Love Romance Passion » Blackmail

Review: His Leading Lady by Paula Martin

Keira — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:23:43 +0000

Heroine: Jess Harper is the twin sister of a rising West End actress. But when her twin, Lora, goes missing, Jess is begged to step in by her agent. With Lora off the map and her career in jeopardy, Jess does what she’s always done – help! But the theatre director is both too arrogant and too sexy and he’s bound to see through her act.

Hero: Kyle Drummond needs his leading lady. When he discovers Jess is playing Lora he decides the better twin is present and gets her to take over Lora’s role in his new show. Jess is everything he’s looking for both on stage and off – but can he convince her nothing was happening between him and Lora besides contractual obligations?

The Show’s Financial Backer: Watch out for this guy!

Review: Sometimes it’s nice to dream of the life you didn’t choose, the paths you didn’t take, but what happens when the dream you let go of comes back into your reach again? That’s what happens to Jess – she chose a life off the stage, but with her sister’s disappearing act suddenly she has a chance at the limelight again. It’s very tempting, but her worry about her sister keeps her from fully believing the life she stepped into. Can she give it up? Can she give up Kyle? It was a nice read, a little lacking in tension and not enough loving between hero and heroine for my tastes. Could have used more!

Rating:

Buy: His Leading Lady

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Review: The Seven Year Witch by Jodi Redford

Susan S. — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:40:05 +0000

Reviewed by Susan S.

Summary: Book Two in That Old Black Magic Series

Clarissa Miles (head mistress of the Beaumont Coven house) is a little stressy lately. Seven years ago she sold her soul and now it’s collection time! Keeping up the everything’s-fine pretenses is starting to take its toll. And whoever said that every cloud has a silver lining wasn’t headed to Demonsville. Yes, time really does fly when you have only one week left to live.

So, what to do with seven days? Well, earth-shattering sex with her wolf familiar for one. But who is she kidding? It’s not meaningless sex if strong emotions are in play. The closer Logan Scott gets to her heart, the farther she’ll retreat. With no future to offer Scott, Clarissa will lie/deceive/pretend that his love is unrequited. Logan though, is about to teach his sexy witch a lesson. That even in the direst of circumstances, hope can still be found!

Review: The second book in That Old Black Magic series had more emotionally gripping conflict than the first novel, the freakiest antagonist I’ve encountered in like…ever, lots of scorchingly delicious sexual encounters, and a love that really does conquer all.

After reading The Seven Year Witch I felt as if I’d just returned from one hell of a trip. Talk about true escapism. An author that causes me to lose myself in a story-is my kind of author. I’m off! Book three’s calling. I hear it includes a sheriff (love those) and well, there’s more to him than meets the fin. Was that too corny? Lol. Let’s just say, book three has a real shark of a man. Reviewer laughs at her own joke.

Recommendations: Do you like bad boys? How about a werewolf who thinks he’s the be-all, end-all in bed because let’s face it…he really is! This novel is for readers who enjoy good vs. evil plots. Paranormal romance readers will be happy to hear there’s: several witches, a hot-as-sin werewolf, and an antagonist who’s really sinful. No. Really! We’re talking seven deadly sins here. The sexual intimacies are biting your bottom lip good! And if you enjoy love conquers all HEA romances, then this novel over qualifies.

Favorite Scenes:

Scene # 1: Three words: edible massage oil.

Scene # 2: When Logan is getting in touch with his, um, can’t say manhood. How `bout werehood!

Scene # 3: There’s a scene where Clarissa is at the top of a stairwell and Logan looks up at her. Time just stands still as their eyes meet. Loved that!

Scene # 4: When the author has all seven sins together in the same room.

Comedic Touch: Scott’s friends tease him because of his permanent erection state as of late.

Disclaimer: I received this novel free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

What’s Next? Books three and four.

Book three titled, Maximum Witch, is also available now for your reading pleasure.
Book four called, Getting Familiar with Your Demon, has a release date of Feb. 2012.

Rating:

Buy: Seven Year Witch

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Review: The Goblin King by Shona Husk

Sharon S. — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 09:53:21 +0000

Reviewed by Sharon S.

Now, when I first saw this title I thought “Goblin, really?” but I liked the blurb. Boy, am I glad I took a chance! This was an original and dark fairy tale. And yes, a Goblin King can be sexy . More on him later…

This is a paranormal romance, but Husk took the old tried and true PNR plot formula and chucked it out the window. You still have your tortured alpha male and your strong human female, but there is more to the story than a lover’s tale and the characters don’t behave in the predictable PNR fashion. There are secondary characters, like Eliza’s controlling fiancé Steve and Roan’s brother Dai that are as well developed as our hero and heroine. We even get their POV in the story. She also meshes a fairy tale like feel with the elements of a smexy PNR giving the story a wonderfully dark and desperate feel. If I had to choose I would say it could be compared to Beauty and the Beast.

I don’t know much about Goblin myths, but Husk took these and combined them with a magic twist to create a savage and unique world where Roan and his men live called the Shadowlands.

Roan, The Goblin King, is a delicious hero. He is fighting to keep his humanity for the sake of his men, even though he wants to give in. He is always putting others needs before his, even Eliza’s who he desperately wants. Even his appearance is a break from the normal PNR hero. What I wouldn’t give to hear those beads in his hair chime . You will have to read the book to see what I mean I don’t want to give anything away about the book so I won’t go into plot, but if you have been looking for something a little different in the PNR genre then give this one a try.

Rating:

Buy: The Goblin King, The Goblin King (UK)

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Review: Midnight Brunch (Casa Dracula Book 2) by Marta Acosta

Keira — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:18:55 +0000

In the second installment of the Casa Dracula series, Milagro meets many more vampires as they come to celebrate the naming ceremony of Sam and Winnie’s baby, an event she just so happens to be excluded from which irks her to no end. Why must Oswald and the Grants always keep her out of the loop?

When Oswald takes off to perform cosmetic surgery for underprivileged children with clef palates, Milagro attends Nancy’s wedding to Toad Todd. She asks Ian to be her escort so she won’t be ignored the whole evening and together they end up hijacking the attentions of society queen Gigi Barton of Barton’s facial tissues (It’s nothing to sneeze at if it isn’t Barton’s!)

The evening ends in disaster when Milagro saves Ian from a faceless thug and is slashed deeply through an arm. The blood loss is devastating and Ian acts quickly transfusing some of his blood with hers and giving Milagro the vampire infection for the second time. It heals her but also brings about some dire consequences. Every time she touches somebody, be they vampire or human, she gets bloody and gory visions of their insides and the urge to attack (and drink) overwhelms her.

Not willing to put the baby or anyone else at risk from the ranch, Millie takes up a job offer from a Fancy University acquaintance, Skip Taylor, in the desert to rewrite the script Teeth of Sharpness. When famous Thomas Cook, a Latino actor, takes over her room and blackmails her into being his assistant, Milagro folds like a deck of cards. It doesn’t hurt that Thomas seems to be the only one who doesn’t bring about the scary visions.

When tabloid writer for the Weekly Exposition, Bernie, tries to tell her that the hotel Paragon has some sneaky and suspicious dealings, Milagro laughs him off. Then he leaks pictures and a story about her and Thomas and a flying goat eating monkey, irking Milagro to know end, but she has to admit the flying monkey is suspicious and so is the hotel’s Diamond Club members… and the crazy vampire Silas and his New Vampire Century who might be behind her hiring for script rewriting.

Concerned about Milagro, Edna shows up at the Paragon Hotel demanding answers and even Oswald cuts his trip and humanitarian efforts short. He’s determined to get to the bottom of Milagro’s behavior and she’s equally determined to figure out what’s going on in La Garbage, California.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Buy: Midnight Brunch (Casa Dracula Series, Book 2)

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Review: Compromised by Kate Noble

Keira — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:12:01 +0000

One word: charming.
Two words: engaging hilarity.
Three words: sparkling/sparking chemistry.

Most decidedly, Compromised, is a great way to kick off your summer reading. Kate Noble engages readers with narrative that is tongue-in-cheek. Part of the narrative reads third person omniscient and part is third person lead-centric as we are use to in romance. It changes without warning sometimes, but after the first time or two you don’t really notice it. I started to look forward to it actually because it was so funny, not that the lead-centric parts were not, but the omniscient portions offered a look into Regency society and how gossip spreads.

Maximillian (Max) St. John, Viscount Fontaine, the future Earl of Longbowe, is in desperate need of a wife. Not because he needs money, not because he particularly wants one, but because his father is determined to wield the very last bit of his power over his son before he dies.

You’re probably wondering why on earth Max would give in to this ridiculously patented scheme.

He gives in because his father threatens to spread gossip that Max is a bastard child from a time when his wife cuckolded him (which is completely false mind you), sell off everything that is not entailed and will all of the money to distant relations leaving Max without a name, without funds, and with land in perpetual need of expensive upkeep. Wow! That is pretty darn harsh.

Max is determined to make the best of it, but he only has three months to accomplish such a feat. He’s attending balls, musicales, and parties meeting women who are tall, short, blond, brunette, intelligent, insipid, but none of them are for him. In fact, all of the ladies he’s been meeting lack something.

Gail Alton is unfashionably tall and unfashionably intelligent and unfashionably irksome. She prefers to spend her time at museums and in a book. She loves history and languages and horses. Her sister, Evangeline, is petite, blond and practically perfect in every way. They share a loving relationship and neither one begrudge the other anything. However, compared to Evangeline, Gail is basically invisible, which works for her because she doesn’t find conversations about ribbons to be particularly interesting.

What follows is a regular comedy of manners as Max stumbles into a compromising situation with both ladies. Once with Gail while riding through Hyde’s Park and once with Evangeline including a stolen kiss in a conservatory. He ends up engaged to one girl and falling in love with the other. How will this tangled mess unravel?

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Buy: Compromised

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Review: Mask of the Betrayer by Sharon Ann Donovan

Susan S. — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 09:38:10 +0000

by Susan S., guest reviewer

Ms. Donovan has written a gripping suspense- thriller meant to charm and chill her readers. During the day you’ll run background checks on everyone you know and meet. Nights will offer no respite, bringing only maniacal laughter with its starlit skies.

Recommendations: If you enjoyed the movies Touched by Evil, Sleeping with the Enemy, and Enough you’re going to enjoy this novel. It’ll also appeal to readers who enjoy mystery, suspense, thrillers, and anyone who watches the television show C.S.I.

Michael Alan DeVeccio (hero) has a net worth of 49 billion dollars. He’s the CEO of the DeVeccio Empire (a thriving construction company) which builds luxury resorts. Mr. DeVeccio has it all! The drop-dead good lucks, a twenty-four room mansion, servants, sports cars, everything a man could want; he’s the epitome of the crème de la crème. There’s only one thing he wants, yet doesn’t have; an heir.

Margot Montgomery (heroine) is a golden haired beauty. She’s self-sufficient, has a wonderful career, caring friends, and a loving family. As head curator of a Mexican art museum, her career is her passion. The only passion missing from her life is the romantic kind.

When Margot and Michael meet sparks will fly, and romance will bloom. Until a 10 year old unsolved murder begins to unravel. The revelation of secrets will cause a re-emergence of the Red Rock Slasher. The body counts are growing, and Margot has just registered on the Slasher’s radar. Will Michael protect her? Or, will a handsome homicide detective (Diego Santiago) save Margot from a fate far worse than death?

Margot’s to-do list:

Remain Alive
Get out of an unhappy marriage
Stop the Red Rock Slasher

`Course, if she can’t accomplish the first, two and three are moot points!

Author’s strength lies in her ability to show the progression of the Slasher’s psychopathic tendencies.

My thoughts: It’s eerie when someone drugs Margot with hallucinogenic drugs. And when the murderer’s last hold on reality slips, the emergence of his different identities is purely sinister.

Favorite scene: Detective Santiago knows the gravity of keeping duty and desire as far from each other as possible. When he’s no longer capable of hiding his feelings for Margot, he’ll let her know. Mmm-hmm, no question!

Rating: 4 Stars

Buy: Mask of the Betrayer

ISBN-13# 978-1-936167-06-7.

Mask of the Betrayer is also available in Kindle format.

There’s a sequel in the works. Book two titled Vendetta will continue the story two years after book one. It promises us more suspense, more drama, and a wedding.

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Review: Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark by Donna Lea Simpson

Keira — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 23:21:19 +0000

I have a funny story with this book and by story I mean an epic fail. I was returning some books back to the library and somehow Lady Anne sneaked back with them. When I realized what I’d done it was as if I’d been amputated! So painful. Of course I returned the books on a Sunday; the only day in the week the library isn’t open until late in the afternoon or early in the day.

After a pretty good freak out, I waited until I could call. Ended hanging up once because I was on hold for five minutes and called back. Then I had to wait on the phone for twenty plus minutes before somebody from circulation got to me. They either forgot me or they were busy. I told them about the book and the person I talked with probably never got a call like this before because I was given a hard time.

Finally, I managed to convince them that the book was mine and not a library book. I don’t understand how this was so difficult as 1) it is not stamped with the library name nor was it 2) tagged with a detector strip or that pocket thing and 3) clearly says advance review copy on the cover! This is why I write in books to identify and claim them.

In the end they put the book on hold for me and now it was a matter of getting back over there. The library where I dropped the books off while on errands was all the way across town. I really didn’t make this easy on myself. Luckily I got there, but it was close! One more red light and it would have been better luck next time. Needless to say I was very, very pleased to get this book back and finish it… which I did later that night.

What I liked best about Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark was its tribute to Gothic romance, followed swiftly by a capable intelligent heroine. The hero liked that best about her too so how could you not fall in love with him? Lady Anne is very plain and a spinster to boot, which are some of my very favorite things to read in romance.

Simpson writes in a witty and engaging voice. I loved Lady Anne. She was such a treat. Her musings on Lord Darkefell are particularly fabulous:

It was either that or go back to pondering the feel of Lord Darkefell’s too-perfect lips pressed against hers. And his too-perfect body against hers. He was entirely too perfect—if there was such a concept as overabundant perfection—in a physical sense and entirely too maddeningly imperfect in every other way.

Without giving anything else away I will say this: if you like mystery, intrigue, werewolves, and Gothic you will love this book! Oh and chances are you're going to jump to conclusions about the mystery and be totally wrong - I was!

Rating: 3.5-4 Stars

Buy: Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark

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Review: Too Wicked To Kiss by Erica Ridley

Susan S. — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 09:55:31 +0000

by Susan S., Guest Reviewer

“Huzzah” for this Kensington Zebra debut author! Erica Ridley’s Too Wicked To Kiss is a titillating whodunit set in a London castle. There’s unlit corridors, secret passageways, stolen kisses, and a hero in cravats and breeches, “Oh my!” I may not wield powers of clairvoyance like (Evangeline) Ridley’s heroine, but I’m predicting this author will receive many calling cards from readers.

Are you going to like this historical romance? Ooo…yeah! I received the eARC for review and pre-ordered the paperback from B&N. I simply must procure the paperback for my bookshelf! Just picture me for a second, walking on hot coals repeating, “Hot, hot, hot, hot!”

Evangeline Pemberton is no stranger to heartache. Her mother has recently passed, and she’s just ran-away from her physically abusive stepfather (Neal) who aside from hitting her also entertains lascivious thoughts regarding his stepdaughter. Evangeline’s clairvoyant gift has caused her to shun both friends and the touch of others. Any touch brings about visions either past or yet-to-be along with one hellacious headache. Alone and out of options, she turns to Lady Stanton and her daughter Miss Susan Stanton. They offer to take her to Blackberry Manor in London with “one” simple stipulation; entrap Gavin Lioncroft (hero) into a betrothal contract with Susan. Evangeline’s not sure which of these three options terrifies her more: (1) deceiving an innocent bachelor into marriage with a total stranger (2) the fact that Gavin is a presumed murderer and they’re to stay in his manor for two weeks or (3) that Neal will find her.

When a murder is committed in Blackberry Manor everyone’s suspect, with at least 15 suspects and three with a motive to kill, this whodunit will leave you second-guessing the guilty party until the very end.

Evangeline finds her upcoming deception harder and harder to accomplish. Gavin is stirring passions within her both new and wonderful. Will she entrap Gavin for Susan? Or will Evangeline keep this “sinfully handsome” man for herself?

My favorite character was the hero, Gavin. What’s not to love? He’s a wickedly handsome tease. He protects those he loves; he’s passionate and goes after what he wants. Not to mention, here’s a man who knows how to apologize.

My favorite scene: In the dining room Gavin’s gaze slides down Evangeline’s body and retraces the path back up. He stares boldly and lifts an eyebrow to let her know, he likes what he sees. When she does the same to him and looks up at his face, he winks.

Too Wicked To Kiss is funny, sensual, entertaining and has a happily-ever-after. A must read!

Recommendations: If you like romances, this novel is a must read. I’m also recommending it to readers who like Sherlock Holmes, whodunits, Nancy Drew, mystery, romantic suspense, hot reads, Regency, historical and happily ever afters.

The sequel to Too Wicked To Kiss is set to release in the spring of 2011. Too Sinful To Deny is the story of a gossip-hungry heroine Miss Susan Stanton. Susan is Evangeline’s friend in book one. Something tells me there are lots of changes to come for Miss Stanton and some of which include…pirates!

Rating: 5 Stars

Buy: Too Wicked To Kiss

Zebra Books, An Imprint of Kensington Publishing Corp., Historical Romance, Regency, Paranormal, eARC, Copyright March 2, 2010, pages 451. ISBN (10) 142 010 9936. ISBN (13) 978-1420109931.

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Review: The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt

Keira — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 09:12:03 +0000

I have wanted to read this book for a while. I can't tell you how happy I am that I finally did read this book! As I closed the book, I was gushing. There were so many aspects of this story that I liked, it's hard to find any to point out as negatives, but there are two side plot arcs that could have been left well enough alone and the story would have been tighter focused and undiminished.

As both arcs together make the bigger blackmail arc in the story, I'll just detail them really quickly. One was the woman who slept with Anna's late husband, and wanted that information hidden. The other was the lover of the woman who wanted his pockets lined. Of the two, the male lover blackmail arc was completely superfluous and unnecessary.

What I liked:

Anna working as Edward's secretary.
Edward's internal monologues.
Anna masquerading herself and claiming Edward at a "luxury" brothel.
Edward's proposals.
The sex. Hot stuff, I tell you.

Anna is a respectable widow. Her late husband a complete scoundrel and adulterer. She can't have kids, or so she thinks (as is the way with most romance novels - the heroes just have mightier seed - it's a fact!).

Edward's late wife died in childbirth. He found out after he married her just how much he disgusted her. He won't make that mistake twice. He's currently wooing a baron of an old family line for his daughter, and reassuring himself more than once that the daughter wants to be wed to him. This side arc makes sense for the time period, but it was just another unneeded obstacle in the story.

Meanwhile, Anna has gone to work for him. From the moment he meets her officially, he can't take his mind off of Anna. She's invaded his senses so much, he runs to London to seek release in a high end brothel so he won't ruin her respectability. Little does he know... evil grin.

In parting I want to add just how much I loved the wren and raven symbolism and it's correlation to the fairytale posted at the beginning of every chapter.

Review: 4 Stars

Buy: The Raven Prince

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Review: The Vampire Narcise by Colleen Gleason

Sharon S. — Sat, 21 May 2011 09:04:31 +0000

by Sharon S., guest reviewer

This is the third book in Gleason’s Regency Vampire series, but it differs dramatically from the first two. This one is much darker, more violent and emotionally wrenching than the first two. For someone like me, lover of dark UF, this was a good thing . This book can be read as a stand alone.

I love the unique world Gleason has created. The Dracule are descendants of Vlad Tepes, who made a deal with Lucifer for immorality. This deal allowed Lucifer to visit any descendant of Vlad’s in their dreams and offer them the same deal. No one ever refuses because Lucifer picks only those who are self serving, and can be manipulated into his service with promises of power, strength and eternal youth. Some of the Dracule embraced their dark side, while others regret what they have done. Along with immortality, the need to take blood and the black root like mark of Lucifer on their shoulders, the Dracule also acquire an Asthenia, their personal Achilles’ Heel. It is the object that they first see after their transformation. The Dracule must keep their Asthenia a secret, because exposure to it will weaken them, and even cause death.

Gleason does an excellent job of weaving the story into the history of France and England during the Regency era. I appreciated the fact that she didn’t dwell on the description of things, like some Regency novels, but on the historical events going on during this time.

We met the beautiful and deadly Narcise, her twisted and cruel brother Cezar Moldavi, and the tortured Giordan Cale in The Vampire Dimitri, as well as the vampire hunter, Chas Woodmore. We know there is a dark and sad history between these characters that has led them to where they are in Dimitri’s book.

I can’t go into the details of The Vampire Narcise without giving away to many twists and surprises, but Narcise’s book starts out 10 years before the events of the first two books. We find out why Cezar keeps his sister Narcise a prisoner and discover just how sadistic and twisted this man is. The Giordan in we meet in the beginning is a gentle and reasonably happy man, until he meets Narcise, and immediately falls in love with her. Narcise and Giordan’s romance was fast, hot and emotionally charged. She trusts no one and he is determined to rescue her and prove that she can love and trust him, but Cezar manipulates them with devastating consequences. It hurt my heart to read about it.

The book skips forward, 10 years later, and Giordon is the bitter and miserable sot we meet in the first two books. We also meet Chas, the brother of the Woodmore sisters. He is a vampire hunter who recently realizes that not all Dracule are evil. He helps to rescue Narcise from her brother and falls in love with her. He is conflicted because he loves her and hates his self for it, and he knows deep down that her heart will always belong to Giordan.

There is a HEA, but it is a long and hard journey of betrayal and redemption for our lovers to find it. To me that makes it worth the read.

Rating:

Buy: The Vampire Narcise (Books of the Regency Draculia)