Sunday, December 9, 2007

Contest- 12 Days of Romance!

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.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Holiday Nectar by A.J. Hampton

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!


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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
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Violence Rating: *1- Suction Cup Arrow
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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!



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Happy Reading!
Mandy

Lost Treasure by Midnyte Dupree

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.

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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
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Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow
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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.

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Happy Reading!
*Dee*
R&R

The Long Thin Veil by Marly Matthews

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
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Violence Rating: *1- Suction-Cup Arrow
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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.

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Happy Reading!
*Dee*
R&R

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Restoring Water by A.D. Roland

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.

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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
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Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow
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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?



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Happy Reading!
Mandy

Summoned by Lust by Amanda Sidhe

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!

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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!


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-Mandy Briggs

Rogues and Romance



Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac
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Violence Rating: *4- Fire Arrow
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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!




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Happy Reading!
Mandy

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Eyes of the Dead by Aleka Nakis

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!

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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
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Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow
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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?



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Happy Reading!
Mandy