A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore

A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore

It has been eight years since Sophie’s husband, Garrett, left for the battle at Waterloo. He was claimed to be dead, and it took her 7 years to move on; although she still loved Garrett, she married his cousin and long time friend, Tristan. The three were playmates as children, but now the play and laughter is over… Garrett returns home and goes into a fit when he sees Sophie tied to the bed with Tristan making love to her.

Garrett had amnesia, and his comrade in war, Mr. Fisk, claimed to have found him and brought the Duke home. Mr. Fisk is a strange character, and Garrett is not the man he was when he left. He’s now more dark, cold, and quite distant; but he still rages inside for Sophie. Garrett and Tristan can not get along whatsoever now, Sophie is in love with both men and doesn’t want to hurt either. It seems she will not even have a choice because once the courts decide that her wedding to Tristan is nullified, she must stay with Garrett.

Behind the stories of the love triangle, there is someone that likes to torture, sabotage, and stick knives in the back of those that he was supposed to be friends with.

A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore started out with a love making scene that is quite vividly worded, a huge amount of emotion, and the way it would feel to be a woman torn between the two men she loved most. Historical Romances are sometimes along the same line, one woman, one man, possible scandal… but not this one, it was very different and had a lot of elements not normally added to make it a spectacular read. 4 Hearts

Forever
ISBN# 978-0-446-54029-2
Release June 2009

Madrigal: A Novel of Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera by Jennifer Linforth

Madrigal: A Novel of Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera by Jennifer Linforth

“My story? I am a murderer. A murderer and a Maestro, a magician and a mastermind. There is nothing in this world I have not mastered, nothing unattainable beyond my grasp. I am a wealthy, powerful genius, with the voice of an angel and the soul of a madman…” --Jennifer Linforth’s Phantom

The above quote has got to be my favorite of all in the novel titled Madrigal. Madrigal is the story of the Phantom of the Opera years after Christine had left Erik for Raoul. Small packages of paper, figs, and ink have been left by an anonymous stranger for the Phantom, but who after all these years, and even after faking his own death, would want to reach out to him now?

A man still in love with a woman that wants nothing to do with him, finds love in a woman that is the exact opposite of Christine. Le Fantome, is forced to reappear when the managers of the Opera Garnier make plans for a con. With this con, there will come a lot of trouble, trouble only the real Phantom can control.

Anna knows the man beneath the mask, she knows there is a war raging inside of him, and to her, he is the only man she can see herself loving; even if she has to rate as second best. Anna shows Erik compassion, passion, and a love that she has never been shown herself. A young lady that has been pawned off by her deadbeat con of a father, Anna has suffered the life no lady should have to experience. When Erik reveals his disfigurement to her, Anna is taken aback but only for a moment, she knows the man with golden eyes, she knows his heart, and she will not see him for the monster everyone claims he was, she will see the man, the man Erik longs to be.

Madrigal: A Novel of Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera by Jennifer Linforth is magical, breathtaking, and went well beyond my expectations. I have to admit, I do not know Leroux’s novel, or much about the Phantom beyond his disfigurement and his love for Christine, but Ms. Linforth made me realize that I have truly missed a great story! A perfect read for anyone that would like to know what could have been. 5 Hearts

Find Jennifer and Madrigal at: www.Jenniferlinforth.com

Bondage and Discipline, Sadism and Masochism by Lusipher Parts 1 & 2

Bondage and Discipline, Sadism and Masochism by Lusipher Parts 1 & 2

BDSM by Lusipher is going to probably be one of the most forward reviews I have written. I am pretty sure that the author is going to detest my review, but this is my opinion and my opinion alone. First off, the chapters were labeled as "scenes", is this supposed to be a play or something? Zack Simms and his wife go through the same old thing every night it seems, Zack being a lazy a**, while ordering his wife to bring him beer and she is always cooking fried chicken. Zack tries for a loan, gets denied, is unhappy being a cab driver, wants to find out more about this Sadie person he ran into at a drug store and from then on the books just keep going down hill for Zack. Sadie is Zack's mistress of sorts, she opens him up to a world of grossly described BDSM, while his wife Anna seems to be doing everything the way a good wife should in his mind; cleaning, cooking... I just don't know what more Zack could expect from her. He's an alcoholic, drug user, and a cheat.

It took me putting this book down several times, gritting my teeth the whole way, and a ton of patience to finish reading book one, and even more gritting to read book 2. Book 2 was strange to say the least, the really non-appearance of Sadie, and the way Ann kind of does a couple bondage things… but it just didn’t jive with me.

I got so tired of the way he treated women, the language about farts, and other explicit words that I will not use in my reviews. I can't imagine anyone really enjoying BDSM and giving it a 5 star review. There is absolutely no way that I will ever recommend this to anyone or share it with a friend. With that said, I do have some praise for Lusipher, he can actually write, that is put words on a page and make it make sense, but this style of writing for him is not good. Maybe a good fiction novel, sci-fi, or anything besides BDSM or sexually explicit material. I could not stand how he portrayed women, or how his character viewed them as nothing but maids and a whores.

I give BDSM a 1 Heart review, because there is no way any woman in this world can stomach to read these novels by Lusipher. Men, on the other hand, those that want to control women or have some sick fetish may very well love it. But this is not for me.

My Forbidden Desire by Carolyn Jewel

My Forbidden Desire by Carolyn Jewel

Alexandrine Marit has just found out that her brother is pretty much back from the dead. She’s not seen Harsh in 10 years, all of the sudden he shows up with a very hunky, muscled, leather-clad biker that he says will stay and protect her. From the get-go Alexandrine and Xia don’t get along, but the more time and action they spend and face together, things start heating up. Xia can’t take his mind off the naughty things he wants to do to the little witch, but he’s a fiend, and has a total hatred of witches. There’s a first time for everything right?

Between fighting off the magehelds, running from her father that wants her Talisman, and her on again off again magic, Alexandrine is getting to know the good side of her protector. Her Talisman is very important, and Xia must do the only thing he knows how, to get rid of it. From that moment, things start to get a little strange; and Alexandrine sees Xia in his true form. Talons and all, she still gets all hot and bothered.

My Forbidden Desire by Carolyn Jewel is a great paranormal romance novel. You can really get into the story… a definite page turner. There was so much action, heat, and bit of sarcastic banter, that made My Forbidden Desire an additive read. 4.5 Hearts

Release Date June 2009 by Forever
ISBN# 978-0-446-17824-2

How to Score by Robin Wells *June 2009*

How to Score by Robin Wells

Chase Jones feels responsible for putting his brother in the wrong place at the wrong time, landing him in the Witness Protection program. Chase is an FBI agent, but has also agreed to take over Luke’s job as a life coach. One client in particular quickly rouses Chase’s suspicions, so he makes it a point to go running at 5am to meet her. From that very moment, it was love at first bite; Joe, Sammi’s boxer, has a thing for tanned leather and it would seem, good looking guys. But Sammi is a train wreck all in her own.

Sammi Matthews has a pretty bad track record with men, she injures them. A broken rib here, a black eye there, and let’s not forget the newest injury, a concussion. Sammi has enlisted the help of Luke/Chase to help her find out what is wrong with her, and why she keeps hurting men. Chase does a much more hands on job than his place, but he will risk loosing his heart and her trust if the truth doesn’t come out soon. But is Sammi really SCABHOG material?

Chase has the ideal woman in his mind and so comes the operation SCABHOG, you’ll have to read to find out the meaning. Chase is really starting to have feelings for Sammi, but he’s also got a job to do. A kidnapping, fired, almost killed, and broken hearted on both sides, an unsuspecting thing must happen to get these two back together. Oh, and there’s another character’s story entwined that gives How to Score a little more depth that I think you will enjoy.

Robin Wells is just remarkably talented! I fell in love with How to Score, it was a cute contemporary romance that had everything needed to make reading it enjoyable!
There was one scene in here that had me laughing out loud, it involved a leather belt and Joe the boxer, it was priceless! Seriously, How to Score was awesome! 5 Hearts

His Woman by Diana Cosby

His Woman by Diana Cosby

It has been three years since Lady Isabel Adair was forced to leave the man she loved. Her betrothed Knight, Duncan MacGruder believed she had left him for a man of wealth, but only her family and the nasty Earl of Frasyer knew the truth of why she had to leave the only man she would ever love. Her father was so deep in gambling debts, the only way to save him was to become Frasyer’s mistress. She would always love Duncan, but now he thought her nothing more than a whore.

As a vow to Symon, Isabel’s brother, Duncan had to free Isabel from the Frasyer’s dungeon. The moment her saw her all the old feelings rushed back ten fold, he knew she was untouchable but his heart felt otherwise. After freeing Isabel, she refused to go with him until she found the one thing that could prove her father’s innocence, nearly risking their lives. During the days Isabel and Duncan spend together a little bit of truth leaks out about the past and why they were not wed, eventually all will come together… but it may be too late; especially when Frayser has Isabel back in his clutches. Love will conquer all things… right?

Diana Cosby is a master-mind when it comes to writing Scottish Historical Romances. I loved the liveliness of the characters, the sex scenes were tasteful, not overdone, and the story just seemed to pass by so quickly that I couldn’t believe I let a whole day go by! Ms. Cosby has just become an author that I will definitely look for in the future! 5 Hearts

Passion Unleashed by Larissa Ione

Passion Unleashed: A Demonica Novel by Larissa Ione

Wraith is the brother that has always been one to dance to the beat of a different drum. His dark side seemed to surface way more than both of his other brother’s combined, Wraith is finally about to feel what it is like to be on the loosing end. Although he is a Seminus Demon and a vampire, Wraith has just been infected with something that has no antidote and even with all the help from his brothers at their hospital UG, there is only one person that holds the key so to speak, that will save Wraith’s life. She must die so that he can live.

Serena Kelley is charmed, a fortune hunter, and a virgin. Why the virgin part? Well, she must stay celibate or she will die. A childhood illness will come back to haunt her if she is ever separated from the amulet around her neck. She meets Wraith as he goes under a different name, they fight off a few Demons together, things get hot and steamy, and believe it or not, Wraith is capable of feelings. But are his feelings strong enough to sacrifice himself for her? Oh, and let me mention that a fallen angel is after Serena so that he can pretty much bring Hell on Earth, literally. A lot is going on with Wraith, Serena, and the other brothers, and there will be more than just one couple heating up the scenes.

Passion Unleashed has got to be Larissa Ione’s best novel yet! It was hot, wickedly well written, and just amazing all ‘round! I can’t tell you how excited I was to read Wraith’s story, the bad boy of the brothers, and it was just phenomenal. Ms. Ione is on her way to the top! 5 Hearts

Forever
ISBN# 978-0-446-40105-0
Release Date: April 2009

Miss Match by Wendy Toliver

Miss Match by Wendy Toliver

Sasha Finnegan has always been an excellent matchmaker, but now she has to turn her skills into a real life paying job. Sasha backed her Dad’s truck into her elderly neighbors car, and is now responsible for the damages; Miss Match is born. Sasha consults teenagers with crushes on how to get that date with the girl or boy they desire… and she’s pretty good too. One Miss Match case though, will make Sasha question if she’s doing the right thing, setting up the boy that she’s crushing on, with her sister Maddie.

Derek Urban is the new guy in school and really wants to take Maddie Finnegan to homecoming, he enlists the help of Miss Match, Sasha, to make his dream a reality. Derek and Sasha become good friends, but neither know what the other thinks about them. Until that night…

Miss Match by Wendy Toliver is a cute Young Adult novel that will knock your socks off. It is extremely well written for any age group, not just teens. I loved the realness of the characters, the emotions, and the every day scenarios that real teens face. Ms. Toliver has done an amazing job, yet again! 5 Hearts

Marked by Passion by Kate Perry

Marked by Passion by Kate Perry

If you’re looking for a book that will keep you enthralled from page one, then Marked by Passion is exactly what you need. Kate Perry fires up this book in the Guardians of Destiny series. Enchanting, a little bit naughty and a perfect mixture of spice, Marked by Passion is breathtaking!

Gabrielle Sansouci Chin, aka Gabe has just inherited her destiny. She wanted no part of what her life is now going to be, just because she was marked by the Ancients didn’t mean she was the one that would be the best candidate for the scroll. All she wanted to do was work at the Pour House as a bartender, leading a normal life and paint. I mean she literally held the world in her hands. Being the carrier of the Earth scroll, she must do her best to keep it out of the wrong hands, and she must trust no one… not even those that she thought she knew.

Rhys Llewellyn shows up out of the blue, coincidence? I think not, he is after one thing and one thing alone; but once he learns more about Gabe, his plans will have to be altered. He is also a Guardian, and he’s a man who gets what he wants. Right now he wants two things, Gabe’s scroll and her heart. But one is just about as hard to get as the other, especially when he is not the only one trying to harness the ancient Chinese power. To tell the truth, Gabe doesn’t know how to control it either, or the spirit of her father that just happens to come with the territory of the scroll.

Love, needing, want, and deceit, all play vital rolls in this amazing paranormal romance penned by Kate Perry. One lesson taught shines through, within yourself, you have the power to change the world. Or at least her Heroine does. 5 Hearts

Grand Central Publishing
Hachette Book Group
ISBN# 0446541001

Driver #8 by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Driver #8 by Dale Earnhardt, JR. with Jade Gurss

Driver #8 by Dale Earnhardt, JR. with Jade Gurss, is an inside look at the NASCAR scene and the behind the scenes that most fans don’t get to see or hear about. Dale tells the readers about his emotions, feelings, what it’s like to have screaming fans, and the hard times during his racing career.

I’m here to tell you, this book is so compelling. If you ever want to feel like you’re sitting in the room with an amazing race car driver, this is the book to give you that one on one experience. A rookie into the wildest ride of his life, Dale doesn’t see himself as living in his father’s shadow so to speak, he is very much his own man, with his own will and drive to win. While Dale Earnhardt, SR. was a huge part of Dale JR’s life, the book is not about all the warm fuzzy moments father and son shared. It is reality at its finest, and I have to say, go pick up a copy of this book and hold on for a high speed read. 5 Hearts

Hachette Book Group
ISBN# 0446612502

Hitman by Bret Hart

Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling by Bret Hart

Growing up, I remember my Dad and Brother watching wrestling at night while we had dinner. Bret the Hitman Hart was one of my very favorites as a little girl, he was easy on the eyes and had that commanding personality that made him all the more attractive. Bret was one of those wrestlers that looked like he belonged in the ring, flipping, jumping, and most of all winning. Having the chance to review his biography, is a special treat for me.

Most of Bret Hart’s memories as a young child were seriously imprinted on his mind as he fought for his place in the family, fought with his brothers, and stuck by those that he formed an alliance with. Bret also talks about his father, Stu, that was “the man” of wrestling in that day and age. While Stu was a hard man, as I read on, I could tell how much Bret loved and looked up to him. Being the eight of twelve children, Bret was going to make it in the wrestling world… but it wouldn’t always come easy.

As life went on, Bret found his love for the wrestling lifestyle, but with the good comes the bad. He made life long friendships with some of the biggest names in his wrestling career, had an amazing family, and provided for his children. I’ll skip ahead now, after years of wrestling, Bret traveled the world and tells about his wild sex encounters, and how drugs are so openly available to those that are famous. He also talks about his rival, Shawn Michaels, and his open feelings toward Shawn’s rising fame.

Bret goes into major detail in everything, leaving not much out I’m sure. You can feel his emotions, the tragedies, and his memories of the years gone by seep into your skin. You’ll find yourself tearing up, smiling, and if it makes sense, you’ll feel close to the man I call a legend. Also, I want to mention the photo inserts, those really made you feel a connection to the Hart’s. I loved Bret’s biography, and I wish the best for him. 5 Hearts or should I say 5 Harts

Grand Central Publishing
Hachette Book Group
ISBN# 0446539724

Vexing the Viscount by Emily Bryan

Vexing the Viscount by Emily Bryan

Daisy Drake, always up for an adventure and has a will to learn all she can about erotic Roman sculptures, is about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime. When she has a run in with childhood playmate, Lucian Beaumont, Daisy Drake’s safe life will drastically change. A young woman innocent, and pure, will transform herself into a lady of experience; Blanche La Tour, courtesan. If Lucian will not have her as Daisy, then she would have him as Blanche.

Lucian Beaumont is on the trail of a buried Roman treasure, when he enlists the society of antiquities for help he is pretty much laughed out of the room. When Blanche insists upon being his partner in the search, Lucian can not refuse. Beaumont will get more than he has ever expected with beautiful courtesan. There is also treachery afoot, sadly it may mean death for some of those involved.

While death, treasure, seduction, and love are all in the mix, I’ll let you decide which one will win the war.

Emily Bryan’s historical romances are always amazing, I believe she has outdone herself with Vexing the Viscount. It was a phenomenal read, fast paced, and included strong willed characters, both male and female alike. Vexing the Viscount is that breath of fresh air when you’re looking for a relaxing read. 5 Hearts

One Deadly Sin by Annie Solomon

One Deadly Sin by Annie Solomon

Edie Swann is back in town, it has been 20 years since she last looked upon the small town of Redbud. A family tragedy left her home unstable, and now Edie was back for some answers, and some revenge. She knew that her father would not just commit suicide, there had to be a reason that black angel stood menacing over his grave. She believed that when he was proven innocent, that the angel would show the world that her father was wronged.

The men Edie need information from seemed to be dying left and right. There were only 5 men on her list to confront, now most of the list is dead. Holt Drennen, the police chief is trying his best to prove Edie’s innocence, not just because he is infatuated with her, or because they’ve had some pretty hot moments… he truly wants her to be innocent. It is much harder for him to swallow after he finds out who she really is and begins to unravel her web of lies. Holt not one looking for love, finds major attraction to the new Dark Angel in Redbud, he’s also about to uncover more heartache.

One Deadly Sin by Annie Solomon is a great romantic mystery. It has the ability to enthrall you from page one, and keep you guessing. You’ll never believe what happens next! Perfectly written, and an explosive story line will make you miss a few extra hours of sleep at night as you stay up reading to find out what happens next. I loved One Deadly Sin, I’ll be on the lookout for more works by the talented Ms. Solomon. 5 Hearts

Moon of the Falling Leaves by Diane Davis White

Moon of the Falling Leaves by Diane Davis White

Moon of the Falling Leaves by Diane Davis White is a gripping tale of a Lakota Warrior and a newly widowed woman stranded in the Rocky Mountains in 1870. Swift Wind, the Lakota has a deep hatred for the white people after they destroyed his family when he was only a child. The Great Spirit has led him a vision that he must be the savior to the widow and her four children.

Jessica Maxwell is surly discomforted by Swift Eagle’s presence, but soon comes to lust and appreciate the man more than her late husband. A love that can never be is set aside, and Swift Eagle helps Jessica and her children survive the harsh winter only to lead her into town and forfeit the burning desire they both harbor. It is not until Jessica and the children are captured by a horrible man that plans to sell the family and person by person, that Swift Eagle realizes what path he must choose in life.

Will he reach the Maxwell’s soon enough, or will all hope be lost once he is discovered and shot? Swift Eagle must follow his heart.

Moon of the Falling Leaves is a historical romance that shows true love, desire, and protection for a family that does not even belong to the loner Lakota. Diane Davis White has done an amazing job with the details of her characters, at some points the story was a little slow leading up to the kidnapping but it was still very much enjoyable. 4 Hearts

How the Hart Breaks by Alysia Lyons

How the Hart Breaks by Alysia Lyons

Pop singer, Isabel Hart just wants to be a normal girl for just a little while. Five years in the music industry has been a ride of evil tabloids, an obsessive ex-boyfriend, and couldn’t be any farther from normal for Isabel. Now, the 21 year old has enrolled in NYU as a regular college student named Isabel Sanders, hoping that she can just be out of the spotlight for a little while. Isabel is not looking for love, but when a boy named Jason in one of her classes is persistent on asking her out, she finally gives in; with the nudging of her friend Mackenzie.

Jason and Isabel seem to be doing well, but at one time Jason’s fan-boy side gets on Isabel’s last nerve and the two call it quits. One night could ruin the perfect life that Isabel thought she had or could ever have with Jason. After weeks of dwelling over her lost relationship, Mackenzie and Isabel hit a club and Isabel leaves finding herself watching a tall, gorgeous guy playing basketball. From the moment the words left her mouth the two bickered. All it took was a few hours and life as Isabel Hart knew it, would be turned upside down. Then Jason calls….

How the Hart Breaks by Alysia Lyons is a great contemporary love and lose ‘em kind of story. Ms. Lyons portrays the 21 year old character quite well, and her attention to detail is impeccable. This is a cute read for pretty much any age group starting at young adult. I read this one in a day and a half, it gets addicting right in the middle and you just can’t stop!
4 Hearts