, and his bevy of vampiric beauties. Draco is irresistibly drawn to the lovely human witch. He agrees to help her, but in return he demands a night of passion. Pleasure and pain intermingle as Ileana surrenders to the domineering seduction of the vampire Lord as he wipes away her loneliness with his hot, all-consuming caresses. Together, this wickedly sensual couple battle overwhelming supernatural odds.

Happy Reading!

*Dee*

Masquerade of the Cursed King by Vanessa N. Gilfoy!

2008-01-21T08:50:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to be asked by Vanessa N. Gilfoy to review Masquerade of the Cursed King, and the other two, Guardian of the Onyx Empire (out now), and Quest into the Forbidden. Check back soon for the reviews, but in the meantime, you have got to check this series out, starting with Masquerade of the Cursed King!

Masquerade of the Cursed King
Vanessa N. Gilfoy
Ellora's Cave
ISBN 978 14199 12764
eBook
Novel
Fantasy Erotic Romance
New Pangaea series

Eleanor is a powerful hybrid elf, isolated by her parents because her skin emits a perfume that is a powerful aphrodisiac to males. Unfortunately, the only male she wants, and has ever wanted, is Erick, her childhood best friend. But war came when they were only teenagers, making Erick the king of Biston, and leaving him with physical and emotional scars that haunt him past the point of reason. After being separated for years, Erick and Eleanor see each other once again, and Erick can barely resist her beauty and her perfume. But Erick refuses to believe his attraction is any more than her pheromones, and he is the only one who can’t see that he and Eleanor are fated mates. Eleanor is devastated as Erick begins to treat her with the same contempt that he feels for himself. He has no idea of the sacrifices she’s made for him, and continues to make for him as he tortures her with his refusals. The only chance she has to be with the one she loves is to disguise herself and attend the sensual masquerades Erick hosts.

Masquerade of the Cursed King is the first story in the fantastic New Pangaea series. New and unique cultures, species, territories, and magic abound in this captivating new world created by Vanessa N. Gilfoy. Ms. Gilfoy has impressive talent for description, allowing the reader to conjure images, characters, and scenes with ease. You can help but feel empathetic towards Eleanor, and want to wring Erick’s neck for his constant denials. But the author never crosses the line that causes the reader to dislike the hero, but inspires you to feel the same frustration that the heroine feels. Masquerade of the Cursed King is a romantic fantasy that is sure to captivate and stimulate your imagination, and Vanessa N. Gilfoy has created a series that can’t be missed!

-Mandy Briggs
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac

Violence Rating: *4- Fire Arrow

Official Blurb:
Eleanor, a hybrid elf, wishes she didn't want Erick. If only he didn't feel so good. But he's broken and can't see her as his fated one. She knows he'll hurt her and she hates him for it. She'd escape to Gildon if she had the spells to survive the bitter cold mountain pass.

King Frederick (Erick) of Biston can see only what he lost in the war, not what's left. But when Eleanor Borona sways her hips back into his life, all grown up and emitting her come-kiss-me perfume, everything really goes to hell. Erick can't stop himself from touching her electrifying body. He shouldn't feel this way. She shouldn't be the one who can lift his curse. If the seemingly fickle hybrid doesn't end him with her magic, her father, Henry, will run him through — or worse, abandon him. Henry had won Erick the throne and keeps the cursed crown on his head.

And then a night at the masquerade threatens to turn their whole world upside down.

Happy Reading!

Mandy

Friends Unlikely by Susan Smith Alvis

2008-01-16T17:41:00.000-08:00

Wow. Susan Smith Alvis is an amazing author. I absolutely loved Friends Unlikely, and I really hope, that the review will entice many of you!

Friends Unlikely
Susan Smith Alvis
Amira Press
August 2007
E-book
212 Pages
YA

Abbie Davis is as average as they get. She lives in a tourist town near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, where people come and go, and she likes that just fine. She has a small tight-knit group of friends, and that’s how she likes and wants to keep it. Juan was her first friend, from 3rd grade. He got her to actually take part in life, as opposed to being the spectator that she was. Then, there’s Davinia St. Clair. Abbie met her in 4th grade. The pretty much just became mutual friends. Next, there’s Carlos Garcia. He’s the hottest guy Abbie’s age, and all of the girls love him, but he has several bad habits, which tend to keep others away from him. Lastly, there’s Rajesh Hussain, or Raj. Raj is Muslim, and moved to Tennessee after September 11th. He was incredibly shy, then. So, Abbie and the other four took him in.

Life’s easy for these five though. Sure, they’ve got dysfunctional families, and they’re in high school. However, they never realized just how easy life was until they all get hit hard. They were all hanging out eating lunch together and swimming one day, when all of a sudden, Raj, hits the ground. It’s up to Abbie, Juan, Carlos, and Davinia to rush him to the emergency room. But, now it’s up to Carlos to spill the beans. Carlos set Raj up with a girl about a year ago on spring break, and that has something to do with why Raj passed out and was rushed to the emergency room. The girl died of AIDS, as it turns out, but not before passing on the deadly disease to Raj…

But while Raj and the rest are trying to cope with his deadly disease, they’ve got other problems. Carlos has recently become addicted to Meth, which has the same fate as AIDS, and there was yet another reason Carlos set Raj up with that girl on spring break…

There is so much to be said about Friends Unlikely, but it would not be enough. Friends Unlikely is in a class by itself. It is absolutely phenomenal. The way this group of close-knit friends battle both AIDS and drug addictions, together, with each other as their support system is so realistic, it’s unreal. Friends Unlikely was an absolutely amazing read, and I recommend this one to anyone, both young and old. It’s a definite tear-jerker, but one you will appreciate. Susan Smith Alvis is in a class by herself. She has created real young adults, with real problems, who battle their lives, the best way they know how. Susan Smith Alvis has written one of the most realistic storylines I’ve seen in a long time.

-Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *1- Cupid's Affection Arrow

Violence Rating: *1- Suction-Cup Arrow

Happy Reading!
*Dee*

Sandra Cox Interview!

2008-01-14T07:39:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to have Sandra Cox here with us today for an interview. I know firsthand what a sweet, caring person- and a fabulous writer she is, and I am so happy to get to share with you more about her and her fantastic books! Be sure and visit her website for book blurbs, excerpts, and more- and her blog, where she dishes about her books, as well as features books and author interviews!

R&R: Sandra, you recently released your first novel, The Crystal, in January of 2007, and your second novel, Boji Stones came out in September. Both have received fantastic reviews. SilverHills (your historical romance) and Shardai, your young adult fantasy novel, were already released this month, Rose Quartz (the sequel to Boji Stones) will soon follow, and four more of your books have received contracts. Sounds like the past year has been a real whirlwind for you! Can you tell us a little bit of your experience making the leap from aspiring writer to published author?

Sandra: It was a huge, take-your-breath-away, rush. I have written and gotten rejects for more years than I care to mention. And then things just fell into place. I owe a big thanks to Helen Woodall, my editor at Cerridwen, for making that first offer.
Now my concentration is continuing to improve my writing and getting my name out there so people know who Sandra Cox is. Thank you for your help with this. I appreciate the interview. You’ve come up with some great questions.

R&R: Thank you so much! Now, both of your published novels and your next two upcoming romances are with Cerridwen Press, one of the most popular and respected mainstream romance ePublishers. We want to know your secret for successful writing! Can you give us a couple of tips for developing a story? For instance, do you use outlines and character mapping, or do you just sit down at the keyboard and let loose?

Sandra: I make a determined effort to outline. This doesn’t mean I follow it. Grin. But it does give me direction and focus. I develop my main characters before I start and to an extent my secondary characters.
I would also like to recommend SCENE & STRUCTURE by Jack M. Bickham for aspiring writers. I found it to be very helpful.

R&R: Besides your historical romance Silver Hills (released Jan. 10th), all of your romance novels are paranormal. What drew you to writing paranormal romance?

Sandra: I'm drawn to enchantment. I loved fairy tales as a child. Still do. Grin. I always find myself thinking 'what if...' What if you really could see that dark, handsome stranger in the crystal ball? What if there really were amulets with magic powers? How would an average person deal with these kinds of situations in modern society? I guess I just never grew up. Grin.

R&R: Shardai, your YA fantasy novel came out January 1st, and its sequel, Akasha will be out sometime in July. Can you tell us a little bit about the concept of the books, as well as your inspiration?

Sandra: Shardai is the book of my heart and if any new reader was to pick a book of mine to read, I would wish it to be Shardai. I lost my twelve year old cat to cancer and his loss inspired Shardai. The folks that read this and are animal lovers will understand. Those that aren’t will probably roll their eyes. Grin.
I also hoped to make people think about the responsibilities that pet ownership entails. And the horrendous hardships that animals on their own are faced with every day just to survive.
Shardai is built on the premise that there is an afterlife for cats and that they can choose to stay in ‘Catarau’ where they are ruled by the Council of Nine and are forever young and healthy. Or they can use one of their remaining lives to return to earth. This is a risk because there is no guarantee what kind of life they will have once they come back. Shardai chooses to come back and try to find his mistress so she will finally stop grieving for his loss.

R&R: Sandra, you have a Non-Fiction book coming out with the Lotus Circle (TBA) called Power Stones to Go. Also, in your paranormal romance novels Boji Stones and Rose Quartz, power stones play a big part in the story. Can you tell us a little bit about your interest and experience with power stones? Also, do you have any recommendations for stones to help deal with holiday stress?

Sandra: Like most of us, I find gems/crystals fascinating. They’re beautiful and hold us enthrall. Everything is made up of energy and stones are no exception. Look at our watches, they’re powered by crystals. So if you put all that energy and the wonders of a human mind together it seems like there are all kinds of marvelous possibilities.
My choice for dealing with the holiday stress would be an Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli or a Smoky Quartz.

R&R: Your love for animals really shines through, both in your books and on your websites. What two animal causes do you think are really important for people to be aware of and support?

Sandra: I’m sorry to say that we have way too many to choose from. I’ve got to list three :) Spay/neuter programs, adoption centers and ending horse slaughter.

R&R: Your bio says that you are an Administrative Assistant by day and an author by night. When you aren’t working or writing, what are you found doing for fun or relaxation?
Sandra: I love to shop. I’m a bottom feeder, err, power shopper. Grin. I love hunting down a good sale. I also like to read a wonderful story, see an exceptionally good movie, and I enjoy hiking in the mountains or walking along the seashore.

R&R: Is there anything else you would like to say, or that you think us readers would like to know about you or your books?

Sandra: I would just like to say, I appreciate each and every one of you who has taken the time to read my stories. Thank you.
And a huge thanks to Mandy and Denise for having me. It’s been fun. I’m looking forward to having these two wonderful women on my blog.

R&R: Thank you so much, Sandra! We loved reading your answers, and we REALLY love reading your books!! This is usually where we ask the author if there is anything they would like to ask me and Dee. But instead, I have some news we’re really excited about. Sandra Cox has asked us to do an interview on her blog! She has come up with some really fantastic questions for us, so check back soon and we’ll let you know when the tables are turned and Sandra interviews US!

Don't forget to check out my review of Boji Stones!

Happy Reading!
Mandy

Boji Stones by Sandra Cox

2008-01-14T07:22:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about Sandra Cox's amulet series. The concept is a lot of fun, and so are the characters. I especially loved the way the author's love for animals shone through, and I think any animal lover will appreciate this book, as well as romance enthusiasts! While the ending of Boji Stones definitely gives the reader a sense of closure, it also sets up the second story, Rose Quartz, where we continue the story of the ostentatious Bella, new friend to Maureen, and owner of the beauty amulet.

Boji Stones
Sandra Cox
Cerridwen Press
ISBN #9781419910647
Available Now
Novel
Paranormal Romance
First in series

Long ago, the gods favored five mortals, and forged five amulets, each with different powers. Maureen Sinclair has one such amulet, passed on to her by her mother. A healing amulet in the form of a bracelet set with unusual stones- a bracelet that Maureen keeps on her forearm at all times. Unfortunately, her bracelet has become a sort of trademark for her, along with her uncanny ability to help horses and other sick animals. Up until now, people’s interest in Maureen has been purely professional, and only her ranch hand and godfather, Hank, knows about the amulet. But her trademark has led a maniac straight to her- a maniac that will stop at nothing to get the amulet. To make matters worse, Jack, a handsome professor, shows up asking an awful lot of questions. Maureen feels an instant connection with him, but with her life and her secret being threatened, it’s awful hard to trust the gorgeous stranger. Can Maureen and Jack confront the feelings they have for each other while also confronting the enemy, and will they escape with their lives?

Boji Stones is the captivating first book in Sandra Cox’s series about five magical amulets, given to mortals by the gods, and passed down through generations. Now the stories of the present-day owners are being told, and the maniac who would own all five and bring havoc upon the world. Sandra Cox blew me away with her ability to create a realistic story by projecting genuine and heartfelt emotions through her characters, connecting and endearing the reader to them. This story captures and conveys many elements of the human condition: love, compassion, and friendship, as well as the darker ones: greed, hatred, selfishness, and madness. In stories where the villain is, for the most part, an unknown, the character can end up flat with unclear motivations. But Ms. Cox aptly infuses her villain into the story by frequently “checking in” with his thoughts and actions (even from afar), making him much more real- and much more terrifying. Boji Stones is a marvelously unique paranormal romance with a fabulous storyline, fantastic characters, and plenty of suspense to keep you on your toes!

-Mandy Briggs
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *3- Cupid's Ardor Arrow

Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow

Official Blurb:

Maureen Sinclair has a secret that could rock the modern world. More than just a charming antique set with unusual stones, the copper band she wears on her forearm is an ancient amulet with healing powers. The amulet was forged by the gods.

Her world is turned upside down by danger and betrayal when two men discover her secret. One is a scholar. One is a madman.

Now Maureen must fight for her very life and that of the man she loves while protecting that secret.

Happy Reading!
Mandy

Happy Anniversary Sweet Dark Love by Destiny Blaine

2008-01-06T17:38:00.000-08:00

Destiny Blaine has written a short, though not so sweet, more erotic novella. :-) Happy Anniversary Sweet Dark Love is a great introduction to Destiny Blaine's work, and you'll be pleasently surprised with this one! Happy reading and enjoy the review!

Happy Anniversary Sweet Dark Love
Destiny Blaine
Amira Press
July 2007
E-book
19 Pages
Erotic Romance

Carrie has been married to Steve, and it’s their fifth wedding anniversary. She wishes he’d step up to the plate, and take control, make the plans, and just surprise her. But, on that special day, Carrie wakes up hoping Steve has done something, but much to her disappointment: no surprises. So, Carrie takes this anniversary into her own hands. Not only is she trying to make this fifth anniversary memorable, she’s hoping that this night also spices up both of their lives, and sex lives in general…

BUT, as things heat up between Steve and Carrie, she finds herself wanting, and craving things she's never felt felt or wanted before. Then, after one sip of her husband's blood, Carrie just can't seem to get enough...

Destiny Blaine has written a sweetly erotic romance novella. Happy Anniversary Sweet Dark Love cuts to the chase quickly, without rushing. It’s one of those “perfect novellas.” Carrie has real frustrations that many women can either relate to or understand. The relationship between Carrie and Steve is also real: 2 working adults, newlyweds. The characters are witty and realistic. Destiny Blaine won’t disappoint her fans with Happy Anniversary Sweet Dark Love and is sure to attract new fans to her writing!

-Denise Kivett

Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *5- Cupid's Whole Quiver!

Violence Rating: *1- Suction-Cup Arrow

Official Blurb:
They were bound by one common element... the need to feed. He couldn't survive without her or so he thought. She fought urges and withheld herself from him never realizing why until it was literally too late. She wants it all in her state of morality but when she is transformed, she takes everything. Follow a woman who is hell bent on indulging in an anniversary celebration and see what she'll do when one sip of her husband's blood doesn't quite quench a thirst spiraling out of control. Happy Anniversary Sweet Dark Love is a must-read story for paranormal fans!

Happy Reading!
*Dee*
R&R

Windwolf by Charlotte Boyett-Compo

2008-01-01T23:24:00.000-08:00

Charlotte Boyett-Compo is an amazing writer. You just have to check out Bailey and Crevan in Windwolf! This one is really one to sink your teeth into.

WindWolf
Charlotte Boyett-Compo
New Concepts Publishing
978-1-60394-081-8
July 2006
E-book
74 Pages
Erotic romance-paranormal

Again, we meet Bailey MacKenna and Crevan Byrne. Only this time, it’s Bailey MacKenna Byrne, for the two have Joined. Since the Joining, the two have lived in perfect harmony. The love and crave each other. However, there has been one complication. Before the Joining, there was another man who sought after Bailey: Kona Doyle, a were-fox who leads the Resistance, against the current government in power. He was imprisoned, but has since escaped. Crevan is by far more powerful in strength and status than Kona, but with Bailey in the mix, what could happen is a mystery…
How far will Crevan go to protect Bailey, and just how far will she go to protect him?

Windwolf seems to pick right up where Spring Wind left off, making Bailey and Crevan characters to check out! Windwolf will leave rooting for Bailey and Crevan to win the fight. It will also leave hoping for the best, as things turn rough. Charlotte Boyett-Compo is at it again with Windwolf, as the story unfolds and just gets better and better!

-Denise Kivett

Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac

Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow

Official Blurb:
On the planet Faolchú in the Brúidiúil Quadrant of the Ainmhí Galaxy, werewolves rule and humans are second class citizens relegated to jobs and positions the weres do not want. The Slándáil Phoiblí--or the National Security--is populated entirely by the Modartha, the elite band of werewolves commanded by Colonel Crevan Byrne, the most powerful law enforcement officer in the galaxy. Byrne is known well beyond his own segment of the megaverse for being the toughest and most lethal of his kind. His position within the Modartha is one of privilege and power. But...he has taken a human woman--Bailey MacKenna--as his lawful mate and in the doing has given the Resistance a very powerful weapon that can be used against him.

Come the Summer Solstice, the Resistance leader Kona Doyle will meet his just fate in the Central Plaza and with his death, the only man who has ever stolen a kiss from Bailey Byrne's sweet lips after she'd been claimed by the Mordartha will be no more…

Or will he? Just how securely is Bailey nestled in her brawny werewolf husband’s arms?

Happy Reading and Happy New Year!
*Dee*
R&R

Spring Wind by Charlotte Boyett-Compo

2008-01-01T20:35:00.000-08:00

I do believe that this is my first review for anything by Charlotte Boyett-Compo, and I was simply blown away. I read and cranked out the review for Spring Wind, all in one sitting. Hopefully this review will catch some reader's eyes, because I recommend this one, as well as anything by Charlotte Boyett-Compo!

Spring Wind
Charlotte Boyett-Compo
New Concepts Publishing
March 2006
E-book
43 Pages
Erotic romance-paranormal

Bailey MacKenna is the niece of Senator Flynn, which poses a problem for him. He has recently met a very well-off woman whom he wishes to marry. However, if he intends to pop the question, he knows he must have Bailey married off as well, or the show will be a no go. That’s where Crevan Byrne, or Van, as both is friends and enemies know him by, comes in. Crevan was sent to scare Bailey, as a way to keep her out of trouble, but now, the Senator has made a proposition for Van to court, and hopefully marry his niece. This is just fine for Van. He hasn’t been able to get Bailey off of his mind since he met her, and took certain liberties with her. But, there’s a problem. Van’s part of the Modartha, or the ultra-secret police, the most feared police. They are deadly assassins, and during the full moon, they shape shift into the most dangerous wolves of their type… Can Van get Bailey to trust him, especially enough to fall in love with him?

Charlotte Boyett-Compo is in a league of her own with Spring Wind! She has truly conquered the art of writing erotic romance. The sex scenes are exceptionally hot, yet the love between Bailey and Van is real. If you haven’t tried a piece from Charlotte Boyett-Compo, Spring Wind as a novella will give you the perfect taste of just what she is capable of!

Spring Wind is awarded our Rogues and Romance Erotic Must-Read for outstanding story, characters, and sex scenes!

-Denise Kivett

Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac

Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow

Official Blurb:
In a futuristic society where werewolves are the law enforcers, naïve Bailey MacKenna has run up against the biggest, baddest, burliest wolf in the pack. Sweet body trembling beneath Crevan Byrne's knowing touch, Bailey finds herself a prisoner not only of his muscular arms but his overwhelming seductive powers. Staring into amber eyes hot with uncontrollable desire, she is soon lost to the dictates of her own heart and Crevan's rock-hard body.

Happy Reading and Happy New Year!
*Dee*
R&R

Velvet Leather and Roses by Dahlia Rose

2007-12-31T17:04:00.000-08:00

Dahlia Rose is an absolutely wonderful author. I don't think I can say that enough, and being able to review her books is equally wonderful! Here's the review for Velvet Leather and Roses!

Velvet Leather and Roses
Dahlia Rose
Amira Press, LLC
September 2007
eBook
75 pages
erotic romance

Cooper Jasper has found himself in a place known as Leather and Lace, and it’s not exactly his type of place. Leather and Lace is more for those who like to play a little bit differently, but Cooper had to come here, because he had to find HER. Finally, when he sees her across the club, the sight is absolutely mouth-watering. She’s wearing stockings, with stilettos, black netted clothing…and a voice like honey. Her name is Velvet…

Cooper wants to talk to Velvet. He is absolutely enamored with her, but when she leads him into one of the club's VIP rooms, he begins to get more than he bargained for. He’s always been the one to tie the ladies up, but now Velvet has him in her clutches, and well, Cooper loves every minute of it.

But after just a few moments of learning just what exactly Velvet can do, time’s up! But Cooper has to know more about Velvet, and as she turns toward to door to go back to work, she agrees to meet him, but until they can meet, all Cooper can think about is Velvet, and how he is just dying to get to know her better…

Dahlia Rose is at it again, with a fantastic piece of work. Velvet Leather and Roses has just the right amount of both romance and spice! You, the reader, will find that you just HAVE to find out what happens between these two and Velvet Leather and Roses is just perfect for that, because you can! The characters are realistic, but also come with some mystery, to keep the reader enticed. Go grab yourself a copy of the novella Velvet Leather and Roses by Dahlia Rose! You won’t be disappointed!

Velvet Leather and Roses is awarded our Rogues and Romance Erotic Must-Read for outstanding story, characters, and sex scenes!

-Denise Kivett

Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *5- Cupid's Whole Quiver!

Violence Rating: *1- Suction-Cup Arrow

Official Blurb:
Cooper Jasper was captivated, enticed and enthralled by one woman and he did not know her name. He saw her one night at his friend’s bachelor party and he could not get her face out of his mind ever since. The party was held at a place called Leather and Lace, a kind of strip club with BDSM thrown in. Since he saw her, he has been back several times, and each time he watched her. This night was different. She takes him into one of the VIP rooms where she introduces him to a sexy taste of being domineered. It excited him beyond anything he has ever felt but still he wants more. Billie might be the dominatrix as a job, but he intends for her to be his submissive.

Happy Reading and Happy New Year!
*Dee*
R&R

Cold Warriors by Clare Dargin

2007-12-30T16:12:00.000-08:00

I had never read a futuristic romance with a military twist, such as Cold Warriors. Simply because I never thought I'd find it interesting, for my specific tastes. However, Clare Dargin has opened me up to yet another whole new world!

Cold Warriors
Clare Dargin
Aspen Mountain Press
July 2007
978-1-60168-050-1
E-book
184 Pages
Futuristic

Cold Warriors takes place approximately 100 years in the future. Back in the late 90’s, some people who were nearing death were frozen, or placed into a cryogenic state. Now, the United States military is waking those who have been found, up. Only, they’re not on Earth anymore, they’re in the vast recesses of deep space, which comes as a huge shocker to Caitlin Driskoll, upon being awakened after 99 years.

However, much to Caitlin’s surprise, she’s told she gets to go back to Earth. Even though she knows A LOT has changed, she’s still excited to be able to pick up what’s left of her life, and learn about all that’s happened. However, upon departure, she’s told to report to Colonel Keegan. Colonel Keegan informs Caitlin that she is to say aboard the space ship, and that she must also earn her keep.

A war has been raging for the past three years in space, between us and the Verneans. If the Verneans win, we become enslaved. They are now “planet-hopping,” via planets that are much too cold for humans to inhabit, and therefore, too cold for us to fight on. However, that’s where the cyro’s come in, because they CAN withstand the frigid temperatures on these planets, and thus can come in especially handy for gathering intel.

War or not, Caitlin feels as if, “She had died and joined the Marine Corps. Or was God an aging general? Either way she knew it couldn’t be heaven ‘cause there was no chocolate…”

Cold Warriors is a great read for those interested in military and futuristic genres. However, Caitlin’s story, or better yet, life is during the 90's, a time which we, the reader, can find more relatable, making Cold Warriors by Clare Dargin, easily relatable to most any reader. Clare Dargin has written a great futuristic piece, and once Caitlin Driskoll is introduced into the story, you will find you just can’t put this one down!

-Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *1- Cupid's Affection Arrow

Violence Rating: *4- Fire Arrow

Official Blurb:
When Caitlin Driskoll is awakened from a cryogenic stasis, she's got a lot of adjusting to do. It's a new century and the planet is at war. Once married to a Navy JAG, she now experiences life from the viewpoint of a Jarhead, and the view isn't pleasant. Colonel Medoro Keegan lost the two most important things in his life during his Marine career: his wife to friendly fire, and his ability to fly combat missions. Now, he's stuck aboard the Blanchard as the XO. The Corps is the only family he has left and he's not about to lose the last thing he values. Until he meets Caitlin, who isn't shy about telling Medoro what she thinks about his Marines. How can such beauty wrapped in an icy body have so much fire? It's the future, and a new kind of prejudice has replaced the racial prejudice Caitlin experienced in the last century. After all, when you've been given a second chance at life, you are expendable.

Happy Reading and Happy New Year!
*Dee*
R&R

Rules of Darkness by Tia Fanning

2007-12-30T15:42:00.000-08:00

Tia Fanning has done a fantastic job with Rules of Darkness! There's just the right amount of romance, darkness, and magic to creat a perfect story.

Rules of Darkness
Tia Fanning
Resplendence Publishing, LLC
2007
E-book
93 Pages
Paranormal Romance - magic

Katia has both rules and signs that guide her life, and in order to keep herself alive, she must follow the rules. The first sign was the brutal crime upon Katia’s mother that caused her conception. The second sign that followed was when Katia’s mother named her, shortly after birth, and then passed away. The third sign was when Katia’s eyes changed from blue to hazel, and with the third sign came the first rule: of those who flock to Katia, only those who live may she lay her hands upon them, but she must never touch the dead.

Then, Katia turns 16, and she loses her great-grandmother, and flees from their village. When she fled, she left the ways of the old, and moved into the modern world, what we know of. It hasn’t been easy though. The “lost,” as they are so called, still flock to Katia, and it was when she fled that she broke one of her 12 rules.

As she was driving home, one day after work, she passed a graveyard, and glanced at it, for far too long. Thus, breaking one of said rules, “Never glance into a graveyard as you pass it.” When rules are broken, there are consequences. Now, this boy, a ghost, has attached himself to Katia, because he just knew that she could see him. He's just a boy to Katia, but because he's a ghost, she CAN'T help him. If he accidentally touches her, she will lose her soul…

As Katia tries to explain to the boy that she can’t help, his rage fuels his power and more rules are broken. Katia has to get out of her house, and just as she thinks she is about to lose everything, she sees Stoyan, and he banishes the boy…

Stoyan was the love Katia left behind when she fled her village all those years ago. There’s a lot more left unsaid between Katia and Stoyan because their history and future both run far deeper than they could ever imagine. Katia is a healer of the lost, and Stoyan is meant to be her protector. Because of that, they are destined to be together, but when Katia needed Stoyan the most, he wasn’t there, and she sure doesn’t need him now. What Katia soon finds out though, is that she does need Stoyan. She learns that she carries the scent of the shifters, and those inflicted will try to use her as a mate. Now, everything will change in Katia…

Tia Fanning has written an exceptional novella. The relationship between Katia and Stoyan is realistically developed, and the rest of the characters bring much to the table. Fanning has fully developed Rules of Darkness, and the storyline is absolutely perfect. You’ll be laughing, and crying, but in the end, you’ll find yourself loving the story, and extremely happy with how things turned out. Rules of Darkness is a fantastic story, and Tia Fanning is an amazing author.

Rules of Darkness is a Rogues and Romance Must-Read!

-Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac

Violence Rating: *4- Fire Arrow

Official Blurb:
One special gift...Twelve rules to follow...There are some rules that should never be broken.

They tell me that I am special, that my ability to heal mental illness is a "gift" that should be treasured and appreciated. As far as I'm concerned, I'm not gifted...I'm cursed. Nothing in this life is free, not even gifts. There is always a price to be paid somewhere, somehow.

My healing gift came with twelve Rules of Darkness, rules that I must follow at all times, until the day I die. The rules are ingrained in who I am. They dictate how I live my life when I am awake, and they haunt me when I'm asleep. Don't look into a graveyard, Katia. Don't touch the dead, Katia. Never seek out the lost, Katia...It's enough to drive a person mad.

And perhaps that's where I find myself now. A victim of a disease I can cure in others, but not in myself. It's madness to break the rules, and yet, I don't care anymore. I'm tired of living my life this way. I'm tired of the rules. I won't do it any more, and if that means I suffer the consequences, then so be it

Happy Reading and Happy New Year!
*Dee*
R&R

Caribbean Blue by Dahlia Rose

2007-12-30T15:19:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love Dahlia Rose! Since getting into reviewing books, she's become one of my most favorite authors! Enjoy the review for Caribbean Blue!

Caribbean Blue
Dahlia Rose
Phaze Publishing
November 2007
978-1-59426-790-1
E-book
43 Pages
Erotic Romance

Eli is a cop from Philly, and he needs a vacation. So, he visits an old friend, Mick, who has relocated to Barbados. As soon as Eli arrives, he is lounging in his bedroom, when suddenly he hears the most exotic voice singing. He just has to know where it’s coming from. As Eli walks down the beach, he eventually finds the woman singing, and is absolutely struck by her beauty, and when she leaves, he gives chase.

Day after day, Eli looks for the mysterious, yet beautiful woman, and each day he continues being unable to find her. He asks his friend Mick about her, but Mick has never heard of or seen such a woman. On the other hand, Mick’s wife, Jewel, is reminded of a local island legend. She tells Eli of a tribe of people, known as Baqeu, who are said to live in hidden caves around the island. At the end of the island legend, Eli finds out that the woman’s name is Alison.

That same evening, as Eli is heading home from a walk along the beach, he catches a glimmer in the trees. Then, catches a glance of black hair. As he catches up to her, he is more than surprised when she kisses him. Then, she leads him into the sea, to reveal much more to Eli...

But far underwater, things begin to heat up between Alison and Eli, and Eli just can’t seem to get enough of Alison…

Dahlia Rose is a fantastic writer, and she definitely will not disappoint any readers when they feast their eyes and minds on Caribbean Blue. The storyline is exceptionally strong, and even though Caribbean Blue is a novella, Dahlia Rose has a way of never making the reader feel rushed while reading. While there is some mystery with the island girl, Alison, the characters and the relationship between Alison and Eli is very real. Dahlia Rose definitely has a knack for writing, and an even greater ability to create such a real, yet enticingly erotic story, such as Caribbean Blue!

--Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac

Violence Rating: *1- Suction-Cup Arrow

Official Blurb:
Eli Connors was a Philadelphia cop who was burnt out and just stressed out from the job. So when his friend Mick sent him and invite to visit him on the island of Barbados Eli jumped at the chance. He needed a break, the sun and surf would do him just fine. He did not know he would meet a mysterious woman called Alison on the beaches of the island, from a tribe called the Baqeu. Nor did he know that he would end up running from poachers on the island. Now in paradise he is caught up in the exotic Alison and the passion they created in between the coral and caves on the island. Will he be able to get on a plane back to the life on Philly and the cruel streets that made his heart cold? Or will he stay on the island and follow love's call by the Caribbean blue Sea?

Happy Reading and Happy New Year!
*Dee*
R&R

Babes in Toyland II Anthology

2007-12-23T18:12:00.000-08:00

Babes in Toyland II has left me absolutely speechless. All I can say is: Hold on tight and get ready for a new favorite!!

Babes in Toyland II
Anderson, Barrack, Delight, Glisan,
Greenough, Hasker, Montgomery, Sinclair
Aspen Mountain Press
978-1-60168-074-7
Available Now
eBook
Paranormal, Fantasy, Contemporary
All Heat Levels

Who Offed Holiday Spirit
Wayne Greenough

When Holiday Spirit, a man who Christmas just isn’t the same without, goes missing, it’s up to PI Thanet Blake to find him. If only he didn’t have a record of getting people “offed” in the process of his investigations!

Wayne Greenough brings us spunky, good-guy private detective Thanet Blake, a character as endearing as he is perceptive. This story probably has most wonderfully Christmas-y feel in the anthology, and you will love the warm feelings it brings you, as well as the smartly metaphorical storyline and characters. I loved Thanet Blake, and I will definitely be reading more of Wayne Greenough!

Christmas Ink
Skylar Sinclair

Christopher Kringle, son of you-know-who Kringle, has found a welcoming little town where he can do what he loves- practice medicine. But when he visited his parents this year, his father told him he needs to start looking for a wife so he can take over the family “business”. Chris is less than enthused, about having to leave his job as a doctor, and about being encouraged to settle down, when he doesn‘t even have a girlfriend! But when a motorcycle accident brings a woman named Candi Kane into his clinic, his life is changed forever.

Christmas Ink is a fun and magical story of fated mates who find each other by an unusual situation, with an even more unusual proof of being mates. Skylar Sinclair really knows how to put a fun dose of Christmas spirit in with magic and romance, creating one wonderfully fun time!

Devon Falls: Sticky Magic
Raine Delight

Devon Falls is a place where four founding (magical) families came to create a place where people of their kind would be safe. Since then, many love matches have been created in Devon Falls. Such is the story of Marc, who at the prodding of his intuitive mother, leaves Europe to visit his aunt in Devon Falls. Instead, he finds Jenna, the woman he has been waiting for centuries for, and gives her everything she’s wished for.

Devon Falls: Sticky Magic is a sizzling adventure about finding love when you least expect it. You definitely won’t be bored with this fast-paced steamy story. Raine Delight tops it all off with an ending that will have you craving the next story from Devon Falls!

Festival of Lights
Melissa Glisan

Jacob is studying to become a rabbi in a time when the Hellenistic leaders have outlawed the practice of Judaism. Fear for his son’s life prompts him to buy a slave to protect him- Saka, a fierce warrior woman from a strange and distant land. She more than proves her worth in the coming fight, as well as astounds Jacob as she works her way into his heart. But it seems too many obstacles get in their path and threaten their lives for them to be together. Jacob must trust that with God’s love and miracles, Saka can find her faith, and a place in the land of Judah.

Festival of Lights is by far one of the best novellas I have ever read. Melissa Glisan astounded me with her intelligent combination of history and fiction, creating a beautiful story and romance that is sure to touch you heart, no matter what your faith. Glisan’s retelling of the Miracle of the Oil is a religious fiction masterpiece, and a story that is going to become a holiday tradition for this reader.

Christmas Belle
Dawn Montgomery

After Belle, a Christmas fairy has an encounter at the spring with Roarke, the no-nonsense lawman fairy, she knows her heart is in big trouble! But when her denial of him accidentally triggers Christmas magic, she finds herself the cause of a magic that has touched the world of Fae and humans alike. It’s up to her and Roarke to figure out how to break the spell…

Christmas Belle is a fantastically magical story that I was entranced by, from start to finish. Everything about Dawn Montgomery’s story was wonderful- the writing, the plot, the characters, and those scintillating sex scenes! Belle and Roarke are two fairies that will work their way into your heart as surely as they do into each others, and you won’t want this story to end. Lucky for us readers, Montgomery ties the story up so nicely, it leaves you sighing with satisfaction.

Heart’s Desire
Michelle Hasker

The past few nights, Adamh has been noticing a woman walk down the street past the café he comes to. She is so beautiful, he would have noticed her even if two strange men weren’t following her. He does some digging and finds out she is Ainne O’Leary, owner of an antique shop. He continues to keep an eye on her, but it isn’t until the men finally make their move that Adamh comes to her rescue. The fact that she instantly knows that he is a vampire tells him that there is much more to Ainne than meets the eye. But what neither one of them know is that they are connected in a way they could have never imagined.

Heart’s Desire is about finding exactly that. This story was full of mystery and suspense, and you will love Michelle Hasker’s style of uncovering those mysteries! This story is a marvelous true paranormal, and a love story that any romance reader will adore.

The Game
Jeanne Barrack

Dave Harris craves his girlfriend Shari like no other, and wants to take their relationship to the next level. The only problem is that Shari has yet to open up to him- about anything. When he decides to ask her to come to his family’s cabin, she knows what’s coming and asks to invite along Dave’s best friend Frank, and her roommate Marianne to help relieve some of the pressure. It’s not that she doesn’t want more with Dave, it’s that she doesn’t want to ruin a good thing when she tells him about her secret. But Shari is not the only one with a secret, and with a winter storm that leaves the foursome stranded, Dave gets a lot more answers than he could have ever asked for!

The Game is a scorching contemporary ménage, with enough sexy secret confessions to make your head spin! Join these four friends as they go on a trip of emotional and sexual discovery, that will leave their lives forever changed. This story will have no trouble making you feel all hot under the collar. Jeanne Barrack writes the most delicious, kinkiest holiday story ever!

Gift of the Holly King
Maura Anderson

After being hit by a drunk driver, Kayleigh is left with all kinds of scars- both physical and emotional. Needing some independence from her parent‘s house where her mother has doted on her in these months since the wreck, she rents a big, beautiful ancient house. But the house provides little refuge from the uncertainty she feels from feeling like a different person, and from the constant pain she is in. Until one day, when she decides to take a short walk and feels drawn by the goddess to a clearing where three holly trees stand, with one much larger than the others. She can feel this is a sacred place, and feels the presence of what she believes to be a spirit. But little does she know, he is the Holly King, and she’s not the only one who feels drawn…

Gift of the Holly King is a phenomenal fantasy that gave ME a new fantasy! Maura Anderson not only captivated me by her wonderfully non-complicated but intense plot, but with her ability to make her characters feel real enough to touch. The reader can easily identify and sympathize with Kayleigh, and it’s not hard at all to lust after the Holly King! The connection between the two is absolutely electric, and when they come together, look out for sparks!

My conclusion:
Babes in Toyland II really blew me away with it’s fun, smart, sexy, and imaginative stories. Every single one of those stories were ones I enjoyed reading immensely, and the folks at Aspen Mountain should get a big round of applause for choosing the perfect blend of fantastic stories for this anthology. Not only did I find Babes in Toyland II a definite keeper, but I found a ton of new authors that I loved. This is one I will certainly be reading again- at Christmas and all throughout the year.

-Mandy Briggs
Rogues and Romance

Heat Ratings: From none to *5- Cupid's Whole Quiver

Violence Rating: From none to *3- Steel Arrow

Babes in Toyland II, and every story within, gets the Rogues and Romance Must-Read Award. This anthology deserves special recognition for an outstanding stories, characters, and writing.

Happy Reading and Merry Christmas!
Mandy

Bound in Lust by Dawn Montgomery

2007-12-23T12:43:00.000-08:00

I have come to know and love Dawn Montgomery's stories through both Bound in Lust, and her fantastic story Christmas Belle, in the Babes in Toyland II anthology. This is definitely an author to take notice of- both stories were phenomenal, and after also devouring the free stories on her website, phenomenal is definitely par for the course!

Bound in Lust
Dawn Montgomery
Changeling Press
ISBN: 978-1-59596-871-5
Available Now!
eBook
Novella
Paranormal
Erotic Romance

Elena is in trouble- big trouble. After being attacked and bitten by a demon, the curse of the bite turns her into a succubus. But she doesn’t know what to do to save herself, she’s a bartender for goodness sake! Luckily, she does know who to go to for help: Drake, a powerful lust demon. Drake can’t resist the gorgeous Elena, and agrees to do what he can. But when he realizes that whoever attacked Elena had a master plan that involves him, he knows he must bind her to him… forever!

Bound in Lust is a devilishly sexy tale that you will not be able to put down. This story easily captures the reader’s attention, and keeps you in suspense, wondering how this plot against Drake (with Elena as a pawn), will all play out. Drake is a drop-dead sexy demon, and Elena is the perfect woman to slake his lust! The sexual tension between the two is palpable, and the author really drives home the attraction they feel for each other. Dawn Montgomery reveals plenty of the plot and characters to get you involved with the story, while whetting your appetite for the rest of the series. Bound in Lust is one of those stories where you never know where it’s going, but happily follow!

-Mandy Briggs
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac

Violence Rating: *1- Suction-Cup Arrow

Official Blurb:
A bite by a demon leaves Elena cursed. When the dark mark of the succubae entwines with her soul, she becomes the enemy, one who drains the élan vital or life force of her victims. Now she is the hunted. And the only place she can find refuge is with a demon. Drake Oblivion, dark demon of lust. For a price, all things are possible, but will a cure be worth the cost of her soul… or heart?
For Drake, a millennium of lust is the icing on the cake of demonic life. When the sexy bartender asks for his help, he can't help but agree. But things aren't always what they seem. An enemy has created a double-edged sword in the luscious curvy body of the passionate woman. He'll have to successfully bind her soul to his or die. For once the succubae has you, you are bound in lust to her unto death.

Happy Reading!
Mandy

Vanessa Gilfoy- Guest Blogging!

2007-12-17T06:24:00.000-08:00

Hi readers! I am absolutely thrilled to have Vanessa N. Gilfoy guest blogging with us today. She is a fabulous author, published with Cerridwen Press and Ellora's Cave, and she has just come out with the first book in her new series. Let me welcome and thank Vanessa for being here and introducing us to her phenomenal new series, New Pangaea!

Welcome to New Pangaea

I’m addicted to fantasy for the most perverted reasons. Whether sitting in a theater, or reading in my bed, I can’t help but wonder what an elf’s spells would feel like on my skin. How does magic apply to their love lives? What about vice versa? Wizards, too. They couldn’t have always been gray and wrinkly. What were wizards like in their youth when their flesh was firm and warm? The sick part of me also wondered about dwarves, but I push that out of my head.

Dreams and nightmares grew from these ponderings until New Pangaea formed in my hard drive. Because of my science background, I wanted reason behind the possibilities. What could cause humans to evolve into elves, wizards, and dwarves? The creation of new races or species is normally caused by separation of populations for long periods of time in which catastrophes and harsh living conditions select for new traits, in my novels - magic. This is the premise for a story between our time and New Pangaea, but that transition is still in the works.

My New Pangaea stories take place in a post-apocalyptic Earth after the catastrophes are forgotten, technology lost, and magics emerged. Elves, wizards, humans, and dwarves struggle for power, fueled by desire. Their battles rage between the bedroom and the battlefield. Every detail is explored within this darker realm. Experience the exhilarating touch of an elf. Spells are no longer just for saving short guys from demons and rings.

You’ll catch a glimpse of my wizards in Masquerade of the Cursed King and Guardian of the Onyx Empire. My wizards strengthen not only their minds with spells, but their bodies as well. Much yummier than traditional magic-wielding sort. I’m eager to share more of them. A wizard centered novel is also in the works within New Pangaea.

-Vanessa N. Gilfoy

I am so excited about the New Pangaea series! Vanessa gave me the opportunity to read Masquerade of the Cursed King (review coming soon), and let me tell you, I was absolutely blown away! You can pick up your own copy now at Ellora's Cave. The second book in the series, Guardian of the Onyx Empire, comes out January 18th, with the third book, Quest into the Forbidden, to follow on January 23rd! Be sure and check out Vanessa's website, where you will find all kinds of info about her new Pangaea series, book trailers, screensavers, her monthly contest, and other goodies, as well as info about her vampire romance, Healing Wounds. If you caught and loved her post on the Cerridwen Press blog about using the Nintendo DS as an eReader, and my post on her blog about the PSP as an eReader, you will absolutely love the gamer friendly site Vanessa created, as well as all the DS and PSP goodies she has available!

Happy Reading!
Mandy

Contest- Rynne Raines

2007-12-15T10:07:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! I know this is a bit last minute notice, but I just found out about a contest at Rynne Raines' blog to win her short story, The Awakening! Defintely hop on over there and enter, it's a great story- and one of my favorite short stories ever! But hurry, because the winner is going to be drawn tomorrow, Sunday December 16th! Also, if you haven't read my review of The Awakening, be sure and check it out!

A Year of You by Adra Steia

2007-12-10T23:50:00.000-08:00

Boy has life been busy! This week is finals week, and these past 2 weeks or so have just been way to hecitc. Finally though, I have my reivew for A Year of You by Adra Steia, and she definatley knows how to write a dark romance! I absolutely love her writing, and A Year of You just proves how much of an amazing awriter she is.

A Year of You
Adra Steia
Tease Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-934678-33-6
Available Now
eBook
Contemporary Romance

Matilyn’s nightmare began when her mother married Kirkland’s father. Kirkland seemed to be the perfect older brother, especially only being a few years older than Maty. But when she was eight years old, he raped her for the first time. Then, when Matilyn told her mother, she was grounded, and Kirkland took every advantage. Mattie has lived her life being broken and terrified, because as an adult, Kirkland is still around, and Mattie doesn’t know what to do…

Mattie wanted nothing more than to be free of Kirkland when she became an adult, but he has prevented that. See, K got Mattie into a lot of trouble, and ended up paying for her lawyer in order to keep her out of legal trouble. But now he wants his money back. So, he has sent her to Daytona Beach to play Elaine, the long-lost granddaughter of a very wealthy woman, Mrs. McKendrick. But that’s not all Mattie has planned; because the farther away from K she is, the safer everyone is.

But there’s a problem, because on the flight to Daytona, Mattie meets a man named West, who is a good friend of the McKendrick’s. But as it turns out, West knows more about Mattie than she thinks, because Mr. McKendrick sent West to Atlanta, where Mattie lives, to keep an eye on her and find out more. But when Mattie and West meet face to face on the flight back to Daytona, West is conflicted because Mattie does share some qualities with the McKendrick’s, but definitely not all. But when she tells him where she’s headed (though, he already knows), he offers to give her a ride.

When West and Mattie arrive at the house, Mattie feels like everyone who greets her does it in a cold manner, and every instinct in her tells her to turn and run. But that’s not what matters, Mattie has to convince Mrs. Ruth Ellen McKendrick. But when Mattie goes up stairs to visit the old woman, Ruth Ellen spills the beans. She knows Mattie isn’t her granddaughter, and she knows exactly who Mattie is, where she came from, and what she does. The thing is, Ruth Ellen wants Mattie to find Elaine, because she knows where she’s buried…

Despite the definite intensity of A Year of You, Adra Steia still throws in a few little quirks here and there to help keep the mood light. This story is very thrilling, but one that I think anyone can find themselves relating to, because the circumstances are so real. It’s one of those stories, where you may not know exactly what the characters are feeling all the time, but at one time or another you do. A Year of You is on the darker side of fiction, and contains a lot of depth. If that interests you, then Adra Steia will not disappoint. I recommend trying this one out though, because even with the darkness and depth, I think everyone can enjoy A Year of You. This is definitely one for your keeper shelf!

A Year of You is a Rogues and Romance Must Read!

*Denise Kivett*
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac

Violence Rating: *4- Fire Arrow

Happy Reading!
*Dee*
R&R

Contest- 12 Days of Romance!

2007-12-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

The holidays can be a stressful time, but if you're a romance reader, you know how relaxing it is to sit back and read a great romance. Lucky for us, some fabulous authors have gotten together to do a fun contest where you can win some great books for free! Three lucky winners will win books from Ellora's Cave, Cerridwen Press, and Total e-Bound authors. Check out the details on Sandra Cox's blog! (Links are located in her blog sidebar.)

1st prize--6 books
2nd prize--4 books
3rd prize--2 books

All books and prize winners will be drawn randomly.

Holiday Nectar by A.J. Hampton

2007-12-03T06:15:00.000-08:00

Boy have we got some great info for you romance lovers! Not just about a fantastic new author, A.J. Hampton, but a fabulous new publisher, Cacoethes Publishing! Not only do they have great books, a beautiful site, and gorgeous book covers, but through the 15th of December, all their available books are 50% off! That makes Holiday Nectar only two dollars!! Definitely stop by the Cacoethes Publishing site, take advantage of the best eBook sale ever, and grap a couple of free stories by A.J. Hampton and other authors- they're under the Horror section!

Holiday Nectar
A.J. Hampton
Cacoethes Publishing
Available Now
eBook
Contemporary Erotic Romance
Holiday- Christmas

Aidan O’Connor is the type of guy who can get any woman he wants- and he does. That is, until he meets Ashlynn Reynolds. She knows his type, and is not about to fall for someone who she knows will break her heart. But after months of working with Aidan, Ashlynn finds it harder and harder to turn his advances away. The truth is, she genuinely likes him, and would definitely give in to him if it weren’t for the heartache that would inevitably follow. But when the office Christmas party brings them together in a relaxed atmosphere where spirits are high and inhibitions are low, will she finally let him make good on the promise in his heated gaze?

Holiday Nectar is a charming contemporary Christmas read that is a whole lot of fun! A.J. Hampton has created a fierce emotional and sexual connection between the hero and heroine that won't fail to catch your attention! Ashlynn and Aidan are both strong characters with a lot of personality, and the supporting cast of co-workers really added a lot to the story with their antics and attempts at pushing these two together. Even though the characters have known each other for months, you can feel the attraction even more strongly than a first encounter, and the author definitely gets though to the reader the feelings that have built up over that period of time. This makes the story and relationship between Ashlynn and Aidan much more realistic, and I loved that A.J. Hampton created an even deeper romance by not rushing their relationship. Holiday Nectar is a Christmas treat you can’t help but devour!

-Mandy Briggs
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac

Violence Rating: *1- Suction Cup Arrow

Official Blurb:
Ashlynn Reynolds has spent months trying to resist her oh so sexy co-worker Aidan O'Connor. It's Christmas time and it seems this years holiday party has a lot more in store than just mistletoe!

Happy Reading!
Mandy

Lost Treasure by Midnyte Dupree

2007-12-03T06:14:00.001-08:00

Here's another fantastic read! Midnyte Dupree really started Lost Treasure off with a band, and just like I was, you'll find yourself drawn in deep to Lost Treasure.

Lost Treasure
Midnyte Dupree
Cobblestone Press, LLC
2007
978-1-60088-182-4
E-book
51 Pages
Romance, Time-Travel

Elena Flabear has bonded with the man of her dreams…literally. Every few nights he visits her, to show her visions of ancient lands she must find and visit, as well as a golden, ruby-rimmed chalice. But, when she’s not dreaming, she’s working with her father in South America while they dig for artifacts. But as her father is on the verge of a magnificent discovery, he gets killed in the cave-in of an excavation site. Elena decides to close the site and go back home so that her father can be buried alongside her mother.

Elena then spends three long months in the States during her father’s funeral. There she never once dreams of her “dream man,” but as soon as she ventures back into South America, the dreams start. She knows she’s supposed to be led to a new excavation site, but the clues he continues to give her through increasingly erotic dreams are vague to Elena, and she has no idea where to begin.

It’s when she’s at another dig site that she finds herself once again in the presence of the man from her dreams. But this is no erotic encounter or mysterious vision- it’s a warning. She’s in danger, and unless she finds the chalice, there’s nothing he can do to protect her…

Even if you’re not a fan of history or archaeology, you’ll still love Lost Treasure. There’s suspense, sadness, and of course…romance! Midnyte Dupree has crafted realistic characters, and even though this “dream man,” is not necessarily real, the relationship between he and Elena definitely is. The storyline was thorough, and you’ll want to read more by Midnyte Dupree.

Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *3- Cupid's Ardor Arrow

Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow

Official Blurb:
Elena always knew she would be an archaeologist, even before she understood what the word meant. She just wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps and find treasures of her own. In her dreams as a child she could transport herself to exotic places and imagine the things she might find.

But when a mysterious man enters her dreams, he shows her places that call to her. As she gets older, this man introduces her to more than just the lost treasures of the earth, but another treasure filled with passion, lust and something that goes much deeper.

Happy Reading!
*Dee*
R&R

The Long Thin Veil by Marly Matthews

2007-12-03T06:14:00.000-08:00

What a fun and quick read! Marly Matthews really caught my attention with this book, and I loved reading every page. If you're not a fan of short stories, you really do have to give this one a try. I personally felt that the plot was fully developed, and that the characters were as well. So go grab yourself a copy of The Long Thin Veil, you won't be disappointed!

The Long Thin Veil
Marly Matthews
Wild Rose Press
October 2006
E-book
28 pages
Paranormal romance

Megan McLeod, a not so powerful witch, has made a pact with a Faerie King; a pact that makes her his queen and true love, for all eternity. However, when she made that fateful pact, she was but a teenager, and now she is feeling more like a prisoner. On All Hallow’s Eve, when the veil between the supernatural and mortal world thins, she is to meet him, but she’s not going into his realm without a fight. For when Megan meets with the Faerie King, she musters up all of his strength and attacks him, sending him over a cliff. The King has no idea why he is receiving such animosity from Megan, and he is even more surprised to see how her powers have increased. He only wants her to return his undying love for her because they are in fact, true soul mates. But before he is able to whisk her off to FairyLand, Megan asks him for his help one more time, in saving her village from their evil enemies who are running amok on this All Hallow’s Eve, and this one act will bring Megan closer to the King, as well as broaden her understanding of what they both truly are…

Marly Matthews has written a snappy, funny, romantic read! Although the setting is All Hallow’s Eve, the reader will find that this is an “anytime read!” Since The Long Thin Veil is a novella, you’ll be more than happy to read this all in one sitting. Everything flowed absolutely wonderfully, and never once will the reader feel as if this short read is rushed in the least bit. Marly Matthews has done a fantastic job of creating a magical realm, and the ending will leave you with a smile on your face!

Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *1- Cupid's Affection Arrow

Violence Rating: *1- Suction-Cup Arrow

Official Blurb:
It is the night of All Hallow's Eve, in Scotland. Come nightfall, The Long Thin Veil between realms will slip away, unleashing the full magical power of Samhain. The spirits of the dead, faeries, elves and other otherworldly spirits will visit the human realm, and in return the humans may visit their realms. However, All Hallow's Eve comes with a price. While the spirits of the light are given access to our world, the spirits of darkness can also cross into our realm. Megan Rose MacLeod is a witch. She is the protector of her village…in her family of witches, she is known as the 'chosen one.' Her time of reckoning is near…for she has made a bargain with a powerful man… Tiernan Fairlove is a man accustomed to getting what he wants. And, he wants Megan. Now, he must convince her that they are a match made in heaven, destined to be together for eternity. Blessings and danger abounds on All Hallow's Eve, in the end, their love might be the only thing that survives to see a new day.

Happy Reading!
*Dee*
R&R

Restoring Water by A.D. Roland

2007-12-02T11:47:00.000-08:00

I have had a very hectic past few weeks, but over Thanksgiving, I was able to read Restoring Water, a historical inspirational romance that I really enjoyed. A.D. Roland has written a very different kind of inspirational romance- it has strong elements of suspense, and a bit of an edge, an intensity. Restoring Water proves that an inspirational romance doesn't have to be light and fluffy for the message of God's love to shine through.

Restoring Water
A.D. Roland
Tease Publishing
Available Now
eBook
Historical Inspirational Romance
Christian

Summer Sweetwater lives a hard life, taking care of her gambling, alcoholic father, and trying to coax life out of barren land. Because of her father, the townspeople consider Summer to be trash, and treat her as such. So imagine her surprise when Isaiah McCready, a gorgeous stranger, shows up trying to court her! Even stranger, he claims he’s a prophet, and that God has sent him to marry her and give her back tenfold everything that was taken from her many years ago. Summer doesn’t quite know what to make of him, but she does know that she doesn’t want to ruin his reputation by him associating with her. But no matter how much she pushes him away, he persists in trying to make her believe him. The true test comes when Summer’s father uses her as a bargaining chip in order to get back the family’s land, that has been in the possession of their neighbor for years. Will Isaiah be able to keep her safe, win her back, AND win her heart?
Restoring Water was a beautifully emotional story of loss, love, and faith. A.D. Roland writes a story not just about putting your faith in the one you love, but about putting your faith in God’s love. As I read Restoring Water, I felt countless emotions, and there were quite a few times where I literally had tears rolling down my face. I think just about anyone can identify with Summer and the loss and insecurity she feels, as well as the joy in discovering that she is loved. Not only was this an uplifting love story, but it was a wonderful story about how God can heal your heart if you put your trust in Him. I applaud A.D. Roland not just for her skillful writing ability, but for writing such a heartfelt message of God’s Love.

-Mandy Briggs
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *1- Cupid's Affection Arrow

Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow

Official Blurb:
When the handsome newcomer arrives in town, Summer Sweetwater is sure he’s crazy. Not only is he claiming to be a prophet, he’s proposing marriage! Summer spent her whole life shunned by the residents of Shady Creek, Florida, because of the sins of her father. She won’t tarnish Isaiah McCready’s reputation by association. Even as Mac promises her no matter what the town believes, God still accepts her, Summer pushes him further and further away. When a debtor comes to collect, Isaiah may be the only one who can save the woman he believes is his destiny. Her father has offered her to a nasty neighbor in exchange forthe deed to their once-fertile land. To save Summer, Mac will have to own up to his own deceptions and criminal past. Will he be able to convince Summer that he isn’t the very things she fears so she will trust him enough to put her life in his hands?

Happy Reading!
Mandy

Summoned by Lust by Amanda Sidhe

2007-12-02T05:35:00.000-08:00

I am so happy that Amanda Sidhe asked us to review Summoned by Lust, because I have found one of my all-time favorite vampire stories! This story is a bit different from the usual vampire-and-human-fall-in-love story, and is so deliciously intense, you'll read it all in one sitting. I am so glad I discovered this author, and you will be too once you read Summoned by Lust. After you do, satisfy your Amanda Sidhe craving and download the free eBooks she's offering on her website. She has one contemporary erotica quickie, and two awesome vampire romances from the same world as Summoned by Lust!

Summoned by Lust
Amanda Sidhe
Ellora's Cave
ISBN #9781419913464
Available Now
eBook
Novella
Paranormal Romance
Vampire, Telepathy

Even when she was a child, Karma had to do whatever it took to stay alive. Only then it was “procuring” the money to buy food, and now it’s keeping her throat from getting ripped out by vampires. Being a Summon, a sort of human servant, for the local vampire clan definitely has its perks, but having her life in constant peril is definitely not one of them. Luckily, her telepathic abilities and strong sense of self-preservation has kept her alive after seven years as a Summon- which is about seven years longer than any other human coming in contact with the clan. But now she has been Summoned to serve Razor, a Kinsmen from another clan, during his stay. Easy job, right? Wrong! This Kinsmen just happens to be the biggest, baddest, deadliest, SEXIEST vampire she’s ever met. And his requirements go way beyond the normal driving and fetching. If she wants to stay alive, she has to use her telepathy to keep his constant blood lust at bay. And the only way to do that is to turn those bloody desires into a different kind of lust…

Let me start out by exclaiming, Summoned by Lust is one scorching-hot story! Amanda Sidhe pens a scintillating novella with an exciting, fast-paced plotline, sizzling sex scenes, and characters you can’t get enough of. The author skillfully describes the heroine’s experiences of using her telepathic powers, making the reader feel as if they are actually inside Karma’s mind. Besides the impressive psychic elements, you will love the fresh, original spin on vampire lore in this story. You find yourself enraptured; completely caught up in what’s happening, not knowing what’s coming next, and loving every minute of it! In Summoned by Lust, Amanda Sidhe masterfully crafts a tale of blood, sex, and psychic bonds that will leave your breath short and your head spinning!

Summoned by Lust is a Rogues and Romance Must-Read!

-Mandy Briggs
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac

Violence Rating: *4- Fire Arrow

Official Blurb:
Karma thought she had it made. As a highly paid Summon — a human servant to a vampire clan — all she had to do was use her telepathy to anticipate the needs of the vampires she was sent to serve, while avoiding becoming lunch or undead herself. It had been a lucrative and easy gig until Razor showed up with his deadly good looks, bad boy attitude and a dose of telepathy that dwarfed hers. And this powerful vampire Kinsman has only one job for her to do — telepathically replace his overpowering blood lust with sexual hunger…for her!

Happy Reading!
Mandy

Eyes of the Dead by Aleka Nakis

2007-12-01T19:24:00.000-08:00

I don't know what else to say about Aleka Nakis except that she is AWESOME! Not only was I lucky enough to get to read and review The Greek Rule, but after reading Eyes of the Dead, she is definitely on my list of authors to keep an eye on. Her books are filled with such beautiful imagery, you have no problem imagining the exotic locations she uses as her settings. And the wonderful thing about purchasing Eyes of the Dead (besides getting a fantastic read) is that thanks to Aleka Nakis and Resplendence Publishing, a portion of the proceeds goes to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Talk about a fabulous way to help find a cure for breast cancer!

Eyes of the Dead
Aleka Nakis
Resplendence Publishing
978-0-9795721-2-8
Available Now
eBook
Paranormal Romance

Tiffany Jensen is determined to continue the research her late professor started before he was murdered. Not just to honor her mentor, but because the research holds possibilities that could help eradicate breast cancer, the disease that killed her mother. Unfortunately, the key to this research is a plant only found in a certain part of the jungle- in South America. The unfortunate part is that after the professor’s murder, she has been denied permission to collect the plant specimens that never made it to the United States. So Tiffany is taking a “vacation” and posing as a tourist interested in exploring the Mayan Jungle. She doesn’t even know if she will be able to find the plants, or even smuggle them back into her country- but she can’t give up on the cure when she is so close.

Agent Antonio Francisco Fernandez knows all about Tiffany Jensen and what she has come to South America in search of. In fact, it’s his job to get her to return home before she even sets foot in the jungle. But he soon finds that she will do anything to get what she came for, including putting herself into a danger she can’t even conceive of. It’s up to him to either to get her to go home now, or get her in and out of the jungle- preferably alive.

Eyes of the Dead is a suspense-filled romance with a touch of the supernatural, perfect to satisfy all your romantic cravings. Aleka Nakis will stun you with her unbelievable talent of pulling you into the story and painting the setting with perfect detail. In Eyes of the Dead, venture into the jungle with exotic plant-life, mysterious and deadly creatures, and beautiful landmarks you can picture with ease. The characters are extremely well-developed, and pack a big punch in a small number of pages. Tiffany is a sweet, determined woman who will sacrifice everything, even her life, in order to help cure a terrible disease. Antonio is a gorgeous, strong hero, and from the very beginning, you will be cheering for a happily ever after between he and Tiffany. Eyes of the Dead is a romantic adventure that will have you wanting more of Aleka Nakis!

-Mandy Briggs
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *3- Cupid's Ardor Arrow

Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow

Official Blurb:
What would you endure to find the cure for the disease that killed your mother? Exposure to venomous snakes? Raging rapids without a life jacket? Drug lords who dab in sex trafficking?
Would you relinquish control and trust your life in a dead man’s hands?
Tiffany Jensen, a young breast cancer researcher, confronts her greatest fear and flies on a plane to a foreign country alone. Venturing into the dangerous terrain of the Mayan jungle, she is willing to do just about anything for the cure.
Antonio Francisco Fernandez, aka Agent AFFCROC, is open to only one possibility: getting Tiffany out of his territory and safely back to the States. Will his insistence deny her success, or struggling to find her way, will she come face to face with the eyes of the dead?

Happy Reading!
Mandy

Secret Santa 4U by Paisley Scott

2007-11-28T05:12:00.000-08:00

Paisley Scott is one author we really enjoy around the holidays, because lately she has been turning out some real holiday gems!! Not only did we LOVE her Halloween romance, The Pirate and the Pussycat, but now we have a new holiday obsession- Secret Santa 4U! After you pick up your copy of Secret Santa 4U, check out how to enter Paisley's contest for some great prizes!

Secret Santa 4U
Paisley Scott
Wild Rose Press
eBook
39 Pages
Contemporary Romance
Holiday- Christmas

Sophie is about to spend what looks like will be her loneliest Christmas yet. While being a single thirty-something librarian does little for her self-esteem, her recent forays into adult singles chat rooms have given her a boost. Not just a boost in self-esteem, but also in her sex life, even if it just consists of herself in front of the computer. So when a Christmas Eve storm delivers a very sexy Secret Santa right to her door, will she be able to shed the safety of her computer, and have the courage to accept the gifts he has for her?

Once again, Paisley Scott delivers a fantastic holiday story that any romance reader will love. Secret Santa 4U is a charming little Christmas story that is as light-hearted as it is steamy. You will be cheering for Sophie as she finds that love can be found in the most unexpected places. The author gives plenty of hints as to the identity of the Secret Santa, but the fun is the anticipation of when and how all will be revealed to Sophie. Secret Santa 4U is a seasonal romance you’ll want to pull out and read every Christmas. So if you’re looking for a fun and sexy holiday romp, Paisley Scott won’t let you down!

-Mandy Briggs
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac Arrow

Violence Rating: *0- No Violence

Official Blurb:
Christmas was always the loneliest holiday for Sophie Mulligan. But at least this year, her sex life was fabulous! Too bad it was only online. Then, on Christmas Eve, a sudden snowstorm sends her Secret Santa to her doorstep and Sophie finds herself on his naughty list.

Happy Reading!
Mandy

The Greek Rule by Aleka Nakis

2007-11-19T19:24:00.000-08:00

The Greek Rule was the first book I had read by fantastic author Aleka Nakis, and I have since devoured Eyes of the Dead, and from here on out, will read ANYTHING with her name attached to it! Her characters are always real with sizzling connections- but the absolute best thing about her books is that she paints the setting in the readers mind to such perfection, you really feel like you've gone on a vacation.

The Greek Rule
Aleka Nakis
Resplendence Publishing
978-0-9795721-5-9
eBook
Contemporary Romance

Athena has worked hard building a name for herself under her boss’ corporation and she is ready to strike out on her own. It’s been her dream to build her own resort, and she has a fabulous location all picked out. The only problem is she has a little competition in her bid for the property. Okay, she has BIG competition, Alexandros Strintzaris, a well-known bachelor and business tycoon. He’s successful, he’s deliciously handsome, and he’s Athena’s one dating no-no: he’s Greek. But between an unexpected meeting at a charity ball and a wedding that has the two keeping close company; Athena is realizing she’s in danger of losing a lot more than her resort property…

The Greek Rule is a beautiful story that will sweep you away with superb imagery of exotic locales, fantastic characters, and a love story that will warm you all the way to your toes. Athena is a beautiful, intelligent businesswoman, and Alexandros is the perfect man to break down Athena’s stereotypes of the Greek playboy. The attraction between Alexandros and Athena is nothing short of electric, and you will love the interaction between the two. In The Greek Rule, Aleka Nakis infuses a rich cultural influence with a lush setting that’ll have you packing your bags for Santorini!

-Mandy
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *3- Cupid's Ardor Arrow

Violence Rating: *1- Suction-Cup Arrow

Greek Rule by Aleka Nakis

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Official Blurb:
Ambitious and beautiful Athena Lakis has one simple rule…
No romance with a Greek.

In theory, this tenet should be easy to keep. After all, reaching for her life long dream to own and operate a prestigious hotel on prime seaside property in Greece, she has her hands full. The major hurdle being her drop-dead gorgeous competition: Greek tycoon Alexandros Strintzaris.

Alexandros has his sights set on more than just a real estate deal. He wants Athena, and he always gets what he wants. When he discovers she is the one outbidding him on the resort, will he feel the same?

From a Naples ballroom, to the exotic island of Santorini, Alexandros and Athena learn when it comes to affairs of the heart, there are always exceptions to the rule.

Happy Reading!
Mandy

Cimmerian City by Rae Lindley

2007-11-18T07:01:00.000-08:00

When I came across Rae Lindley's Cimmerian City MySpace page, it was by far the coolest one I had seen. Not only is she a very talented artist, but I had the pleasure of discovering what a talented writer she is as well!! After you fall in love with Cimmerian City, be sure and hop over to the Cimmerian City website to grab some CC wallpapers, take a "Which character are you?" quiz, and watch a deleted scene from the book!

Cimmerian City
Rae Lindley
Lavender Isis Press
ISBN: 0-9793674-7-6
eBook and Print
155 Pages
Urban Paranormal/Futuristic
Cimmerian City Series

Unknown to the general public, a war is brewing, and their world is about to be turned upside-down. A war between humans and a race most humans didn’t even know existed: the Dracins, a vampire-like race. But the Dracins are not supernatural creatures that are as old as the vampire myths. They are a race of people created by science, by late 20th century drug companies, to be exact.

After enduring a vicious attack during the Dracin emergence, Raven Blackheart wakes up ten years later to find quite a different world from what she remembers. A world divided by the two races, and run by corporations. But not only is the world different, she’s different- now half-human and half-Dracin. Her body holds the blood of the people that attacked her and killed her beloved, but that blood also gives her body unique abilities. Raven awakes to find herself provided for and mentored by one of the heads of the biggest corporation, a human that tells her she is to help bring peace between the two races. But she soon finds that there’s more behind this supposed plan for peace, and the humans can be just as cruel and deadly as the Dracin insurgents. It’s up to Raven to find out who to trust- for her life and the lives of innocents- both human and Dracin.

Cimmerian City is the first book in a series that is sure to become a fast favorite for readers. Rae Lindley has a real talent for immersing the reader in the story, revealing plenty to let you in on secrets even our heroine doesn’t know yet, but just enough to keep you guessing. The author creates a dark and fascinating setting, a perfect backdrop for the conspiracy and mystery of the story. Raven is a complex character fighting to understand herself as well as this new world around her, and the perfect heroine to act as a beacon of hope for a bleak world. Rae Lindley hits the mark with Cimmerian City, a story full of suspense, action, and the stirrings of a romance that I can’t wait to see develop later in the series.

-Mandy
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: N/A *No Sex Scenes

Violence Rating: *4- Fire Arrow

Official Blurb:
Stripped from the headlines of today's news, Cimmerian City is a novel spanning 10
years.

Greed can turn a good man’s heart to stone. This is especially true in the age of
commerce and large corporations. No new pill can be taken without a laundry list of
side effects that the patient may have to endure. But what if the side effects are
more dangerous than the pills are helpful? What if the side effect causes the patient
to be immune from standard dangers, such as firearms, the climate, etc., but causes
them to change into otherworldly beings?

It is seen through the eyes of a young woman named Raven Blackheart. It is a
future where corporations rule the world and political parties have been dismissed.
An Earth that is recovering from a global war that has divided two races: Humans
and Dracins, quick, tough skinned creatures that are children of the side effects
from 20th century pharmaceuticals. Raven awakens in this world as a product of
both races and nurtured by the vice president of the main corporation in the world
as a symbol of the union of races. With her help, Vice President Tyler Deamond’s
corporation can take both beings off Earth, which is quickly becoming a waste
planet, and to a new terraformed planet. But, as Raven learns, nothing is as it seems, especially concerning humans.

Happy Reading!
Mandy

The Awakening by Rynne Raines

2007-11-09T15:40:00.000-08:00

I was really impressed with Rynne Raine's The Awakening. I don't read short stories very often because when I do, I always feel like it's over too fast, and I don't feel like I get closure. But The Awakening was by far the best short story I have ever read, and one I will definitely read again and recommend. Not only is the story emotional and realistic (even with the paranormal element!), it is extremely satisfying. The Awakening is especially perfect when you want the enjoyment and comfort of a wonderful romance, and want it now! Actually, this story is perfect for any time!

The Awakening
Rynne Raines
Wild Rose Press
eBook
19 Pages
Paranormal Romance

Every night, Natalie Kendrick is both titillated and tormented by her dreams. In these dreams, a man dressed in proper 19th century attire comes to her and sweeps her away in his passionate embrace. But this man is more than just a dream lover, she believes he is the man that saved her life many years ago. Every morning when she wakes, she feels the pain of his absence, and knows that she can’t continue living life for her dreams. When she seeks the help of a professional, she is given medication. Just one little pill at bedtime, and no more dreams of him. But actually going through with it is harder than she could have imagined.

Rynne Raines has written a beautiful short story that will charm itself onto your keeper list. Raine’s realistic and honest approach to storytelling is refreshing. When Natalie begins to have problems in her life because of her dreams, she does what any intelligent woman would do: she seeks professional help. The heroine is a smart, strong woman who meets her problems head-on, and I loved this aspect of the story. The Awakening delivers sensuality, suspense, realism, and an ending that while you're sad to see come, will leave you fulfilled. I am eagerly awaiting Rynne Raine’s next story!

-Mandy
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac Arrow

Violence Rating: N/A- *No Violence

Official Blurb:
Torn between fantasy and reality, Natalie Kendrick wakes each morning on fire, haunted by passionate dreams of Alexander, the nineteenth century gentleman she believes saved her life fifteen years ago. But when living outside the erotic dream world they share becomes unbearable, she seeks the help of a dream analyst. The solution seems simple: dream suppressants. But can Natalie bring herself to forever shut out the only man she has ever loved--from her head, her life and her heart?

Happy Reading!!
Mandy

Jessie's Dirty Little Secret by Jade Twilight

2007-11-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

Jade Twilight is an author who is as generous as she is talented. Judging from her blogs, she spends a good deal of time each week helping her fellow writing community by posting author interviews, excerpts, and more. If you've ever put a post together that's not just a journal entry, you will know how much time it takes. In addition to having an author spotlight on her personal blog once a week, her blog "Love Prefers Twilight to Daylight" has author interviews, excerpts, and more. She has also started a fabulous new blog, "Lycan Paradise" that features books with wolf-shifters!

Jessie's Dirty Little Secret
Jade Twilight
Dark Eden Press
eBook
34 Pages
Paranormal/Incubus

Jessie has always been very close with her Aunt Jules, so when her aunt passes away, she is left devastated. But with the loss of her aunt comes a new responsibility. She is to take over Jules’ place as mistress to Garin, an incubus. Garin has given Jessie’s family wealth and power in exchange for giving him nourishment, and now that task falls to Jessie. Garin quickly discovers that Jessie is just as insatiable as he is, and he is more than happy to help make all her fantasies a reality. But when the Horned God, the leader of the incubus and succubus, makes it known that he has been impressed with Jessie’s escapades, he presents her with a proposition. Suddenly, Jessie is faced with a decision she could have never imagined having to make, and it’s up to her to reach out for what she wants.

Jade Twilight has shown an immense talent for imagination and description in Jessie’s Dirty Little Secret. This story was fresh and fascinating, and I loved the idea of the incubus being bound to one female family member. The author has written a highly descriptive story, but leaves a little to the imagination in just the right places. The characters are intriguing, and you will especially love the scenes where Jessie pulls Garin into her world. Garin was an extremely hot and slightly devious hero, and a very sexy incubus. Jessie is a smart and sensual woman with a little bit of wildness, but whether or not the reader can relate to her, the author makes her likable and easy to empathize with. When Aunt Jules passes away, you deeply feel the love Jessie has for her aunt, as well as the grief Jessie feels over her loss.

Keep in mind that this story is rated “Intense” by Dark Eden Press, and there is some subject matter that might be a little much for some readers. However, if you aren’t easily offended, you will love the edge and rawness that Jade Twilight has put into this story. Jessie’s Dirty Little Secret is one deliciously dirty little novella!

-Mandy
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *5- Cupid's Whole Quiver

(BDSM, one f/f scene)

Violence Rating: *2- Blunt-Tipped Arrow

Official Blurb:
We all have our demons, but Jessie's is real. He's an incubus named Garin, who has served Jessie's family for centuries. Giving them wealth, privilege and power in return the women in the family feed Garin. Now it's Jessie's turn and she's proving to be just as insatiable as her demon. This catches the eye of the Horned God leader of the incubus and succubus. The question is will Jessie give up everything to satisfy her carnal desires?

Happy Reading!
Mandy

The Beast Within by Lisa Renee Jones

2007-11-05T03:47:00.000-08:00

Lisa Renee Jones has created a wonderful new paranormal series called The Knights of White, with a fascinating group of heroes. If you haven't tried out Harlequin's paranormal line, Silhouette Nocturne, this is the perfect book to introduce you to the line. But whether you have or haven't read Nocturne books before, The Beast Within is a book you will love, and The Knights of White is a series you can't get enough of!

The Beast Within
Lisa Renee Jones
Silhouette Nocturne
978-0-373-61775-3
Print and ebook
276 Pages
Paranormal Romance

In the battle between good and evil, the Knights of White struggle with the Darkland Beasts for all of humanity. The leader of the Knights is Jag, a man tortured by both the beast he feels raging inside of him, and by the dreams. Since the day he was made immortal after the Darkland Beasts took his life and that of his beloved wife’s, he has felt nothing but the need for vengeance. But the dreams bring new feelings, new temptations in the form of a beautiful woman, who in these dreams causes him to lose control over the beast in his soul he fights to repress.

Karen is a mortal who has been searching her whole life. For what she has no idea, but her need to find it becomes more apparent to her each day. When she is unknowingly manipulated by an evil being, she finds herself led to the Knights of White, and to Jag. She feels a strange connection to him, and though she doesn’t know why, he feels strangely familiar, and oddly like the missing piece she’s been awaiting.

When Jag meets Karen, he instantly recognizes her as the gorgeous temptress from his dreams. But his suspicions of her motives and his fear of losing control cause him to push her away from him. But when the cause of the dreams becomes clear, and their destinies are revealed, it’s not a matter of Jag trusting Karen any more; it’s a matter of trusting himself.

The Beast Within is an exciting and emotional story of soul mates, accepting who you are, and trusting in the ones you love. Lisa Renee Jones has created not only a marvelous, suspenseful story, but an assembly of characters that are completely unforgettable! The Knights are sure to be some of your all-time favorite heroes, and you become attached to each one in just the first book! The connection between Jag and Karen is deep and powerful, and the reader is left riveted by their love story. Join the hero and heroine, along with the other Knights you will come to know and love, in their fight against pure evil, the Darkland Beasts. Lisa Renee Jones’ Knights of White series is a paranormal essential that will sweep romance readers off their feet!

-Mandy
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *3- Cupid's Ardor Arrow

Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow

Official Blurb (from website):
A world where angels and demons collide…Where knives, guns, and weapons might cause damagebut only good can defeat evil.
Known only as ‘Jag’, he leads an army, the Knights of White, in the battle of good over evil, fighting the soulless Darkland Beasts who took his wife and his life. Saved by an immortal of mystical powers, he, too, is now immortal, destined to live with the vengeance he feels in his heart. He is torn between the beast stirring his soul and the goodness his mentor presses him to embrace.
But soon the true origins of the war being fought will become clear. For this is a battle of angels; Raphael, a protector of humanity, against, Cain, the fallen one, from the Underworld.
Cain will stop at nothing to take down his adversary, even bringing Jag’s wife back to life in the form of forbidden temptation. His plan…to destroy the Knights and conquer good with evil.
Now, Jag will find the one he lost, and their love will either lead him to the light or the ultimate darkness.

Official Blurb (from back of book):
Only Passion Can Soothe the Beast Within…
Known only as Jag, he leads the Knights of White against the soulless Darkland Beasts who took his wife and his life. Jag is immortal, destined to live with the vengeance he feels in his heart. And the dreams that haunt his soul. Sensual dreams of a woman. Dreams that threaten to unleash the beast within…
Karen Gibson is an innocent mortal, unwittingly thrown into this millenia-old battle, and, unwillingly, under Jag’s protection. She and Jag are about to discover that they have met before - in the dreams they share.
Neither trusts the other. Neither can survive alone. The secret of those erotic dreams may be all that saves them – if Jag can only accept it. At risk is Karen’s life. And Jag’s immortal soul…
Knights of White: These demon hunters fight for all that is good…

Buy the Paperback from eHarlequin.com Only $4.20 (plus s&h)

Buy the Paperback from Amazon New- $5.25 (free s&h w/ $25 purchase)

Buy the eBook from eHarlequin.com Only $3.33! (no s&h)

Visit the Knights of White Website!

Visit Lisa Renee Jones' Website!

Check out Lisa Renee Jones' Blog!

Happy Reading!
Mandy

Congrats to the winners of Aurora Black's Contest!

2007-11-02T13:08:00.000-07:00

There were THREE winners from R&R, who each won a FREE copy of Aurora Black's Bitter Harvest! Congrats everyone who won! It really is a great read!

Winners:
QB
Tam
Mahaira

Check out the list of winners here!

Aurora Black's Interview with Rogues and Romance!

R&R's review of Bitter Harvest

Congrats again to our winners again!

Continue to check back for more reviews and other fun stuff, inluding more contests in the future! :-)

*Dee*
R&R

Twilight's Kiss by Marly Mathews

2007-10-31T23:21:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I'm so happy to share with you a fabulous new-to-me author: Marly Mathews. She writes fantastic paranormal and historical novels, and I was lucky enough to get to review Twilight's Kiss. It's not often you will find a book about a vampire and a faerie falling in love, and I know you'll love this one! Be sure to keep an eye out for her first futuristic romance, Doorway to the Stars, coming soon!

Twilight's Kiss
Marly Mathews
The Wild Rose Press
1-60154-007-8
eBook and Print
289 Pages
Paranormal Fantasy Romance

Sean Sutherland has just about given up all hope of being released from his curse. Too long has he been doomed to remain a vampire, with no sign of the woman who is destined to save him. When a romance novelist is scheduled to make an appearance in his town, he is less than ecstatic. But what he doesn’t expect is that the romance novelist is the daytime persona of Bridget Sinclair, a Fey princess and trained Huntress of Hell.

Bridget knows there’s a reason she has been assigned to the small village, and while she doesn’t know much about Sean Sutherland, she knows he’s a vampire. And that’s all a Huntress of Hell needs to know! But as she starts to get to know Sean more and more, she finds herself attracted to him- both physically and emotionally. But a Huntress of Hell is supposed to kill vampires, not fall in love with them! It’s up to Sean, and a lot of his loyal friends, to convince Bridget that she is the key to unlocking his curse. But it’s up to HER to figure out exactly how to break the curse!

Twilight’s Kiss is a delightful novel that is the perfect blend of darkness and light. Marly Mathews creates an endearing supporting cast of characters that you will love just as much as the hero and heroine. But the hero and heroine definitely hold their own, and you find yourself becoming more and more attached to them with every turn of the page. You'll desperately want a happy ending for Sean and Bridget, so much you just want to jump in and wring their necks until they confess their love for each other! Marly Mathews has written a fantastic paranormal with animated characters, a suspenseful plot, and one emotional love story! In Twilight’s Kiss, see what happens when a vampire and a Faerie princess fall in love- it’s nothing short of magical!

-Mandy
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *2- Cupid's Passion Arrow

Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow

Official Blurb:
Born of Fey Royalty, Princess Bridget Sinclair is a romance novelist by day. By night, she's known as A Huntress of Hell.
Sean Sutherland is a man doomed for eternity. His inner turmoil eats away at him every day. Living the life of a vampire certainly does not sit well for him. Yet, his salvation looms on the horizon, as long as his savior does not slay him instead of freeing him from his curse. His salvation comes in the form of Bridget Sinclair.
Bridget's faerie magic and light will bring the dawn back into Sean's world, banishing the dark and restoring his soul.

Buy the Twilight's Kiss ebook!

Buy the Twilight's Kiss Paperback!

Visit Marly Mathews' Website!

Check out Marly Mathews Blog!

Happy Reading!
Mandy

Hot Rio Nights by Stella and Audra Price

2007-10-31T22:22:00.000-07:00

Hot Rio Nights is a delicious short story from Stella and Audra Price. Be on the lookout for it, coming from Tease on November 15th. This is definitely one you won't want to miss!

Hot Rio Nights
Stella and Audra Price
Tease Publishing
987-1-934678-18-3
2007
EBook
22 pages
GENRE
Book one of the Devas series

Starla Gibson is taking in the sights of Carnivale in Rio de Janeiro, looking for a little action. She has been noticing the delicious man across from her for quite awhile, and he has definitely been noticing her as well. Oh yeah, he could definitely provide the excitement she was looking for tonight! After introductions are made, the handsome stranger, Derek, dares her to be his slave for the night. Gibson won’t allow herself to be anyone’s submissive, and there’s no way she is going to trust this stranger to be her master, even if it is just for the night. But when he tells her he has procured a potion that will not only make her completely willing to be his slave, but that will make her enjoy it, she decides to give it a try. After swallowing the contents of the teardrop-shaped bottle, she begins to feel everything Derek said she would- everything and more…

Hot Rio Nights is a short story that you will love! Stella and Audra have an insane talent for great characters, and the characters in this story are no exception. This hero and heroine are one hot match, and the sex scenes in the story practically leave scorch marks on the page! Hot Rio Nights is a perfect short story to unwind with- it’s sweet and spicy, and completely satisfying!

-Mandy
Rogues and Romance

HEAT RATING: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac

VIOLENCE RATING: No Violence at All

Official Blurb:
When Starla Gibson learns of the bet that the sexy stranger across from her is putting forth, to be his darling little slave for the night, she thinks its a joke. Strong and dominant Gibson, has been hurt to much to play anyones subordinate and tells him that she cant possibly sink to sub level. When he presents her with the answer to both their problems, a small bottle of clear liquid that Derek claims is a potion to turn her into the most willing toy hes ever had, Starla cant back out of the challenge. Little does she know that what shes about to experience is going to change the way she looks at herself, and the man before her.

Buy Hot Rio Nights from Tease Publishing Releasing November 15th!

Visit Stella and Audra’s Website

Check out the Price Sister’s blog!

Happy Reading!
Mandy
R&R

Swamp Baby by Adra Steia

2007-10-31T05:26:00.000-07:00

Swamp Baby is great! It's spooky, has romance, Native American elements! Everything I love, all rolled up into one book! So, check out this review, and grab yourself a copy of Swamp Baby!!

Swamp Baby
Adra Steia
Tease Publishing
Available Now
987-1-934678-22-0
EBook
203 pages
Paranormal Horror

Laughing River has just been forced to sacrifice her infant child in the swamp by Spirit Mother, whose magic is strong, especially compared to that of her people’s. Shortly after the sacrifice, Laughing River does the only thing she can do: hangs herself. Her father finds her, and hopes that one day, his magic will restore his people and drive out Spirit Mother, but suddenly, he is killed, by some of Spirit Mother’s panthers…

The Swamp is now a place of fear, where people are lead to their death by Spirit Mother and never found. Suwannee is overcome with emotion the day she sees the ghost coming for her across her yard, for the ghost has taken her grandfather, father, and brother, and she is afraid she'll be next. But as suddenly as the ghost appeared, it vanishes. Later that night, Suwannee realizes she could be pregnant, from one HUGE mistake…sleeping with her Ex, Michael, three months ago.

Now, Suwannee just wants to leave the swamp and never return, but she has nowhere to go, and no one to go with besides Derry, Michael’s best friend, and the closest thing he has to a brother. Derry just can’t leave Michael, no matter what, even despite the strong feelings and emotions, as well as the fact that the Derry and Suwannee have finally given into their sexual desires for one another.

But when Derry leaves Suwannee after their first night truly together, Suwannee has a dream. She dreams of finding a medallion, and then being chased through the swamp by a big panther. And as the panther stops, Suwannee tries to take the medallion off from around her neck, only to find that the harder she pulls, the more it tightens….is it more than just a dream?

What neither Derry nor Suwannee know though, is that Michael knows that there is more going on between the two of the them than a simple friendship. He sees the kind words, the simple touches, and the playful laughter when Derry and Suwannee are in public. But Michael has yet to find out just how far these two have taken things, and to Michael, Suwannee has always, and will always be his, no matter what…forever. And he will stop at nothing to prove that fact to Suwannee…

But everyone, especially Michael, has bigger problems than Derry and Suwannee’s relationship. Michael has found Spirit Mother and awoken her ancient, evil, and wild magic. Michael doesn’t know that he is now under Spirit Mother’s spell, and now he must do her bidding…

This is only the beginning! There is more to come from Adra Steia in the way of Michael, Derry, and Suwannee! Adra Steia has crafted amazingly real characters, with a very fluid storyline. You will find yourself not wanting to put down Swamp Baby! You have romance and horror, all rolled up nicely together. This is perfect for Halloween, or any other time of the year! I know I can’t wait for what happens after Swamp Baby, and you won’t be able to either!

*Denise*
Rogues and Romance

Swamp Baby is a Rogues and Romance Must-Read! This book deserves special recognition for an outstanding story, characters, and writing.

*Heat Rating:3- Cupid’s Ardor Arrow

Violence Rating: *5- Poison Arrow

Official Blurb:

Suwannee lives in mortal fear of the swamp that borders her home. Generations of her family have been lost in the depths. Every night it calls to her, beckons her. Although her best friend Derry promises he won’t let anything ever happen to her, she wonders if she’ll ever be free of the deadly swamp’s siren song.

Michael loves the swamp with a passion, one that rivals that for his ex-wife. While she cowers in the shadow of the wetlands, he embraces it. When a vicious entity offers him an unimaginable power, he
seizes it, despite the horrible sacrifice he must make.

Before Michael can help Spirit-Mother claim Suwannee, something else from the swamp does. Derry and Michael join forces to rescue Suwannee from the horrors of Hertley’s Swamp, but will Derry be strong enough to defy his brother and save the woman he’s come to love?

Buy Swamp Baby!

Visit Adra Steia's website

Read an excerpt of Swamp Baby

Happy Hallow-Reading!
*Dee*

Catherine Chernow Guest Blog!

2007-10-31T05:25:00.000-07:00

Wow! We are too excited to have our very first guest blogger here, Catherine Chernow. She is the author of the fabulous recent release Lady in White, which received some high compliments from Denise!! Find out all about this wonderful author and her spooky new Bride's Inn series- and just in time for Halloween! Without further ado- Catherine Chernow!!!

A haunted inn nestled on the cliffs lining the rocky northern coastline of Long Island… characters with mysterious pasts…strong-willed heroines…alpha-male heroes that will leave your body tingling, and your senses aroused…a strange apparition…and enough sensual, erotic romance that will turn you on without turning you off to a fantastic story when you read LADY IN WHITE, TIGER’S EYE, MAGIC MAN and GHOST SEEKER. Four spooky, sizzling stories that are part of ‘Bride’s Inn’ – available from www.ResplendencePublishing.com

My name is Catherine Chernow, and I’m thrilled to be a featured Halloween author here at R&R this month. Check out the dynamite review that LADY IN WHITE received from R&R. LADY IN WHITE is the first story in my haunting ‘Bride’s Inn’ series of paranormal erotic romance available from Resplendence Publishing.

Check this out! LADY IN WHITE also received 3 stars from Romantic Times! Here’s what the reviewer at Romantic Times had to say about LADY IN WHITE…"Book one in the Bride's Inn series is a ghostly tale that provides a quick escape. It has a good plot, and the setting is vividly described…an unexpected twist at the end provides a satisfying conclusion." Resplendence Publishing has a super ad in the November issue of Romantic Times featuring LADY IN WHITE.

I’m thrilled to be writing the ‘Bride’s Inn’ series of paranormal, erotic romance for Resplendence Publishing. TIGER’S EYE is the second book in the series (it’s available now for preorder at Resplendence Publishing and will be available for sale this December). MAGIC MAN is the third book in the series, followed by GHOST SEEKER – and these two titles will be available soon. Make sure you log on to the contest page at www.ResplendencePublishing.com because I’ve got a great contest going on now until December 31^st. Details are posted there.

I love a good ghost story – and I’m fascinated with the paranormal. When I was a kid (okay, so that was many, many moons ago! LOL), I read Shirley Jackson’s THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE. Talk about being scared! Yikes. The hair rose on the back of my neck and the more I read, the more frightened I became…

Think I love scary stuff? I do! And a great ghost story is what you’ll get when you read LADY IN WHITE. Would you like to meet Seth Masters, the rogue, alpha-male hero of my ‘Bride’s Inn’ series? Then log onto www.myspace.com/sethmastersli and check him out. Sigh…he makes my heart race. Feel free to blog with Seth on his myspace page. LADY IN WHITE is Seth & Serena’s story, but at www.myspace.com/sethmastersli, it’s all about Seth’s feelings. He’s got lots to say – about himself, and the heroine of LADY IN WHITE, the fiery-haired Serena – a lady with her own mysterious past.

This October is Frightful Fun at my Yahoo! Group, catherinechernowsheartofromance@yahoogroups.com

The fun goes on all month long as I post the Halloween question of the week – we have some crazy chats going. I’ve got a contest happening too, so if you participate in the Halloween Question of the Week, you’ll be entered into a drawing where you’ll be eligible to win some great prizes from www.Avon.com. Details are posted at catherinechernowsheartofromance@yahoogroups.com

I love to chat with readers & authors. I love meeting new people. I’m participating in a chat today (Tues. Oct. 23rd) with lots of other ResplendencePublishing authors at
Fallen Angel Review Chatters

Click to join Fallen Angel Review Chatters

Catch me there beginning at 5 p.m., EST (Eastern Standard Time). You could win a free download of LADY IN WHITE or TIGER’S EYE!

My family’s precious to me, my hubby and two grown children are the light of my life, and writing romance, is the spark that makes it all work right. I’ve been writing since I was a kid – ever since I could grasp a pencil between my stubby little fingers. I entertained classmates, friends and family with my stories, and now, I get to share them with everyone – I get to share them with you!

A violin’s sweet song echoes a love profound…what happens when a world-renowned violinist shares a night of passion with a mysterious stranger – and leaves her prized possession, a rare, one-of-a-kind violin, in a bar? MASTRODDI’S MAGIC is a tale of erotic romance with a paranormal twist, as a tall Texan from the wrong side of the tracks, and a talented, classical violinist discover the secrets of the MASTRODDI’S MAGIC. When murder, deception and tragedy strike, will the MASTRODDI’S MAGIC be enough to mend their broken hearts and lives?

MASTRODDI’S MAGIC is a full-length, single-title, contemporary romance, paired with a paranormal plot. MASTRODDI’S MAGIC will be available soon from Resplendence Publishing

Read great excerpts and have some fun at catherinechernowsheartofromance@yahoogroups.com,

Check out the hot, hunky Seth at www.myspace.com/sethmastersli. Read the entire first chapter of LADY IN WHITE at www.myspace.com/catherinechernow and read my bio and have a spooky good time at www.CatherineChernow.com (check out my ‘Paranormal Party’ page!).

I’ve had a wonderful time blogging here at R&R…I enjoyed it so much. Now, I bid you goodbye, but not for long…for the paranormal fun has just begun.

Spook to you later!

Catherine- Thank you so much for your wonderful blog! We really enjoyed finding out more about your new series, and all the great places we can find you on the web! We already know Lady in White is awesome, and we can't wait to read Tiger's Eye in December!

Readers- Thank you for joining us! Be sure and read Denise's review for Lady in White, and then go treat yourself to a copy! Be sure to come back and let us know what you think!

Happy Reading!
Dee and Mandy
Rogues and Romance

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T05:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Readers! There's nothing like All Hallow's Eve, especially for paranormal fans! Hang with us for a few minutes and have a little Halloween fun!

Read a Spooky or Halloween-Themed Romance!!

Buy the Book! Only $3.00!
Read the R&R Review!

Buy the Book! Only $1.50!
Read the R&R Review

Buy the Book! Only $5.99 eBook, $13.95 Print!
Read the Review

Buy the Book! Only $2.50!
Read the R&R Review

Buy the eBook! Only $2.50!
Read the R & R Review!

Buy the Book! Only $4.99 in eBook!
Read the R & R Review!

Buy the Book! Only $10.35 in Paperback!
Review Coming Soon!

Why not make your own tombstones for Halloween?

Marina is a sweet and sexy Russian philologist that makes videos to help people expand their vocabulary and understand the origins of the words they use every day. She truly proves that smart IS sexy! Learn where the word Jack-O-Lantern comes from!

To turn sound off the game, hit "Play", "Approve", "Menu", "Turn Audio Off"

Play an Addicting Game!

Add this game to your website, click here.
This game requires the Macromedia Shockwave Player.
If nothing appears please install the player.

Like this game? Download the full version.
PC Version | Mac Version

This was a video taken by Spanish Naturalists in a Catalonian forest (near the town of Campdevànol) at night. Is it a demon? A fallen angel? Or is it a spooky hoax? You be the judge...

Have you always felt a little bit intuitive? Test your psychic ability with this-
Psychic Ability Test

Get Festive with Free Screensaver and Wallpaper Downloads from American Greetings
Spooky Up Your Desktop!

Spread the Halloween "Spirit" by Sending Friends and Family Free Halloween eCards from Hallmark
Start Sending Ecards

Want More Games? Play Castlevania
Castlevania

Have a Happy Halloween!!!
~Dee and Mandy
Rogues and Romance

The Price of Eternity by Devyn Quinn

2007-10-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

The Price of Eternity was one of those books that really has a lot of punch. And I mean right in the gut. Devyn Quinn astounds me with every story of hers I read. She writes eloquently and intelligently, and has an incredibly powerful descriptive ability. Her Eternity series is a wonderful mix of fantasy and gothic romance, and is a complete and utter literary masterpiece.

The Price of Eternity
Devyn Quinn
Samhain Publishing
ISBN: 1-59998-180-7
eBook and Print
372 Pages
Fantasy Romance

Julienne Blackthorne is in complete and utter agony after waking up in an underground room, a room where the terrible sorcerer Xavier has the bodies of the dead thrown away, forgotten. Xavier had thought her dead, and reveled in the pain he caused his enemy, Morgan, who witnessed her "death" as well. Julienne can feel Xavier’s conjured demon twisting painfully inside her ribcage, the place where the creature had clawed its way inside her body. She may not be dead, but she will be soon, as the demon will continue feeding on her body until she is nothing but a lifeless husk. She feels no hope for herself, but she wants nothing more than to see Morgan before she dies, so she pulls herself up and starts her painful search in a desolate land she knows nothing of.

Morgan is devastated by the death of Julienne, the one woman who ever truly held his heart. He has never held any care for his own life, but now he genuinely has nothing to live for. His only hope is that his death comes after he has exacted his revenge upon Xavier, consequentially preventing Xavier's plans to ravage Earth. For the veils between worlds have aligned, and there is nothing the mortals of Earth can do against the hell that is about to be unleashed upon their world.

While Morgan and Julienne are in their own personal hells, Xavier is already beginning to recover from the injuries he was dealt by Morgan. While his injuries were severe, they have strengthened him in resolve and in the solidity of his plans. He seeks the Scrolls of Cachean, ancient writings hidden for thousands of years. They were wisely hidden by wizards, for the scrolls contain the key to unlocking unimaginable power. With one ghastly spell, Xavier is about to discover the location of the scrolls he has spent years searching for…

The Price of Eternity is the brilliantly dark sequel to Keeper of Eternity, and thankfully Devyn Quinn does not plan on it being the last book in the series! Enter the sinister realm of Sclyd, where power and survival are key in a land being ravaged and left barren by an uncontrollable force. We see both Morgan and Julienne’s characters reach new depths, and as we find out revealing details of Morgan's past, we better understand his motivations. The Price of Eternity is not the usual sugary sweet fantasy romance, and every aspect of the book is beautiful in its darkness. Devyn Quinn writes compelling characters, a chilling and gripping story, and a setting that is easily seen within your mind’s eye. Let The Price of Eternity pull you through the veils between the worlds, and invoke your imagination like never before.

-Mandy Briggs
Rogues and Romance

The Price of Eternity is a Rogues and Romance Must-Read! This book deserves special recognition for an outstanding story, characters, and writing.

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac Arrow

Violence Rating: *5- Poison Arrow

Official Blurb:
The Price of Eternity

The Scrolls of Cachaen.

Remembered only as legend, these writings gathered by an obscure sect of wizards were hidden because of the diabolical forces they could unleash from the netherworld. Lost for eight millennia, the resting place of the scrolls is accidentally discovered by Xavier D'Shagre. Wounded and dying, the sorcerer seeks to possess the writings to restore his waning magic. Revenge fires his hatred, lit by Morgan Saint-Evanston, the assassin who murdered Xavier's beloved wife, Nisidia.

Xavier vows he will not rest until his enemy is dead.

The sorcerer's search for the scrolls is discovered by an unlikely source: Julienne Blackthorne. Believed dead, her body was tossed into a charnel room. Alive amongst the reek of the battle dead, she seeks to escape her hellish incarceration. Time is against her, for she carries the embryo of a vampiric daemon that will consume her if it is not fed human blood. Julienne must escape Xavier's dungeons and find Morgan, her last hope for survival in the realm of Sclyd.

Buy The Price of Eternity eBook!

But The Price of Eternity Paperback!

Visit Devyn Quinn's Website!

Visit Devyn Quinn's Blog!

Happy Reading!
Mandy

Wishbound by Stella and Audra Price

2007-10-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

Well, here's another fantastic read for you from Stella and Audra Price! I've already reviewed Gifts, which is the third book in this series. Wishbound contains the first two books, so you get a real treat if you buy Wishbound! Which I highly recommend you do!

Wishbound
Stella and Audra Price
Phaze Publishing
ISBN 978-1-59426-766-6
October 2007
eBook
150 Pages
Paranormal Erotic Romance

WISHES
Janey Duvall is a tough-as-nails woman whose life is running her contract company. No, not contract as in record deals or home loans. Contract as in murder-for-hire. One of her small pleasures in life is irritating one of her boorish regular clients, otherwise known as the prince of hell. But when she refuses to budge on sending all of her assassins overseas to help him “take care” of a problem, he decides to call on Nick Marsh.

Nick Marsh is a devious but very sexy Djinn who takes on the assignment of convincing Janey to change her mind. He has license to convince her however he sees fit, and he plans on having a lot of fun being persuasive. The plan? Seduce her into doing anything he asks, and trick her into taking a deal: three wishes for 100 years as his consort. What does her becoming his consort have to do with his assignment? Nothing. It has to do with the fact he’s a Djinn, and a very tricky one at that!

GLAMOUR
When one of Janey’s top assasins fails to check in on an important assignment, Janey starts to wonder if her employee has gone rogue. The contract deadline is fast approaching, and Janey knows if she wants it done right, she has no choice but to go to Beijing herself. After entertaining some very motivating ideas involving himself and Janey in the foreign place, he decides to go along.

But once they get there, they learn the problem goes a little bit deeper than a rogue assassin, and it’s going to take a little investigating to get to the bottom of it. Nick calls in for a little help from the demon prince, who sends a vampire named Mal to help. Even with the extra help, it’s still going to be up to Nick to to place a glamour on Janey, allowing her to go undercover. Without knowing what they’re truly dealing with here, he could be putting her at risk. It’s going to take his magic and her skills as a trained assassin to get to the bottom of what’s been going on in China. Without getting Janey killed.

Wishbound is a delightful anthology that contains first two stories in the Duvall, Inc. series. Stella and Audra Price take characters that romance readers might normally think of as villains and turn them into the hero and heroine! The characters’ first interaction may be a little shocking, but you quickly become completely fascinated with seeing how the “bad guys” interact within a romantic relationship. The authors do a fantastic job getting you to see the story from the characters perspective. You will love the characters not only in spite of, but BECAUSE of their lack of conscience! Now don’t get me wrong, Janey and Nick aren’t evil, and they do love each other, but to be fair, she kills people for a living and his favorite pastime is pissing her off. But the fact that Stella and Audra turn these into your favorite qualities of the characters just shows how much talent they have for writing! If you’re looking for a fresh and fun read with plenty of hot sex and dry humor, look no further than Wishbound! Stella and Audra Price will rock your socks off!

-Mandy
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac Arrow
(also, Glamour contains one f/f scene)

Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow

*Buy Wishbound (paperback) from Phaze!*

Buy the Wishes eBook from Phaze!

Buy the Glamour eBook from Phaze!

Visit Stella and Audra's Website!

Go check out Stella and Audra's Blog!

Read my review for Gifts (the next book in the series)

Happy Reading!
Mandy

Wicked Pleasures by Tambra Kendall

2007-10-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

Wicked Pleasures is wicked indeed! I have read historical erotica before, but nothing quite like this! I hope you enjoy the review, and grab a copy of Wicked Pleasures!

Tambra Kendall
Wicked Pleasures
Red Rose Publishing
September 20, 2007
978-1-60435-035-7
30 pages
Erotic historical romance

Texas, 1880:
Honey is just like her Grandmother: wild and wicked. Those two traits make it a perfectly good reason for her to get married sooner, rather than later. Not to mention, when her father gets back into town, he’s kicking her out. So, it stands to reason, that the man, Brock, who is just as wild as Honey, and loves her dearly, is just the man for her. He’s also building a house, which is icing on the cake for Honey. Since they have had the hots for each other for awhile now, they are more than happy to marry one another. Brock has been dreaming of Honey, and what she would be like as a lover, and Honey’s grandmother has told her everything she could ever know about sex and all of its pleasures.

But Brock has a bit more on his mind than just Honey. His cousin Andrew is a slime ball, and has forged a will, which will take away ALL of Brock’s (and soon to be Honey’s) possessions. It’s up to Brock to find the original will, which is hidden somewhere, before the deadline of one week is up, or Brock and Honey will be at a complete and total loss…

However, despite the love and deception, the most intriguing part will be the meaning behind: Wicked Pleasures. For, Honey’s Grandmother was more wicked and wild than anyone could have ever imagined, and what she has left to Honey, to open on her wedding night is very wicked indeed. But, what is inside her Grandmother’s box could send Honey straight to jail …

Wicked Pleasure by Tambra Kendall has a fantastic mix of erotica and historical elements, which tie in nicely with each other. Brock and Honey have a great relationship, and although Wicked Pleasures takes place in 1880, you’ll find them both to be realistic and funny! Even though Wicked Pleasures is a novella, you will find that the storyline is not rushed in the least bit, but rather fluid and very well wrapped-up in the end. This is a fantastic and quick read for anyone, and especially perfect for readers who love the erotic historical genre! Tambra Kendall really has a way with both elements!

*Denise*
Rogues and Romance*

Heat Rating: *5- Cupid's Whole Quiver!

Violence Rating: *1- Suction Cup Arrow

Official Blurb:

Honey Jordan is in trouble. Her Pa is giving her one week to find another place to live. Her fiancé has not finished their house. She discovered in telling her best friend about Granny Cordella’s sexual legacy, a box of wicked pleasure, she now might be a criminal.

Can she escape the clutches of the law and marry Brock?

Can she find the topaz treasure,’ The Jewel of the Nile?’

Brock Ryan is in trouble. He’s about to lose his house and land because the will his Pawpaw left him is missing. His fiancée, Honey Jordan is in possession of certain sexual illegal items. His brother-in-law congratulates him and the Sheriff is threatening to haul Honey in for breaking the law.

Can Brock keep his fiancée out of jail and save his land?

Buy Wicked Pleasures from Red Rose Publishing!

Visit Tambra Kendall on Myspace!

Check out Tambra's Website

Happy Reading!
*Dee*
R&R

Adrienne by D. Renee Bagby

2007-10-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

Mandy: It's not often that Denise and I both get the pleasure of reviewing the same book, but it worked out that way for Adrienne- with Denise reviewing it for PNR, and myself for Rogues and Romance. We have had a lot of fun discussing the characters and storyline, and the consensus is: we both LOVE it!

Adrienne
D. Renee Bagby
Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
1-59998-523-3
E-book
362 pages
Fantasy Interracial Romance
A Bron Universe Novel

Malik’s 25th birthday is nearing, and if he doesn’t find his perfect mate soon, he must surrender his kingdom. On top of that, the man who would take over his kingdom is his arch rival and the person Malik suspects behind the assassination of his parents many years ago. Thankfully, his mage has finally found his intended bride with a locator spell, and not a moment to soon it seems!

Adrienne is a college student, and is finishing up helping a professor when she is accosted outside her school by two men intent on raping her. Suddenly, the man just about to assault her is pulled off of her, and she sees a huge stranger quickly dispatching the two attackers.

The next thing she knows, she is waking up in a strange bed, in a strange place, with the strange man, who introduces himself as King Malik. She is shocked when he tells her not only is she on an alternate Earth called Bron, but that she is to be his queen and live in their kingdom, Ulan- whether she likes it or not. If the fact that Malik is keeping her captive in another world isn’t enough to be disconcerting, the news of her impending marriage- and the assassination attempts that come with being queen are enough to drive her to despair! Besides being demanding and basically her kidnapper, Malik didn’t exactly make the best first impression by lopping off a man’s head right in front of her- attacker and rapist or not!

But whether Adrienne accepts it or not, the fact is: she is King Malik’s equal and the perfect queen for Ulan, or the spell wouldn’t have located her. Will she allow herself to be the perfect queen for Malik as well?

Let D. Renee Bagby transport you into a fascinating new world in Adrienne. There you will find intrigue, swordplay, and magic enough to delight any paranormal lover! Not only was this one fantastic, magical futuristic, but it was one that had a fabulous message as well! Adrienne has lived a sheltered life, and it was wonderful to get to see her develop from a scared, slightly immature girl, into a strong, take-charge woman. After losing his family at a young age, Malik was thrusted into a leadership position that has left him to be hard, demanding, and unyielding. That soon changes when he finds his perfect mate in Adrienne, and he finds out how important the happiness of the one you love is. Adrienne is the first book in the Bron Universe novels, and let me make a plea to D. Renee Bagby: Please, keep them coming!

-Mandy
Rogues and Romance

*Heat Rating: *3- Cupid’s Ardor Arrow

Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow

Denise: Well, my fall break was last week. So, I got to crank out a bunch of reviews. Though, not as many as I would have liked, as my computer was on the fritz...AGAIN! lol. But, I did get to review Adrienne, and it was absolutely wonderful. I've never read a time-travel quite like this one, and it was great! I definately recommend this one, AND it's part of a series! :-)

Adrienne
D. Renee Bagby
Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
E-book Release: July 10, 2007
Print Release: May 2008
1-59998-523-3
E-book
362 pages
Paranormal erotica (time-travel)
A Bron Universe Novel

Malik is the future King of Ulan, and Adrienne is just a college student, but Adrienne appears to be much more than she knows. She’s also Malik’s bride. Hundreds of years ago, a spell was cast over Malik’s family so that they would be able to find their brides, and thus, continue their blood-line. So Malik has traveled through dimensions, literally, to claim his bride, and lucky for Adrienne, he claims her just in time…

One night as Adrienne is leaving school, getting ready to head home for a much needed Spring Break, she’s ambushed by two men. One of whom is infuriated with Adrienne for, in a sense, having him expelled his senior year of college. He and his friend have decided to show Adrienne just how “big and bad” they can truly be by attempting to have their way with her on campus. Just as Adrienne is thinking they’re going to win, Malik steps out of his portal and saves her… by killing them!

After that night, Malik whisks Adrienne off, and the next morning she awakens to find herself in Ulan. From there Malik tries to explain their destiny, but Adrienne is having none of it. Then, she starts to realize that some of the feelings she has are not her own, but rather Malik’s, yet another confusing aspect of this whole new lifestyle for Adrienne. As it turns out, as a destined pair they are able to feel each other’s feelings, but none of what Malik has to say, or how Adrienne is feeling makes her want to stay in Ulan…

Malik then informs Adrienne that she is no longer on Earth, but rather, on Bron. Bron is still in the same solar system, and is still the third planet, and in Bron lays Ulan. They have different days, months, and years, as well as magick! He then explains to Adrienne the history of Bron, and just how she is to be his bride. It is 3 months until Malik’s 25th birthday, at which time he MUST be married or forfeit the throne. After hearing all of this, it is up to Adrienne as to whether or not she will marry him willingly or unwillingly, because either way Malik will have her.

D. Renee Bagby has written a highly intensified novel. You can truly relate to the characters, and more importantly to their emotions. All of the emotions in the novel, in my opinion, truly help to make Adrienne as great as it is. When Adrienne is feeling sad, you really want to reach out for her, and when Malik is laughing or feeling amused, you know exactly why and want to laugh along with him. With Adrienne being a college student from our world, it is much easier to relate the country of Ulan, and what she is thinking and feeling, as she is there. Unlike other time travels, we, the reader, can actually and more realistically place ourselves into Adrienne’s shoes. She is living the fact that she is no longer here on our Earth and can do nothing about it. The novel also flowed absolutely wonderful, and you just have to continue reading to see just where these two will go, as well as what is on the next page.
Warning: sex scenes, nothing too erotic

--Denise Kivett
PNR Reviews
October 15, 2007

Official Blurb:
He crossed dimensions to claim her as his queen—but her reign may destroy his world.

A Bron Universe novel

Adrienne Backett wants two simple little things this spring break: rest and relaxation. After nearly four years of slaving away for her college education, she deserves a holiday. What she gets is pulled into another dimension by a man who claims she’s his rightful queen.

Malik, King of Ulan, has until his birthday to find his bride or he must forfeit his throne. When a spell reveals her location, he will do anything, even cross dimensions, to claim her as his own.

As if fending off a lusty king isn’t enough of a headache, Adrienne finds herself a pawn in a rival monarch’s plot to bring Malik’s world to its knees. But is the real danger being stuck in the middle of a power struggle between rival kingdoms? Or the damage Malik could do to her heart?

Visit D. Renee Bagby's Website

Buy Adrienne from My Bookstore and More!

Read an excerpt online

Check out the Official Review post at Paranormal Romance.org

Happy Reading!
*Mandy and Dee*
Rogues and Romance

The Summoner by Alisha Steele

2007-10-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

The Summoner is a really wonderful novel, and the first recipient (and inspiration) for the Rogues and Romance Erotic Must-Read Award. If you're a romance reader, especially erotic romance, then there's probably a couple of books that have an intimate scene or scenes that really stick out to you. For me, this was one of those books. So what are the criteria for receiving the Erotic Must-Read Award? A captivating, flowing plot, characters you'll love, and unforgettable sex scenes. Which is why The Summoner is a recipient!

The Summoner
Alisha Steele
Aphrodite's Apples
eBook
364 Pages
Paranormal Erotic Romance

Alex first had the dream when she was a child: she’s in a dark, terrifying place where mysterious voices call to her. Then life starts imitating dreams, and she hears the same voices in the dark of night, calling her name, and calling her- Summoner? One night when her dream returns, she’s had enough, and calls out to the voices that are plaguing her. But the answer she gets is not quite what she expected…

Kasdeya is a fallen angel living out a thousand year sentence in the wastelands. If he could just get the Summoner to set him free, he could live out the rest of his sentence on Earth, and with a little luck, his punisher will never know the difference. But the Summoner knows nothing of her abilities, which is actually a blessing, because now all he has to do is seduce her and convince her she needs him there on Earth.

But convincing Alex is going to be a lot harder than he thought. She’s only just learned of her powers, and she’s not exactly warming up to the idea of summoning a fallen angel to her world. But if there’s one thing Kasdeya doesn’t mind, it’s a challenge, and the one thing Alex does seem to be warming up to is him. Unfortunately for him, the feeling is not one-sided!

The Summoner is one of those books that sounds fantastic, but still seems to come out of nowhere and become one of your favorites. This is a phenomenal paranormal erotic that has as much sex as story, and both are equally captivating. Kasdeya is one of the hottest characters ever, one of those that you’ll be dreaming about long after you’ve finished the book. Alex is a heroine you will love for her kind heart, and empathize with for her “dilemma”- while still being jealous of her, of course! Besides stand-out main characters, you will meet some surprising supporting characters that you will not be able to forget either! Alisha Steele writes a story that will excite you with every page- in more ways than one! The story is fresh and exciting, and those phenomenal sex scenes will get your blood pumping! While some sex scenes are extra-kinky, erotic romance lovers will find them extra-sexy and completely appropriate to the characters. I can’t say enough about Alisha Steele’s The Summoner- it’s one wickedly wild ride!

-Mandy
Rogues and Romance

The Summoner is awarded our Rogues and Romance Erotic Must-Read for outstanding story, characters, and sex scenes!

Heat Rating: *5- Cupid's Whole Quiver!

Violence rating: *3- Steel-Tipped Arrow

Official Blurb:
Warning, this book contains: M/F/M and F/F/M threesomes, spanking/light BDSM and hot steamy sex in graphic language.

A High Prince of Hell...

Mortals – God’s perfect playthings – this fallen angel hates them all.

But when Kasdeya finds himself facing a thousand-year prison sentence, he has no choice but to call on the one woman who can set him free. The Summoner.

The plan is simple: Seduce the little wench and convince her to summon him to Earth. No problem. If only she wasn’t so argumentative, so intelligent… if only she wasn’t so damned sexy.

The Summoner...

Ever since she was a child, Alex has heard voices calling to her in the dark. Alexandra, they whisper. Summoner...

One day, she answers.

When Alex realizes she has the unique ability to summon demons, she’s horrified. There’s no way she’s going to set one of them free on Earth to wreak God knows what kind of havoc. No way! If only he wasn’t so beautiful, so persuasive…if only he wasn’t so damned sexy.

Buy The Summoner from Aphrodite's Apples!

Visit Alisha Steele's Website!

Check out Alisha Steele's Blog!

Happy Reading!
Mandy

WyndRiver Sinner by Charlotte Boyett-Compo

2007-10-24T05:37:00.000-07:00

Charlotte Boyett-Compo has given us the great honor of reviewing a TON of her novels, and we couldn't be more excited! After reading my first Reaper novel, WyndRiver Sinner, I could seriously stay in bed for days, reading book after book of hers. I loved this book, and I know you will too! Check out my review, watch the trailer on the Western Wind series, and pick up a copy of WyndRiver Sinner for yourself!!

WyndRiver Sinner
Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Ellora's Cave
ISBN #1-4199-0340-3
eBook
152 Pages
Paranormal/Shapeshifter/Futuristic/Erotic

People run and hide when Cynyr Cree comes to town. Is he a murderer? Yes. Is he a villain? No. He is a Reaper, and it’s his job to hunt and kill rogues, who murder and pillage without conscience. It’s a lonely existence, but one he’s used to.

Aingeal is little more than property. At least that’s how she’s been treated. After her husband annuls their marriage and sells her to a Jakotai brave for little more than a few horses, she is at the pitiless brave’s mercy. But no longer- she has once again run away from his cruel treatment, even though she knows he won’t stop until he gets her back. But being a woman alone on Terra and its unforgiving terrain is no easy feat. After being found by an unsavory man in an alley, he proceeds to assault her and is intent on raping her.

Enter Cynyr: he has little patience for a man who would hurt a woman. He quickly takes out his silver-handled laser whip, eradicates the assailant, and continues on his way out of town, leaving the woman to her business. But the woman, Aingeal, follows him to his camp and makes herself known after spying the meat roasting on the spit. After becoming acquainted with her, he is horrified at the story she has to tell, and offers his protection from her pursuers.

Cynyr is astonished as he quickly begins to feel a connection to this scrap of a woman who shows no fear for a Reaper. Aingeal finds herself drawn to the man who is the first male to treat her as a person, and not property to be claimed and bartered. When Cynyr does claim her, it’s as his mate, and he refuses to let anything separate her from him. While Cynyr protects her life, it’s Aingeal that saves his soul…

Charlotte Boyett-Compo has written a thrilling futuristic paranormal in a western setting, and yee-haw, it is a perfect union! The unforgiving, harsh landscape in WyndRiver Sinner makes the perfect background for a fabulous, original story. You don’t have to have read the author’s previous Reaper stories to enjoy this one, because new readers will be introduced to everything Reaper: what they are, how they are made, and what it entails. But that doesn’t mean fans of the stories will be bored! Boyett-Compo writes in such a way that the explainations are a natural part of the story, and don’t seem like explanations in the least. You will love this story of haunting pasts, and the healing that unconditional love brings. WyndRiver Sinner opens up the Western Wind Series with a bang. Or should I say crack, of the Reaper’s whip…

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac Arrow

Violence rating: *4- Fire Arrow

-Mandy
Rogues and Romance

Official Blurb:
In the year 3478, Reaper Cynyr Cree has been sent to the western territories by the High Council as their executioner in taking out rogues. He's hot, tired, dusty and not in the best of moods when he happens upon a young woman being attacked. Dispatching the assailant with a careless flick of his laser whip, Cynyr doesn't give the woman a second thought until she follows him to his camp in search of food and protection.

Sold by her ex-husband for a brace of horses, Aingeal has known the hardships of being the property of a Jakotai brave intent on keeping her at all costs and she has run away. Being rescued by an infamous Reaper seems the only way she can escape her captivity and she's willing to do what it takes to stay with Cree.

Taking lives comes easy to Cynyr. Living one is another matter. Always keeping his distance from others, he is stunned to realize he doesn't want to let Aingeal leave him.

When a man named Cynyr decides to make a woman named Aingeal his own, no man will ever take her from him.

Buy WyndRiver Sinner from Ellora's Cave!

Visit Charlotte Boyett-Compo's Website!

Check out Charlotte Boyett-Compo's Blog!

Happy Reading!
Mandy

The Pirate and the Pussycat by Paisley Scott

2007-10-22T17:51:00.000-07:00

Rogues and Romance's second Featured Halloween author: Paisley Scott! The Pirate and the Pussycat was super short, but incredibly fantastic. I'll admit, I wasn't sure how it would turn out, how developed it would be, and such, being only 21 pages. I was pleasantly surprised. It was great! So, grab a copy for Halloween! It's a fast and fun read!

The Pirate and the Pussycat
Paisley Scott
The Wild Rose Press
Available Now
Ebook
21 pages
Erotic

Meet Cecilia: a high school science teacher on her way to a Halloween party. And what does she decide to go as? One sexy cat-woman with an amazing body! Cecilia can hardly believe it herself! Nobody would guess who’s under that costume, and Cecilia kind of likes the fact that she can say and do anything she wants…
Upon arrival to the Halloween party, Cecilia is assigned a number, as it is a charity ball. She then finds out that among the different rooms to choose from, one is called “The Jolly Roger,” where she meets Captain Rolfe of the high seas…
And from there, between the hidden identities and all of the role playing, things only heat up and get spicier between these two!

The Pirate and the Pussycat is another amazingly well-written Halloween tale! Paisley Scott has written exceptionally real characters, with an easily relatable story line. The Pirate and the Pussycat is only 21 pages, but the way the story has been developed from the beginning, all throughout the story, until the end, will leave you feeling thoroughly satisfied. This is an amazing read, especially for the Halloween season, and you will absolutely fall in love with Cecilia and “Captain Rolfe,” whose identity will astonish you in the end.

*Denise*
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac

Violence Rating: *1- Suction Cup Arrow

Official Blurb:

Not in a million years would anyone have guessed it was Cecilia Thomas, high school science teacher, beneath the tight-fitting cat woman costume. But when a sexy swashbuckler captures her at the Halloween Ball, Celia soon discovers the treasure waiting for her in a pirate's bed…

Buy The Pirate and the Pussycat from The Wild Rose Press

Visit Paisley Scott's Website

Check Out Paisley Scott's Blog

Enter Paisley Scott's Pirate Contest! ARR!
(Deadline: October 20, 2007; Drawing: October 21, 2007)

Happy Hallow-Reading!!
*Dee*

Interview with Aurora Black

2007-10-22T17:50:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I have had the great pleasure of reviewing Bitter Harvest for Aurora Black, and now here's her interview with Rogues and Romance! She is our first Featured Author for our Halloween Feature, and we are SO excited! She has been an absolute pleasure to deal with, especially since Mandy and I are new at all of this. On behalf of both of us Aurora, thanks so much! Enjoy the interview everyone!

R&R: You have a total of six books with Phaze. I Heart You, Melting the Ice Queen, An Erotic Bouquet, and Touch Me, Baby are all available for purchase now, Bitter Harvest releases October 8th, and Potent Spirits is coming out this December. All of these titles are erotic romance; what drew you to write erotic romance as opposed to say, sensual romance?

Aurora: Before anything else, I need to point out that An Erotic Bouquet and Touch Me, Baby are free downloads for the public, not books for sale. They are my gifts to readers and part of the Phaze Flare line, which is free erotic fiction written by the best authors that Phaze has to offer.

As for erotic romance and how I came to write it, I just followed my instinct. Love and sex have always fascinated me, and I write from my soul whenever I feel the need to tell a story that expresses my deepest emotions and yearnings. I try to make my stories both erotic and sensual while writing them, but I guess erotic always wins out because that's what I relate to. I enjoy reading stories with plenty of detail, both in and out of the bedroom, and that comes out naturally when I write. Earthy (I refuse to call it "dirty") language is more real to me than the flowery kind, and "fade-to-black" love scenes disappoint me most of the time. So when I decided to write professionally, I promised myself that I wouldn't take those steps unless they were required for the story.

R&R: In your bio, it says you spent six years in Greece. Has this influenced your writing in any way, and if so, how?

Aurora: My time overseas was a HUGE influence on my writing, without a doubt. Living in a foreign country showed me that there is literally an entire world outside of the US, and I'm very thankful for that experience because I know that many spend their whole lives without ever leaving the country. I went to Greece fresh out of college and rather naive, and over time I was exposed to beautiful sights, cultural marvels and sensual delights that I wouldn't have found anywhere else. Europeans are a lot more comfortable with the human body and sexuality in general, and from them I quickly adopted the way of thinking that has allowed me to write the way I do today. Those six lovely and challenging years in paradise made the pleasantly plump Midwestern girl wake up, mature and become a sensual woman & erotica author, and I have no regrets.

R&R In Bitter Harvest, Claire brings Jack back from the dead. Where did you get this idea, for a twist like that, as it is not seen too often in Paranormal literature?

Aurora: For me, the twist was the driving force that made me write the entire novella in five days, which was an insane writing rate for me at the time (I wrote Bitter Harvest in July 2006). The idea first came to me while I was listening to the song "Even In Death," by Evanescence:

Give me a reason to believe that you're gone
I see your shadow so I know they're all wrong
Moonlight on the soft brown earth
It leads me to where you lay
They took you away from me
But now I'm taking you home...

The moment I heard the beginning lyrics, my heart almost burst from excitement and I knew I had to write something spectacular that would do justice to the feelings of love and melancholy I felt in that moment. Soon afterward, the initial spark of creativity became a wild bonfire when fate stepped in and my boyfriend at the time and I were separated because he was drafted into the military. I began work on Bitter Harvest the day he left. I poured my anguish into each word, each syllable. I became Claire, a woman who desperately clung to her love at all costs, and my Halloween novella was born.

R&R: What was one of the best, and one of the worst parts for you while writing Bitter Harvest?

Aurora: The best part was the entire creative process. It was a wonderful feeling of being "in the zone" while writing, and that's when I'm at my absolute happiest as a writer and as a person. The worst part of it was the editing process, but not for the reason some may think: someone else looking over my work and pointing out my mistakes. To prepare Bitter Harvest for release through Phaze, I returned to the novella a year after I originally wrote it and added several scenes. Neither was the time gap the reason it was so tough for me, although it was no picnic. I dreaded the editing and revisions because I had just ended a seven-year relationship with the man I wrote the novella for, my inspiration for Jack and the passionate, all-consuming love that my characters shared. And I thought that working on Bitter Harvest was rough the first time around... *laughs* Anyway, the split was amicable but the timing really sucked where the editing was concerned.

R&R: I saw that you are also a Jazz singer by night. Besides writing and Jazz, what else do you like to do in your spare time?

Aurora: Uh-oh, I really need to update my bio now! *grins* I retired from the nightclub circuit in June, shortly after I decided to return to the States.

Whenever I have time to catch my breath (which isn't often these days), I love to immerse myself in a book or a very good movie. Strangely enough, I don't read a lot of romances anymore, not since I started writing them. Instead, I read books on Psychology (a passion of mine) and the Classics. When it comes to movies, I gravitate toward dramas and foreign films, and the occasional action flick. I adore nature walks, and when I'm not writing or doing the day job thing, I'm outside.

R&R: Now, if you could ask Mandy and I a question, what would it be?

Aurora: Dee & Mandy, what are the qualities that you feel make the perfect romantic hero?

Dee: First, the hero has to have a connection, mental, emotional, and physical with the heroine, and vice versa. He has to be strong, and be willing to “get the job done,” so to speak, no matter if it’s business or pleasure. He also has to be physically appealing and physically strong. My perfect romantic hero needs to be strong on the outside, but soft and tender on the inside. I think for many (as well as myself), he needs to be that “dream guy,” but also someone who is realistic to the reader. I need to see just how perfectly romantic a man can be, while still knowing that perfect romanticism really does exist! He has to be just that, perfect! :-)

Mandy: First, the most important thing is that the hero must be completely enamored by the heroine. As soon as he meets her, he should be irrevocably an unequivocally lost to her, and no other woman exists. Second, he must be mentally and physically strong. I like for the hero to be dominate over the heroine, but not to domi-NATE her; without changing and still appreciating who she is. Third, there has to be a mental connection, and he has to show an interest in knowing her mind as well as he does her body. He should see things in her that while are there, no one else sees- as in her tenderness towards animals or her keen intelligence.
Thank you Aurora! I really enjoyed this question- I had never thought about it before, and it was fun. I can't tell you how thrilled we are to have you interviewed on our site!

Win a copy of Bitter Harvest by Aurora Black!
If you would like to be entered to win an ebook copy of Bitter Harvest,
just leave your name and working e-mail addy!
To keep any spambots at bay, leave your email in this format:
username (at) emailprovider (dot) com

More info about the contest: This will be in conjunction with Aurora Black's Bitter Harvest giveaway over at her blog. The winners will be announced on Halloween, and we will keep you all posted! Don't worry though! She has told us that of the 10 winners she will be choosing, one or two will definately be from Rogues and Romance!

You can also comment and not enter the drawing-
just leave out your email addy from your comment and we'll
know you would like to be excluded.

Winners will be announced on Halloween!

Good Luck!
*Dee*
R&R

Driven to Justice by Alice Gaines

2007-10-22T17:49:00.000-07:00

Yet another review I finished up over Fall Break. :-) This book, as you will see me say in my "critique" portion of the review, is an entirely new paranormal aspect. Shape-shifting machines? Who would have thought of that! It was a GREAT twist!

Driven to Justice
Alice Gaines
Changeling Press LLC
2007
978-1-59596-779-4
E-book
Shifter

Charlene Thomas is a motorcycle cop, and a great one at that. However, a few months ago, she was sexually assaulted by a group of men and her own stubbornness is keeping her from what she loves the most: her job. All she wants is to get back to her job to make these men pay for what they did to her. Then, one day, as Charley is leaving to get some fresh air, a mysterious and expensive package shows up in her driveway, with no return address, and it’s exactly what she could ever want: a brand new motorcycle. But the motorcycle is much more than what it seems, it’s a Mannhof, which means it can shift into a man…
That man is Nick, and he was made especially for Charley. He’s everything a woman in her shoes could ever want: sweet ride, loving man, and strength. It’s up to Charley to look past the impossibility of a shape-shifting machine though. Because if she doesn’t, she’ll never have Nick, and she may never be able to fully recover from the trauma she suffered. With Nick’s help, he can make her whole again, but only if she’s willing…

Be prepared to enter an entirely new world when you get down to read Driven to Justice. Gaines has crafted a story unlike anything I have personally ever read or even heard of, and I absolutely loved it. The idea of shape-shifting machines is entirely new and refreshing. The storyline was consistent, and the characters were fully developed, as well as easily relatable, which only added to the greatness of Driven to Justice. Charley and Nick are a perfect match: emotionally, physically, mentally, and every other way imaginable. You really want Charley to overcome her obstacles in order to be able to fully accept Nick for whom and what he is. I would definitely recommend Driven to Justice to anyone, and would love to read more of Alice Gaines’ work!
Warning: explicit scenes and adult language

--Denise Kivett
PNR Reviews
October 13, 2007

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac

Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow

Official Blurb:
Charley Thomas is in danger of losing the job she loves as a motorcycle cop. The stress of having suffered a brutal assault makes her a risk to herself and her fellow officers. If only she could remember more details of the assault, she could round up the creeps and make them pay.

When the sexy German motorcycle mysteriously shows up in her driveway, she can’t resist a ride. Little does she suspect that the bike is also a man who will help her to track down the rapists and feel whole again.

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Happy Reading Everyone!
*Dee*
Rogues and Romance

Nicholas by Elizabeth Amber

2007-10-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to read more of Elizabeth Amber's Satyr men! This was a fantastic read, check out my review, you'll want to add this one to your shelf at home!

Nicholas
Elizabeth Amber
319 pages
Kensington Publishing
978-0-7582-2039-4
2007
Print
Erotic Paranormal

Nicholas and his 2 brothers are the last 3 surviving Satyr men, and they need heirs. Not only do they need heirs to continue on with their race, but the Satyr men have a lucrative and magical wine business that they need to continue on with as well. Then, Nicholas receives a letter from King Feydon, who is the ruler of ElseWorld. The letter tells the 3 brothers that he fathered 3 half-Fey, half-Human daughters, and it is up to Nicholas and his brothers to protect and marry them. Nicholas is sent out first to Tivoli, and there he meets Jane…

Jane is one of King Feydon’s Fey-Human daughters. She knows she’s different, and has begun to use her power’s in order to gain monetary funds as a “mystic.” But, one night, as she is giving her predictions, Nicholas walks in to have his future told. Jane’s world as she knows it is about to change, drastically…

Nicholas needs a woman who can fully satisfy his sexual desires, and Jane needs a man, for her, and her alone…

What a great read! Nicholas and Jane are absolutely perfect characters crafted to be realistic and relatable, yet magical enough to tantalize the mind. The storyline is full-filling and complete, but you will definitely find yourself wanting more from Elizabeth Amber and her Satyr men. You will also find the sex to be red hot and lovely, at the same time. Elizabeth Amber has written Nicholas to be an utterly fantastic read, and the stories coming up for the other 2 brothers are bound to be even better!

*Denise*
Rogues and Romance

Violence Rating: *1- Suction Cup Arrow

Official Blurb:

The last in a fabled line of otherworldly aristocracy, the Lords of Satyr are born to wealth, power, and a talent for sensual delight that mere mortals only dream of. Commanded to marry, these passionate men will travel to Rome, Venice, and Paris—and along the way will explore desires both shamelessly wicked and blissfully divine…

HE HAD SWORN TO TAKE A PROPER WIFE. HE HADN’T BARGAINED FOR MEETING HIS MATCH…

Nicholas looks very much like what he is—a handsome, successful heir to a vineyard in Tuscany. But Nicholas is much more for he is one of the last in an ancient line of Satyr men. And the dying king of ElseWorld wants him not only to marry, but to wed one of the king’s own daughters—a half-human, half-faerie woman unaware of her heritage. Nicholas won’t shirk his duty to produce heirs to guard his race’s legacies, but he never planned to make his bride his only lover. A Satyr’s sexual hunger and sexual skills are legendary. One woman will never satisfy him.

Or so Nick believes until he meets Jane. As spirited as she is fey, as beautiful as she is innocent, she is nevertheless determined to make her new husband hers alone—and she’s eager for him to teach her every deliciously carnal secret he knows.

WARNING: This is a REALLY HOT book.
(Sexually Explicit)

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Read an excerpt from Nicholas!

Happy Reading!
*Dee*

POSSIBLE SPOILER:

(you've been warned :-)...)

Before reading Nicholas, I read the blurb on the back, as I always do. I wanted to have SOME idea as to what I would be reading about. :-) Anyways, I saw that Nicholas was a satyr, and I thought, "What the heck is that?" So, here's a definition (or 2) for all of you curious readers out there! :-)

Wikipedia defintion:
In Greek mythology, satyrs (in Greek, Σάτυροι — Sátyroi) are a troop of male companions of Pan and Dionysus— "satyresses" were a late invention of poets— that roamed the woods and mountains. In mythology they are often associated with male sex drive and vase-painters often portrayed them with uncontrollable erections.

Dictionary.com defintion:
1. Classical Mythology. one of a class of woodland deities, attendant on Bacchus, represented as part human, part horse, and sometimes part goat and noted for riotousness and lasciviousness.
2. a lascivious man; lecher.
3. a man who has satyriasis.

Denise's Defintion: (that's me!)
One yummy man, who can obtain multiple erections through the change. (I didn't find Wikipedia or Dictionary.com to really give a defintion, of what Elizabeth Amber really got across. lol)

Again, Happy Reading!!!
*Dee*
R&R

Keeper of Eternity by Devyn Quinn

2007-10-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

Denise and I have both had the pleasure of reviewing books by Devyn Quinn, and let me say that we have been extremely impressed with her writing. Not only does she show amazing skills for description, but the imagination that goes into her stories is astounding. One warning though! You might as well go ahead and plan on reading both Keeper of Eternity AND Price of Eternity, because there's no way you will be able to resist reading the second book after finishing the first!

Keeper of Eternity
Devyn Quinn
Samhain Publishing
ISBN: 1-59998-144-0
Released: 09/26/06
eBook
312 pages
Paranormal Erotic Romance

After two decades, Julienne Hunter is finally returning to the family home her mother took her away from when she was a child. Something happened there that left her mother so terrified, she never returned. But it wasn’t just the home her mother feared, it was the man that resides there even now: Morgan Saint-Evanston. Julienne has always been curious as to the relationship between Morgan and her mother, but she knows little about him except that her grandmother has been in his employ before Julienne was born. Perhaps if Julienne was the woman she was not too long ago, she wouldn’t be so apprehensive about facing her past and the secrets that lay in wait for her. But her days of being a fearless, self-assured model have come to a heartrending end, and truthfully, she has no where else to go.

But her arrival does not automatically fill in all the missing pieces. If anything, the truth of what happened all those years ago is even more elusive. But for now she is grateful to be able to get acquainted with her loving grandmother, whose fondest wish for years has been to see Julienne again. Her grandmother is a sweet and soothing presence, though Morgan’s company is unsettling in more ways than she imagined. Not only is she exasperated by the seemingly unaffected, unfeeling man, but disturbingly, she finds herself more and more drawn to him each day, but is it safe?

Morgan knows he is damned. The occult forces that have been a part of him since birth demand their price, and he has paid it in spades. He knows better than to get involved with Julienne, so he denies any attraction he feels for her. Soon he will have to draw the evil that is coming for him into a different realm, and he must not leave behind any ties. Unfortunately, he soon finds he has no choice in the matter.

When all is revealed to Julienne, will she follow in her mother’s footsteps and turn tail, or will she have the strength to embrace her destiny?

Keeper of Eternity is the extraordinary start to Devyn Quinn’s Eternity series. Quinn delivers deeply developed plot elements and characters that will keep you on your toes. You do not have to relate to Julienne’s “story” for her character to be relatable and likeable, and you find yourself empathizing with her from the moment she is introduced. The reader is riveted as they see her develop from the victim of a terrible tragedy into a strong woman who will reach out for what she wants. Morgan is a deeply tortured, mysterious hero, and you are often kept guessing abut what his next move will be. Little by little, we see the heroine penetrate his defenses, and her love bring down pieces of his carefully constructed walls. Besides her remarkable characters, Devyn Quinn will captivate you with her rich descriptive ability, perfect prose, and flowing plot. Keeper of Eternity is a profound story that sparks the imagination, and is as intelligent as it is emotional.

-Mandy Briggs
Rogues and Romance

Keeper of Eternity is a Rogues and Romance Must-Read! This book deserves special recognition for an outstanding story, characters, and writing.

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac Arrow

Violence Rating: *4- Fire Arrow

Official Blurb:
The Keeper of Eternity
Julienne Hunter had it all. And she used it--her beauty, wit and grace--with a heedless and reckless daring to climb to the pinnacle of success in the world of high fashion. There was no tomorrow in her glittering world and no secrets that her charm could not hide.
But old bodies will not stay buried and Julienne is about to learn the truth of her own lost past. Crushing tragedy lures Julienne back to the family home her mother, Cassandra, abandoned over twenty-one years ago--and straight into the unwelcome embrace of the man her mother feared.
Morgan Saint-Evanston.
Dark. Brooding. Sexy as hell. He's everything a woman desires, yet his own dark secrets have tainted his heart and blackened his soul. He is a man Julienne will dare to take as her lover even as he plunges her into an occult realm where human souls are open barter and swords and sorcery still rule...

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Happy Reading!
Mandy