The Secret Place by Melodie Starkey

Emma only knows love from her older brother Trey. Her father ignores her and her mother hates her. Trey has always treated her like his own daughter. When their parents die in a car accident, Trey takes on the parental role even more giving his all to take care of Emma. When Trey marries, his new wife makes life miserable for fifteen year old Emma.

Two years later, Emma meets Jeremy. He is the great grandson of "The Witch" in Hutcherson, Oregon. Jeremy thinks he sees an angel when he sees Emma. Emma sees someone she can trust and be friends with. She also falls in love with his Gran, who treats her like family. Emma feels safe in Gran's home. But what will happen when Emma's secret comes out?

I couldn't put this book down. I read it in about eleven hours. I loved Emma. She has the best attitude. So spunky and bright. Jeremy is so loving and sweet. Gran is a spitfire and Trey gives you mixed emotions. I will definitely be reading this book again. The story was so compelling and vivid. If you're looking for a sweet romance then this isn't the book for you. It's a slightly dark story involving rape and incest. Jeremy is the light at the end of the tunnel.

Stars- 5
Passion- 2
Length- 278 pages

First Love (Now & Forever) by Melissa Johns

Emily has just moved to Buffalo, New York to be closer to her mom. When she starts her senior year of high school she catches the eye of Eric, the star quarterback. Emily's never had a boyfriend and Eric's not really allowed to have a girlfriend. His football career is too important to his dad. Now, these two grow closer and closer and have to figure out a way to make this work.

First, very cute story. I'll probably read the sequel when it's released. Second, this book needs an editor to not just edit but send it up in flames. There were so many punctuation, grammatical, and even tense errors that it was extremely annoying. Also, they're called contractions. Use them. It's okay to sometimes throw out the "I will" or "you are" in your sentences, but no one speaks like that all the time. Last, there was lots and lots and LOTS of smirking going on in this book. Pick a different expression. There are smiles, frowns, quirked lips, not just smirks.

I know it seems I have just slammed the hell out of this book. I did. BUT that doesn't mean I didn't still enjoy the book. Like I said earlier, I'm pretty sure I'll be reading the sequel just because I do like the story of Emily and Eric and I want to know what's going to happen. I just hope the next book will have been edited.


Stars- 2
Passion- 2
Length- 126 pages

Chasing Nikki by Lacey Weatherford

When Chase submerges himself in drugs and alcohol to numb the pain of his father's sudden death, he starts a tailspin into darkness. The once wonderful high school football player has quit the team and started doing nothing but partying. When he gets stopped late one night, on the way home from a party, and arrested, his mother decides it's time to do something drastic. She makes Chase move with her to his grandparents farm in small town nowhere. That's where Chase meets Nikki. His salvation. His angel. Now he just has to get her to realize that she wants him as much as he needs her.

Tear jerker anyone?

I loved this novel. It made me think "You idiot!" It made me smile. It definitely made me cry. This is a beautifully written novel with wonderful descriptions of the area and people. There are no 2D characters in this novel. They all wrap you up in their own personalities. Nikki is sweet and beautiful. Chase is hurt and confused and wonderful. This is a story of love and hope.

Stars- 5
Passion- 1
Length- 336 pages

Cowboys Down by Barbara Elsborg

Jasper is a London stockbroker who has decided he needs to learn to unwind, get dirty, and have some fun. This decision leads him to Nielson Ranch in Wyoming. Why he even decides that going to a dude ranch is beyond him. He just knows that he wants to get on a horse without throwing up. Unfortunately, the only thing he really wants to ride is Calum, the ranch owner's son.

Calum wants Jasper from the moment he sees him. Trying to hide that fact from his homophobic father is becoming harder by the second. It also doesn't help that his father doesn't trust him one iota as far as a handsome gay man being on the ranch is concerned.

When these two collide they decide that some risks are worth taking and some lives are worth changing.

I figured out pretty quickly what I loved about his book. It had a plot between all that hot M/M sex. There was plenty of sex, but this author actually made the rest of the book worth reading. A beautiful storyline that made me tear up in places and sigh with longing in others, I couldn't resist reading and reading and reading. Yes, my dishes got neglected. I couldn't help it. I also loved the fact that both of these men were men and not stereotypically gay. These men also had issues and problems to deal with and work through. All in all, I would love to read more by Ms. Elsborg.

Stars- 5
Passion- 5
Length- 266 pages

99 to Nowhere by Domino

Maxx is a runaway in a botched system. She's put up with too much abuse to believe in anything anymore. When a young man pulls her from in front of a car, he tells her about the chapel on 99. There's where Maxx meets Rio. Rio is another runaway who decides that Maxx shouldn't be on her own. Together they decide to get away. Try to find somewhere new. They decide to board a bus and go from 99 to nowhere.

I loved, loved, loved this book! I couldn't put it down because I had to know what was going to happen next. It shows the hard and rough life of a lot of kids in the system. It's beautifully written and will transport you to wherever Maxx is. It also gives you hope and belief, even when you think there's not much left.

I would say this is a YA novel, but there is some mild violence and some graphic language.

Stars- 5
Passion- 2 (one quick sex scene)
Length- 643 KB on Kindle (guessing around 300 pages)

Wishing for Someday Soon by Tiffany King

Katelyn has the normal everyday life of a seventeen year old teenager. At least, that's what she wants everyone to think. What she doesn't want anyone to know is how she protects her nine year old brother, Kevin, from the beatings her mother doles out to her or the string of "step dads" that flow through their lives. When they land in an extremely small town Katelyn meets Max. There she learns that it's harder to keep some of those secrets when people know everything about you from the moment you pull into town. Max doesn't care that Katelyn is poor. He just knows that he wants Katelyn and he wants her and Kevin to be safe.

I picked this book up and couldn't put it down. I was so drawn in that it was literally impossible. Katelyn was so strong, brave, and courageous. She was so well written it was as if she was someone who could walk right off the pages (or out of my Kindle). This was a wonderful YA book that shows what it's like to live in a small community where the town is willing to pull together to help each other.

Stars- 5
Passion- 1
Length- 288 pages

Solo by Sarah Schofield

Eliana has lived all over. It comes with the territory when your dad's in the military. When her dad gets deployed for a year, Eliana and her mother go to live with her grandparents in Oregon. After putting up a slight fuss, Eliana goes along to Oregon, even if she does miss California. She doesn't want to make any ties to the people in Myrtle Creek since she'll only be there for a year. Unfortunately, some of the people in Myrtle Creek want to be more than a passing acquaintance.

This book was a wonderful balance of teenage drama and feelings mixed with adult and responsible decisions. I liked how Eliana knew her own mind and had her own morals rather than going along with the idea of what could happen. Especially at prom. Lucas was ever the gentleman and perfect in so many ways. Casey was a bubbly fount of entertainment. I can't wait to read the sequel DUO when it's released later this year.

Stars- 5
Passion- 1
Length- 295 pages

Master of the Mountain by Cherise Sinclair

Rebecca doesn't have the best self image. After her father called her and her mother fat and boring and then walked out of their lives, she hasn't felt very desirable. When her live in boyfriend Matt talks her into going away with him to some cabins with his swingers club, she's afraid that if she says no, he'll dump her.

Logan can hardly keep his eyes off the plump beauty that's come in with the swingers. She just looks so soft and beautiful. When he finds her freezing on the front porch instead of participating, he starts to believe she isn't into swinging. When he takes her up to his rooms, so she has a place to sleep and warm up, he starts to see that she just might be a submissive. That makes the Dom in him rush to the fore and want to take her. When Logan decides that he can't keep her because of his nightmares, that sometimes lead to violence, he sends her away. When he realizes his mistake he goes looking for her. What he finds is that her apartment has been rented and her phone disconnected. Now how does he get the perfect submissive back?

I am not a big BDSM fan. I don't mind reading a BDSM book on occasion and I found that I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Logan was a good and fair Dom. He wasn't brutal to his Sub and he didn't want a mindless slave. I loved that he loved her fiestiness and attitude during the day. This book was very well written. I didn't notice any mistakes in the grammar or punctuation. The descriptions of the area was beautiful and very picturesque.

Stars- 5
Passion- 5
Length- 255 pages

Going Under by Georgia Cates

When Jesse Boone gets transferred to East Franklin High he's not happy to be starting his senior year with nothing but rich kids. Jesse's from the south side where all the kids are poor. When he takes the position of starting quarterback, Forbes decides he wants his spot back. That's when Jesse decides he'll take Forbes' girlfriend. Unfortunately, Claire is more than Jesse bargained for and he finds himself falling in love. But what are the odds of anything coming of a bad boy drug dealer and a rich princess?

LOVED it! I couldn't put the book down. I loved Jesse from the first moment and I would have fought just as hard to keep him. Claire was very real and sweet and perfect for Jesse. I did feel for Jesse with what his home life was like. These characters where so real. They had great emotions and dialogue. I didn't feel like I was reading something written by a middle schooler or someone who just slapped a book together in hopes it would sell. Ms. Cates is a wonderful author and I would love to read more of her work. I will say that there are a few places where there were added words or missing words but it didn't take me out of the zone too badly.

Stars- 4
Passion- 1
Length- 440 KB on Kindle

We Closed!

Sorry I haven't been writing any reviews. My husband and I closed on our first house Tuesday and I have been so busy packing that I have barely picked up my Kindle. I want to get into my beautiful new house as soon as possible. It has taken me most of the week to read a book so in a few moments I will post my review. I just ask that you wonderful people be patient with me while I move and get my internet service turned on and get unpacked. This is a lot harder with two kids than it was when it was just me. I'll try to keep you posted.

Brazen Ecstasy (Grey Eagle) by Janelle Taylor

This is the fourth book in the Grey Eagle series.

When Shalee and Grey Eagle have finally lived in love for the past five winters, Shalee starts to fear that too much love and happiness will find a way to fall apart. When Bluecoats attack Shalee and push her into the river, she is carried miles away from home. When no one can find her or any signs they start to fear her dead. Grey Eagle refuses to believe that she is lost to him.When he finally gets word that she's been found, he rushes to her side only to discover that she can't remember him. She can't remember the last five years. Now Grey Eagle has to make Alisha fall in love with him and become Shalee again.

I loved this! Grey Eagle was so loving and caring throughout this whole book. The amnesia aspect was wonderful and kept me engrossed. The feelings and reactions felt so real that you could almost taste the confusion and torment. Again, another wonderful book by Ms. Taylor.

Stars- 5
Passion- 4
Length- 496 pages

Forbidden Ecstasy (Grey Eagle) by Janelle Taylor

This is book three in the Grey Eagle series.

The day after Shalee (Alisha) and Grey Eagle's joining, when they have vowed to love one another, Grey Eagle goes to replenish supplies and leaves Alisha in the desert. She starts becoming concerned when he hasn't returned after two days. Has he been harmed? When Powchutu comes to her and claims that Grey Eagle returned to the camp and said that she died by enemy braves, her world crumbles. Powchutu talks her into going East with him and trying to go back to England. Along the way there are many troubles and many enemies.

I had mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand it was an enjoyable read, but on the other, I was disappointed. When I realized where these feelings came from, I enjoyed the book more. It came from them being separated. You don't hear from Grey Eagle after the first part of the book until chapter eighteen. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had gone back to him occasionally. This book focused on Alisha and what she was living and going through, which was fine. By the time I finished the book I realized how much I did enjoy it. Forbidden Ecstasy followed in the line of the previous two with the descriptions and emotions. I cried while reading this book. It evoked great emotion. I was worried and anxious right along with Alisha. Ms. Taylor has captivated me with yet another book in her Grey Eagle series.

Stars- 4
Passion- 3
Length- 500 pages

Defiant Ecstacy (Grey Eagle) by Janelle Taylor

Part two in the Grey Eagle series

Alisha has just been taken from Fort Pierre by Grey Eagle. He has decided to show her his love and she couldn't be happier. The next morning when two strange Indians show up, one obviously a chief, and start to examine her, Alisha can't help but be hurt and afraid that Grey Eagle has sold her to another. Was his love just another evil and cruel joke?

Brave Bear treats Alisha wonderfully. He's thoughtful and sweet. He's kind and gentle. Alisha determines she's going to obey him and make him a wonderful slave. That is until Grey Eagle shows up to reclaim her. Should she go back to his cruelty or should she fight to stay where there is kindness and acceptance?

I liked this book even better than the first. I loved Brave Bear and all his kindness. His thoughts and feelings were pure. At the same time you get to see more of Grey Eagle's love for Alisha. It makes you start to disregard the Stockholm syndrome idea. It goes into more detail of the kindness he did show her between the brutality and his reasoning behind it. There's that cultural barrier and the fact that he's the chief's son. Of course, as modern day women who are free from the hold that men held over women in the 1700s, and as early as the 1900s, it's a little harder for us to comprehend, I think. Still, wonderfully descriptive and captivating. The first chapter is a rehash of the last chapter of the first book, but I did notice some added parts and different people's views thrown in so it can't hurt to read it if you want different perspectives.

Stars- 5
Passion- 3
Length- 472 pages

Savage Ecstasy (Grey Eagle) by Janelle Taylor

Alisha has only been out west for the past year. In her beautiful innocence she doesn't understand the hatred between the Indians and whites. She feels that if they would just talk to one another then everyone could get along. Her life unknowingly gets turned upside down the day the men capture a devastatingly handsome brave and bring him into the fortress. When they start to whip him she runs to his rescue. She tends his wounds and brings him food and water. When he escapes, Grey Eagle decides to spare her in his vengeance. He wants her as his own slave. Even through his brutality towards her, Alisha loves Grey Eagle with all her being. Can these two finally find a truce?

Okay, I have to admit I couldn't put the book down. I just had to know what was going to happen next. Ms. Taylor wrote a wonderful and very descriptive book. She held nothing back from her descriptions of battles, rapes, beatings, and love. This isn't a sugary sweet romance. Grey Eagle is a rather brutal man demanding Alisha bends to his will. In my personal opinion, the woman is suffering from some serious Stockholm syndrome. He rapes her, she loves him. He beats her, she loves him. He kills off all the whites in her fortress, she loves him. It's a never ending list of his brutality, yet she loves him with all her heart and soul. Yet, I again must say, I did enjoy reading the book for the amount of depth the characters displayed as well as Ms. Taylor's descriptions. There's lots of history and her explaining reasons and customs. You're not just reading and expecting to understand. She tells you what you need to know.

Stars- 5
Passion- 3
Length- 532 pages

A Twist of Fate by Karen Michelle Nutt

When Arianna Ward comes to and sees three strangers standing over her, she's not sure if she should run or stay. When snatches of memories or dreams or something starts coming to her, she decides to stay. What she can't figure out is why the man she's told is her husband looks at her with such disdain. The longer Arianna talk to people the more she finds out how horrible she was before her accident, when she was Annabelle. When snatches of a memory surface of a fortune teller telling her she belongs in the past, she's not sure if she should believe it or think she's going crazy.

Keldon isn't sure he should believe his black heart of a wife when she says her name is Arianna instead of Annabelle. What game is the evil witch up to now? Unfortunately, he can't help falling in love with such a kind and gentle soul as Arianna.

I was thoroughly caught up in this beautifully written and descriptive novel. The characters were beautiful with their depth, the locations were described wonderfully. I felt as if I was on the sea and at the plantation right along with them. This does contain the ugliness that was slavery, but the author was wonderful about making Arianna compassionate and wonderful towards the slaves. We didn't have to endure the horrible struggles these poor people went through on a daily basis because the slaves were a large part of the book. I think it would have been just too sad. The author also did her research and stuck to the facts as best she could with making them fit the story, which she talks about at the end of the book.

Stars- 5
Passion- 2
Length- 360 pages

Moon Spell by Samantha Young

Caia has just returned to her pack. She's been in hiding for the last ten years since The Hunter killed her parents. Now the pack leader Lucien says that it's okay for her to come home. What neither of them bargain for is the crazy attraction towards one another. What Caia never expects is why the water turns on or pipes burst when she gets really emotional. When the truth starts to come out, can Caia find it in herself to forgive and trust again?

This was a well written YA novel. It was beautifully told with well rounded characters. You could feel the emotions running through these characters. You were there running through the woods with the pack. There was some great suspense trying to figure out who done it for a while. Then to keep the story rolling, it's told who around the 3/4 mark in the book. Still doesn't take anything away from the action.

Stars- 5
Passion- 2
Length- 264 pages

We Now Have a Diagnosis

My loyal readers

I have just spent the last five hours in the hospital. I finally gave in and went because of still running a fever and the ever present headache. I apparently have...

Viral Meningitis

This is why I have felt like crap and have not been able to do much reading or anything else. My neck and head hurt to the point of tears most of the time, also bringing on nausea.

So the nice doctor gave me a prescription for some pain killers since Tylenol and ibuprofen won't even touch the headache and I have a nice  prescription for an antibiotic. Hopefully I will be well and reading and writing reviews daily again in no time.

Midnight Confessions by T.M. Bledsoe

Livie's life is hectic enough. She has four kids, two dogs, a mom and sister that cause pure chaos in her home and life. Now, her ex husband has decided she's the one to help him recuperate after a near fatal car accident. The last thing she needs is Dillon adding any more stress than there needs to be. Especially since the man is pure evil. He only used her while they were married.

Dillon has started to see all that he missed when he was married to Livie. Apparently she's not the money hungry woman he thought she was. And what happened to that Pomeranian that always hated him? That dog barked at him constantly.

I got caught up in this book from the beginning. I wanted to smack Dillon upside the head a few times. Of course, it was wonderfully written and I couldn't help falling in love with Dillon and cheering him on because of it. I wanted to be right in the middle of all the messes with the family. I was completely charmed by Jack, the accident prone child. The sexual tension was crazy. All in all, the story made me smile and tense up and I enjoyed it immensely.

Stars- 5
Passion- 3
Length- 300 pages

Jane Millionaire by Janice Lynn

Jill has decided to save her sister from breech of contract by going on Jane Millionaire, a new reality show, as her sister, Jessie. What Jill doesn't know is that Jessie pretty much stole her entire life, with the exception of her name. Even then, Jessie said that her friends call her Jill. When you have to pick between twelve bachelors, what do you do when you fall in love with the producer instead of one of the guys you're supposed to? This is Jill's dilemma.

Rob, the super sexy producer, has been burned before by actresses trying to sleep their way to the top. He's not interested in getting serious with any woman, especially not one looking to start up in show biz. He also can't ruin Jane Millionaire by having an affair with the star when she's supposed to choose a bachelor. So why can't he get her out of his head?

I really enjoyed this book. I picked it up because the idea of the bachelorette falling for the producer rather than a bachelor just sounded too good to pass up. I'm so glad I didn't pass it up. I loved Jill in all her witty, sarcastic, tough, feminine ways. Just because she's a cop doesn't mean she's not a woman. Rob was also very wonderful and hunky. Makes me want a Rob of my own. The ending totally blew me out of the water. I thought it was very creative and fun.

Stars- 5
Passion- 3
Length- 321 pages

Not Yet Recovered....I Do Have a Book to Post Though!

I'm not yet recovered from the flu but I have in fact finally finished a book. Now, I have a very sore throat on top of a scary high fever. 103 anybody? Yeah, I don't want it either. So, I know this post is short, but I will be posting a book review immediately after so I don't want you to get bored reading this and then not read my review of a wonderful romance.

Sorry! I Have an Explanation!

I'm only on here long enough to let my loyal readers know why I haven't posted anything in the last couple of days and might not for the next couple of days. I haven't even picked up my Kindle in two days.

I have apparently caught the flu. I've had a splitting headache for the last three days, my neck hurts, my back hurts, my side hurts, and I'm running a fever from between 101-102.5 constantly. Not even Tylenol is bringing that bad boy down. And everything hurting is on my left side. Weird huh?

Okay, I'm crawling back to bed. Love you guys.

Scars of the Prophet: A Novel of War and Romance by Mingo Kane

Tom Judah has recently come home from his third tour of duty in Iraq. A Marine through and through. His doctors are worried about his mental health. While making his way from Vegas, he meets Jessica. Jessica is from a town not far from his own in Virginia. They decided to make the trip home together. Unfortunately, Tom can't stop the flashbacks.

This book was so beautifully written. The way the author worded this entire book was deep and beautiful and just took you away to another place. You were in Iraq with Tom. You were on the road with Tom and Jessica. You were sitting in a cabin in Virginia. At times I cried for what Tom went through in Iraq. His flashbacks are frequent and unnerving, knowing the men and women in this war are going through and feeling the same horrible things. This is definitely a book worth reading. It will make you feel and think. It also has a wonderful surprise ending that I didn't see coming until the very end.

Stars- 5
Passion- 1
Length- 165 pages

Nowhere Left to Hide by Elle Amberley

Natasha had a horrible childhood and it only got worse after parents deaths when her stepbrothers came for her. She's finally hid herself from them. When her university gives her the opportunity to go to California and finish college in Santa Barbara, she can't turn it down. It also gives her relief from worrying about her stepbrothers.

When Natasha gets to California, she starts making new friends rapidly. Everyone wants to talk to the British girl. When she meets Tyler, she can't deny the chemistry. Can Natasha overcome her reserve and let herself love?

I have to say that I enjoyed this book. I loved Tyler, Mike, Kirsten, and Natasha. I liked the adventures that they went on together around California. I also liked that Natasha had such good friends after the horrible life she had previously.

On the flip side, I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if the characters were developed as themselves. I get that the author is British, but no one in California talked like they were from America. Americans don't generally say, "Would you fancy some tea?" "Oh, yes, that would be lovely." At one point Tyler even called his mom "mum". These things are just not common here. BUT if you try to forget that they are in California, it's not a bad book.

Stars- 3
Passion- 1
Length- 279 pages

The Bride and the Brute by Laurel O'Donnell

Jayce has just married a man that despises her. He keeps saying he doesn't have a wife, won't consummate the marriage, and won't acknowledge her unless he has to. She doesn't know what to do with a husband that doesn't want her.

Reese doesn't want a wife unless they are deeply in love with one another. He's been forced into this marriage and can't wait to get it annulled. After some tramatic experiences as a child, he's decided that he won't let a woman put him through the pain that his mother put his father through.

This is a short novella. It's a sweet story. Good descriptions and the characters are well rounded. I enjoyed reading about Jayce and Reese. Jayce is very open, strong, and sweet. Reese gives you the feeling of a sweet, sensitive man under his extremely gruff exterior. I would like to read more from this wonderful author.

Stars- 5
Passion- 1
Length- 222 pages

Waiting For Us by Michelle Sterling

Leah gets the surprise of her life when she comes into work and finds out there's been a new hire. It's none other than Ryan Thomas, the only man she has ever slept with, one time, seven years ago. The problem, a little girl named Amy that Ryan knows nothing about. Follow the story through Leah's struggles with whether to tell Ryan or not, how she keeps her secret, and what happens when they fall in love again.

This was a very nice story. I felt myself getting tense and tears coming to my eyes and smiling all through this book. I went with the wonderful roller coaster of emotions and found a wonderful cast that I fell in love with.

Stars- 5
Passion- 3
Length- 198 pages

Jasmine by Richard Cook

Jasmine has avoided dating at all costs since her divorce ten years before. When her friend Mary introduces her to the web, she starts an online friendship with a man named Luke. After a few months, Jasmine gets brave enough to ask to meet. She's instantly in love.

Maybe it was the Kindle version, but I doubt it. This book had a very cute story line, but the author could not decide between past and present. This was even an issue in the same sentence a lot of the time. Bugged me to no end to have to change it while I was reading.

Stars- 2
Passion- 2
Length- 268 pages

Mountain Magic by Trana Mae Simmons

Jon is learning how to become a mountain man. After he's cut out of his step father's will and his half brother marries Jon's fiance, he leaves Virginia to become a trapper in the west. With the help of an old trapper, Silas, Jon is learning all he needs to know to become a good mountain man. When Jon wins a woman from a Nez Perce Indian playing bones, he doesn't want her. He doesn't want the distraction of a beautiful woman, but can't help the feelings that start to develop.

Caitlyn doesn't want a man to tie her down or children to take away her freedom. She was taken in by her paw's Indian woman after his death by Grizzly bear. She remembers Silas as a friend of her paw's so decides to let him and Jon accompany her to her paw's cabin in the mountains. Cat tries to fight her feelings for Jon but soon realizes she loves him. When she finally remembers what she blocked out as a very small child, she knows that she never wants to have to choose between her children like her mother chose between her and her younger brother so many years before. Can these two overcome their fierce protection for the other to realize that they were meant to be together?

I know I say this a lot, but I couldn't put this book down. It held my attention from the beginning. It's beautifully written with wonderful descriptions. The characters are very well rounded and make you love each in their own way. They become your friends as well up on that mountain. I look forward to reading more by Ms. Simmons.

Stars- 5
Passion- 2
Length- 312 pages

Sahara: A Shifter's Tale by Ruth Soloman

Sahara has just watched her last hope die. As the chief's daughter, the two men battled for her hand and the title of the new chief. Shadron won the battle. A violent and brutal man, Shadron has decided to make Sahara pay, and pay dearly, for not accepting him when he won the fight to the death.

On the night they're supposed to marry, Sahara flees. She crosses through the veil into the Darkworld, only to discover she's not in the Darkworld, but Alabama. She's in her wolf form and roaming through the woods when she happens upon a road. Something she's never seen before. It's even worse when she gets hit by a truck. At least the driver is a vet.

Jeremy can't believe he's hit a beautiful black wolf. He takes her home where his clinic is also located and gives her a good once over. While she's recovering, he decides to check her blood. For some crazy reason she has human blood. Now he has to figure out what a wolf is doing with human blood. A few days later, when his beautiful wolf turns into a beautiful woman he's freaked out and amazed. Unfortunately, she doesn't speak his language. Now he has to help her learn English so he can help her get back home. When Shadron comes looking for Sahara, will Jeremy be able to protect her?

I couldn't put this book down. I was caught up in it from the very first sentence. I loved Sahara and how loving she was. Celia was a wonderful woman and friend. Bowser the basset hound even had some thoughts on a the pretty wolf. Finally, Jeremy. Jeremy was a kind and sweet man. He might have yelled a lot, but in a way it was endearing. Ms. Soloman wrote a beautiful story that just sucked you in with such detail you felt you were there.

Stars- 5
Passion- 5
Length- 303 pages

Her Best Friend's Brother by T.J. Dell

Libby loves Tony. Tony loves Libby. Through an uncanny amount of misunderstandings these two finally figure it out. Libby has loved Tony since she was a little girl and seen him for the first time at her best friends house. Tony has loved Libby since she was sixteen and played Monopoly with him in some skimpy pajamas.

This book was cute, but I did get very frustrated with how many misunderstandings were in this book. It took these two WAY too long to finally get anywhere. I'm talking some serious years here. It did need a proofreader as there were several sentences with a missing word here and there, but still readable and, like I said, cute.

Stars-3
Passion- 2
Length- 149 pages

Broken by Kimberley Reeves

When Mitch Kincaid has to tell his twin brother's girlfriend that Adam has died, he decides that he just can't do it without giving her one more happy time with Adam. Mitch decides to pretend he's Adam for a few weeks and then leave, sending her the news of Adams death after. What he didn't bargain for was falling in love with the sweet and beautiful Jessie. Now, how does he tell her he's actually Mitch without losing her?

I thought this was a very sweet romance. It's fairly straightforward without a whole lot of conflict. It was well written and gave me the warm and fuzzies.

Stars- 4
Passion- 3
Length- 246 pages

Forever by Theresa Weir

What do you do when you go from being thirty-eight to nineteen? This is what Sammy has had to do. He's been in a cat wreck and when he woke up he was nineteen. Not physically. Mentally. The horrible VA hospital he was in had already written him off as a lost cause after only two weeks. His sister, Molly, comes to visit him and sees the horrible way he's being mistreated and decides that he needs to be transferred. When he gets transferred to the university hospital things get a little better. His new doctor, Rachel Collins is a wonderful psychiatrist, but she has her own pain and broken past. Sammy has a way of seeing right into her and knowing where her pain lies and what buttons to push. He's angry and confused and wants to lash out. Rachel can't handle the pain that he brings forth in her and decides to leave, but when she finds out that Sammy is being mistreated by another doctor, she comes back to save him with a vengeance. Together, they learn to heal each other.

Okay, I just couldn't stop reading this book. It's kind of a taboo subject, doctor falls in love with a patient. I just wanted to hold Sammy and I did, at a couple points, cry for him. I felt so horrible about what he was going through. He was also so strong and vibrant that I couldn't help but fall in love with him. Rachel had me groaning for her as well. I felt horrible when I learned what happened in her past and how she still felt about it. I just couldn't imagine. The characters were beautifully written. I'm not sure if it's the Kindle edition or in both Kindle and print, but the words that end in "t", the t was replaced with an r. So you got bur instead of but. I just noticed it a few times, definitely not enough to disrupt me.

Stars- 5
Passion- 2
Length- 217 pages

A Road Well Traveled by Rosemary Fifield

While cleaning up a burnt out house they just purchased, Becky's husband Rob decides that he can't do it anymore. He can't live without his mistress and leaves Becky to go back to their old town and his mistress. Becky is shocked but not blind sided. She thought he might be wanting to leave her. Her friends are there to help her out. Dean and Greer help hold her up, all while Becky watches the marriage of her best friend Lauren and Chip fall apart. Then there's Hayden Flynn. Lauren told her to stay away from the Flynn's, but there's just something about Hayden that Becky can't deny. Through fears, heartache, new love, and manipulations, these people share their lives with us.

This book enraptured me. I couldn't put it down and read it in one day. I ached for these people. I smiled for these people and I cheered for these people. This was a beautifully written story that I never wanted to end.

Stars- 5
Passion- 1
Length- 440 pages

The Sometime Bride by Ginny Baird

While on a romantic weekend getaway, Carrie St. John gets the surprise of her life. Her fiance tells her that he's leaving her for another woman, tells her to spend the weekend on his dime, gets in his car and leaves her there. Now what should she do? She throws her engagement ring in the pool.

Mike Davis is having a really crappy day. He proposes to his girlfriend and she turns him down. On the way out, she throws her ring in the pool. Now he's got to go swimming to find the thing. While he's down there he discovers another ring. When he comes up he sees heart breaker standing there. What's with the women at this place? Do they all break hearts and then throw the rings in the pool?

When they get to talking, Mike decides that he wants to help Carrie out by pretending to be her fiance at her bridal shower. In exchange, he wants her to pretend to be his fiance at his twenty year reunion. What are they to do when they're not sure if it should just be pretend?

I really enjoyed this book. I found myself frowning and smiling. It evoked emotion. The Sometime Bride was well written and very sweet. I would really like to see more from Ginny Baird.

Stars- 5
Passion- 1
Length- 121 pages

Daydreams by Marcia Lynn McClure

Sayler knew that her daydreams about Bo Booker would never come true. It doesn't matter how handsome and nice he is. It doesn't matter that he even flirts with her. He's twenty-two and she's eighteen. There's no way that he would be interested in her. At least in her daydreams he's in love with her.
Bo can't believe how cute and sexy his candy striper is. The only problem is that she's so young. If only she was a year or two older.
Skip ahead three years. When Sayler is desperate for a job she seeks out Bo Booker. He hires her, but can she really work for a man she hasn't seen in three years but still loves just as much?

I love Marcia Lynn McClure books! I have not read a book by her that I haven't absolutely devoured and loved every second of it. Her romances are very clean with only some kissing, but she makes these books so sweet and heartwarming that you can't help but love them. This book just made me all warm and fuzzy to read.

Stars- 5
Passion- 1
Length- 216 pages

The Nanny's Knickers by Wren Mingua

Zoe has had one hell of a day. First, she loses her job. Then, her fiance comes home to tell her he's sorry that's he's been cheating on her with his ex girlfriend only three weeks to their wedding. So what's a girl to do? Hop on a plane and move from the US to London. Zoe gets a job as a live in nanny to a very horrid eight year old named Chris. Her boss Lewis won't quit staring at her butt or her chest and he won't stop hitting on her. His wife Gemma can't stand Zoe because she's pretty sure Lewis is sleeping with her. Ben, Lewis' younger brother, won't stop hitting on her and using all the charm in a young man's arsenal. Zoe can't get over the fact that Ben is ten years her junior and so blatantly wants her. Well, how can you resist a gorgeous twenty-two year old with beautiful dimples? Date him. Now what should she do when her ex fiance shows up to win her back?

I thought this book was very humorous. I loved Ben and his charming antics. I loved Zoe and her wit. I learned to fall in love with Chris yet I hated Lewis and Gemma. That's how it should be. I felt with Zoe and felt the same as she for all these characters. Zoe's partial blog posts at the beginning of each chapter really amused me and I found myself laughing out loud on more than once occasion.

Stars- 5
Passion- 2
Length- 220 pages

From Here to There by Rain Trueax

Helene decides on her wedding day that she's making a mistake. Unfortunately, or maybe very fortunately, she doesn't tell her fiance until after the ceremony. Immediately after the ceremony. Phillip is stunned that his new wife has decided to leave him so quickly. Helene goes to Montana to help out at her uncle's ranch and try to figure her life out. Her parents are getting divorced, she's getting an annulment and she's tired of everyone deciding her life for her. Uncle Amos decides not to tell Helene that before they came back to Montana from Boston that he paid a visit to Phillip. Uncle Amos has asked Phillip to come out to the ranch as a hand and maybe work his marriage out. Two weeks later, Helene starts to learn that there's a lot more to her business savvy husband. Something that makes him more like a real man.

I loved this book. I liked that the romance actually grew rather than just being shoved at me all at once. Helene and Phillip actually took the time to learn who the other was and see them for the person they are rather than the people that got married after barely knowing each other. The land was described beautifully, the writing was well done, although there were a couple of grammatical and punctuation errors. Nothing too serious, just enough to make you stop and reread the sentence again. I only noticed this a handful of times. It still didn't change my feelings for this wonderful book.

Stars- 4
Passion- 2
Length- 242 pages

Sorry About Missing Yesterday!

Yesterday was the first time I have missed posting a review. I will tell you why and hopefully, you, my wonderful readers, will forgive me. Yesterday was my sixth wedding anniversary. For the first time in two years, my wonderful husband was actually not at work. He was very sweet and loving all day long. I loved it and reveled in it.

As a special treat for my readers, there will be two wonderful book reviews posted today to help make up for missing yesterday. I will be posting those later this evening for your reading pleasure and maybe you will find yourselves with a new book to read.

Healing Hearts by Anna Murray

Jed Rutherford is a doctor in the small community of Wounded Colt. Unfortunately, Jed has a morphine addiction. This causes him to need another doctor to help him out. He sends for a mail-order doctor and instead of getting a man, he gets Hannah Sutton.
Hannah is a bright and forward thinking doctor who has worked hard to be a woman doctor. She quickly proves herself to Doctor Rutherford and he decides that he can't let her go. He doesn't want to go back to his lonely existence. Can these two people help each other and look past the others scars?

I enjoyed this read. I did, however, feel that it could maybe have been a little more drawn out rather than being tied up in such a neat and tidy little package. There's not much conflict in the story, they both get over their pasts very easily even though the author tried to make those the points of not being together. If you're looking for an easy, sweet romance to pass a couple of hours, this is perfect for that.

Stars- 3
Passion- 1
Length- 134 pages

There's a New Sheriff in Town by Virginia Jewel

Millie lives in a small town where nothing changes. Especially how people see her. The whole town goes by the motto "Poor Millie". When the new sheriff from New York City arrives, Gill learns why town pities Millie. Gill doesn't see Millie as being poor. He sees her as the most beautiful and special woman he's ever met. When he decides to become her friend rather than rock the boat by asking her out, he soon learns that he won't be happy until she's his.

I loved this book. I loved the charming and sweet Gill, although I do think he blushed way too much for a manly man as he was portrayed. Millie was smart and sweet and stubborn. She loves everyone and doesn't really know how to tell anyone no. The writing was beautiful. I was right there in Delta with everyone else. The secondary characters were just as fun and charming as the main characters.

Stars- 5
Passion- 1
Length- 279 pages

Love in a Small Town by Betty Jo Schuler

Sam is going to Browning, Indiana to clear out and sell his grandparent's house that was left to him when his mother died. When he rolls into town he goes on a hunt to locate the key to the house. It was supposed to be at the attorney's office. The note said to go to the mayor's office. The note there said to go to the store called Radiance. When he got to Radiance, he couldn't help but notice the amazing pair of legs on a step ladder right before a bottle of lotion got dropped on his head. That's how Sam met Lily.
Lily is a little of everything for the town of Browning. She's also Sam's neighbor. With her sunny and upbeat attitude, she brings some light into Sam's life. What's a girl to do when Mr. Right is ready to run back to Arizona as fast as he can? She has to show him he really loves small towns. Especially Browning.

I enjoyed reading this sweet upbeat book. Lily was so happy and sweet that you couldn't help but love her and want to be her friend. Sam was charming and sweet and you just wanted to slap him upside the head to make him see what was right in front of him. This was a wonderful book to curl up and read on a cloudy afternoon.

Stars-5
Passion- 1
Length- 171 pages

Precipice by Melissa Luznicky Garrett

Julia has found herself in a dead end marriage. She's also figured out she's in love with her best friend's boyfriend. What's she to do? Should she end her marriage? Should she explore her feelings for Wes, her best friend's boyfriend?

I enjoyed reading this book. I don't think it's anything to write home about though. Jim, Julia's husband, is way older and not a very likable character. Wes is charming and sweet. Kris, the best friend, is a wonderful best friend. I wouldn't read it again, but it was worth my time as being just something to read.

Stars- 3
Passion- 2
Length- 191 pages

Shane and Trey by Anyta Sunday

Shane has just realized he's gay. Unfortunately, it causes him to lose his best friend. Not only that but he's just found out he's going to be rooming with his twin sister's boyfriend, Trey, for freshman year. Shane is scared of Trey because he's big and in the past has bullied Shane. Being roommates shows Shane that there's a lot more to Trey than meets the eye and he soon finds himself falling for Trey. Follow Shane through his guilt of loving his sister's boyfriend and then his first homosexual relationship and sex.

I loved this book. I loved how sensitive Shane and Trey both were. I loved that these characters were real and not cheesy. Shane has some wonderful wit and I found myself laughing several times throughout this wonderful read.

The sex scenes were not extremely graphic and there was some adult language.

Stars- 5
Passion- 3
Length- 270 pages

Blood of the Rainbow (A Vested Interest) by Shelia Chapman

Jared has had dreams of is perfect match for most of his life. They started when she was ten and continued until he met Sara. He has loved his dream girl since that first dream.
Sara isn't sure she believes in all the destiny crap Jared tells her about. He dreamed of her? Really? Only time will spell out these two characters destiny.

I thoroughly loved this book. It did seem to be drawn out just a little and got really sluggish about 3/4 of the way through. I persevered and finished and I admit it was a very likable book. I loved Sara's sweet innocent nature and Jared's loving nature. Jared did tend to run a little hot and cold, but when he was hot, he was definitely hot. I also loved that part of the book was set in Shreveport. The other part of the time was spent in Arizona. The secondary characters were wonderful and Steve provided his own entertainment.
Now, all the good qualities finished, let's start on the cons. The book started out being very amateurish with horrible dialogue. Jared is a doctor so he's at least in his late 20s when in the book he speaks and behaves as if he's sixteen. During the middle of the book the writing progresses to a wonderful writer tell a wonderful, balanced book. That last third of the book was in a completely different writing styles with a point of view from other characters. This had not been in the book up until this point. Still, give this book a shot. It will definitely give you something to read and a new hero to love.

Stars- 4
Passion- 2
Length- 471 pages

Shades of Blue by Lynn Henry

Megan has found herself widowed and pregnant. She's alone in her large home at Wentworth Hall with a sister-in-law that's colder than ice and can't stand Megan. Megan decides to leave Wentworth Hall and get the Wentworths out of her mind and life.
Nathanial can't believe it when he gets the call that his brother-in-law has died in a car accident with his mistress in his car. To top it off, the mistress is pregnant. To save his sister and family from certain humiliation he decides to say that the mistress is his fiance. Then to keep the humiliation at bay, he marries her.
Can these two people find happiness through all the deception? Can they admit their love for each other when it all comes out?

I liked the story line. I liked the characters. I hated that this book needed an editor in the absolute worst way. This book was filled to the brim with repeated paragraphs, typos, and punctuation errors. If not for that and the fact that Nathanial was a real piece of work, this book would have been very enjoyable.

Stars- 2
Passion- 2
Length- 117 pages

Drew in Blue by J.M. Kelley

Drew wasn't sure what to do when he found out he was going to be a father. His best idea was to write a check and walk away. Four months later, the mother shows up on his doorstep and says she doesn't want it. What's Drew to do with a baby? He doesn't know anything about babies and doesn't even want this baby. Drew can't bring himself to turn Nick over to child welfare to live life as Drew did as a child. He decides to call his best friend Kris. She's a woman. Surely she can help him. After all, she's got boobs so surely she has maternal instincts. Kris is wonderful with Nick. She loves him like he's her own. Unfortunately, she's not his mother, which Drew keeps pointing out. Then he hits her with a bomb. How's she supposed to respond to her best friend after he tells her something like that?

I really enjoyed this book. It was told from Drew's point of view. I kind of liked reading a book solely from the male perspective. I thought that Drew was very witty and charming. He could also be a jerk, but from my own perspective, that's just a trait of the male species. Kris was a woman who knew what she would and would not take from anyone and I loved her for it. Of course, Nick really stole the show. It was the gummy smiles and drool that did it for me. Set in the Appalachians, Kelley really wrote a beautiful small town story complete with festivals and nosy old biddies.

Stars- 4
Passion- 2
Length- approx. 267 pages

Amanda's Blue Marine by Doreen Owens Malek

Amanda is an ADA who has apparently garnered the attention of someone she helped put away. She goes to the police to get some protection. What she gets is super sexy Detective Brendan Kelly. Detective Kelly is a retired Marine turned cop. He's amazing at what he does even if he is a bit of a wild card. He also can't help but get to know the beautiful red head he's assigned to protect. Unfortunately, she's rich...and engaged to a congressman. To someone with Kelly's past, it's inconceivable that someone like Mandy would even be interested in him for longer than the time it takes to eliminate the threat to her.

I loved this book. I know I say that about most of the reviews I do, but I do love most of the books I read. If they engage me like Amanda's Blue Marine did, then I love it. This book pulled me in and I was just as worried for Amanda as everyone else was. Something I also thought was unique, and I have never seen before, was that this book had two epilogues. Really. Two. They summed up the story very nicely. I would like to read more by Doreen Owens Malek.

Stars- 5
Passion- 2
Length- 308 pages

Intuition (The Premonition Series) by Amy A. Bartol

This is the sequel to Inescapable (The Premonition Series)
Evie is evolving more and more. She's still looking over her shoulder for Alfred. Reed is still wonderful and Russell is still the best friend she could ask for. Unfortunately, Evie has discovered the danger she produces for Reed and Zephyr. Evie talks Russell into running away with her to protect those she loves and to help keep Russell hidden from Dominion.

I loved this book just as much as Inescapable (The Premonition Series). I almost couldn't put it down and when I really  had to, it was all could think about. I was completely swept away by all the love, action, and drama. I never wanted the book to end. Now, I'm just waiting on Indebted to be released. I can't wait to continue the wonderful story of angels and the Fallen. Also, there's some new bad guys to try and conquer. That just keeps the story interesting. I also loved and hated that this book was broken up into key players. We start with Evie and everyone else, then it goes into the story from Russell's point of view, then it goes into Evie's until everyone is reunited. The book is mostly told from Evie's perspective as it is.

The only thing that bugs me about this series is Ms. Bartol's perspective on the southern dialect. She writes people's accents wonderfully. Okay, my beef - Ms. Bartol writes Russell's language wonderfully except she doesn't seem to really know how to use y'all. That word is plural and she uses it relentlessly when speaking to and about just one person. Singular is still 'you' while plural is y'all. I still loved this book and devoured it like it was the last time I might ever get to red.

Stars- 5
Passion- 1
Length- 394 pages

Blacke Harbor by Lisa Adcock

This book is mostly about a man named Erik. I say man because in the first couple of chapters he's returned from a vampire to a human. He is staying with the doctors who help him beat the virus. Catherine is one of his doctors along with her grandfather Jurgis. Erik and Catherine fall in love.

 There's not a whole lot to say about this book. There's no grammatical errors. I was really bored with the whole thing until the last chapter. There's some mystery in the book that will make you wonder what's going on and who's doing it, but other than that this book was very....boring. I don't know what else to say for it.

Stars- 1
Passion- 2
Length- 246 Pages

The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

Ashton Gray, the preachers daughter, is the perfect girl who has the perfect boyfriend. Unfortunately, Ash has a bad girl dying to come out. That's where Beau comes in.
Beau, his cousin Sawyer, and Ash have been friends since they were young children. Now, at seventeen, Ash and Sawyer are the perfect couple. Beau sits on the sidelines and wonders what happened to the mischievous trouble maker he was in love with.
Sawyer is away for the summer and Ashton is home. When she bumps into Beau one night, she decides she has missed her best friend. She wants to rekindle the friendship. When that friendship turns to love Ashton has a choice to make. Can she defy everyone and hurt Sawyer to be with the town bad boy?

I loved this book. I felt with Ashton. I felt with Beau. I felt with these characters, not for. I couldn't help but fall in love with the bad boy any more than Ashton could. There were a couple of grammatical errors and typos, but not enough to really affect my reading. I only noticed because if there's a missing word you tend to notice such things. All in all, it's a book I will definitely be reading again.

Stars- 4
Passion- 1
Length- approx. 174 pages

Rebecca Danced by Ezzy Black

Rebecca has always walked with braces and crutches. Now, after having surgery on both knees, she's in a wheel chair. Not only that, but she's starting a new school. That's how she meets Tony and Tina. A brother and sister that have volunteered to help Rebecca get around the school which isn't handicapped accessible.

Tony, is a sixteen year old saint. He is beyond polite to everyone. Loves his younger sister Tina like there's no tomorrow, and loves Rebecca with his very soul. Not to mention, he's extremely generous. To make him even more perfect, he's in an incredible band.

I loved the sweet story line. I did think it was all a little too sweet. There was absolutely no conflict and in a high school, there would definitely be some sort of conflict with the new girl coming in and "taking" the golden boy off the market. Not to mention the fact that she's in a wheel chair. I mean, these are high school kids not saints and angels. Still, it makes for a very nice read if you're just looking for something to pass the time without reading high school drama. Also, the songs listed throughout were pretty great.

Stars- 4
Passion- 1
Length- 232 pages

Lucy's Story by Lindsey Walker

Lucy has been in love with Jackson since she was just a little girl. Jackson has always acted like more of a big brother. When Lucy's father dies and leaves a stipulation in his will stating Lucy has to marry before a month of the reading of the will, she panics. She doesn't want to lose her school Meredith Acres. Jackson decides he has to help her. Can Lucy make Jackson believe in forever?

I thought this was a very cute book. I loved Lucy's smart mouth and witty sense of humor. There were a couple very funny moments in the book that actually had me laughing out loud. What I didn't like was the indecision until the very end. He doesn't love me, she doesn't love me. That's all you hear until the VERY end of the book. I think someone should have sucked it up and spit it out just a little sooner.

Stars- 3
Passion- 1
Length- 201 pages

Doing Ireland! by Kate Hoffmann

Claire O'Conner has had a really crappy day. She lost her boyfriend, her job, and her apartment all in the span of six hours. Her grandmother tells her about the island of Trall in Ireland that has a Druid spring. If you share a cup of water from the spring with someone then you will be eternally bound. So Claire hops a plane to Ireland to get her some Druid spring water. She wants her boyfriend back!
Will Donovan runs the inn on Trall. When a very wet and muddy American sloshes through his door he can't help but notice the mess she makes - on the floor and in his life. He's instantly attracted to her. Is this the curse the Druid priestess placed on him or is this something else? Will doesn't know, but he really wants to find out more about the pretty American.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this Harlequin romance. I usually find Harlequin books to be all the same. They all have the same sweet story with the same sweet ending. I thought this was wonderfully sweet with some good doubts thrown in and a wonderfully happy ending. The descriptions were very pleasant and appealing. The accents were wonderful and the secondary characters were charming and memorable.

Stars- 5
Passion- 4
Length- 256 pages

His Wife for a While by Donna Fasano

Ben is going to lose Reed's Orchard unless he marries within 21 days, according to his grandfather's will.
Chelsea wants a baby more than anything in the world. She proposes to Ben that they get married so he can keep his orchard - with one stipulation; Ben has to get her pregnant and then sign over his parental rights when they divorce.

I thought this book would have been a lot better if there was more to the story. It was too short and resolved too easily because of it. Chelsea won't let anyone in and doesn't trust Ben even though she's in love with him but when he says he loves her she just jumps on board. It should have been drawn out more with her growing to trust him or making him show her more or something. I don't know. It was just lacking. I can't really put my finger on it. I also would have liked to hear more from Ben. He was just kind of thrown in there occasionally. Majority of the story was told from Chelsea's perspective, which would have been fine if Ben was actually in the story more. This was a simple love story that was in no way remarkable.

Stars- 2
Passion- 1
Length-144 pages

Vittorio's Woman (Vittorio Series) by Kimberley Reeves

Simon Vittorio is the ultimate ladies man. He's gorgeous, beyond wealthy, and charming. Until a car accident leaves him paralyzed and blind. During his downward spiral of depression, Simon's sister Milano calls in the best of the best physical therapists, Claire Barclay.
Claire never gives up. She won't just walk away, no matter how cranky Simon is. She's determined to get the beautiful man she saw at a party back up onto his feet. At least, if she can keep her feelings to herself and not let Simon know how attracted she is to him.

I thought this was a very sweet love story. Simon was wonderful. He didn't have too much self pity and he could be a little devious in getting what he wanted, but I still cared for him anyway. Claire was a beautiful person in appearance, heart, and soul. She was strong and vulnerable at the same time. There were some funny moments, some very steamy moments, and some extremely sweet moments. This book also had a wonderful epilogue for those out there that want to really know what happens to the characters after the story. This one tells us several years worth and not in a rushed or uncaring way.

Stars- 5
Passion- 4
Length-203 pages

Edwina by Patricia Strefling

Edwina likes her stale, boring life. She's a librarian who lives in a tiny apartment and spends her time reading books even at home. Edwina likes it that way. Then her step sister talks her into going to Scotland for two weeks. While at the airport, Edwina's sister gets a phone call and rushes off to England, leaving Edwina to continue to Scotland on her own. She ends up being literally swept off her feet by a Scottish laird in the hotel lobby she was supposed to stay in. He talks her into coming back to his castle for a couple of days until she can get her reservations settled out. Later, he offers her a job. A job she finds that she loves.

I thought this book had beautiful descriptions, especially of the Scottish countryside. It also had very beautiful cover art. Other than that, I didn't like the book. I will say it's a Christian book. There's lots of praying and referring to Him. If that's not your thing then I would avoid this book. That was probably some of the reason for my dislike. I also couldn't figure out how Alex and Edwina fell in love. They were actually around each other, with conversation, less than a days worth in the whole book. Alex dropped her at his farm in Scotland and flew to America. Literally. There were also a lot of references to Cinderella. I just did not enjoy this book.

Stars- 2
Passion- 1
Length- 384 pages

Anywhere But Here by Jenny Gardiner

Mary Kate has spent the last twenty years being married to a man who insists on spoon feeding her in restaurants, making sure she only cooks what he wants on certain days of the week, and she stays almost invisible to the world. She has to be utterly plain jane making sure she never draws attention to herself. On the spur of the moment, Mary Kate decides to pick up her very first hitchhiker.
Smoothie has decided that after catching his wife in bed with another woman that he hasn't much left. When Mary Kate offers him a ride he decides to just go with it. Together they decide to drive from Virginia to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Along the way, Smoothie gets Mary Kate to start coming out of her shell and making her own decisions.

I loved this book. It made me smile and feel for Mary Kate. Especially when she was fantasizing about shooting her husband in the head while he spoon fed her foods she absolutely hated in the restaurant. Ms. Gardiner didn't make it pretty that women who are utterly controlled have thoughts like that. It made the book more real to me. It made Mary Kate more real to me. I would definitely like to read more of her work.

This book contains explicit language and one fairly non-graphic sex scene.

Stars- 5
Passion- 1
Length- 198 pages

Colters' Woman (Colters' Legacy) by Maya Banks

Holly is running. Now, she's run into something good. Well, someone. Three someones. Adam, Ethan, and Ryan own the Three Brothers Hunting Lodge. When Adam finds an unconscious, nearly frozen Holly in the ditch down their long drive, he starts counting his lucky stars because he knows he's found the one. The one woman for the three of them. The problem? Holly is on the run from her murdering, abusive husband. He'll stop at nothing to keep Holly quiet.

First of all, I love Maya Banks. Her books always make me smile, laugh, and yes, a little hot. Okay. Really hot. This book has got some of the hottest bedroom scenes I have ever read. And, yeah, there's that one in the barn also. Still, the writing is beautiful and flows very well. There's some great action and I don't just mean in the bedroom.

Stars- 5
Passion- 5
Length- 280 pages

Blood Past (Warriors of Ankh #2) by Samantha Young

This is the sequel to Blood Will Tell (Warriors of Ankh #1).

Eden is going to Scotland to locate the last living relatives of her mother. There she meets wonderful Neith, skeptical Neith, and even some questionable Neith. Eden starts her training and makes a new best friend and things start to develop between her and Noah. We also see someone from Eden's past. Will he destroy everything? Make sure you read Blood Past to find out.

I was just as engrossed in Blood Past as I was in Blood Will Tell. I couldn't put it down. This book was also exceptionally longer than the first. Still, Samantha Young has brought us a book worth holding onto for dear life. It's beautifully written. She makes you feel like you're right there in the good times and bad with the characters.

Stars- 5
Passion- 1
Length- 335 pages

Blood Will Tell (Warriors of Ankh #1) by Samantha Young

Eden is a soul eater. Or about to be anyway. Noah is an Ankh. His job is to save her.

Eden Winslow is trying to fend off her parents about her Awakening Ceremony. They want her to take someones entire soul. Eden doesn't want to be that monster. After years of hearing the screams and knowing what her father done to humans, she can't bring herself to be that way. Her best friend Noah is what's known as an Ankh. His job is to kill soul eaters. His orders now are to save Eden from going through with her awakening ceremony and becoming a true soul eater.

There's a lot more going on there with some great action scenes and a little mystery. I don't want to give too much away because then there's no point in you reading it. Just know that there are lots of lovable characters as well as a nice trip to Scotland.

Stars- 5
Passion- 1
Length- approx. 151 pages

Out of Time by Deborah Truscott

Kathy Lee is a lost woman and mother. She has an absentee husband and a crazy mother. She's spending more and more time at her mother's and a couple days at home, but she still doesn't feel either place is right. When she inherits Uncle Bennet's house, she makes a startling discovery in her shed. She finds Robert Upton from the year 1777. Kathy Lee leaves her kids at her mother's and her and Robert drive to her mother's beach house to try and figure out how to get Robert back to his time without anyone finding out about him.

I liked this book very much. I also fell in love with Robert. I thought Kathy Lee was very intelligent and brave, which I personally like a lot more than a simpering airhead. I did think the climax at the end should have lasted just a bit longer instead of being completely resolved in a couple of pages. I also couldn't really figure out why the epilogue was from Lila's (Kathy Lee's mother) point of view when none of the rest of the book was. All in all, the book was well worth the read.

Stars- 4
Passion- 1
Length- approx. 324 pages

Dream Stallion (Horsemen, Book 1) by Kate Hill

A whole new breed of shifters. We don't hear about these wonderful men who are Horsemen. These wonderfully strong half man, half horse. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first book in this series.

Terra, a Fighting Carrier, has been dreaming of his soul mate, Inez. When he finally finds her in Horneview he decides that he has waited long enough for this strong Gatherer. It's a horseman's job to fly Gatherers to the south or north to gather what's called Rock Blood to help humans fight the plague. The north is frozen and dangerous due to ice lizards while the south is very tropical and the extreme heat can kill. This book is about some of Terra's trips as Inez's carrier to the north for this Rock Blood. It's also about their love for each other and it also has a couple bad guys who don't like Terra and Inez. Full of fantasy and steamy love scenes, in which Terra is in his Huform (human), this book will keep you turning the pages.

Stars- 5
Passion- 5
Length- 211 pages

A Prince of Norway by Kris Tualla

This is the sequel to A Woman's Choice.

In this book, Nicolas and family travel to Norway where Nicolas has the opportunity to become king. There are lots of dirty tricks and backstabbing going on. As we know from the first book, Nicolas and Sydney are two very intelligent people who also know what's right. Here we see Nicolas in his element as land owner and as a possible king. He is very diplomatic and caring about people's rights.

I ended up loving this book as much as the first. Throughout I was filled with love, hope, unbelief, sadness, and happiness. At times I wanted to jump into the book and punch Nicolas in the face. This one had a lot of mystery to it. I was completely riveted towards the end when some details were revealed. I was in utter shock. I also thoroughly enjoyed some of the new characters in the book. Leif, the young stable boy, grabbed onto a spot in my heart.

Look for the third installment, A Matter of Principle.

Stars- 5
Passion- 4
Length- approx. 279 pages

A Woman of Choice (The Hansen Series) by Kris Tualla

Missouri Territory, 1819. Nicolas Hansen finds a battered unconscious woman on his land and takes her back to his estate to try and save her life. When the woman awakens she discovers she doesn't know who or where she is. That's when she meets to formidable Nicolas in all his sullen Norse glory. He's hardened his heart to everyone except his best friend Rickard and his two employees Addie and John. Nicolas doesn't even let his 5 year old son Stefan in. Slowly, "Sydney" starts to get under his skin. There's too many questions left unanswered. Is she married? Was her accident an accident or something more sinister? Sydney starts to fall in love with the stoic Nicolas and shows him how to let love in.

This is a wonderful book. I couldn't put it down. It captured my attention from the first paragraph to the last. I fell in love with Nicolas and was charmed by Rickard. Sydney is the kind of woman I like to read about. She's not a pushover but is also willing to concede the point. She's not overly stubborn like some romance novel heroines.

There is a sequel to this series called A Prince of Norway. I have started it so it will be reviewed on here tomorrow. So far it's as captivating as A Woman of Choice.

Stars- 5
Passion- 4
Length- 302 pages

I'm Saying Yes by E.N. Holland

Think Brokeback Mountain...only better. I have to say I loved this well written novel.

1970s. Allen and Jim have known each other since they were 16 and met as ranch hands on Rattlesnake Ranch. they have also been meeting up a couple times a year except for a short break while Jim was in the Army. The novel starts with Allen waiting for Jim to show up for one of their week long get aways. This week Jim decides to tell Allen to either suck it up and be his or not call him anymore because a month before Allen blew him off after his divorce was final.
Allen says yes to Jim's ultimatum and this starts off the next four months. Jim telling his wife he'd like a divorce and them finding work and a place to stay at the Lazy L farm in Texas.

This book also shows you a lot of the fears a gay couple can experience and the ignorance of people about a gay couple. It also shows you how good of friends people can really be and look past the fact that they are gay. It's really a beautifully written novel that had me wishing I was there with them. It also had me crying I was so emotionally invested.

Stars- 5
Passion- 5
Length- approx. 315 pages

Clay's Way by Blair Mastbaum

This book is about a 15 turns 16 year old boy in Hawaii named Sam. He is in love with a boy named Clay. Sam is very angsty. He lives for pot and Clay. His pastimes include trying to be someone he's not, masturbating, and trailing after Clay trying to make Clay think he's cool. Clay, is a 17 year old surfer who has the tendency to adopt the personality of whoever he is with. He's really into partying and drugs.

I didn't particularly care for this book. It was well written and maybe it's just not my kind of book. I'm not really sure but it seemed that Sam had way too much angst for any teenager. He would go from "I love Clay" to "I want to hit him in the face until he bleeds". It just seemed that this kid was more on the verge of mass murder/suicide than anything else. I never really could figure Clay out other than he just wouldn't show anyone the real him.

This book is definitely not for a young audience as there is extensive marijuana use, cocaine use, drinking, and tons of masturbating.

Stars- 3
Passion- 4 If you don't mind constant masturbation
Length- 256 pages

Protection by S.A. Reid

1930s Wentworth prison. Gabriel MacKenna is the top dog. You don't get on his bad side but try to get him as your protector. Joey Cooper is an Oxford trained physician who arrives to find out prison life isn't so easy. Gabriel decides to offer Joey his protection....for a price.

I thought this was a wonderful novella. It's not your typical romance in any fashion. It can get a little graphic where injuries are concerned but not so much that I couldn't read it and get through the brief descriptions. I thoroughly enjoyed Gabriel's tough but vulnerable personality. His loyalty was astounding. Joey was a charming man you would have been honored to be friends with.

Stars- 5
Passion- 5
Length- 33k novella

A Chance in Time by Ruth Ann Nordin

Penelope lives in the middle of nowhere 1898. She has been completely on her own since her husband died a year ago. She decides to leave and go to town where she can actually talk to someone...anyone. On the way into town she sees a man lying face down in some tall grass. When she discovers she's alive she decides to take him back home to nurse him back to health. This is how her and Cole meet and fall in love. If I tell you anymore then there really will be no reason to read the book because I'll have pretty much told you all you need to know.

I personally love Ruth Ann Nordin's books. I've read a lot of negative reviews for her books, but I ignore them and thoroughly enjoy her books. Unfortunately, this one fell a little flat. It could have been a more rounded out book. There were time periods that were skipped. It would jump two weeks, a month. So it made you wonder how Penelope and Cold could have fallen in love without saying anything to each other.

Also, for those who have read Restoring Hope, Ruth Ann's Native American book, you will recognize Penelope, after of course, she brings Martha (Woape) home.

Stars- 3
Passion-1  One sex scene at the very end of the book and not extremely graphic.
Length- 84 pages

Virgin River by Robyn Carr

I love this book! I have read it several times and I just have to share it with you.

When nurse practitioner/midwife Melinda Monroe loses her husband in a tragic robbery she decides she needs to get out of L.A. and go somewhere small and safe. She decides to take a job in the small mountain town of Virgin River, pop. 600. When she gets to the charming cabin she's supposed to get rent free for the next year, it's so run down there's a birds nest in the oven. Mel decides to hit the road the next morning, but not before stopping for some coffee at the only bar in town. The handsome owner, Jack, can't talk her into staying so he decides to walk her out. That's when they find a baby on the old doc's front porch. Mel decides to stay...for a bit.

This is really a wonderful read. Mel is someone you want to be friends with and Jack is someone you want to fall in love with. The Virgin River series is chock full of retired Marines. The secondary characters make Virgin River a town you want to live in.

Stars- 5
Passion- 3
Length- 416 pages

Unto These Hills by Emily Sue Harvey

Unto These Hills is a book about beautiful Sunny from the South. She has an inner beauty to rival a saint and an outer beauty to rival an angel. This book spans her life from about 14 to, I'm thinking, her 60s. It's really wonderful to see her love for everyone, especially her wonderful boyfriend Daniel. Her story covers the gamut from betrayal to sibling rivalry to rape to horrifying confessions to death. Through a very unhappy life Sunny has learned to shut off her emotions to get her through anything. All the while, she still sees the good in everyone.

Unto These Hills is a very beautifully written novel. Emily Sue Harvey uses words to make you feel exactly how Sunny feels to the point you think they're your own emotions. You couldn't help but love, laugh, hate (or at least strongly dislike), and cry. You will really get into these characters. I also thoroughly enjoyed reading how these characters talk. Ms. Harvey nailed the southern dialect.

Now, as for my own personal taste, I felt the book was a little poetic in the beginning and it kind of drug out. I could also see why it was so flowery and poetic in the beginning. That was just part of Sunny's personality. But, I am being objective here and my personnal feelings don't count into my review.

Stars- 5
Passion- 1
Length- 450 pages

The Haret (The Haret Series) by Denise Daisy

For those lovers of the paranormal out there, I present to you, The Haret. This is the first of the series.

This book is about , almost, a fairytale. Felicitas is a wonderful daughter, girlfriend, and best friend. She's the minister's daughter and spends her free time during and after high school helping her fellow female students. She has a wonderful and supportive boyfriend named Ian. He has stood beside her through all her purity choices. Unfortunately, Felicitas can't stop having vivid dreams about a very handsome man named Raine.

Is it possible to get pregnant in a dream? Apparently in The Haret it is. You get to go through the stress and crazy accusations of Felicitas being a pregnant virgin. That doesn't count the fact that she disappeared for a week and has no recollection of the time gone by.

The only person who seems to be able to help is a crazy grandmother that no one has been allowed to have contact with in many years.

I definitely can't wait to read the sequel to The Haret. Denise Daisy did a wonderful job capturing and holding my attention. The characters were well rounded and had depth. I also really enjoyed the different aspect of paranormal. Nowadays it seems to focus on vampires and shifters, but not this book. You'll just have to read it to find out all the strange happenings.

Stars- 5
Passion- 1
Length- approx. 236 pages

Breath(e) by Ruth Madison

Breath(e) is the sequel to (W)hole. It's a little shorter but I still felt it was worth the read. It continues Elizabeth's story as a freshman just entering college. It goes through more of her emotional roller coaster with being a devotee and coming out to her mother.

I liked Breath(e) although I wasn't as enraptured as I was during (W)hole, which sometimes happens with sequels. I kept reading because it was still interesting to read more of Elizabeth's story. It did, however, leave me with some unanswered questions. What happens with Elizabeth and Ethan? Is there going to be another in the series? I'm hoping in the future to find out.

Stars- 4
Passion- 3
Length- 232 pages

(W)hole by Ruth Madison

(W)hole is a book about a young woman named Elizabeth who is a devotee. She has an acute sexual attraction towards physically disabled men. This book shows self hatred for her "evil" feelings, a bubbling of hope when she meets Stewart, and the let down and pain of losing your first love.

I read this book in a day and was very pleased that I did decide to read it. I found it to be a very interesting subject. I have never heard of a devotee before. I wanted to read this and get some insight into this fetish. I was fascinated by the depth of emotion from Elizabeth and the authors description of her feelings.

Stewart was also charming. A former athlete who is now a parapalegic, trying to forget his past due to guilt and, I felt, some shame. He tried to come off as uncaring about his past and well adjusted to being in a wheelchair. This was done to the point that he hadn't even seen his friends in several years and moved across the country to completely disappear from the surfing world.

As Elizabeth starts to explore her sexuality with her new para boyfriend, tensions start to rise between her, friends and family, and even Stewart as she still tries to hide her secret feelings and her boyfriend.

Ruth Madison wrote an incredible book with lots of insight into a "taboo" subject. It made me tense and I could feel Elizabeth's anxieties and fear. The characters had such depth, the story drew me in, and I couldn't put it down.

Stars- 5
Passion- 2
Length- 256 pages

Book Reviews

Hello Everyone!

I'm going to be writing reviews on the books I read. Hopefully, on a daily basis. If not that often, then every couple of days. I sometimes read two books a day so there will always be new reviews on here.

To the authors:

I will be honest with my review. It's very hard for me to find a book I can't get through. I will persevere and finish a book in hopes that it gets better towards the end. Most books provide good entertainment for me and stick with me for a bit.

I rate on a scale of 1-5. Stars being the overall and Passion, since I read mostly romance, is of course, the steaminess of the story. I will also leave the length whenever possible. I read on my kindle and there aren't always pages available.

Please leave comments. I would like to hear from everyone.


Stacie